“It was overwhelming coming to Europe and seeing the number of options there are when it comes to resorts,” says New Zealander and avid skier Beks Lockie, who now lives in London. “The North Island of New Zealand has one mountain that has two sides to it, so you’re on one side or the other. There are a few more options on the South Island.”
Although she has skied in Japan and the US, she says: “Nothing compares to the options that there are in Europe – across the Alps and the Dolomites, and in smaller resorts like Poland and Czech Republic.”
Lockie chronicles her travel diaries on TikTok (@beksinthecity) and has compiled a spreadsheet ranking European ski resorts by factors including cost of ski passes and ski rental, quality and price of food and accommodation, travel time and, crucially, how much fun the après ski scene is.
With plenty of research already done, and more ski trips already booked for this season, she has succeeded in narrowing it down somewhat in terms of “spots that are good for pure skiing, the cheap and cheerful spots, the spots that have the food and the vibe”.
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Best for value
Although some of our continental cousins are lucky to be able to jump in the car and head off for a ski weekend after work on a Friday, Lockie says quick ski trips are possible from Ireland and Britain too. “You want to optimise for the shortest travel distance to the best spot.” She recommends Austria for ease of travel and Poland for best value. “I did a weekend ski trip to Poland that was less than £250.” She rates Poland highly for food too; it’s not the Michelin-starred restaurant scene of St Moritz, but a hearty goulash and potato pancake can be “exactly what you feel like in the moment” after a day on the slopes.
Bulgaria is another destination gaining in popularity for good-value skiing. Bansko offers long runs with 16km of linked reds and blues from the top of Todorka mountain to the base station in the valley below, suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate-level skiers.
Best for families
For family groups, Neal Collins, product director at Topflight, recommends Zell am See in Austria or La Rosière in France. “These two resorts make ski holidays with kids feel like a treat rather than a logistical challenge. Everything’s close, the atmosphere’s relaxed and there’s enough variety for every member of the family to feel catered for,” he says.
“Zell am See offers a scenic lakeside setting with a relaxed Austrian charm.” In terms of skiing, it has “gentle beginner areas”.
“La Rosière sits high on the French Italian border with broad, sun-drenched runs and a purpose-built village layout that works especially well for families,” says Collins, noting its “snow reliability, laid-back vibe and ski-in/ski-out convenience”.
Best for beginners
Söll or Westendorf in Austria are great destinations for beginners. “Both are compact, friendly resorts with excellent beginner zones and welcoming, English-speaking instructors,” says Collins. “These are where people fall in love with skiing. Lessons are fun, the atmosphere’s easy-going and there’s no overwhelm.”
Best for après ski
For après ski, Lockie consistently finds that the most fun is to be had in French resorts such as Chamonix, Val Thorens and Val d’Isère. “France has the most options when it comes to places to congregate with a vibe and some nice music,” she says.
Collins points to the budget-friendly destination of Andorra for younger revellers in search of a “full-tilt party scene”.
“Pas de la Casa brings a more youthful, high-tempo scene, with late-night venues, DJs and a party atmosphere that lasts well beyond last lifts. Pas is perfect for those who want to ski hard by day and dance until the early hours.”
Best for luxury
On the other end of the scale, for luxury shopping and fine dining, the French resorts of Courchevel and Megève offer sophisticated ski destinations. Courchevel is part of Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest ski area; it’s lively and jet-set glamorous with high-end designer boutiques. Meanwhile, Megève, connecting to the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, is more elegant and family oriented. The vibe is on-show designer labels for Courchevel, but understated Loro Piana cashmeres for Megève.
Collins adds that Zell am See in Austria “has quietly become a go-to for those seeking a more refined ski experience”. To cater to the demand for this elegant town with a stunning lake-and-mountain backdrop, Topflight has added the five-star, all-inclusive Hotel Salzburgerhof for the 2025/26 season. “It’s a standout property that offers exceptional service, gourmet dining and one of the finest wellness areas in the Alps, all included,” says Collins. “You can ski in the morning, enjoy a gourmet lunch by the lake and unwind in the spa by afternoon. Bliss.”
Best for advanced skiers
France has a lot to offer advanced and adventurous skiers looking for a challenge, with the off-piste extremes of Chamonix’s Vallée Blanche, a 23km route with a significant 2,700 vertical metres, and La Sarenne in Alpe d’Huez, the world’s longest on-piste black run, traversing 16km.
Collins suggests Val Thorens. “At 2,300m, it’s the highest resort in Europe, with snow-sure conditions and access to the vast Three Valleys. Our clients love the challenge, variety and sheer expanse of skiing. For serious skiers, it ticks every box. It’s high, reliable and exhilarating and the lift system is top notch too.”
Best overall
Overall, Lockie loves Italy for “the best food and the best weather”. However, Austria is the destination she is gravitating towards for the next few trips. “Austria definitely has a bit of everything … you can get really good skiing and a really good party and really nice food.”
Collins agrees that Austria is currently the trending destination. He rates Kitzbühel as “effortlessly stylish, with a touch of Alpine glamour. The medieval town centre is lined with boutiques, elegant cafes and beautifully preserved buildings.”
“It’s the full experience – superb skiing, excellent dining and a town that’s as enjoyable off the slopes as on them.”
