Top European ski resorts

The UK

Glen Coe, Scotland

Scotland has remained a well-kept secret for many years amongst the skiing fraternity, and represents the best option for those looking for a little on-piste fun without having to travel too far.  Originally known as White Corries, Scotland's first commercial ski resort launched here in 1956 and now boasts a thriving snowboard scene. Glen Coe offers seven lifts and 19 runs set amongst stunning Highlands scenery.

Cairngorm Mountain, Scotland

Just 8 hours’ drive from the centre of London, the spectacular landscape of Cairngorm Mountain is a popular destination for winter sports fans and one of the best resorts in the UK. Ski, snowboard or sledge across more than 30km of ski runs, or perhaps indulge your inner extreme-sports enthusiast at the snowboard fun park (suitable for all abilities).

Glenshee, Scotland

Glenshee boasts the largest ski lift system in the UK, and its 36 runs are ideal for skiiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The top of the Cairnwell Chairlift is said to offer the best panorama of the Cairngorms to be seen from any Scottish ski area.

Nevis Range, Scotland

Nevis Range offers the highest skiing in Scotland, in the shadow of Ben Nevis. One of the best ski resorts, it also boasts Scotland's only mountain gondola, which takes you to 2,150ft in just 12 minutes. And there are runs to suit every ability.

The Lecht, Scotland

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and even snowtubing at the Lecht. There are a range of runs and terrains for all abilities, plus snow cannons on most runs.

Mainland Europe

Méribel, France

Nine hours’ drive from Calais, Méribel is famous equally for its après-ski and its family-oriented atmosphere. Alongside Courchevel and Val Thorens it forms the largest, busiest ski resort in the world. Méribel is the only single resort to offer 15 high-capacity gondola lifts, and it has no less than 685 snow cannons to ensure there’s plenty of white stuff for all to enjoy. For non-skiers, the resort boasts a new fitness and wellbeing centre featuring a gym, spa and massage area. Méribel is particularly popular with Brits and regarded as one of the best ski resorts in France.

Serre Chevalier, France

Suitable for beginners and expert skiers alike, Serre Chevalier is a South-facing resort within the Hautes-Alpes area of France. It's quieter than many ski resorts with a less frenetic nightlife scene, making it ideal for families with children. It also boasts a swimming pool heated only by hot springs beneath the ground. A lengthy driving time of around 10hrs may mean an overnight stop is on the cards, however.

Val d’Isere, France

For those of you seeking a party atmosphere, Val d’Isere is famed worldwide for its bars and clubs. Try the hotel bars for a more upmarket alternative to some of the more boisterous hostelries on the main drag. It’s not all partying, though – there are two snow parks, an ice-rink, more than 300km of runs and two glaciers to keep you occupied. A mere 7hrs from Calais on a good day.

Mayrhofen, Austria

This large resort offers countless bars, nightclubs and eateries, as well as 101km of runs and excellent off-piste skiing. It’s a big hit with young Brits. The bars start to get lively in the afternoon and stay open until the early hours.
Mayrhofen is also home to the Snowbombing festival. The 2012 party runs from 9 to 14 April. The festival always attracts big names and headline acts for 2011 included The Prodigy, Pendulum, Tinie Tempah, Professor Green and Example. Besides boarding and boozing, there are igloo parties, an outdoor forest area, snow discos, mountain stages, a fancy-dress street party, and an arctic hotel with an outdoor snow spa.

St Anton, Austria

Only 7-8hrs from Calais, this lively resort has a legendary party scene and offers challenging slopes to boot. The motto here is ‘ski hard, play hard’ – it attracts a cosmopolitan mix of expert off-piste skiers, thrill-seekers and a glamorous crowd happy to ski through their hangovers.

St Mortiz, Switzerland

Arguably the world’s most famous skiing destination, this stunning resort benefits from more than 300 days of sunshine every year. With more 5-star hotels than you can shake a stick at, St Mortiz offers luxury and great skiing in equal measure. Oh, and you can also enjoy a little celeb-spotting while you’re at it. Just don’t forget to bring your wallet.

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Getting there

If you're travelling by car, check out our specialist advice for winter driving in Europe and plan your entire journey with our free European Route Planner. Don’t forget European Breakdown Cover – save up to 30% when you book online – and travel insurance. Annual cover costs from £34 and children go free.