Largest Ski Resorts
Here’s our pick of the biggest ski resorts in Europe for endless stretches of terrain. When it comes to choosing a ski resort, the bigger the ski area the better. We are here to help you find the ultimate winter playground to explore on your next visit to the mountains. Whether that’s the largest ski resorts in France providing access to the epic ski area of the Portes du Soleil, the huge network of pistes that make up the Three Valleys ski area or the extensive Arlberg ski area in Austria. We can provide a tailor-made service and expert advice to help find the right ski resort for you.
Our selection of the biggest ski resorts in Europe offer access to some of the most iconic ski areas. If you like to stay in the very heart of the action, then make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to one of these bustling ski towns. Here’s our pick of the largest ski resorts in Europe.
Courchevel – The Three Valleys Ski Area
Ski area: 600km
Courchevel is one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe. The ski resort provides access to the 600km of slopes that make up the Three Valleys ski area. Comprising 328 runs, 166 lifts and 2,200 snowmaking machines; the Three Valleys is one of France’s most iconic ski areas. It’s the biggest ski area in Europe. Staying in Courchevel, you will have access to four separate villages. Each with their own distinct character and charm. Stay in 1850 for glitz, glam and shopping, 1650 for more traditional lodgings, 1550 for an even quieter atmosphere, or 1300 for a truly authentic Alpine town. Courchevel has something for everyone.
There’s an incredible 600km of terrain for you to enjoy across the Three Valleys ski area. Cruise between 183 lifts as you enjoy cruisy blues, challenging reds and advanced black runs. When it comes to the evening, there’s a wide range of choice. We recommend the traditional mountain experience at La Cabane des Bûcherons. Tuck into hearty Savoyard food and head home by toboggan run down a floodlit piste.
Stay At:
A welcome addition to the glitz and glamour of Courchevel 1650, Hôtel Les Fahrenheit Seven offers guests the ultimate convenience with a fantastic piste side location.
Avoriaz – Portes du Soleil Ski Area
Ski area: 650km
Staying in Avoriaz provides access to the epic Portes du Soleil ski area, with an impressive 600km of pistes, served by 201 lifts. Despite being one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe, Avoriaz maintains a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, being completely traffic free. An average eight metres of snowfall per season means that Avoriaz’s slopes are blessed with endless powder. What’s more, much of the accommodation is situated very close to the slopes, meaning it could not be easier to get your fill of skiing first thing every morning.
Stay At:
Chalet Marie is designed to provide you with the most comfortable and enjoyable place to stay for your luxury ski holiday, and it achieves this through both its position and features.
St. Anton – The Arlberg Ski Area
Ski area: 305km
As one of the oldest and biggest ski resorts in Europe, St. Anton holds a world-famous reputation for its incredible snow record. It has a huge choice of pistes across the 305km of the Arlberg ski area. Whether you are after wide gentle runs, or a seasoned pro looking to tackle some of the backcountry terrain in Europe, St. Anton has it all. The off-piste territory is lined with powder bowls, tree routes and epic descents, which can be explored on an exhilarating day out with a guide.
Stay At:
This is St. Anton’s top hotel, offering first-class accommodation and service; it is one of the smaller five stars to be found in the Alps and retains a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Tignes – Espace Killy Ski Area
Ski area: 300km
Purpose-built to offer unparalleled access to the slopes, Tignes is one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe. Home to the Grande Motte glacier, Tignes offers snow-sure conditions all season long, with its ski terrain reaching up to a peak altitude of 3,456m. The Espace Killy ski area joins up with the neighbouring resort of Val d’Isère and spans an incredible 300km of slopes. When you have had your fill on the mountain, head to one of the ski resort’s vast array of restaurants that serve up international gourmet cuisine alongside traditional Savoyard fare.
Stay At:
Hotel Village Montana could easily be classed as the most luxurious property in Tignes and rivals the top hotels in Val d’Isère.
La Plagne – Paradiski Ski Area
Ski area: 425km
One of the biggest ski resorts in France, La Plagne offers a wealth of choices for groups of all sizes with 11 interconnected villages. The slopes give access to the local ski area as well as the whole of the Paradiski ski area, which links up with Les Arcs and offers a total of 425km of skiable terrain. As you make your way down the high-altitude slopes, you will see the sprawling resort filling the landscape below. The ski resort comprises of a network of bars, restaurants and hotels framed against a backdrop of Mont Blanc. Evenings can be filled enjoying live music and ice cold beers on blissful sun terraces. There’s also a wide selection of dining options. As one of the biggest ski resorts in France, La Plagne attracts an impressive mix of international eateries, which will ensure everyone is well catered for.
Stay At:
These apartments are a true gem, offering great accommodation in an excellent location, with the luxuries of a hotel but convenience of apartments.
Chamonix
Ski area: 150km
Chamonix is the ultimate hub of mountain activity. As one of the biggest ski resorts in France, it comes fully-equipped with everything from shops and restaurants to gyms, a cinema and a range of spas. Stay in heart of the action, or choose one of the quieter neighbouring hamlets such as Les Houches. Up on the mountain, skiers can enjoy access to six separate ski areas. There’s a bus service linking each one, meaning that brand new slopes can be explored on every day of your holiday. From the cruisy blues in the Vallorcine area to the famous world cup downhill course, there will be no struggle to find skiing to suit every ability. Those looking for an adventure will enjoy the 20km of freeride ski terrain along the Vallee Blanche, and the legendary off-piste runs on the Grand Montets glacier.
Stay At:
The recently renovated Le Refuge Des Aiglons is a brilliant hotel in a well-appointed location and is an excellent choice for your break in Chamonix this winter.
Les Deux Alpes
Ski area: 223km
This buzzing village attracts a lively crowd with its offering of skiing on one of Europe’s largest glaciers. There’s also a host of events and parties that take place around the southern end of the town, in Venosc. When the lifts shut and the sun goes down, skiers can enjoy live DJ sets at Le Pano Bar. Alternatively, bask in the sunshine at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants along the Avenue de la Muzelle. We recommend a meal at Le P’tit Polyte. Enjoy gastronomic delights and a spectacular 500 bottle wine cellar. One of the biggest ski resorts in France, Les Deux Alpes offers no shortage of entertainment and activities. The ski resort also caters well for non-skiers with its choice of leisure centres, ice rink and husky sledding excursions.
Stay At:
Chalet Gorges is a homely and inviting chalet apartment in Les Deux Alpes. Located on the ground floor, it combines alpine-style décor with a simple modern twist.
Verbier – Four Valleys Ski Area
Verbier is one of the largest ski resorts in Switzerland. It has access to 412km of pistes as part of the Four Valleys ski area. The Swiss ski resort has 89 lifts connecting to neighbouring resorts La Tzoumaz/Savoleyres, Bruson and Mont Fort/4 Valleys. You can explore each area if you buy a full Four Valleys ski pass. There’s something for everyone because of the amount of varied terrain on offer. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier you’ll enjoy fantastic skiing. The resort is snow-sure throughout the season due to its high altitude of 1,500m-3,330m. Verbier is the largest ski resort in Switzerland due to its excellent Four Valleys connection.
Tempted by one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe? Give us a call to speak to a ski expert to find out more about the biggest ski areas.
