Marc Dean Snowboarding Deep Untracked Classic European Powder Lines | Photo Pieter VanTiel Mountain Weekly NewsReady for a new adventure? Are you tired of costly lift tickets and mediocre burgers? Maybe you have an Epic Pass and want to take advantage of their lift ticket offers at overseas partner resorts? If so, a European ski adventure should be in your future! When I lived in New Jersey ten years ago, airfares to reach Western US ski resorts were comparable to flights to Europe. Now that lift ticket prices in the US have skyrocketed, a boarding trip to Europe can be less expensive than one to a North American resort.
And many other factors make Europe an attractive destination. Most resorts in the US are purpose-built. They exist for us to visit, ride, and leave. In Europe, the towns were built first, mainly for herds of animals grazing in the summers, and then skiing and boarding came into the picture. Many of these towns were established before Europeans came to North America. The old world charm of alpine villages such as Zermatt, Verbier and Ischgl are reason alone to visit Europe, You can see how places like Vail and Whistler modeled their villages to look like European ski towns.
Here is a list, in no particular order, of ten of the best resorts to go ride in in Europe.
As Warren Miller said – “If you don’t do it this year, you will be one year older when you do.”
Top 10 Snowboard Friendly Ski Resorts in Europe
Chamonix, France
Chamonix is an adventure. It is set up similarly to Aspen with four separate ski areas to explore. While they are not all connected by lift, a free bus system makes it easy to get around to all of them. As a bonus, you can even take a short bus ride through the Mt. Blanc tunnel and check out Courmayeur in Italy. The terrain is varied, from mild to ‘you need a rope and a harness just to start the run’.
If you are planning your trip in the spring, and ski touring is on your agenda, this could be your place. If you do, I highly recommend hiring a guide for at least one day. The classic, highly picturesque Vallee Blanche tour should be on your bucket list (but beware if you have vertigo, there are some exposed sections). The town is a lot of fun and incredibly international. Make a reservation at Mumma for Swedish/Asian fusion and don’t miss sampling the many French bakeries.
- Where to Fly Into: Geneva Airport (GVA), Van transfer
- Best Time for Snow Conditions: December to late April and sometimes the first week of May. Though early season conditions can vary. Elevation over 3,000m (just shy of 10,000 ft.) makes this a safe snow choice.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Ah, beautiful Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn! You have seen it on a Toblerone bar, now go see it for yourself. The town is car-free so plan to arrive by train and take a special electric taxi to your accommodation.
The town is in a valley with steep slopes surrounding you. The Sunegga funicular will whisk you up to an intermediate area in just enough to enjoy coffee and a croissant on the ride up.
There are also trams, gondolas, and even trains inside the mountain. Pick a restaurant for a delicious lunch on the Italian side, and make it your destination for the day. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
- Where to Fly Into: Zurich Airport (ZRH) connect by train
- Best Time for Snow Conditions: December to April, with almost year-round glacier snowboarding available. Also over 3000m.
Verbier, Switzerland
Switzerland’s 4 Vallees ski area is truly unique. With 4 resorts connected by lifts and 410 km of trails, it is the largest in Switzerland. Verbier is the jewel in the crown of the 4 valleys but this resort is not known for its runs but for its itineraries. Marked in yellow on the trail map, these are ungroomed, avalanche-controlled runs that will challenge even advanced riders. Unlimited free ride options is what earned Verbier its reputation.
As the saying goes “the best parts of Verbier are not on the map.” Consider hiring a guide if you are interested in accessing some of the classic off-piste runs. Ideally on a day with some fresh powder. You will start to understand why so many Freeride World Tour (FWT) athletes call Verbier home. You might even want to plan your trip for the March FWT final. It is one of the best weekends of the year, with a huge party on the main street of the village.
Christmas is crowded and expensive so plan your trip for the spring when the crowds are thin and the days are long! There is ALWAYS a big dump in April and there is still a great Apres scene at the Pub Mont Fort’s famous happy hour!
In fact, in addition to free riding, Verbier is known for its nightlife. The Farinet Hotel has live bands every night. After a quick dinner, grab a drink at Lumi, Alp & Horn, or The Loft, but be sure to save some energy for the late-night club scene. Some people come here to ride, others to party.
- Where to Fly Into: Geneva Airport (GVA)
- Epic Pass
Laax, Switzerland
Hands down, Laax has the best snow parks in Europe. From novice to pro, they have riders covered. While the terrain is not as steep as in other places here, the riding is wide open and fun. Some of the connections are a little flat, so wax up before you go. The resort is known as Flims-Laax, and Flims is right across the street. A whole other mountain that you can connect to by a short bus ride.
