From the off-piste adventures of Austria to the powder-dusted peaks of the Italian Dolomites, the Alps offer a tapestry of world-class ski areas, each with its own distinct geography, scenery, and culture.
Whether you’re seeking right-in-the-action ski‑in/ski‑out chalets, authentic mountain character, or vibrant villages with a wealth of family-friendly activities, the following ski areas represent the very best of European skiing.
What is a ski area?
A ski area is composed of a group of valleys, mountains, pistes and trails, as well as the infrastructure that connects them together. Most of the skiable areas within these regions are joined by ski lifts; gondolas, chair lifts, and button lifts. There will be mixed levels of ski slopes too, ranging from beginner (usually green) up to experienced (black runs and off-piste).
How do ski areas and ski resorts differ?
A surprising number of elements shape the character of each ski area. The mountains themselves play a defining role: from altitude and the orientation of the slopes to the underlying terrain, whether rocky or grassy, and how it holds snow throughout the season.
Infrastructure also sets areas apart. Modern lift networks and the way they connect can transform the experience, allowing skiers to move effortlessly from one area to the next and explore a wider expanse of terrain.
Then there are the resorts within each area, each with its own personality. Some evolved gradually from traditional mountain communities and offer a handful of hotels or chalets with a more local feel. Others are larger, purpose-built destinations designed with ski travellers in mind, with extensive accommodation, dining, and amenities. Together, these nuances create the distinctive character that make every ski area, and its resorts, unique.
When it comes to family-friendly ski resorts, find out which are the best luxury ski resorts suited to families with children and teenagers.
Ski areas in the Alps
These are the most popular and largest ski areas in the Alps.
Arlberg, Austria
Where heritage meets heart.
Often described as the cradle of alpine skiing, the Arlberg region, which encompasses St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, and St. Christoph, blends timeless charm with contemporary luxury. With more than 300 km of marked runs and around 200 km of off‑piste terrain, it’s a dream for both adventurers and aesthetes.
Lech and Zürs are synonymous with sophistication, attracting travellers who value understated elegance, fine dining, and exceptional service. St. Anton, meanwhile, pairs its legendary après‑ski scene with exhilarating descents and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Luxury touch: Private chalets in Lech and Oberlech offer discreet ski‑in/ski‑out access and an elevated sense of alpine exclusivity. Chalet 1551 is one of our most exclusive chalets in Lech, being ski in/ski out with impeccable service from a dedicated chalet staff.
Dolomiti Superski, Italy
A UNESCO masterpiece of mountain beauty.
Dolomiti Superski spans an extraordinary 1,200 km of pistes across twelve valleys framed by the dramatic limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, and Madonna di Campiglio each bring a blend of Italian elegance, picture-perfect scenery, and exceptional food.
The famous Sellaronda circuit, connecting four Dolomite valleys, is a must for intermediate and advanced skiers, an unforgettable route with uninterrupted views of the region’s iconic formations.
Though plenty of skiing to be had, the ski resorts on the Italian side of the Alps are not as well-connected by lift systems as their French counterparts.
That being said, a stay in the Dolomites feels effortlessly indulgent, defined by warm hospitality, refined mountain cuisine, and extraordinary landscapes. Skiing in the Dolomites isn’t just about skiing; it’s about the entire mountain experience.
Luxury touch: COMO Alpina Dolomites and other five‑star retreats promise serene stays surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage beauty. For those seeking even more exclusivity, private catered chalets here offer a wonderfully authentic experience.
Paradiski, France
Adventure and accessibility in equal measure.
Connecting Les Arcs and La Plagne via the impressive Vanoise Express cable car, Paradiski offers 425 km of varied pistes. From high‑altitude glaciers and broad bowls to forested trails and lots of little character‑filled villages, it’s a favourite among our seasoned skiers at Oxford Ski Company.
Les Arcs appeals to design‑conscious travellers, while La Plagne is renowned for its family‑friendly layout and convenient ski‑in/ski‑out accommodation. With efficient lifts and wide‑ranging terrain, it promises variety without compromise.
