The best ski resorts in the world – according to you
Our readers' 20 favourite ski resorts of the last season, including French favourite Chamonix
Lucy Aspden, Online Ski Editor
23 November 2020 • 4:00pm
Lucy Aspden
Here at Telegraph Travel, we're always telling you which ski resorts are best for this or that, from the most convenient ski-in/ski-out places to the snowiest spots for early or late season.
But now we've decided to turn the tables and let you decide on the top resorts for a change. Analysing our data from last season, we've come up with a list of our top 20 most-read resort guides. We crunched the numbers for each of our 50 essential ski holiday guides, as well as checking how they fared this year compared to last.
In this year's chart French resorts make a comeback as do budget-friendly and ski-in/ski-out choices, and as always snow-sure reliability sways the pick of the best.
If you're planning your next trip to the slopes, whether it's this winter or next, and looking for the best resorts don't take our word for it – here are the top 20 resorts according to you, Telegraph readers, in reverse order...
20. Flaine, France
After making its debut on last year's list Flaine, the purpose-built French resort which shares the Grand Massif ski area with the likes of charming Samöens and Les Carroz, retains its place at number 20. It's the largest resort in the ski area, which boasts 265km of pistes to please all abilities and a promising snow record. Born in 1969, when big concrete blocks of apartments were considered stylish, the main village centre has the big advantage of being mainly ski-in/ski-out. This convenience, as well as a reasonably short transfer from Geneva, makes it popular with families and beginners – many of whom are also attracted by the relatively low prices compared to some of its French cousins.
Flaine is the largest resort in the Grand Massif ski area Credit: monica dalmasso
19. Kitzbühel, Austria
The first of a trio of Austrian resorts to make the list (but dropping two places from its spot at 17 last year) is Kitzbühel, the resort famed for the Hahnenkamm, the meanest and scariest downhill race on the World Cup circuit. Away from the crazy race weekend each January the resort is a piste pussycat, with 215km of its own slopes best suited intermediates and experts, extended further with the wider regional lift pass that includes the SkiWelt ski area. Off the slopes Kitzbühel's medieval silver-mining centre, with its heavily buttressed walls and delicate painted frescoes, rightly deserves its reputation as the most beautiful ski town in Europe.
Kitzbühel is home to the Hahnenkamm, the meanest and scariest downhill race Credit: bernhard spoettel
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Kitzbühel
18. Val d'Isère, France
Dropping a momentous nine places in this year's chart is Val d'Isère. According to our resort experts more Britons get their winter-sports fix here every year than anywhere else in the world – and with good reason. Both terrain and town add up to what is essentially the ideal ski resort. Linked to neighbouring Tignes to form a ski area of 300km of pistes and 94 lifts, the French resort offers high quality, snow-sure slopes for everyone from complete beginner to veteran powderhound. Its long season stretches from the end of November into the first week of May thanks to snow cover that is reliable throughout the season, backed up by one of the largest snowmaking facility in Europe. Add in its raucous on-the-mountain après courtesy of the Folie Douce, and its attractive and sophisticated town centre and you have a true all-rounder of a resort.
Val d'Isère shares its ski area with Tignes Credit: Vanessa Fry Photography 2011/www.vanessafry.com
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Val d'Isère
17. Méribel, France
There are plenty of reasons to love Méribel, which has slipped back three places in our chart, not least for its pretty, chalet-style architecture, wooded surroundings and friendly, village atmosphere. But the prime reason is its central position within France's huge Trois Vallées ski area. To the east are the resorts of Courchevel and La Tania, and to the west, Val Thorens. Together with Méribel these combine to make one of the largest linked ski areas in the world, with more than 600km of pistes. As well as a number of famed local establishments, Méribel has its own on-slope Folie Douce bar for raucous, still-in-your-ski-boots après, and in recent winters has celebrated the opening of a number of exciting new hotels, including Le Coucou and Refuge de la Traye.