The Laax Open is the biggest contest in Europe and a huge party. If you have kids who compete, the Laax amature open is a few weeks after and one of the best armature events around.
If you stay at the Rocks Resort, there is a pump track between the buildings. The Laxx Freestyle Academy is an indoor skate, trampoline, and airbag center. It is a great facility.
- Where to Fly Into: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Best Time for Snow Conditions: December to April, offering excellent snow and a lively après-ski scene.
Cervino Ski Paradise, Cervinia, Italy
If you have not heard of Cervinia, it is the Italian part of Zermatt. The town is a little smaller and the prices are a lot lower. And the food! Who doesn’t love a home-cooked authentic Italian meal? All of Zermatt’s expensive terrain can be accessed by lift from Cervinia, it is a nice alternative to Zermatt.
- Where to Fly Into: Turino (TRN) or Geneva Airport (GVA) Transfer by bus or train.
St. Anton, Austria
Welcome to the party! As a person who comes from the East Coast, the scale of resorts like St Anton is overwhelming in the best way possible. This internationally renowned resort is true snowboarding paradise with some of the best on-piste (groomer) tours in the world.
It takes half a day to get from Arlberg, one of the main towns, to Lech, a few valleys over. But not so far that you can’t make it back to the Mooser Wirt bar in Arlberg for apres! A few beers later, you will be linking arms and singing will all your new best friends. A word of caution though, the bar is above the town, and you will have to ride down to the town. While the town attracts people from all over the world who love to party, this is a serious ski and snowboard destination with endless terrain to be explored.
- Where to Fly Into: Innsbruck Airport (INN)
- Best Time for Snow Conditions: December to March, with a reliable snow base.
Sierra Nevada, Spain
Are you sick of fondue and schnitzel? Then check out the most southern resort in the Pyrenees Mountains. Since it is a separate mountain range, the conditions can be very different from the Alps. They have some good parks up on the glacier. Unfortunately, there is no tree skiing.
This is a place to consider if you want to do more than just play in the snow. It is an hour’s drive to the Mediterranean Sea if you want to go to the beach for dinner.
- Where to Fly Into: Granada Airport (GRX) or Málaga Airport (AGP)
- Best Time for Snow Conditions: December to March, with sunny conditions and good snow at higher elevations.
Andermatt, Switzerland
Andermatt was Vail Resorts’ first venture in Europe. When you go up the Gemsstock Tram, you can see so many off-piste lines. You know your day is just going to keep getting better. Sedrun and Disentis are sister areas that you can either hop a quick train to or ride your way across. If you are looking for inbound steeps, Disentis is your destination. The town also has a designated snow kite area by one of the golf courses.
Andermatt is not known for the nightlife of St Anton or Verbier. It is a little more quiet and family-orientated. Check out the Biber Bar at the base of the gondola or the Hotel Crown yurt bar for après. If you want to see the swanky side of town, go to the Chedi Hotel for cocktails. That is one of the nicest hotels in the Country.
- Where to Fly Into: Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Epic pass
- Best Time for Snow Conditions: December to April, with reliable snow and backcountry terrain.
Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl became well known at the beginning of COVID as a super spreader town for all of Europe. That just goes to show how good the après scene is there! Well known for its parties, you forget how big it is. They have a 10km (6 mi) intermediate trail. You can even ride over the border into Samnaun, Switzerland! It will take you a few days to get through all 46 lifts,
The Kuhstall (cow stall) is the après hot spot. If you want to prep for this for this bar, go check out their playlist on Spotify. If it gets too crowded, it can head to the Trofana Alm. This bar goes all night, and as snowboarders, it is easier to dance in our boots than ski boots. This town is the opposite of Andermatt.
- Where to Fly Into: Innsbruck Airport (INN)
- Best Time for Snow Conditions: December to April, with reliable snow and après-ski parties.
Méribel, France
The Trois Vallees (3 Valleys) is the largest snow sports resort in the world. I picked Merobel but we should really include Courchevel and Val Thorens. Are you the type that turns on an app to see how many miles or vertical feet they can clock in a day? Then see how many of the 7 towns in this area you can cover in a single day. Even doing classic runs, like the Combe du Vallon, will burn your legs. Starting from 3,000m, you get to do over 3km (almost 3 miles) which is the longest single run in the area. The view from the top is worth the trip.
Roc de Tougne is a north-facing area with steeper terrain. If you like to freeride, this is the spot to visit. If you like red trails (which are blues in North America) check out the Mottaret sector, lots of fun trails with fewer crowds. Again, get a guide for at least a day.