Luxury touch: One of our favourite chalets in this area would have to be Chalet IV Vents in La Plagne. With plenty of amenities and a stylish, modern interior, it works beautifully as a large luxury family home-from-home for a ski holiday.
Portes du Soleil, France & Switzerland
Cross‑border charm with authentic alpine spirit.
With 600 km of pistes connecting 12 resorts, the Portes du Soleil is one of the world’s largest ski regions. Morzine, Les Gets, and Avoriaz each offer a unique flavour: Morzine and Les Gets embrace traditional charm, while Avoriaz stands out with its futuristic, car‑free village and snow‑sure positioning.
Morzine, in particular, has an exciting collection of luxury chalets offering spa areas, cinemas, and sunny terraces, facilities that rival those in more exclusive destinations such as Lech, Courchevel, or Val d’Isère, but often at a gentler price point. And with Avoriaz’s high‑altitude skiing just a short lift ride away, the region perfectly suits groups seeking flexibility.
Luxury touch: Stay in Chalet Tataali, a fun and vibrant chalet that has its own climbing wall and if you don’t fancy taking the stairs between floors, why not take the slide!
The Three Valleys, France
The world’s largest linked ski area.
Spanning Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, St Martin de Belleville, and La Tania, the Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) offer an extraordinary 600 km of meticulously maintained pistes connected by an exceptional lift network.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Three Valleys is the diversity of its resort villages. Courchevel 1850 embodies high‑altitude glamour, fine dining, and exclusivity, while St. Martin de Belleville offers a quieter, more traditional village feel, yet both share access to the same world‑class ski area. Imagine waking up in St. Martin, enjoying lunch in Méribel, and sipping après cocktails in Courchevel, all in one seamless (if not very busy) day.
Luxury touch: Courchevel 1850’s palace‑rated hotels (one above five-star) and fully serviced chalets set the standard for alpine luxury. There are over a dozen five-star hotels in Courchevel 1850, with many boasting ski-in/ski-out access.
The Four Valleys, Switzerland
Swiss precision, spectacular scenery, and high-end style.
Home to Verbier, one of the most sought‑after resorts in the world, the Four Valleys (Les 4 Vallées) span 410 km of slopes linking Verbier with Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon, and La Tzoumaz.
Verbier’s appeal lies in its harmony of challenge and charm: steep, satisfying terrain for experts, a celebrated après scene, and elegant chalets ideal for those seeking privacy.
Beyond Verbier, the surrounding villages offer quieter bases, making the region versatile for families and mixed‑ability groups.
Luxury touch: After skiing back to the Médran, settle in for a well‑earned drink at Pub Mont‑Fort before your 3-minute walk back to the stunning Place Blanche chalet.
Tignes–Val d’Isère (Espace Killy), France
High‑altitude excellence with guaranteed snow all winter.
Set within the Tarentaise Valley, the combined ski area of Tignes and Val d’Isère sits at 1,850 m and 2,100 m respectively, making it one of the most snow‑secure regions in the Alps. With skiing up to 3,456 m and access to two glaciers, the Pissaillas in Val d’Isère and the Grande Motte in Tignes, the area offers skiing from late November well into May, and even summer skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier.
The terrain is diverse, with 21 green runs for beginners, an excellent snowpark, and extensive off‑piste for experienced skiers. Val d’Isère stands out as one of Europe’s most popular luxury ski resorts, pairing top‑tier chalets and hotels with renowned dining and iconic après spots such as La Folie Douce.
Luxury touch: Hotel Airelles Val d'Isère offers ski‑in/ski‑out indulgence, exquisite suites, and five‑star service in the heart of this infamous vibrant resort.
How to choose the right ski area
When choosing the right ski area in the Alps is as much about atmosphere as it is about terrain. It’s about the pace you want, the people you’re travelling with, and the memories you hope to create.
At Oxford Ski Company, our specialists know these ski resorts intimately. They've skied the pistes, dined in the restaurants, experienced the chalets, and inspected the hotels, knowledge that allows us to curate your stay that will truly reflect the character and charm of each destination.
So, don’t know where to go next?
Contact the team to help advise where you should go on your next luxury ski holiday.
