Top 5 highest European ski resorts

If there’s one thing you want out of a luxury ski holiday, it’s the promise of good quality snow and lots of it! The higher slopes in Europe not only boast some of the best snow going, but they often have the longest winters, and a greater variety of runs and slopes to go with it!

High up in the peaks, there are challenges for advanced skiers, moderate runs for intermediates and usually snow all the way down to the villages - a bonus for beginners.

What’s more, these high-altitude resorts are perfectly set up for a luxury ski holiday. Not only are the weather conditions great, but as more people seek out the thrill of the longer runs, the facilities surrounding them are becoming better and better.

Here are five of the best high-altitude ski resorts that Europe has to offer:

Val Thorens, France

High up in the marvellous peaks of the French Alps, you will find the pure white slopes of Val Thorens. With the highest ski lift ascending to an impressive 3,200 metres, long winters of amazing snow are all but guaranteed here.

The resort is actually the highest Europe has to offer, making it a very popular destination with those looking for a great luxury skiing trip.

There’s also a very lively après-ski scene here, with plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you occupied after a long day of flying downhill at breakneck speeds!

Zermatt, Switzerland

Situated in the imposing shadow of the colossal Matterhorn, Zermatt is home to some of the best snow in Europe. With 360 km of slopes to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice in this Swiss resort.

There are also 56 lifts in operation, ensuring that getting to the top of these epic runs is as easy as possible.

Skiing is split up into four main areas: Sunnegga, Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee, with transport such as railway and cable cars available for skiers to take.

Val d’Isere, France

Another French addition to our list, Val d’Isere has a fantastic range of runs that vary between 2,300 and 2,900 metres. A lot of the slopes are north-facing, meaning that the snow holds well and for longer.

There’s also some great off-piste runs for powder junkies who like to challenge themselves that little bit extra. The good news is that these are also lift-served, so access isn’t a major issue like with some off-piste runs around Europe.

Aside from the skiing, the village itself is a picturesque little place with a famous party scene. If you want them to be, your evenings will be full of late-night revelry as the bars and clubs really get going once the day’s skiing comes to an end.

St Anton, Austria

If you want your luxury ski trip to be all about challenging off-piste runs, then this is the resort for you.

St Anton is a hub for those who love fresh powder and the unique experience that comes with skiing it.

There are plenty of lifts available to ensure you have the best possible access to the 160 miles of well-maintained runs in nearby Lech and Zurs - this is for those who aren’t interested in going off-piste.

Again, the après-ski scene here is almost as heavyweight as the slopes themselves so if you’re after a few late nights on your holiday, St Anton could be the place for you.

To find out more about Europes highest resorts or how you can book a short ski break, call one of our ski experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com.