So you’re planning your next vacation to one of the great Europe ski resorts. You’ve already shredded in St. Moritz and Verbier. Apres-skiing in Courchevel is a been-there-done-that moment. And you’ve even “gone off the beaten path,” by tackling the Austrian Alps in Lech. Now you’re looking for somewhere new and unexpected for your next mountain holiday. Thankfully, Europe is full of winter sports destinations, some more famous than others. Indeed, variety on the continent is so vast, that an adventurous snow enthusiast could be schussing somewhere new every time they fasten on their skis. Even Portugal—known primarily for its postcard-perfect summer-by-the-sea vacations—has a small mountain!
Below, these nine European ski destinations might not have the massive international cache of Gstaad or Megève. But they still offer exceptional infrastructure, fabulous wellness hotels (for post-ski relaxation), award-winning restaurants, and, of course, plenty of après-ski revelry.
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
When people think about winter trips to Italy, glamorous Cortina and Mont Blanc-adjacent Courmayeur often get the most attention. But tucked beneath the dramatic peaks of the Brenta Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio is well worth the detour. The ski area connects 97 miles of runs across three villages, and you only need one pass to ski them all. In addition to challenging terrain (the Canalone Miramonti is a 1,800-feet-long World Cup slalom course), there are tons of unforgettable excursions available in Madonna di Campiglio, including a sunrise experience where you ski the mountain at first light.
Trentino, the province in northern Italy where this ski area is located, is also a fantastic food-and-wine destination. This is where Trentodoc, a crisp, bright sparkling wine made with grapes indigenous to the mountains, has been produced for more than a century. (Local wineries make still wines, too.) A good number of vineyards receive visitors for tastings and tours during the winter season. And given that you’re in Italy, delicious meals are never too far away. In the village of Pinzolo, not far from the ski lift, is Ristorante Mildas, a beloved family-owned dining room serving worth-traveling-for regional fare since 1966. Indulge in a gorgeous beef filet oven-baked with potatoes, mountain herbs, and red chilies after a lung-busting day skiing. But don’t leave without trying the Mirko-style Spaghetti, an umami-packed bowl of pasta tossed with tuna, capers, garlic, and tomatoes. It was concocted by the founder of the restaurant when it first opened over 50 years ago.
If you want a hotel that marries mountain style and wellness, book yourself into one of the suites at Lefay Resort Spa Dolomiti. A minimalist combination of blonde timber and floor-to-ceiling windows help give this property an atmospheric sense of place. Suites come with spacious terraces where you can breathe in that fresh mountain air. There are also two restaurants—one casual, and the other a fancier venue that offers a multi-course tasting menu inspired by the region. You definitely have to commit to the breakfast, though, if only for the sumptuous Nutella croissant. But the most impressive part of the Lefay Dolomiti is the three-floor wellness complex. Anything you could think of, it delivers. Indoor-outdoor infinity pool? Cold plunge? Transformational skin and body treatments? An aqua therapy experience? An in-house line of lotions and potions? Check, check, check, check, check.
Arosa, Switzerland
There’s no shortage of world-class mountain hotspots in Switzerland. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed alternative to the glam of St. Moritz, Verbier, Gstaad, and other uber-famous Europe ski resorts, head to the easternmost canton of Schanfigg Valley, where 140 miles of skiable terrain await in the storybook village of Arosa. Perched 1,800 feet above sea level, this quaint Swiss mountain town is a compact snow mecca that will inspire you to exchange designer boutiques and see-and-be-seen après hotspots for (family-friendly) outdoor pursuits. Think: sledding down the mountain, heading to the lake for early-morning ice bathing, horse-drawn carriage rides, and hiking to hilltop chalets for wine-and-cheese tastings. The 140 miles of trails (this includes neighboring Lenzerheide resort) are great for beginner and intermediate skiers, but there are of course more challenging runs, including the Black Diamond Slope, which meanders down the mountain for over a mile and a half. Since 2005, Arosa has also hosted a Gay Ski Week, where a calendar of parties, musical performances, themed après-ski events, and ice skating break up days spent getting to know the mountain’s pistes.
