Best Mountain Resorts in Europe to Add to Your Bucket List

There’s nothing like European skiing! From its sky-high trail runs to world-renowned après-ski parties and beautiful mountain resorts to other fun winter activities, there are countless ski resorts to choose from throughout Europe. The best ski resorts to visit in Europe are those that are unknown!

Even though many people flock to the popular ski resorts in Europe like Chamonix Mont-Blanc, St. Moritz, Val Gardena, Zermatt, Courchevel, etc., many of the lesser-known resorts in Europe are some of the best places to go skiing!

Discover the best ski resorts you’ve never heard of in Europe in this article!

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Best Unknown Ski Resorts in Europe

There are many ways to enjoy a European winter, from the Alps to the Tatra Mountains. What I love about the European ski season is enjoying cozy afternoons at a mountain hut, skiing into different countries, savoring delicious winter cuisines, participating in cultural winter activities and making memories at the best après-ski parties!

Skiing in Europe is on another level from USA skiing and snowboarding. The ski runs tend to be longer, narrower and steeper. Regarding the ski run colors, green trails are for beginners, blue trails are considered average/intermediate slopes, red trails are for intermediate to advanced levels and black trails are for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders.

Best Kept Secret Ski Resorts in Italy

Kronplatz, Dolomites, Italy:

Nominated as the Best Ski Resort in the Alps in 2018, Kronplatz is the best ski resort to visit in Europe this year and an incredible place for a winter holiday in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region in the Dolomites.

What’s cool about planning a ski trip in the Italian Dolomites is that you can ski into different villages. Some resorts even allow you to ski into other countries such as Switzerland and Austria! At Kronplatz, you can ski into the charming Alpine towns of San Vigilio di Marebbe, Valdaora/Olang and Brunico/Bruneck, as well as the neighboring ski resort of Alta Badia.

Kronplatz is in Italy’s northernmost area, comprising a unique mixture of landscapes near Austria’s border. It is one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe sitting at 2,275 m or 7,464 ft above sea level. The ski resort is part of Dolomiti Superski. It offers incredible terrain for all abilities, but the slopes mainly cater to intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. However, there is a ski school located here, where beginners can learn and practice on smaller hills.

The ski season in the Dolomites begins in late November and runs through mid-April. There are 119 km or 74 mi of black trails, red runs and blue slopes. There are also 32 modern ski lifts.

While at Kronplatz, you can visit the Concordia 2000, Messner Mountain Museum Corones and the Lumen Museum of Mountain Photography.

The best part about skiing in the Dolomites is enjoying the mountain huts that have traditional Ladin dishes, Northern Italian beverages, live music, DJs and a fun atmosphere. Corones Hütte and Graziani Lodge are great spots to take a break when skiing or snowboarding at Kronplatz! Off the mountain, you must visit Giggeralm for a fun après-ski party.

Hotel Teresa is the best place to stay off the slopes in San Vigilio. It’s a boutique hotel with a traditional Ladin restaurant. It’s also near many great spots in San Vigilio, including the Schneeskulpturen Festival, an ice sculpture festival held at the beginning of every January.

When you book a stay at Hotel Teresa, you can enjoy the onsite spa, yoga and wellness activities, as well as a nature experience. You can do winter hiking, sleigh riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park with Hotel Teresa. During these adventurous experiences, you’ll learn all about the biodiversity of South Tyrol.

Treviso Airport is the closest airport to fly into for a ski vacation to Kronplatz. Milan and Venice are larger cities offering more international flights with access to the Dolomites. You can also fly to Innsbruck Airport to access Northern Italy’s best ski resorts.

Submitted by Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child.

Ponte di Legno-Tonale, Central Italian Alps, Italy:

Ponte di Legno-Tonale is a renowned mountain resort in the Italian Alps in Brescia province, in Italy’s Lombardy region, that offers an exceptional skiing and snowboarding experience for winter sports lovers. It’s one of the prettiest ski resorts in Europe!

The terrain at Ponte di Legno-Tonale is diverse, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. However, if you stay only in Ponte di Legno, you will have one long, narrow slope with blue and black trails and a smaller hill with gentle slopes for first-timers and children.