On your way back to town, check out Le Rond Point for live music and après drinks. When you make it back to town, make sure to hit Jack’s for pizza and beer. One of my old friends from school swears by this place. This is a great town with a rich Olympic and ski racing history. You really cannot go wrong. Each town has its flavor, from mild to wild. So, find what works for you.
- Snowboard Highlights: Part of the Three Valleys ski area, great for all levels of snowboarding.
- Epic pass
- Fly Into: Geneva (GVA) or Chambery (CMF)
Livigno, Italy
Quick snowboard history lesson: The Laax Open used to be the European Open (thank you Jake!), and Livigno was the first home of the European Open. Livigno was one of the early resorts to open up to boarders in Europe. I am going to be honest with you, I have never boarded there. I went there for a telemark festival, please don’t judge me, and had the time of my life on and off the snow.
Getting to Livigno is an adventure in itself. If you drive from Switzerland, you will traverse the Munt la Schera, a single-lane, 2-mile-long tunnel. You may wonder how a big rig will manage to squeeze through there, but somehow it does.
The main road divides the town and resort area into two lift systems. Don’t spend too much time deciding between them as both sides are equally enjoyable. I spent most of my time there off-piste with guides. The back bowls were as amazing as the local food.
Italy is not known for its beer, but the Birrifico Brew Pub will change your mind. Do you enjoy good beer and pizza after a day on the hill? Then, this is a stop for you and your friends. The Latteria Livigno is a local fromagerie, make sure to pick up some snacks for the hill, or buy some amazing parmesan cheese to bring home.
If you never have had an Italian hot chocolate, you must experience it. It is thick, creamy, and rich and you will never want to have a Swiss Miss Coco ever again.
- Snowboard Highlights: This is a hidden gem and a highly underrated resort
- Fly Into: Milan and Bergamo
Other European Resorts to Explore
I hope I did not leave your favorite resort off this list – it is truly impossible to select only 10 great resorts in Europe, and I would have loved to include the Dolomites, Solden, La Grave, and many more. Try to pick your 10 favorite songs, it’s harder than you think. Honestly, I have not had a bad trip to a winter resort in Europe. It is such a different experience than a North American resort. Some towns here are quieter, and some are more of a party. Different regions have different moods and different foods.
Some people take an extra day or town to visit a major city, like Paris, Munich, or Milan. If you want to chase the snow across Europe, there are camper van rentals available as well.
A few insider tips for your first adventure in Europe
- Bring a backpack. There is no base lodge. It is good to carry water, sunblock, sunglasses, extra lenses, snowboard tool, extra neck gator, pipe gloves, and snacks. A good snowboard backpack goes a long way for staying comfortable on long days in the mountains.
- Hire a guide – if you want to get the goods, you must invest in a good guide! This allows you to hit multiple classic lines in one day, instead of searching for the whole week. Most importantly – hire a guide on a snowboard or at least a ‘snowboard-friendly’ guide. Skiers can do traverses and climbs boarders can’t. Speak up in mixed groups and let the guide know what you can and cannot do.
- You do not need to buy bottled water, but you do need a water bottle. You are drinking from the source, the Alps boast some of the best water in the world.
- Safety: download the White Risk and EchoSOS apps for Switzerland. There are daily avalanche updates and weather forecasts. Very few areas are roped off and you are responsible for your own decisions. Be safe and enjoy the ride!
- Rega.ch – if you need a rescue, there is a good chance you will be airlifted out. Make sure your insurance covers rescue. If not, join Rega. It costs about $45 a year and you can add your kids for free. Many resorts will add, for a small fee, a rescue insurance option for a multi-day ticket.
- You don’t need a car. Trains are the way to go to reach most European destinations. Some resorts have shared bus shuttle services (for example, Alpine Express or Alpy Bus from Geneva airport to Chamonix and Verbier).
- Renting an apartment can be a better option than a hotel if you like to cook. Every resort has supermarkets within walking distance or on a bus route.
- Breakfast is not like Denny’s. It is usually bread, cheese, cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, and muesli.
- Lunch can be a sit-down meal at an on-piste restaurant. Depending on how crowded it is, you may need a reservation.
- You can get by with English at most resorts. Please try to learn a few basic words – please, thank you, two beers, and ‘where is the bathroom?’.
- There are more vegan options now than there were just a few years ago.
- If you are doing a big day, please be aware of your way home and what time the lifts you need close. Even if you are a few lifts away, a taxi could take a hour to go around a mountain and cost a small fortune.
- Don’t follow random tracks off-piste unless you know where you are going.
- Electric airbags cause fewer problems at airports than airbags with gas canisters. Many airbags in Europe come with carbon fiber canisters. Do not buy one. They are illegal to fly with to or within the US and may be confiscated. Most places will have avalanche kit you can rent.
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