Best Glacier Skiing in Europe
When trying to find your next ski holiday destination, it makes sense to lookout for those locations lucky enough to have glacier skiing. This is especially true if you want to ski early or late in the season. Ski resorts that do have glaciers can pretty much guarantee two things: high elevation access and snow reliability. In fact, some of these icy giants even allow sliding action during the summer months! Although that list is rapidly decreasing every year – thanks climate change. La Plagne offered summer skiing up until 2004, now its glacier can barely justify the name.
In Europe there are plenty of ski resorts that have the option of glacier skiing. Mountain-wise, Mont Blanc is undoubtedly one of the most striking, with its 4,807m snow-capped peak towering over the sun filled valleys. Across the border in Switzerland, the iconic Matterhorn paints a breathtaking skyline over picturesque Zermatt. Views are all well and good, but we want to know which resorts are the best for glacier skiing. Here’s a list to help you out.
Tignes – France
Twinned with Val d’isere, Tignes offers one of the most unforgettable skiing experiences in Europe. The ski area of Espace Killy, named after iconic racer Jean-Claude Killy, combines high altitude steeps with tree-lined cruisers. It’s also famed as an off-piste hotspot, where epic descents abound.
Hop on board the Funiculaire Pierce Neige, which literally takes you under the mountain, and a short 10 minute ride later you’ll arrive atop the Grande Motte glacier at an elevation of 3,456m. The ESF and many a World Cup race team come here to train early and late season, so you know it must be good.
Chamonix – France
Home of Les Grande Montets glacier, the largest in France, it’s no surprise that Chamonix-Mont Blanc offers some exceptional glacial skiing. Aimed more towards your higher-level riders, accessing the glacier here will require a knowledgeable guide (and appropriate avalanche safety kit).
Those not willing to start clipping into rope lines and rappelling off rocks will find more than enough skiing goodness within the resort itself, all under the awe-inspiring shadow of Western Europe’s highest peak. Use the buses in town to discover a host of different resort areas during your visit, Chamonix is not one to be missed.
Zermatt – Switzerland
Zermatt offers glacier skiing for all abilities, simply jump on the ‘Matterhorn Glacier Ride I’ and you’ll be able to lap the ‘Matterhorn Glacier Paradise’ to your heart’s content. Topping out at an altitude of 3,820m you’d think it would be experts-only up here. In fact, the wide-open ski area is suitable for everyone.
If you want to guarantee a snow-sure holiday, this is the place to be. Home to the highest runs in Europe, skiing here is on the grandest scale and will certainly not disappoint even the pickiest punters. Its 360km ski area size is also amongst the world’s largest offerings.
Verbier – Switzerland
Fancy yourself a bit of a freeriding aficionado? If so, then Verbier is the placer for you. Here you’ll find easily accessible, high-octane descents within just a short hiking distance of the impressive lift network. Gain entry to tight couloirs and endless glaciers in an advanced skier playground.
Although the resort may tout a total of 410km of piste, you’ll find it disconnected and far from the cruisy paradise available across France. This is a place to push yourself and take your skiing to the next level. The legendary Après ski reputation will appeal to many; and for those looking for some less extreme skiing, Les Ruinettes offers some low angle fun.
La Plagne – France
Although the glacier at La Plagne is a lot smaller than it used to be, that doesn’t stop the Paradiski area offering you some of the most diverse and well-rounded snow sure skiing in Europe. The Bellecote glacier tops out at 3,250m and on the way for the 2023 season is a brand-new gondola offering improved access to the masses.
Connected by the ever-impressive, double-decker Vanoise Express, this intermediate’s paradise offers 425km of seemingly unending blue and red pistes. Ski the remaining glacier in the morning, then find yourself in the Montalbert trees during the afternoon. With Les Arcs just a stone's throw away, it’s impossible to get bored here.
Engelberg – Switzerland
The winter season in Engelberg can often last 7 months, with the Titlis glacier often opening up as early as October (weather permitting). The ski area is definitely on the small side, totaling just 82km, but here it’s all about quality over quantity.
It doesn’t matter what your skiing ability is either, as Engelberg manages to offer just about everything. Fantastic beginner and intermediate pistes are present throughout. If you fancy something more daring, Engelberg has a notorious powder record; allowing knee-deep, off-piste descents within short distances from the lifts.
Crans Montana – Switzerland
Situating itself at an altitude of 1,500m, Crans Montana is one of the lower elevation resorts still able to offer glacier skiing. A varied ski area consisting of 140km of runs, Crans Montana is able to serve up excitement for experienced riders and first-time skiers alike.
Often bathed in beautiful Swiss sunshine, the resort has a relaxed atmosphere and excellent Après to boot – including a brand new Folie Douce. Home to a number of tree-lined pistes and surrounding views of both the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, it’s hard not to have a good time here.
Summary
There you have it – some of the highest skiing in Europe, on some of the best European glaciers. Have we missed any of your favourite glacier skiing spots in this list? Let us know!