When planning a ski holiday in Ponte di Legno, the idea is to stay at one of the local hotels or resorts, where you will be near many great restaurants, bars and shops. From there, you can explore the different ski slopes at the Tonale resort, which is only a 15-minute drive from Ponte di Legno. You can reach the other parts of Tonale via ski lift and shuttle busses.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Ponte di Legno-Tonale provides a variety of other winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can also find an ice rink in town.

One of the best places to stay when making a ski trip to Ponte di Legno-Tonale is Adamello Resort, in front of the cable car and within walking distance of the town center. After a day on the slopes, you can unwind and enjoy après-ski at cozy bars and lounges in the village. The perfect place is La Rasega, which offers a great aperitivo with plenty of renowned wines and hor d’oeuvres to snack on in a cozy environment by the river.

Regarding restaurants, Ponte di Legno-Tonale boasts a range of fine dining eateries serving delicious Italian cuisine. La Tana dell’Orso and Le Briciola are great options! At La Tana dell’Orso, not only is it close to cross-country skiing trails, but you can book a hot tub to relax in afterward and enjoy an excellent lunch. Le Briciola is situated in the heart of town and offers incredible pizzas.  

Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport is the closest airport to Ponte di Legno-Tonale, which is 75 mi or 120 km away. The top way to get to the resort from the airport is via a rental car or the shuttle service. However, having a car is the best way to get around at your own pace.

Submitted by Isabella of Boundless Roads.

Via Lattea, Italian-French Alps, Italy:

Via Lattea, the “Milky Way” ski area in the Northwest of Italy’s Piedmont region, is one of the world’s largest ski resorts; yet, it’s a real insider gem and one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe.

Via Lattea has around 250 mi or 400 km of slopes and 70 ski lifts. It’s an interconnection of four ski resorts in Piedmont, Italy (Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario and Clavier) and one in France (Montgenèvre). Sestriere in Italy lies 6562 ft or 2000 m above sea level and is the main town on the Via Lattea. In 2006, all the alpine competitions of the Turin Winter Olympics were held here.

The diverse ski area offers skiing and snowboarding on easy slopes for beginners as well as more challenging routes for advanced and expert skiers. There are three snow parks and various other winter activities, such as tobogganing and Nordic skiing. The ski resort is also popular with free riders.

For accommodation, Chaberton Lodge & Spa is one of the best hotels to stay in Sauze d’Oulx. Its fine wellness area, heated pool and sauna make it the perfect place to relax after enjoying the best winter activities.

After a day on the slopes, Via Lattea offers a more laid-back ambiance, so it isn’t known for its après-ski parties. However, the region has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. The restaurant Etoile des Neiges in Sauze d’Oulx boasts excellent Piedmontese cuisine and the Café Bar II Caminetto di Challier Dominique in Sestriere is also a great suggestion.

The best way to get to Via Lattea is by flying into Turin Airport, a 90-minute drive from the ski resort. There are shuttles, buses and trains to the valley resort of Oulx.

Submitted by Linda of Insieme Piemonte.

Best Undiscovered Ski Towns and Resorts in Western Europe

Ehrwalder Alm, Tirol, Austria:

On the bright, sunny side of the Zugspitze Arena in the Tyrolean Alps sits the family-friendly Ehrwalder Almbahn ski resort in Ehrwald, Austria. With seven ski lifts and 27.5 km of pistes or 17 miles of ski runs, it may be one of the smaller ski resorts in Austria, but it has chill vibes with a range of slopes for all levels.

It’s where local people from Garmisch, Germany go to ski or snowboard for great value. The same gondola whisks people to the start of one of Austria’s most scenic lake hikes – the Drachensee-Seebensee hike.

Due to its orientation on the southern slopes of the northern limestone Alps, it’s always a party at après-ski on one of the many hütten (mountain huts) along the slopes or near the gondola stations. The town of Ehrwald is a five-minute drive or bus ride from the cable car’s valley station.

Ehrwalder Alm is a hub for beginner backcountry skiers and split boarding in Western Europe, with many access paths for the heavily panting uphill skiers. You may even witness skiers walking on this mountain with their dogs.  

Innsbruck Airport is less than an hour’s drive away. The best place to stay during a ski trip to Ehrwalder Alm is the Green Tree Mountain Boutique Hotel, only a short walk from the delicious Restaurant Al Castagno.

Submitted by Morgan of Crave the Planet.

