There are loads of amazing places for skiing in Europe which can make choosing where to head on your next winter sport adventure a little bit difficult, although you’ll find some fantastic options that stand out depending on what it is that you are looking for.
Some of the best skiing destinations in Europe can be reached in under 10 hours when you drive from Calais, and as you can pack all that you need into your car when you travel by ferry you can be sure that you are prepared for both the journey and the holiday itself.
Here we share some of the best places for skiing in Europe, whether you are travelling as a family, looking for luxury, or living the student life.
Best skiing in Europe for families – Avoriaz, France
Located in the centre of the Portes du Soleil ski area, and an 8 and a half hour drive from Calais, Avoriaz in France received a World Snow Award for its commitment to meeting the needs of families which is why we believe that it offers the best skiing in Europe for families overall.
Your little ones can learn all of the skills they need to tackle the slopes in “The Children’s Village” which welcomes children from the age of 3 and has more than 100 instructors and supervisors to help them to become mini-skiers. There are also après ski activities tailored to suit kids of different ages, and those younger than 5 will be given free ski passes. In addition to this, Avoriaz is home to the “Kid’s Parkway” which has been designed specifically for children and absolute beginners.
However, it is not only your children who will love this ski destination as it offers 650km of slopes to enjoy, some great accommodation options, excellent snow cover between December and April, plus you’ll find the Rock the Pistes Festival here each March too! The resort is completely pedestrianised and boasts amazing scenery which you can admire whilst skiing, walking, sledging, or from a horse-drawn carriage!
Best luxury skiing in Europe – St. Moritz, Switzerland
For the best luxury skiing in Europe, we suggest heading to the beautiful St. Moritz in Switzerland which is one of the most expensive but classy ski resorts that you will find! With a name that is known for being elegant and stylish, St. Moritz welcomes around 300 days of sunshine each year and its lakeside location just adds to its charm.
This world-famous resort has hosted the Winter Olympics twice which makes it very popular among professional skiers, and with 350km of piste, 150km of walking trails, 58 lifts, and stunning scenery to enjoy, you are sure to see why when you visit here. St. Moritz also hosts a polo tournament every February which is certainly worth watching and is one of the year’s highlights for many.
There are a number of luxurious hotels to choose from, many of which are well-established and give the resort a very authentic feel, and you will also find plenty of restaurants and great nightlife to occupy you during the evenings too.
Best skiing in Europe for students – St. Anton, Austria
Thought of as one of the top 5 ski resorts in the Alps, St. Anton, which can be reached in 9.5 hours from Calais, is part of the largest connected ski area in Austria and gives its visitors access to 340km of well-maintained slopes, awesome off-piste routes, and fantastic scenery.
The one thing that often makes St. Anton stand out from other ski resorts is its legendary après ski, and this is also the reason why we think it offers the best skiing in Europe for students. Its two best-loved bars, Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh, are famous for being jam-packed and keeping both the beer and Jägermeister flowing into the night, and you’ll discover that dancing on the tables is just part of the routine here. You’ll also find other bars and clubs where you can listen to both live bands and DJs, so there really is something for everyone.
When you are not on the slopes or in the bars, you can explore the pedestrianised village centre where you can choose from a number of activities, including going to the cinema, ice skating, tobogganing, and curling.
These are just some of the best places for skiing in Europe, and with so many to discover for yourself it is surely time to book your Dover to Calais crossing today.
