Where should you go skiing this winter?

Searching for the best ski resorts in Europe, cheap ski holidays or where to ski in February? The answer depends on three things: snow reliability, total price (flight + lift pass + accommodation) and how far the resort is from the airport. This guide compares the best options for winter 2026/27 — and shows you which airport to fly into.

Quick answer: the best ski destinations 2026/27

Best overall: Austria (St. Anton, Ischgl, Mayrhofen) — fly to Innsbruck or Salzburg.
Best value: Italy's Dolomites and Bansko in Bulgaria.
Most snow-sure: high resorts in France (Val Thorens, Tignes) — fly to Geneva or Lyon.
Easiest for families: Austria and Switzerland's car-free villages.
Short trip from Scandinavia: Hemsedal, Trysil and Åre — no long flight needed.

Austria — the classic all-rounder

Austria combines good snow, efficient lift systems and the famous après-ski. Innsbruck airport is under an hour from Stubai, Ötztal and Seefeld; Salzburg gives access to Ski Amadé and Zell am See. Lift passes typically cost 65–80 EUR per day in the big areas.

France — the biggest ski areas in the world

Les 3 Vallées (Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens) and Paradiski offer hundreds of kilometres of linked pistes. The high altitude gives snow reliability from December to April. Fly to Geneva (GVA) and take a transfer or rental car — usually 2–3 hours.

Switzerland — expensive, but spectacular

Zermatt, Verbier and St. Moritz deliver views and quality — at a price. Tip: flights to Zurich or Geneva are often cheap; save money on accommodation in neighbouring valleys instead.

Italy — Dolomiti Superski and good value

Dolomiti Superski gives you 1,200 km of pistes on one pass. Food and accommodation are usually cheaper than in Austria and Switzerland. Fly to Verona, Venice or Innsbruck.

Budget tip: Bulgaria and Andorra

Bansko (Bulgaria) and Andorra are among the cheapest ski destinations in Europe — often half the price of the Alps for lift passes and accommodation.

When is it cheapest to go skiing?

Early December and January after week 2 — lowest prices and fewest people.
Winter school holidays (February) and Easter are the most expensive. Book flights early for these weeks.
March often gives the best combination of sun, long days and spring offers.

How to find cheap flights for a ski holiday

Compare airports: Innsbruck vs Munich vs Salzburg can differ by hundreds of kroner.
Check the ski baggage fee — it can cost 50–80 EUR each way. See our guide to hidden flight fees.
Fly midweek — Saturday-to-Saturday is the most expensive.
Rent a car at the airport — often cheaper than transfers for 3–4 people.

Use Voyara's search with flexible dates to find the cheapest day, and explore more destinations on our destinations page.

Packing list for skiing

Helmet, goggles, thermal underwear, ski socks, sunscreen (the sun is strong at altitude), and an eSIM for data in the mountains. Remember travel insurance that covers off-piste and rescue.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best snow in Europe in December? High resorts above 2,000 m — Val Thorens, Tignes, Obergurgl, Cervinia and Zermatt.

What is the cheapest ski destination in Europe? Bansko (Bulgaria), Andorra and smaller areas in Slovenia and Poland.

Is it worth flying for skiing instead of driving in Scandinavia? For a week in the Alps, yes — longer seasons, more pistes and often similar total price.

Find cheap flights for your ski holiday on Voyara →

Best Ski Holidays Europe 2026/27: Top Resorts & Flights