Europe’s Best Ski Towns

Many of the world’s best ski towns are in Europe. The picturesque mountains, epic slopes and vibrant communities offer great opportunities for skiers and snowboarders to pound some snow while also soaking up the culture. Here are a few you can’t miss.

Zermatt, Switzerland

The iconic Matterhorn towers above the horizon in what is likely Switzerland’s most famous ski town. Zermatt contains intermediate slopes appropriate for any level of skier along with a charming, bustling town nestled in the Alps featuring phenomenal food and boutique shopping.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the epicenter of European ski country, rests at the meeting point of France, Italy and Switzerland. It contains some of the world’s most extreme slopes, but also has enough on-piste variety for beginners to enjoy. Chamonix is also home to vibrant nightlife, delicious food and too many 5-star hotels to count.

Kitzbuhel, Austria

Kitzbuhel is Austria’s most prominent ski town, thanks widely in part to the World Cup ski racing events that take place here. It’s a wonderful alternative for those who can’t afford the exorbitant prices of places like Chamonix, but still enjoy a little bit of ritzy decadence. The live music bars are definitely a highlight.

Engordany, Andorra

Andorra barely registers on the list of European countries travelers love to visit, but the urban area of Engordany houses one of the best skiing opportunities on the continent. It’s the highest inhabited country in Europe so you know it holds some of the steepest slopes. With more than 200 kilometers of on-piste runs, it’s impossible to get bored.