Best Jet Set Ski Destinations for the Winter Season

France is as popular as a destination for Europeans as it gets, and that it is no surprise when you consider the choice on offer across the Alps.

If you are looking for a new destination to explore for a skiing trip with your favorite ski escort this winter, or you are a first-timer heading to the slopes in Europe or North America, you will want to know the best places to visit and make sure you are not heading off piste.

Courchevel in France

With a huge variety of slopes and runs suitable for all abilities of skier and some of the best snow available, Courchevel is arguably the most popular of France’s skiing destinations and is becoming increasingly used by the rich and famous. Situated at the end of the Trois Vallees, there is 600km of slopes and more than 170 lifts to boot.

Val Thorens, Val d’Isere and Megéve

Alternative options in France worth exploring for the winter season include Val Thorens, the highest slopes in Europe and purpose built in the Trois Vallees, the extremely popular Val d’Isere and neighbouring Tignes, the famous Chamonix, home to the first-ever Winter Olympics, and the up-and-coming venue Les Deux Alpes. Megève, meanwhile, cries out luxury with Michelin star restaurants and 5-star hotels and spas aplenty and is the new choice of the stars.

St Moritz, Verbier and Zermatt

Across the border, Switzerland also has some of the best slopes in Europe with St Moritz, Verbier, Wengen and Zermatt among those that should be considered as destinations this winter. St Moritz is the jewel in Switzerland’s crown, home to celebrities during the winter season. The frozen lake in the town plays home to all manner of sports events including horse racing, golf, polo and cricket. The variety of runs means you’re guaranteed something for your level of ability, and check out the world famous Cresta run too while there.
Verbier’s altitude in the Alps means it is a near certainty to guarantee good snow, while Zermatt can also offer the same from its position located high upon the Matterhorn overlooking Switzerland and Italy. The incredibly friendly town of Wengen, meanwhile, offers a range of slopes for all abilities as well as toboggan runs to try out.

Solden in Austria

In Austria, consider Solden, the scene of filming for the James Bond movie Spectre, Ischgl, a farming village turned winter party capital, Lech, frequented by royals and the aristocracy, and Obergurgl as possible destinations for your winter break. Or if you are heading across the Atlantic then Whistler in British Columbia is the home of skiing in Canada, or if it is the United States you are heading to then the Rockies in Colorado should be considered.