A long weekend spent hitting the slopes in the best ski resorts can recharge the batteries like nothing else. Here are some of the best weekend ski resorts. All offer exceptional skiing and après ski, with speedy transfers from nearby airports including London; so you’ll have plenty of time out on the powder during your ski weekend trip. Read on for the best ski weekend getaways.
1. Engelberg, Switzerland
Perfect for short ski holidays, this little-known ski resort is only 90 minutes south of Zürich. You can easily fly in for a weekend ski trip from London and get straight on the slopes that afternoon. When it comes to skiing, long runs also mean maximum time on the pistes. Try Engelberg’s thrilling 2,000m vertical drop, or the north-facing Titlis glacier, renowned for its exceptional powder.
An itinerant monk supposedly founded the town itself, and you can still visit his Benedictine monastery. We also recommend squeezing in a visit to the cheese factory next door. In the evenings soak up exceptional views of Titlis Mountain from Hotel Terrace, a palatial Art Nouveau icon built in 1903. Enjoy the pleasures of a bygone era as you sample whiskeys and cigars in the hotel’s sleek bar or detox in its pine-clad sauna.
2. Chamonix, France
Perched in a secluded valley overlooked by the unforgettable peak of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is considered one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world. And thankfully, it’s also incredibly simple to get to at just an hour’s transfer from Geneva. Chamonix is one of our best weekend ski resorts and is a great choice for a weekend ski trip from London. There’s also great skiing too. Lift passes cover 150km of varied pistes as well as excellent off-piste options.
As well as offering exceptional skiing and snowboarding, Chamonix is a charming shopping spot. Be sure to visit the open-air Saturday morning market in the Place du Mont Blanc to browse locally produced cheeses and charcuterie. Chamonix’s après ski scene is just as lively and includes delectable restaurants including Le Matafan in Hotel Mont-Blanc, serving a contemporary take on French classics. The hotel itself is similarly elegant; its high ceilings and perfectly balanced rooms a nod to 18th-century design.
3. Corvara, Italy
This tranquil ski resort is perched on the edge of Italy. You can easily transfer from a variety of airports including Innsbruck, Bolanzo, Venice and Salzburg. Close to the village of Corvara, you’ll find gentle slopes for beginners. Once you’ve gained confidence, make the quick trip to the Sella Ronda to explore this circular route, traversing 26km of downhill trails in just one day.
One of the most distinctive buildings on the Corvara skyline is Hotel La Perla, a traditional wood-clad ski hotel that incorporates an old house dating as far back as 1400. Cosy up with a book in a window seat or luxuriate in the hotel’s two Finnish saunas and Turkish bath.
4. Megève, France
Just over an hour’s drive from Geneva, Megève ski resort is one of the most stylish in the Alps, with a charming medieval centre. The surrounding slopes are within the Mont Blanc massif served by over 300 ski lifts connecting 500 pistes. There are plenty of ski schools to choose from too. Brush up on your technique, and you can also learn paragliding or speed-riding to really make your weekend escape one to remember.
Megève is home to five-star Hotel L’Alpaga, whose restaurant boasts a Michelin star. The ski hotel is the epitome of comfortable luxury, so you can relax out on the balconies or spend family time by a roaring fire.
5. Sierra Nevada, Spain
Sierra Nevada is one of the best weekend ski resorts because of its snow record and superb ski terrain. It is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe at 2,100m-3,300m, making snow conditions consistently good throughout the season. There are incredible views of the Atlas Mountain in Morocco when you ski on certain slopes. The varied terrain means this Spanish ski resort caters for every level of skier. You can explore 102km of slopes and there are excellent off-piste opportunities too.
6. Courmayeur, Italy
With an altitude of 1,224m and transfer times of 90 minutes, Courmayeur makes for a great weekend ski trip getaway. This snow-sure ski resort is bursting with Italian charm. Built around a medieval market town, its pedestrianised cobbled streets are packed with lively restaurants and bars to sample. There’s also a fantastic après ski scene to tempt you late into the night.
The wide, open runs are wonderful for intermediate skiers and the off-piste opportunities are endless. There is something for everyone in Courmayeur making it a great choice for families and groups looking for the perfect weekend getaway on the slopes.
7. La Clusaz, France
A great resort for a ski weekend getaway, this beautiful traditional French village oozes Alpine charm. With 125km of slopes and a top altitude of 2,477m, La Clusaz is well suited to beginners and intermediates. There’s also plenty of off-piste in the La Balme area to keep advanced skiers busy. The village itself is bursting with delicious Savoyard restaurants and rustic, traditional bars, perfect to while away the evening in. Sitting just one hour from Geneva airport, La Clusaz is the perfect ski weekend destination for those looking for a weekend ski trip from London.
8. Morzine, France
Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine’s beautiful setting allows its visitors to ski in both France and Switzerland on the same day. With over 400km of piste and a maximum altitude of 2,460m, this is one of the best weekend ski resorts for skiers looking to cover lots of ground.
The town of Morzine is lively, with a plethora of bars and restaurants to enjoy after a day on the slopes. You can also find an abundance of spas, ice skating, ice climbing and snowmobiling on offer too. This ski resort has plenty of options if you are looking for a jam-packed weekend, full of adventure. And, sitting just 90 minutes from Geneva airport, you can find yourself on the snow in no time.
To find out more about the best weekend ski resorts for your ski trip speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700 to search our best ski weekend getaways.