La Molina, Catalan Pyrenees, Spain:

La Molina, in the Spanish Pyrenees, just two hours north of Barcelona, Spain, is one of the top lesser-known ski resorts in Europe.

It offers quiet slopes with a good array of green and blue runs, which makes it one of the best places for beginner to intermediate skiers and for a first-time family ski holiday. Plus, it offers one of the best values compared to other ski resorts in the Alps.

The main green trails at the base of the mountain are the busiest, but if you take the chair lift to the top of Puigllançada, there are several uncrowded slopes, which are blue runs, that you’ll have to yourselves, especially if you visit during a weekday.

The uncrowded pistes at La Molina are nicely groomed each morning and there are snow machines to keep the marked ski trails topped up for great skiing conditions.

Since La Molina is one of the more quiet ski resorts in Europe, there is little in the way of other snow activities and après-ski since it attracts day trippers from Barcelona rather than overseas holiday groups. However, more choices of bars and restaurants are further down from the resort in the beautiful village, close to the train station.

The closest airport to La Molina is Barcelona Airport and there’s a direct train from the heart of the city to the village. From there, you can take a connecting bus to the ski resort.

The ski resort has limited accommodation choices, especially if you want to be near the slopes. However, Guitart La Molina Aparthotel & Spa is a fantastic option. There are ski-in-ski-out, self-catering apartments with an onsite restaurant. There’s also a swimming pool and spa onsite.

Submitted by Jenny of TraveLynn Family.

Zugspitze Ski Resort, Bavarian Alps, Germany:

Nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is home to the tallest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze. There are also plenty of other commanding mountains with great skiing, snowboarding and winter activities, making Zugspitze Ski Resort one of the best places to ski in Germany.

The Zugspitze offers some of the best skiing in Europe! The “Garmisch Classic” ski area is ideal for abilities of all levels and you get access to the Hausberg, Kreuzeck and the Alpspitz mountains. However, suppose you want that “bucket list” adventure of skiing on the highest mountain in Germany. Going down the actual Zugspitze is excellent for more advanced skiers, where plenty of off-piste terrain is waiting to be conquered.

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Germany’s highest ski resort offers many winter activities. Numerous mountains in the area offer tobogganing. You can rent a sled and ride around on the glacier; it’s one of the best things to do at the Zugspitze! Additionally, there is a fun igloo bar to visit, with rooms to rent out for the night!

What’s great about the Zugspitze is that the mountain resort can be enjoyed year-round! There are countless hiking trails and walking paths along with panoramic views. During a winter holiday, locals and visitors can also go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing throughout the valley.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen has no shortage of four and five-star hotels and resorts, most with luxurious wellness facilities onsite. The Aja Hotel, conveniently located by the Bahnhof and Zugspitzbahn, is a great choice!

Alternatively, you can stay closer to the Eibsee and Zugspitze, where a gondola ride can quickly take you to the peak. No matter what, be sure to reserve well in advance as hotels book up fast (and are expensive) during the high season.

The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen itself offers tons of authentic Bavarian restaurants as well as plenty of other international cuisines, a local gorge to hike through, a stunning Altstadt (Old Town) with charming Alpine houses that have giant mural paintings and more.

Munich International Airport is the closest airport to fly into to experience the Zugspitze. From Munich, it’s around an hour’s drive or a two-and-a-half-hour train ride to get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

While Garmisch, the Zugspitze and the surrounding mountain peaks aren’t undiscovered ski towns, they’re still some of the best-underrated options in Europe for those wanting a memorable German ski and winter experience.

Submitted by LeAnna of Wander in Germany.

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Spain:

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort in Southern Spain is the southernmost and one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe. Located only two hours from the sunny beaches at Costa del Sol, Sierra Nevada shows the diversity of winter in Andalucia.

The slopes run down the second-highest peak in Sierra Nevada National Park, Pico Veleta (3398 m, 11,148 ft above sea level). Overall, there are slopes for all levels, from easy beginner trails that are perfect for learning to advanced black runs for expert skiers and snowboarders.

Besides, there are several snow parks! For alternative activities, go snowshoeing or try cross-country skiing.

Check-in at Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya for ski-to-door access and relax in the spa after long days on the slopes. You can eat at the restaurant in the hotel or head out to the village, where there are fine dining restaurants and takeaway spots.

