Where to ski in Europe: Ski resorts and winter sport cities
Strap on a pair of salopettes and pop on ski goggles and a helmet, because it’s time to go skiing in Europe! With hundreds of ski resorts stretching across the continent, picking where to whizz down the slopes is a tricky task. But we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite skiing spots, both popular and off the beaten track, to entertain skiers of all abilities. And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten the apres-ski.
Want winter snow without the skiing? Check out our guide to Europe’s best snowy destinations.Grenoble, France
✈️ Fly from December 2025 to April 2026
❄️ Best month for snow: January
Welcome to the capital of the French Alps! Pristine white peaks poke into the sky, so there are breathtaking views everywhere you turn. Every angle of Grenoble’s mountainous landscape offers something new, so why not traverse through the Versoud canyon, stroll in the Parc de Fiancey, or use the cable car to Le Téléphérique Grenoble Bastille. Make sure you see the Fort de La Bastille à Grenoble – it’s even more impressive when the turrets are sprinkled with snow.
Balance your snowy adventure time between the four mountain chains. Hit the Versors, Chartreuse, Belledonne, and Oisan mountain slopes and uncover your favourite run.
Explore even more of France by driving to Lyon, it’s only an hour and a half away.
Fly from LTN to GNB in 1 hour 45 minutes.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
✈️ Fly year-round
❄️ Best month for snow: February
Known as the city of seven hills, Bulgaria’s second-most populous city is one of Europe’s oldest inhabited, with a history dating back to 6000 BC! But while Plovdiv’s cultural Trap district comes alive under a blanket of snow, the exciting wintry action in western Bulgaria takes place two hours from Plovdiv at Borovets ski resort.
Located on the Rila mountain, Borovets is ideal for beginners who want to rack up piste hours on the tree-lined slope. Want to keep going higher? Look to the skies at Musala, Bulgaria’s highest peak at 2,925 metres
Fly from LTN to PDV in 3 hours 25 minutes.
Turin, Italy
✈️ Fly from December 2025 to April 2026
❄️ Best month for snow: January
Tucked at the foot of the Italian Alps and home to the 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin is ideal for travellers looking to satisfy their adventurous appetite. Ascend Mount Roc for an unrivalled panoramic view over northern Italy.
The snowy paradise isn’t limited to the mountain peaks, though... See the icicles sparkle as you walk around the grand boulevards and majestic squares. Don’t miss Luci d’Artista across Turin. What started as a small parade showcasing 14 artists is now a spectacular city-wide takeover, replacing traditional Christmas lights with works of art. What will you uncover?
Fly from LTN to TRN in 1 hour 55 minutes.
Krakow, Poland
✈️ Fly year-round
❄️ Best month for snow: February
Krakow is just a three-hour train ride to Szczyrk Mountain Resort, Poland’s largest ski resort. With 23km of pistes, race down the runs and look forward to an apres-ski treat at the bottom. Szczyrk Mountain Resort is near the Czech Republic and Slovakia, too, so why not hop over the border and cut into the snow?
If you don’t want to head up the mountains, then stay in Krakow and the surrounding areas for a snowy holiday. With an average of 12 snowy days a month during the winter season, head out to Planty Park and build a snowman.
Fly from LTN to KRK in 2 hours 25 minutes.
Geneva, Switzerland
✈️ Fly year-round
❄️Best month for snow: February
On the banks of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps on the French-Swiss border, explore the Swiss city either at the start or end of your ski holiday. We’d recommend relaxing in the saunas at Bains des Paquis, or spending time at the Patek Philippe Museum for a detailed look at Swiss watchmaking.
When it comes to picking a Geneva ski resort, consider who you’re going with. For families and large groups, Chamonix resort offers over 400 slopes at a variety of levels, as well as nearby ice caves and alpine coasters. For those who want less time on chairlifts and more time at altitude, head to Avoriaz, Verbier, and Morzine. Steep runs add an extra challenge for those who are just as comfortable walking as they are with skis attached.
But if you don’t want to head up the slopes, you can still get great views of Mont Blanc at Lake Geneva.
Fly from LTN to GVA in 1 hour 40 minutes
Rovaniemi, Finland
✈️ Fly from December 2025 to February 2026
❄️Best month for snow: January
The capital of Finnish Lapland may be the home of Santa Claus. But there’s more than Christmas getaways and Arctic experiences to enjoy in Rovaniemi. It’s also a hidden gem for winter skiing holidays. Ski, snowboard, and toboggan on the slopes at Ounasvaara Ski Resort; go nearer to the closing hours, and you may even see the Northern lights dancing in the sky.
Gentle slopes make Ounasvaara Ski Resort a great place for beginners to try skiing for the first time. But if you’re looking for an extra thrill, speed down the sled tracks and see Rovaniemi from a new angle. Father Christmas lives in Rovaniemi too, so you’ve always got to keep your eyes peeled.
Fly from LTN to RVN in 3 hours 25 minutes.
Reykjavik, Iceland
✈️ Fly year-round
❄️Best month for snow: March
As the land of Fire and Ice, Iceland's guaranteed to be a great place for a skiing holiday. And whether you’re staying close to the capital or driving Route 1 around the country, there’ll be a ski resort for everyone.
Bláfjöll Ski Resort and Skálafell Ski Resort are great picks for Reykjavik ski resorts. Mountains in a volcanic system, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing across the active geographical sites. Advanced skiers will want to try Kerlingardalur, a 12km track through snow fields and geothermal valleys.
Travelling to north Iceland? Bike, hike, and ski at Hlíðarfjall resort, close to Akureyri. With more snow towards the north of the country, expect fresh, consistent snow showers when you’re out exploring.
Fly from LTN to KEF in 3 hours 5 minutes.