Méribel is at the heart of the world's largest ski area
Ream more: An essential ski holiday guide to Méribel
16. Courchevel, France
Remaining steadfast in its position at 16 is one of the world's most famous upmarket resorts, Courchevel, which gives access to the largest linked ski area in the world – and more Michelin stars than you can shake stick at. Because of the north-facing aspect of many of Courchevel's local slopes, the snow here is usually some of the best in the whole of the Trois Vallées ski area, and there's terrain to suit everyone from beginner to expert. Indeed, many visitors never feel the need to leave the Courchevel valley, which comprises of 150km of runs, despite having the rest of the ski area (totalling 600km) to explore. There's just as much to do off the slopes as on, with a packed calendar of events including the Ladies Alpine World Cup and facilities such as the Aquamotion centre below Moriond.
Courchevel is one of the world's most glamorous resorts Credit: david andre
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Courchevel
Read more: The best accommodation in Courchevel
15. Cervinia, Italy
Dropping five places and out of the top 10 this year is one of Italy's most snow-sure destinations, Cervinia, which gives access to 360km of slopes that it shares with neighbouring Zermatt, across the border in Switzerland. Staying here means you can explore one of the world's best ski areas at a fraction of the cost of opting for the pricey Swiss side. Even if you don't venture over to Zermatt, Cervinia and the linked village of Valtournenche provide a wonderful snow-sports playground, dictated by the easy gradient of the seemingly never-ending slopes.
Cervinia is Italy's most snow-sure resort
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Cervinia
14. Zermatt, Switzerland
Speak of the devil… The only Swiss resort in this (and last) year's chart is Switzerland's most famous winter destination, which brings together every Alpine cliché – from its views of the world's most photogenic mountain, the Matterhorn, to its narrow streets lined with wonky, weathered chalets. As a ski destination, especially for families, intermediates, experts and ski tourers, Zermatt, which shifts back just one place in the chart, sits up with the best. It has snow-sure slopes from late November to the end of April, making it a wise early and late season choice.
Zermatt sits in the shadow of the Matterhorn Credit: Kisa Markiza
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Zermatt
Read more: The best accommodation in Zermatt
13. Avoriaz, France
The first new entry in this year's list and showcasing our readers' lust for snow-sure and ski-in/ski-out convenience on their ski holidays is Avoriaz. The resort has a quirky charm, and the majority of the accommodation has direct access to the slopes of the massive French/Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area. The purpose-built neighbour of lower-altitude Morzines makes a good base for easy access to the ski area and it particularly popular with snowboarders, with no fewer than five terrain parks.
Avoriaz is the purpose-built neighbour of Morzine
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Avoriaz
12. Tignes, France
Another destination with guaranteed snow and ski-to-the-door convenience on tap is Tignes, which drops one place this year. The resort offers a combination of enviable snow cover, a variety of impressive terrain and a season that lasts most of the year, making it one of the most dependable winter destinations in France. This snow-sure gem, which is made up of five separate villages, offers good conditions right from October to May and (weather dependent) opens during the summer too thanks to its stellar altitude and glacier slopes. It shares 300km of pistes with neighbouring Val d'Isère to which it is linked extremely smoothly.
Tignes guarantees snow throughout a long season Credit: Stephane Cande
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Tignes
11. Mayrhofen, Austria
Trading places with Tignes and jumping one spot is Mayrhofen. For decades the resort has been one of the most popular resorts in the Alps for Brits, on one plank or two, and its in-your-face après scene and thriving nightlife, which attracts the world-famous Snowbombing festival each winter, delights or horrifies, according to taste. Holidaymakers have been coming here for more than 100 years and for the locals providing hospitality is a way of life. The ski area has 134km of runs and 53 lifts – and a reputation for reliable snow throughout a long season, with the runs mostly between 1,650m and 2,500m.
Mayrhofen is home to Austria's steepest pistes Credit: Frank Bauer
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Mayrhofen
10. Sauze d'Oulx, Italy
The highest charting of just two new entries this year is the relatively unheard of Italian resorts of Sauze d'Oulx, which bookmarks the top 10. In the 1970s and 1980s, Sauze had a reputation as a sort of Magaluf with moguls, where pub was more important than piste, and many of its strong British youth following never made it on to the snow before midday. These days Sauze has cleaned up its act. The charming Italian village that it once was is back on form, with an attractive, cobbled centre. What's more the prices here are roughly a third of those in premier French resorts like Courchevel and Val d'Isère, so eating out and entertainment needn't cost a fortune.