Originally opened in 1929, Tschuggen Grand Hotel remains one of Switzerland’s most stunning five-star hotels. All of the rooms are impeccable, but try to grab one that comes with its own Finnish sauna. Otherwise, the 53,820 square-foot spa, which features head-turning glass sails designed by Mario Botta, delivers all the wellness experiences you could dream of, from cold plunge pools to marble steam rooms to muscle-relaxing massages. There are five restaurants here, but the most fun is called The Basement, a subterranean hangout that serves Alpine comfort food (homemade apple strudel is a must-order) and comes with mini bowling lanes.
Kitzbühel, Austria
When it comes to Winter Olympic legacy, glitzy Kitzbühel, located just over an hour outside Münich, is one of Europe’s most storied. This mountain town of about 60,000 inhabitants was called home by a group of six athletes who would eventually become ski superstars in the 1950s. One of them—Toni Sailer—won all three gold medals in alpine skiing at the 1956 Olympics in Cortina, Italy. (Today, there’s a ski clothing brand named after him.)
The region around Kitzbühel has multiple ski options—about 145 miles of terrain, but the most famous mountain is the Hahnenkamm, which lords right over the town itself. The Hahnenkamm Races are not just among skiing’s most prestigious events, (part of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup), it’s also one of the oldest and is held annually since 1931. A day on this mountain can be challenging, in the best way, but the experience is pretty cushy, too: There are 58 lifts that take you to trails of every level, and when you get peckish or need a break, there are 60 huts and mountain restaurants where you can warm up with a steaming mug of glühwein. And the medieval town center—full of old-school frescoes and colorful historic houses—is almost as picturesque as the peaks.
If that’s not enough, the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is not that far away. And in that resort, there are another 170 miles of skiable terrain, reached by 83 lifts. If you’re into night skiing, there are 10 illuminated kilometers of slopes here—the most in all of Austria.
Sitting at the base of the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Wilder Kaiser, Stanglwirt ticks a lot of boxes. The entire property covers about 30 acres, and it’s been thoughtfully organized so that the guest experience is as dynamic as it is varied. In addition to 171 alpine-chic rooms and suites, there is an immense three-acre wellness facility that features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and treatment rooms. (Don’t sleep on the Barbara Sturm facials!) The resort boasts several dining venues, including a restaurant outfitted with a window onto one of the farm’s cowsheds. And if you need more to do, Stanglwirt is also home to one of Europe’s most comprehensive hotel tennis programs. Here, six of the 14 courts are indoors so you can come for the skiing and stay for the tennis lessons.
Baqueira Beret, Spain
If you’ve only considered traveling to Spain for its big cities and famous beaches, you’re missing out on winter-season adventures, especially in the Pyrenees. Baqueira Beret offers a different ski culture to the Alps, though it’s only about 115 miles away from Toulouse Airport. The resort combines approximately 100 miles of runs across three different areas: Baqueira, Beret, and Bonaigua. You’re in Spain now, so while lifts start up at 9 a.m., the mountain won’t really get busy until around lunchtime; early-bird skiers have a lot of the piste to themselves. The resort is known for consistently delivering fantastic snow conditions, thanks to the Atlantic-facing slopes of the valley. Many of these runs are easygoing (so not as crowded as more popular regions in the Alps) and wide (making it great for less experienced skiers). Still, moguls and miles of off-piste terrain are there to be conquered by those who dare.
With your skis off, there’s plenty more to do, including over two dozen mountainside restaurants. There’s a venue from famed jamón pioneers Cinco Jotas, for instance, and if you’ve built up a thirst, the Moët Winter Lounge has free-flowing champagne. From Baciver, the resort’s highest point at 8,563 feet, you can even spot Andorra, another ski destination that has its own if-you-know-you-know atmosphere.
If you’re looking for grand-dame hotels, Baqueira Beret may not be for you; accommodations here are on the smaller side, with family-owned guest houses and apartment rentals. Plum Guide has vetted a great selection of homes and chalets. Consider Snowfall Sanctuary, a ski-in/ski-out hideaway minutes away from the Baqueira’s lifts. Amenities here include an open-plan kitchen, a fireplace, and ski storage in the building to make getting on the first chair that much easier.
