The Top 10 Ski Resorts according to European Best Destinations | Popgen Tech

Based on votes from more than 1.2 million travelers from 184 countries to choose their favorite ski resorts in Europe this year, European Best Destinations (EBD) has revealed the top 10 ski resorts for this season.

The top ski holiday destinations on the list are not only the best in Europe, but the best in their respective countries and even worldwide as Europe is the top ski holiday destination in the world, according to EBD.

“Chic, sporty, family-friendly, authentic, gourmet, perfect for New Year’s Eve, for wellness, or simply for skiing, these are the best ski resorts in Europe,” explains EBD.

The organization is part of the European Commission’s EDEN network (“European Destinations of Excellence”), which works to promote sustainable tourism on the continent.

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Sustainability is high on the criteria for choosing the best ski resorts and the ten on the list have developed a variety of experiences to enjoy in spring, summer and autumn in an effort to appeal to all seasons and to enable local residents to live from their professional activity throughout the year.

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The French ski resort of Val Thorens has been selected for the sixth time as “Europe’s Best Ski Resort” for the 2022-2023 season, making it the EBD’s most awarded destination.

Val Thorens has also been named the best ski resort in the world seven times by the World Travel Awards.

Like Val Thorens, the nine other favorite destinations listed below are committed to welcoming travelers this winter in a friendly and safe environment.

The German resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen appears on the list for the first time, while all the others have already been ranked among the best for the past eight years.

1. Val Thorens, France

Voted the best ski resort by 288,105 travelers, Val Thorens is the ‘youngest’ of all the major ski resorts in Europe, even if it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Under the motto of ‘Live United’, the resort makes sure to create unique, festive and sporting experiences for all.

To a significant extent, Val Thorens owes its exceptional reputation to its location at 2,300 meters above sea level. “Val Thorens has achieved the impossible by becoming the highest ski resort in Europe, and the largest ski area in the world with more than 600 kilometers of runs,” explains resort director Vincent Lalanne.

Considered a “true smart ski resort”, Val Thorens is alone in claiming a six-month season without breaks, this season from November 19 to May 8, 2023.

2. Val Gardena, Italy

Val Gardena and the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva are well-known names on the international ski circuit, making it the perfect destination for visitors looking to spend a winter holiday with lots of outdoor leisure activities.

The Sella Ronda, the legendary ski carousel around the Sella — a plateau-shaped massif in the Dolomite mountains of northern Italy — and the connections with Alpe di Siusi and Dolomiti Superski (12 ski areas and 1,200 kilometers of slopes) can meet the needs of every skier, from beginner to pro.

The resort boasts five alpine skiing and two mountaineering schools that welcome enthusiasts of all ages every year.

It opens December 3 and closes April 11, 2023.

3. Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is not only one of the best ski resorts in Europe, but also voted the best ski resort in Switzerland.

It is also ranked among the most beautiful in Europe by European Best Destinations, a best destination to visit by train and one of the most luxurious ski resorts.

The snow sports resort of Zermatt on the cMatterhorn offers a breathtaking mountain panorama and, with 360 kilometers of pistes, it attracts ski fans, adventurers and alpinists from all over the world.

The village at the foot of the Matterhorn is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Covered with snow at 1,620 meters (the height of the train station), it looks like a dreamscape from a fairy tale.

With its runs ranging from 1,620 to 3,883 meters and crossing back and forth into Italy, its skiing opportunities are virtually limitless.

It opens on December 3 and will close on April 23, 2023.

4. Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbühel is also the best ski resort in Austria and has been voted the best ski resort in Europe for the New Year, and offers an impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

It sponsors original activities including a torch run run by ski instructors, ‘Ski & Fun’ parties and fireworks for three days from 30 December.

Kitzbühel is a place of contrasts, with rustic Tyrolean guesthouses butting up against international designer boutiques in the medieval old town and surrounded by picturesque walking trails.

The resort opens 19 November and closes 10 April 2023.

5. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the best ski resorts in Italy, is 40 kilometers from the Austrian border and known for the quality of its slopes.

Cortina d’Ampezzo – or simply Cortina – is Italy’s most famous mountain resort that offers an all-inclusive experience: skiing on perfectly groomed slopes surrounded by the breathtaking Dolomites, and with cozy mountain huts serving local dishes for lunch.

The resort opens on November 26 and closes on May 1, 2023.

6. Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is the gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area with around 100 lifts and over 400 kilometers of ski runs for all levels of expertise.

The resort is popular with skiers from around the world, and its après-ski activities are a true institution, welcoming a cosmopolitan clientele to a rich variety of sporting and music events.

In December, the Polaris Festival offers a Christmas present to fans of electro music. In March, the famous Verbier Xtreme welcomes the best freeriders in the world to the slopes of Bec-des-Rosses.

Enjoy skiing there from 3 December to 23 April 2023.

7. Baqueira Beret, Spain

The best ski resort in Spain, Baqueira Beret, is divided into three areas: Beret, Baqueira and Bonaigua, a network of modern installations and carefully groomed pistes to satisfy all skiers.

Baqueira, the pioneer inaugurated in 1964, offers a wide range of runs suitable for all levels and is also the area with the most black diamond pistes for the more experienced.

Beret is ideal for beginners and families, with easy access on foot from the parking area to all amenities (restaurants, cafeteria, schools). Its pistes are wide and of moderate slope.

It opens on November 25 and closes on April 10, 2023.

8. Gstaad, Switzerland

Gstaad has always been considered one of the best ski resorts in Europe.

Around the luxury resort town of Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, the soaring mountains and prestigious international boarding schools have long made it a holiday destination for royalty and celebrities.

Cable cars connect surrounding ski areas such as Wispile and Rinderberg with hundreds of kilometers of all-level pistes and cross-country trails. Glacier 3000 offers almost year-round skiing.

Gstaad also appears in the rankings of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe and luxury ski resorts in Europe.

Fasten your skis from 12 November to 7 May 2023 (Glacier 3000).

9. Sölden, Austria

At Sölden, the alpine resort of the Ötztal valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol, skiers and snowboarders can choose from no less than 148 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes for all levels and abilities reached by 35 mountain lifts, including the high-tech Giggijoch mountain gondola.

The panoramic Ötztal Glacier Road connects the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers.

The glacier slopes on the upper Ötztal, towering high above the ski village, offer perfect snow conditions from early September. Snow is also guaranteed from 1,350 to 3,340 meters from October to May thanks to a top snowmaking system.

The resort is open from 17 November to 7 May 2023.

10. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

In addition to being a village of exceptional beauty, Garmisch Partenkirchen is one of the best ski resorts in Germany.

Stroll through the historic heart of this mountain village or discover its many tracks, including the famous Olympic descent of Kandhar.

The ski resort connects three mountains: Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze and offers more than 40 kilometers of slopes. A family-friendly ski resort, perfect for professional and amateur skiers.

Ski there from 16 December to 2 April 2023.