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Winter is approaching and that means ski season is upon us. And, while the United States and Canada have some of the best places to offer for skiing, in this post we would like to highlight some of the top spots to be found in Europe.

Courchevel, France

The first on our list is Courchevel, which is the largest lift-linked ski area found on the globe. It is a series of four different villages and three different Valleys (or Vallées) and offers a wide range of slopes for the beginner to the most expert. As well, each other the four villages offer some of the best luxury dining and accommodation you can find for a resort of any kind. 

Four out of this world hotels are offered here through Virtuoso. First, there is the Les Airelles Courchevel, which is right on the slopes and mixes Austro-Hungarian and Chalet styles, with stained glass, and pastel frescoes; this location is an architectural dream for the elite. Second, The Cheval Blanc has a 3 Michelin Star Restaurant ‘Le 1947’, and a spa that is set to pamper. Third, The Hotel Le K2 Palace offers Tibetan-themed rooms, a dessert-only restaurant, and the nightclub K’baret. Finally, there is the L’Apogee, where you can eat from sushi masters, which is located on top of a former Olympic Ski Jump, and is a great location for families. 

Zermatt, Switzerland

Imagine waking up on a bluebird day about to hit some pow. Nothing really gets better for a skier. Now imagine all that — and a view of the Matterhorn. That is what you get with Zermatt. This tiny mountain town hosts one of the best ski areas in the world. This ski area is also great for every level from beginner to expert. The town itself is nice and cozy and offers a bountiful bevy of cuisine to choose from. 

For accommodation, we suggest two hotels, both equally lovely and well-suited to provide the regal alpine sensation. First, we have Mont Cervin Palace, which was built in 1852, offers a wide variety of gastronomical choices as well as a truly unique wine list. And, not only can you ski, but tobogganing and ice-climbing are also available. Second, there is the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof which is centrally located, offering three restaurants — with one specializing in cheese(!). As well, at this location, you are picked up in an electric car or horse-drawn carriage from the train station. The Grand Hotel also operates at 100% CO2 neutral. 

Val-d’Isere, France

This next place on our list is great for intermediate and advanced skiers, is at a high altitude which means that there is consistent snow around, and unlike some of the other places on our list, it has a vibrant nightlife for a ski town. 

The best place to stay is the Airelles Val-d’Isere, which has three restaurants, a section dedicated to children, and a Guerlain Spa to relax and rehabilitate after a long day. 

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

Staying in France, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, host of the first Winter Olympics and only an hour from Europe’s tallest peak, Mont-Blanc, this ski area is one of France’s oldest and most renowned. This ski area offers as well some of the most profound scenery that the Alps have, with jagged and dramatic mountain terrain, which also makes it perhaps the ski area on our list best fitted for those expert skiers. 

Here you can choose from a variety of great hotels! Contact us to see what we can find for you.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Our final location to share on the great places to ski in Europe is in Italy and right next to the world-famous Dolomite Mountains. Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the Olympics in 2026 and offers regularly groomed black trails. Another great feature of this location is that it is linked to the larger Dolomite Ski area, so moving around and exploring is easy.

Our recommended hotel is the Cristallo, which is 120 years old, hosts three restaurants, a Finnish sauna, Turkish baths, and is a future recipient of the Green Key Certification — meaning it has been awarded for its success in environmental responsibility. As well, this location is offering a promotion, so — talk to us about that!

In the end, whichever one of these locations suits you best, it is sure to be a great time. And, while it might seem a bit far away, it really isn’t. Easy flights to Geneva, Zurich, or Venice are all available with transport to ski areas common. 

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