Allgäu, Germany
Germany is often overlooked as a country for skiing (having neighbors like Switzerland isn’t easy), but in the rugged mountains of Allgäu, a network of pristine pistes, sans crowds, awaits. There are over 50 ski resorts in this region of southern Germany, with more than 330 kilometers of slopes that are served by 193 ski lifts. Glide down the tree-lined Oberstdorf runs with the Alpsee Lake in the distance, or head to Nebelhorn for high altitude runs that begin 2,224 meters up. The best skiing is found in the south, clustered near the Bavarian Alps and the Austrian borders.
Allgäu’s original claim to fame is ski jumping: as early as 1910, ski jumping hills were constructed and local championships were held, helping make the Allgäu famous for this winter sport. (It was even a training ground for the German national team ahead of the 1928 Olympics in St. Moritz.) Once the skis come off, fill your days with excursions to castle ruins, thermal baths, and snowshoeing trails. Don’t leave without tasting regional specialties like kässpatzen (cheese spaetzle) and unwind in a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscapes.
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This Small Luxury Hotels of the World property in Balderschwang, with its wood-clad houses framed by towering peaks of the Allgäu, offers an alpine vibe that’s both minimalist and cozy. The property sits in a high valley of the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park (quite close to the Austrian border) and is hugged by meadows and forests. Inside, it gets even more dazzling: their 4,500-square-meter Mountain Spring Spa has a touch of everything. An infinity pool with views of the mountains, Alpine Zen garden, various sauna areas, Japanese onsen pool, and exclusive spaces for massages and Ayurvedic treatments. The hotel’s culinary concept highlights local plant and animal products, and the seasonal dishes that emerge from these ‘slow food’ ingredients.
Riksgransen, Sweden
In the northern reaches of Sweden near the Norwegian border, the Riksgränsen ski resort is a powdery paradise for every type of adventurer. Perhaps most notably, the resort doesn’t open until February and stays in operation well into May. Maybe even more notably: this is the world’s most northerly ski resort. As expected, there’s an incredible amount of natural snow here, which offers a coveted mix of groomed runs and off-piste or backcountry opportunities in the mountain wilderness.
There are around 15 slopes, with six lifts in the main area, and one of the most unique features this destination has is the “midnight sun” skiing that takes place in the late spring. (As in, the sun never sets all of the way, instead, dipping low and painting the sky a golden-orange twilight that lasts for hours.) Because of this, Riksgränsen keeps its lifts running at night.
For those in search of a quintessential arctic experience, you can’t do much better than Niehku Mountain Villa. Known for its heliskiing tours, this hotel can whisk you away to 60 powdery peaks. There are 14 guest rooms and plenty of cozy nooks, including a dining room, bar, lounge, and a spa. The vibe definitely steers more toward homey than hotel, which is fitting considering its remote, spectacular location. The property was built on the site of an old steam locomotive roundhouse, and the original semi-circular stone wall runs through the new building. One especially unique architectural detail is the wine cellar, which is tucked under the restaurant and visible through a glass floor (it was originally a service pit for locomotives).
Metsovo, Greece
Skip your sun soaked holiday to Serifos and opt for a wintry getaway to Metsovo’s under-the-radar ski slopes. This mountainous region in northwestern Greece is not for die-hards: there are just three small ski centers—Anilio, Politsies, and Karakoli. What it lacks in size and vertical drops, it more than makes up for in uniqueness and access to nature-based wellness. (More on that below).
It’s also downright picturesque during the wintertime. Traditional Alpine-style villages are powdered with fluffy white snow and local specialities, like the Metsovone smoked cheese is nothing short of divine. As expected, this is a great ski destination for both families and beginners, and the route here is fairly straightforward. It’s about a six-hour drive from Athens, and just four from Thessaloniki. If you’re up for it, there’s even a flight into Ioannina, which is only an hour-and-a-half from the resort.
Tucked within the Pindus mountains atop a private peak, this wellness getaway is where you go when you a mental reset is in order. The surrounding peaks set a majestic tone, and the quintessential village of Metsovo (with its aforementioned ski slopes) is just a short drive from the property. The hotel is surrounded by extensive black pine forests and wildlife sightings like Eurasian brown bears, wolves, and Balkan chamois are all possible. Interiors are awash in soothing neutrals and natural textures, and the wellness program takes inspiration from the Aspen tree. Spa guests can swim in the indoor heated pool with panoramic views, or indulge in a treatment like the mountain scrub that uses herbs from Metsovo.
