If you’re visiting Europe to ski or snowboard and concerned about snow conditions and poor weather then you need to know what the highest ski resorts in Europe are to avoid that problem as best possible.
If you’ve made it this far you’re no doubt looking to know what the highest ski resorts are in Europe. The higher you are and further above the tree line the more likely you’ll be presented with exceptional views, beautiful mountains peaks and unique glacier skiing.
Without further ado, find Europe’s highest ski resorts below:
Val Thorens
Val Thorens in France is officially the highest ski resort in Europe, reaching a magnificent elevation of 3,230 meters (10,597 feet). The purpose built resort provides the ultimate location to explore the Three Valley ski resort in which it finds itself located. And the resort being situated at round 2,300m snow is almost expected here.
Numerous ski-in and ski-out accommodation make for easy access to the slopes to enjoy the day, and convenient when the day is over and its time to relax.
Zermatt
Located in Switzerland, Zermatt reaches skiing heights that are almost unthinkable. In Zermatt you can ski at the summit which reaches 3,899 metres (12,795 feet), extraordinary. Found at the Klein Matterhorn Glacier here you will really be testing your limits.
Snow conditions in Zermatt and around the glacier and so good that you may even have the opportunity for summer skiing
Cervinia
Italy’s highest resort Cervinia is nestled into the Aosta Valley. Reaching altitudes of 3,883 metrrs (12,740 feet) at the summit of the Piccolo Cervino (Little Matterhorn). The purpose built resort is ideal for reaching the great altitudes and the Cervinia resort sits at just over 2,000 metres.
Not forgetting Cervinia merges into Zermatt so you have easy access to glacier skiing at the Klein Matterhorn Glacier.
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl is one of Austria’s highest ski resorts. Slopes here reach an altitude of 3,080 meters (10,105 feet) at the top of the Wurmkogl. The town of Hochgurgl finds itself sitting at over 2,000m so snow can be abundant here. Combine this with the wide selection of runs you’ll be kept busy skiing all morning and afternoon.
Solden
Another Austrian treat to experience the highest skiing in Europe is Solden. The ski resort of Solden doesn’t sit too high, only just under 1,400 metres. However, don’t let this fool you.
Reaching altitudes of 3340 metres above sea level and with two glacier ski mountains, reliable snow is to be expected from October through May. The ‘Big 3’ mountains of Gaislachkogl, Tiefenbachkogl and Schwarze Schneide make for an impressive background when skiing in one of Austria’s highest resort.
A unique experience for film fanatics as this is where the James Bond film ‘Spectre’ was filmed. Where you can visit the 007 ELEMENTS cinematic installation that finds itself at 3,050m on the Gaislachkogl mountain.
Tignes
France keeps providing some of the highest ski resorts in Europe. Tignes is not exception. Tignes sits at 2,100 metres, with the smaller resort in Tignes of Val Claret sitting even higher.
The piste reaches just under 3,500 metres at its peak, thanks to the Grande Motte glacier. Providing opportunities for summer skiing and excellent conditions throughout winter.
It’s worth mentioning that you can access Val d’Isère from Tignes. Which offers high altitude skiing via the Pisaillas glacier.
Val d’Isère
Another French resort that presents high altitude skiing in Europe. Val d’Isère sits slightly lower than neighbouring ski resort Tignes. However, with plenty of peaks at over 2,500 metres and glacier skiing at over 3,000 metres in the form of the Pisaillas glacier.
Val d’Isère and Tignes together form the impressive Espace Killy ski resort. Which offers over 300 km of piste to explore.
Verbier
Another options courtesy of Switzerland and the Swiss Alps. Verbier only sits at 1,500 metres but provides access to the Mont Fort Glacier that reaches an impressive altitude of 3,330 meters (10,926 feet).
Forming part of Four Valleys ski area, you have access to over 400km of slopes. However you’ll need to be quick if you need to get back to Verbier base.
Also a word of warning that Verbier isn’t the cheapest ski resort in Europe – so expect steep prices for accommodation, food and drink.
Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee in Switzerland provides another opportunity to ski at some of the tallest mountains in Europe. The resort has a high altitude of 1,800 metres (5,905 feet) to 3,600 metres (11,811 feet) above sea level. With the resort itself sitting at the base of 1,800 metres.
Saas-Grund, just further along the valley also provides easy access to Hohsaas that allows for skiing at 3,200 metres.
Courmayeur
Last but not least we’re mentioning the Italian ski resort of Courmayeur, based in the Aosta Valley. With snow covered runs reaching up to 2,755 metres, a car-free central village with many bars, restaurants and shops you’re sure enough to find something to do. Not forgetting the après-ski scene.
A resort perhaps not for beginners, but at least those with some confidence with most runs geared towards intermediate levels.
Highest ski resorts in Europe – Notable mentions
Aiguille du Midi (Chamonix) – 3842 metres
Les 2 Alpes – 3568 metres
Pitztal Glacier (Pitztaler Gletscher) – 3440 metres
Alpe d’Huez – 3330 metres
Sierra Nevada – Pradollano – 3282 metres
Hintertux Glacier (Hintertuxer Gletscher) – 3250 metres
Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry (Paradiski) – 3226 metres