With the start of the ski season, visits to the various centers in Switzerland, France, Italy and Austria begin. Without any doubt, the Alps are the mecca of white sport. That is why it is not necessary to leave the old continent to find what every skier looks for: quality snow, modern facilities, kilometers of ski, after-ski activities and breathtaking landscapes. And the beauty of the selected destinations in this ranking of the best ski resorts in Europe makes winter sports a great excuse to travel.
For adequate analysis of the Top 5 of the European ski resorts, the quality of the snow, its infrastructure, the level of the slopes, the accessibility, the après-ski or after skiing activities, and its surroundings were considered. These are all features that usually influence decisions, when choosing a destination for holiday in the snow. How can these destinations be accessed with ease? Private aviation makes the case, as the most reliable means of transportation.
There are various locations, not only the ones mentioned in this ranking, that require private aircraft to approach smaller and tighter airstrips. The flexibility, comfort and luxury of this industry does not hurt either, as private jet service providers such as the Vienna-based JetClass have been flying passengers for years throughout Europe, to top resorts in the continent, thanks to a superior service that pairs well with the amenities of skiing.
- Zermatt (Switzerland)
It is the highest ski resort in Europe and one of the most exclusive in the Alps. It has a ski area of 360 kilometers, which makes it one of the most desirable winter centers for ski and snowboard lovers. However, it is not a station that is accessible to all audiences or to all budgets. Most of the slopes have a 60% incline and the day pass costs €74.
The quality of the snow, its modern facilities, the complexity of its slopes and its wonderful surroundings make it one of the favorites of the most demanding skiers. That is why the Zermatt ski resort is a true white gold mine for lovers of winter sports, both in Europe and the rest of the world.
Closest runway: Sion Airport – 82km from destination.
- St. Anton amb Alberg (Austria)
This ski resort is one of the most visited in the Austrian Alps. Its 305 kilometers spread over 87 tracks, to please the most demanding skiers. Quality snow vertical walls, the most prestigious ski school in the world, spectacular views and the best off-piste with a guide, all make it a paradise for white sport lovers. In addition, prices are more affordable than the Swiss stations: the day pass costs €52.
St. Anton amb Alberg is the true jewel of Tyrol and not only as far as snow is concerned. You can boast of having the best après-ski in Europe. No wonder we find at this location, the bar that sells the most popular beer in all of Austria, the MooserWirt.
Closest runway: Innsbruck airport – 96km from destination.
- Val d’Isère – Tignes (France)
Espace Killy. This is the name of the most beautiful ski area in the world formed by Val d’Isère and Tignes. Both stations have joined to form one of the most powerful winter resorts worldwide without losing a bit of its charm.
The ski resort of Val d’Isère offers skiers of all levels, a unique experience in a spectacular setting: surrounded by peaks as high as 4,000 meters. In addition, here we find one of the most mythical tracks among elite skiers: Bellevarde.
For its part, Tignes has one of the best snows in the French Alps, not to mention a snow park that will delight freeride and half-pipe lovers.
Closest runway: Chambery Airport – 144km from destination.
- Dolomiti Superski (Italy)
Its 1,200 kilometers of snow guarantee the title of the largest ski area in the world. Its slopes, less known than the Swiss or Austrian, run through 45 towns between the Veneto and Trentino-AltoAdige regions.
Dolomiti Superski offers an idyllic setting, modern facilities and top-quality snow. Among the 12 stations that make up this gigantic winter resort, Val Gardena, Alta Badia or Cortina d’Ampezzo stand out. Three very powerful stations for the most demanding skiers.
Closest runway: Bolzano Airport – 45km from destination.
- St. Moritz (Switzerland)
It is the cradle of winter vacations. The place where snow sport was born. The elite station. That is why it deserves a place in this ranking of the best ski resorts in Europe.
St. Moritz is a very popular destination among the international jetsetters, as well as one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world. A modern Alpine lifestyle that is characterized by excellent cuisine, even at the foot of the track, may well be enjoyed at St. Moritz.
The winter athletes have at their disposal, 350 kilometers of tracks, equipped with the most modern infrastructure for €74 per day, including a fun park for lovers of snowboarding, curling and height training. The ski area of St. Moritz is made up of four sectors that are not connected to each other: Corviglia, Corvatsch, Lagalb and Diavolezza.
Closest runway: Samedan Airport – 7km from destination.
JetClass is a business jet airline based in Vienna that offers air shuttle standard and premium services within Europe, air taxi services within Europe, airline-on-demand services, and private jet charter services. JetClass was founded by Wagas Ali, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer.
