You don’t have to go to a household ski resort name to have an amazing ski experience. There are fantastic ski resorts with a growing reputation, with plenty to offer on and off the slopes. Ski resorts are constantly upgrading their areas to attract more tourists each year. Our ski experts have created a guide for the best up and coming ski resorts in Europe.
Grimentz, Switzerland
Since Grimentz has had a connection to Zinal with a fantastic cable car system made in 2013, it has become one of the best up and coming ski resorts in Europe. If you buy a full lift pass you can explore 115km of pistes which has something for all levels of skier. The village itself still has its mountain town charm but there are some great bars and restaurants to visit. No wonder this resort is frequently visited by Swiss day-trippers.
Andermatt, Switzerland
Andermatt has fast built up a reputation for freeride skiing, with many pro skiers coming to the area to ski the terrain. It also has a fantastic 120km of pistes to enjoy too, with brilliant links to nearby Sedrun. The Swiss ski resort has recently prioritised sustainability efforts by improving its public transport links. There are great bus and coach services in the resort. In addition, you can arrive by train in Andermatt with ease. The town itself has brilliant luxury accommodation options, that will guarantee to maximise your ski holiday experience.
Livigno, Italy
The Italian resort of Livigno has a growing reputation for its après and freestyle facilities. The Mottolino snowpark was featured in the epic Legs of Steel film ‘Same Difference’ in 2017 and has now many pro skiers visiting regularly. In addition, there’s 155km of slopes to enjoy if you buy a full lift pass. The après ski is very lively with some great bars and clubs to visit in the area. If you want to dance into the early hours of the morning the Bivio Club, under Hotel Bivio, is a brilliant place with live music and DJ sets. An awesome up and coming ski resort in Europe.
Champoluc, Italy
The popularity of Champoluc has grown in recent years because of its brilliant freeride opportunities. Whether you want to go ski touring or heli-skiing this ski resort has great powder bowls to enjoy. As well as off-piste, there is 174km of pistes to enjoy during your stay. As part of the Monterosa ski area, you will have stunning views of the Aosta Valley mountain range. A hidden gem of Italy that’s getting discovered more and more each year.
Geilo, Norway
Many families and first-time skiers are picking Norway for their ski holidays. Geilo has great fantastic facilities for families and beginners, making it an appealing destination. There is 40km of mostly gentle slopes, with a few black slopes for more advanced skiers. If you’re a thrill-seeker, there are also two snowparks with a half-pipe and features to test yourself on. In the village, there are lively après bars similar to ones in mainland Europe. We recommend Dr Holms’ Bar because of its relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of drinks. An enjoyable place to grab a drink after a day on the slopes.
Garmisch Partekirchen, Germany
German skiing is a great alternative to Austrian skiing. Garmisch Partenkirchen is the most famous ski resort due to its ski racing history and the famous Kandahar downhill track. You can ski 40km of slopes with a mixture of terrain available. The views are beautiful with over 400 peaks to view in the surrounding area. It has good snow reliability with an altitude of 708-2,962m. This means the slopes are open from mid-November through to April.
Soldeu, Andorra
Andorran skiing is popular with skiers because of its value for money. There are many options for different price points. Soldeu has grown in popularity since it hosted the FIS Alpine World Cup finals in 2019, a great showcase to the world. There are 210km of pistes to explore and great powder bowls on a snow day. Part of the Grandvalira ski area, you can easily access neighbouring resorts Pas de la Casa, El Tarter and Canillo. In the village, there’s a great range of restaurants for different tastes.
Arinsal, Andorra
Arinsal is an up and coming ski resort in Europe because of its great value for money. The area is virtually tax-free, so accommodation and eating out isn’t a premium compared to other ski resorts. You can ski 92km of pistes with great links to nearby resorts Pal and Ordino-Arcalis. The village itself has a buzzing atmosphere with a mixture of great bars and fine dining options. There are also great facilities for families too in the area. There’s something for different types of ski groups.
Sierra Nevada, Spain
If you enjoy the amazing winter sunshine and fantastic skiing, then the Sierra Nevada is a great choice for you. Despite the long hours of sunshine, the ski resort is snow-sure because of its high altitude of 2,100m-3,300m. If you buy a full lift pass you can enjoy 102km of pistes. In addition, if you’re looking for some freestyle action, Sierra Nevada has a top-class snow park. All of this makes the Sierra Nevada one of the most up and coming ski resorts in Europe.
Ellmau, Austria
Part of the SkiWelt ski area, Ellmau has fast become one of the leading ski resorts for families. It has upgraded the ski schools, kids areas and slope activities to make kids have an amazing experience. The ski area has 284km of pistes to explore, which are most suited to intermediate skiers. Despite being geared up for family holidays there is still a great après scene on and off the mountains. Memory is a popular pub to grab a drink after a day on the slopes.
To find out more about up and coming ski resorts in Europe, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