Granada Airport is the closest airport to Sierra Nevada, but it’s often easier to find affordable flights to Malaga Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus to Granada and travel further up to Pradollano village by public transport or taxi. Alternatively, rent a car or book an airport shuttle to get to the ski resort.

Submitted by Linn of Amused by Andalucia.

The Best Skiing in Eastern Europe

Bankso Ski, Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria:

Bankso, Bulgaria is one of the best ski places in Europe! Nestled in the captivating Pirin Mountains of Southwestern Bulgaria, Bankso stands out as Bulgaria’s largest and most enchanting ski resort.

With its mix of easy and intermediate slopes, Bankso is perfect for beginners and more experienced skiers. In fact, it has something for everyone! If you feel confident on the slopes, try the ‘Alberto Tomba’ black run. The highlight of skiing at Bankso is the scenic 5 km or 3 mi blue run from the gondola’s summit to the base, offering a thrilling ride and stunning mountain views.

Besides being the largest ski area in Bulgaria, and one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe, Bankso offers various things to do, like snowmobiling and ski gliding. You should also take half a day to walk around the historic center of Bankso, a fascinating Old Town with a lot of history to discover.

After a day on the slopes, one of the best ways to unwind is at the open-air thermal pools. The nearest place with hot springs is less than 10 minutes away by car in a small town called Banya. Check out the Regnum Thermal and Seven Springs!

Bankso offers a lot of great restaurants where you can try local Bulgarian dishes. A favorite among locals is the Eagle’s Nest, situated right in the town center. Other good dining options are The House Restaurant and Chalet Yanitza.

Bankso is located around 160 km or 100 mi south of Sofia and getting there is straightforward. Most visitors fly into Sofia International Airport and take the two-hour drive or bus ride to Bankso.

The best five-star hotel in Bankso, Bulgaria is the Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, featuring a spa and heated outdoor and indoor swimming pools to enjoy during a winter trip.

Submitted by Luba of Wonders of Bulgaria.

Białka Tatrzańska, Polish-Slovak Tatra Mountains, Poland:

Białka Tatrzańska is one of the largest ski resorts in Poland, located in the Tatra Mountains near Zakopane in the southern part of the country.

It’s one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe, consisting of three separate resorts – Kotelnica, Kaniowka and Bania (the beginner slopes); however, they’re all available on the same ski pass and the slopes run into each other.

Białka Tatrzańska is incredible for beginners or intermediates, with many green and blue slopes. It’s also a good value compared to many Western European lift passes, ski and snowboard rentals and accommodations.

The best airport to fly into to get to Białka Tatrzańska is Krakow. From the city of Krakow, you can either rent a car or take the public bus to Zakopane, which is around a two-hour drive.

Overall, Zakopane is the main town in the area that sits at the base of the mountains. It’s an excellent spot for accommodation, restaurants and winter activities. There are plenty of things to do in Zakopane while you’re not skiing or snowboarding in the mountains.

From Zakopane, Białka Tatrzańska is only a 45-minute bus ride away and you can also find the four-star Hotel Bania at the ski resort, which offers beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains. Small huts at the bottom of Białka Tatrzańska serve the most heartwarming Polish dumplings and you’ll also find a few restaurants in the area.

Although there’s not a big après-ski scene, the resort is open for night skiing and there’s a thermal spa next to the slopes.

Submitted by Amy and Dan from The Sunrise Dreamers.

Pamporovo, Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria:

Tucked away in the picturesque Rhodope Mountains, Pamporovo, Bulgaria is a delightful surprise for anyone seeking a ski getaway off the beaten path.

Boasting a predominately easy-to-intermediate terrain, it caters to skiers and snowboarders seeking a relaxed alpine experience with pockets of expert terrain for added excitement. The resort’s lower altitude and fewer slopes compared to the Alps in Central Europe create a more intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for families and those looking for a quieter winter retreat.

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Pamporovo offers a diverse range of winter activities. From tobogganing and hiking to snowmobiling and snowshoeing, visitors can explore the snowy landscape in various ways, making it one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe.

After enjoying a fulfilling day at one of the top Eastern European ski resorts, the best place to rest and rejuvenate is Perelik Hotel. This five-star hotel is a household name, with a spa, heated pool and a bowling alley. The Castle Complex and Complex Malina provide a cozier, self-catering experience for those seeking proximity to the slopes.

