🎿 Top 20 ski resorts in the world: from budget to luxury

Mountain peaks, stylish ski suits and goggles shining in the sun, cozy chalets with a fireplace, liters of mulled wine – ski resorts annually attract not only ski and snowboard lovers, but also those who are looking for a special winter atmosphere.

“Alpine skiing” is available wherever there are mountains or at least hills equipped with slopes. In this selection I will tell you about the most prestigious, and therefore expensive, resorts and those that are accessible to almost everyone.

Prestigious resorts

Courchevel, France

The oldest ski resort in France. One of the most famous, prestigious and expensive ski resorts in the world is located in the Savoie region. It is part of the largest ski area “Three Valleys” (Les Trois Vallées) – a huge system of lifts and slopes.

The resort includes more than 150 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty levels: from “green” for beginners to “black” for pros. 

There are plenty of other activities in Courchevel: from spas to Michelin -starred restaurants, from helicopter flights to photo sessions with huskies.

Zermatt, Switzerland

The resort is located at the foot of the famous Matterhorn mountain. It is its top that is on the packaging of Toblerone chocolate. Stunning scenery, high level of service, lots of entertainment, equipped and extremely safe trails over 360 kilometers long. You can ride all year round. Expensive, but worth it. 

Zermatt is an ideal city for pedestrians. Most cars are prohibited in the city center. A pleasant bonus could be a lift system connecting the resort in Switzerland with its Italian neighbor – the Cervinia recreation area. You can go skiing, for example, in two countries at once.

Ischgl, Austria

A very popular Austrian resort is located in Tyrol in the Paznaun Valley. More than 230 kilometers of multi-level trails. There is also the opportunity to ride in a neighboring country: in the Swiss region of Samnaun.

The resort is also known for its active nightlife: bars, clubs, restaurants, parties, music festivals with the participation of world-class stars.

Cervinia, Italy

One of the highest mountain resorts in Europe: more than 2000 meters above sea level. It is possible to ride up to a height of 3,480 meters. More than 360 kilometers of trails. The Indian Park snow park is also located on site.

Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada

This is the resort where you should go, even if you don’t like ski holidays in general. Because the landscapes there are so stunning that it is impossible to remain indifferent.

Whistler and Blackcomb are two mountains connecting one resort, by the way, one of the largest in the world. 

Sundance Mountain, Sundance, USA

A unique ski resort, the best in the country, is located in Utah, at the foot of Mount Timpanogos. Advantage is given to experienced skiers and snowboarders; only 20% of the slopes are for beginners, but taking into account the total length of the resort, this is quite a lot. The US point of the resort is located at an altitude of 2515 meters. There is also a restaurant with an observation deck.

A ski pass can be purchased from $100, which generally helps the resort claim to be affordable. But still, logistics and visa issues do not allow easy access to the USA, so I will leave Sundance Mountain in the prestigious category. In the summer, the resort is also quite fun: there are many cultural events, festivals, plein airs, master classes and other activities.

Available resorts

Bansko, Bulgaria

Resort in southwest Bulgaria. Located at an altitude of 925 meters above sea level. Obviously, the prices for ski passes there are much lower than in the relatively expensive Courchevel. An accessible destination for those who like to tickle their nerves on the “red” slopes, there is only one “black” one. The highest point of the mountain range is a peak with a height of 2914 meters.

Bansko is not only a resort, but also an authentic European city with attractive architecture. You can come there for adrenaline, views, and a pleasant walk through local attractions.

Poiana Brasov, Romania

One of the best resorts in Romania and one of the most affordable in Europe. Eight ski slopes of different levels with a length of 15 kilometers. The complex is very beautiful. It is surrounded by a coniferous forest, and the ski lifts offer fabulous views of the Carpathians. 

Jasna, Slovakia

A tempting place for skiers and snowboarders, as well as ordinary tourists. The Low Tatras are attractive not only in the context of ski holidays. There is a lot of activity in the region. For example, not far from the resort there is one of the largest water parks in Europe. But average prices with high-quality service make Jasna a popular affordable destination for winter sports lovers.

Kopaonik, Serbia

64 kilometers of different trails, there are even special ones for children. The ski center is almost completely covered with artificial snow. For those who do not want to ride, there is the opportunity to use the cable car as an observation deck: enjoy the scenery and views of the snow park, where you should definitely take a walk in your free time. 

Gudauri, Georgia

For Georgia, snowy winters are the norm, so the atmosphere should captivate all lovers of mountain landscapes.

The slopes in the resort are equipped with super-high-quality modern equipment made in Austria, which puts them on a par with the best Alpine resorts, but with an important difference – a pleasant price. 

And where would we be without Georgian flavor and hospitality, homemade wine, delicious hearty cuisine, which especially hits the spot in cold weather, and other delights of a Georgian holiday. Everyone should come there: lovers of winter activities and those who prefer to sit with a glass of wine by the fireplace in a snow-covered mountain hut.

You can collect ski resorts into collections based on different criteria. For example, earlier a text was published on Piligrimos about the best trails for skiers and snowboarders. And there are even a dozen nominations from “size of ski area” to “snow guarantee”, but I divided the resorts into the most promoted in the world and the most affordable in Europe. France alone has several prestigious ski resorts, but so far no one has been able to dislodge Courchevel from the most prestigious position.

But all these resorts have one thing in common – the presence of ski slopes, ski passes and lifts. The only difference is the height of the mountains, the length of the ski areas and the cost. 

Therefore, choose what is closer to you, more convenient from a logistics point of view and more affordable. Because experienced athletes already know where they need to go. But we, tourism lovers, still look at the attractiveness of the country and the most desirable attractions. So have a great and safe winter holiday, and lots of cool activities!