When the sun sets, Pamporovo’s après-ski scene might not rival the Alps, but Spider Bar is the go-to spot for a laid-back drink. Regarding dining, Bohemi on the slopes offers the best combination of delicious food and a lively atmosphere. In contrast, off the slopes, Excalibur is renowned for its lamb spit roast on select nights.

Plovdiv Airport is your ticket to the slopes, just a semi-scenic hour-and-a-half drive away. Alternatively, despite being a three-hour drive away, Sofia International Airport provides more flight options for travelers.

What’s great about booking a ski holiday to Pamporovo is that the ski pass also gives visitors access to the Mechi Chal region, expanding the options for winter sports enthusiasts.

Submitted by Goya Galeotta.

Europe’s Best Ski Resorts in Scandinavia

Ruka Ski Resort, Lapland Mountains, Finland:

One of the best unknown ski resorts is Ruka Ski Resort in Northern Finland. This Lappish ski resort boasts over 200 skiing days from October to May, giving skiers and snowboarders plenty of time to hit the slopes!

With 41 different trails varying from beginner to expert level, there are abundant options for every skill level and a ski school for beginners. Besides daytime skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy other exciting activities such as night skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, husky safaris, wildlife-watching tours, sleigh rides, winter hiking, ice fishing and ice climbing! The variety of winter activities offered at Ruka is what makes it one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe.

If you go night skiing at Ruka Ski Resort, there are high chances of seeing the Northern Lights! Download the Aurora app to see the percentage of cloud coverage, predicted solar activity and the areas where you’re most likely to see the Auroral Borealis.

For accommodation, you’ll enjoy the best at the Scandic Rukahovi Hotel in the heart of the village, with its ski-in-ski-out access, incredible breakfast, fun bar and lounge, sauna and nightclub!

Ruka is a lively town during winter when you can enjoy live bands, restaurants, bars or a bowling night after a fun day in the snow. Ruka, Finland, also hosts several festivals throughout the year, like the colorful Polar Night Light Festival in January, so check out what’s planned for your dates.

The Scandic Rukahovi has a huge terrace in front of the slopes, perfect for an après-ski drink! For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at Wild Food Restaurant Rukan Kuksa, which serves traditional Lappish cuisine, including sauteed reindeer. If you’re out skiing on the other side of the mountain, head to the Camp Kitchen and Bar for a hearty meal. It’s also an excellent place for a midday hot cocoa!

To get to Ruka, fly into nearby Kuusamo from Helsinki (or select European destinations in winter) and then take the shuttle from the airport to the ski village. You can also take the train to Rovaniemi and hop on the bus or get a rental car to travel to Ruka.

Submitted by Megan & Aram.

Voss Resort Fjellheisar, Norwegian Scandinavian Mountains, Norway:

One of the best ski resorts you’ve never heard of is Voss Resort in Vossevangen in Western Norway. It’s the best place for an Alpine vacation during winter in Scandinavia. This ski resort will meet all winter sports lovers’ needs and spending a weekend in Voss is the best way to enjoy Norway.

To get to Voss Resort, the closest airport to fly into is Bergen, a 90-minute drive away. From there, you can easily take a car, bus or train to the center of town, where the ski resort and hotels are located. Taking the train is suggested since it’s the fastest way to get to the resort.

At Voss Resort, there is skiing at all levels, so don’t be intimidated if you’re a beginner looking to practice or someone with experience seeking a challenge. There is also night skiing, which is a bonus! This Norwegian ski resort also has cross-country skiing or ski touring options.

Vossevangen has hotels, cabins and rental properties to choose from for ski accommodations. It’s recommended to stay at Scandic Voss, the largest in town and right below the mountain, with just a five-minute walk to the gondola that takes you to the slopes.

Hangurstoppen Restaurant is next to the gondola on the mountain and is the best place to eat for panoramic views. It’s warm and toasty inside, with some incredible menu options. You can also enjoy après-ski here, but if you want to explore more of the town, there are plenty of smaller cafés and restaurants on the main street.

You can’t go wrong with choosing Voss Resort for your winter ski trip. It truly is one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe!

Submitted by Nick of The World Overload.

In addition to the best ski resorts in Europe, here are my recommendations for the best skiing in North America:

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Lake Placid, New York

Whistler, British Columbia

I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best unknown ski resorts in Europe. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

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