Sauze d'Oulx is kind on the purse strings
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Sauze d'Oulx
9. Les Arcs, France
Dropping three places but retaining its place in the top 10 (just) in the chart is Les Arcs. Linked to La Plagne across the valley via a two-decker cable car, this French resort offers 425km of slopes to explore if you buy the whole area lift pass. This massive ski area, which has a good snow record, offers a variety of terrain, but specialises in long, wide, well-groomed reds for smooth cruising. Les Arcs itself offers plenty of choice in terms of accommodation, from the purpose built Arcs 1800 and 2000 to the charming, traffic-free Arc 1950, made up of chic self-catering apartments.
Les Arcs is linked to neighbouring La Plagne
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Les Arcs
8. Les Deux Alpes, France
Losing its spot in the top five and after claiming the silver medal in 2018 Les Deux Alpes has dropped four places down the list this year. However as a snow-sure stalwart, with skiing and snowboarding on piste possible for much of the year it reaffirms the lust for guaranteed snow. Weather dependent, the resort opens its high-altitude glacier from mid-June to the end of August and again for French half term week at the end of October, before firing up the lift system for winter from the end of November until late April. Couple that with some of the most vibrant après in France and the delightful lower village of Venosc (linked by gondola, but not by piste), and it's clear why Les Deux Alpes is a firm British favourite.
Les Deux Alpes is home to a snow-sure glacier Credit: Karsten Bidstrup
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Les Deux Alpes
6. Courmayeur, Italy
After claiming a place on the podium for the first time last year this lovely old village at the foot of Mont Blanc has lost its bronze medal and dropped three places but remains the highest ranking Italian resort. Just beneath the entrance to the tunnel on the Italian side of the world-famous mountain pistes in Courmayeur are limited but there is plenty of challenging off piste, superb restaurants, and a lively nightlife. Eating and partying are the alternative occupations to hitting the slopes here and Courmayeur prides itself on its gastronomic qualities. Its proximity to both Geneva and Turin airports makes it a popular destination for weekenders from Britain and other countries, while wealthy Milanese and other city-based Italians arrive in their hordes on Friday afternoons in high season.
Courmayeur is home to plenty of excellent restaurants
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Courmayeur
5. La Plagne, France
The mega French resort of La Plagne climbs three places and secures a spot in the top five. The resort has 225km of marked runs of its own and a further 425km as part of the giant Paradiski linked ski area, which it shares with Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry. La Plagne is made up of no less than 11 separate "villages" scattered across a giant and largely gentle plateau, meaning if you're considering a holiday in La Plagne, its essential you work out exactly where you'd like to stay – Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre are the main hubs of the resort. Most of the accommodation is purpose built, but the three low-lying traditional farming villages, Champagny en Vanoise, Montalbert and Montchavin on the edge of the ski area, offering a more charming experience.
La Plagne is split across 11 separate villages Credit: Alamy
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to La Plagne
Read more: The best accommodation in La Plagne
4. Val Thorens, France
Shimmying up one slot is Val Thorens, Europe's highest ski resort. The village, which sits at 2,300m, opened over 40 years ago as an ambitious experiment in concrete, purpose-built resorts. But down the years it has developed into a much more aesthetically pleasing place, with a justified reputation for quality slopes, fine dining and lively après. With slopes up to 3,230m, the top point of the whole 600km Trois Vallées ski area, the resort's lofty altitude ensures that decent snow conditions prevail from late November until early May. It's a great base for exploring the Trois Vallées, but locally, Val Thorens alone claims 140km of varied pistes – most suited for beginners and intermediates.
Val Thorens is Europe's highest resort Credit: Sjoerd van der Wal/Sjo
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Val Thorens
3. Morzine, France
Gaining an impressive four places and earning a bronze medal in the process is Morzine. As well as being a ski resort, this popular British resort, just 75 minutes' drive from Geneva, is a proper little Alpine town that has a year-round life stretching far beyond having fun on the mountains that surround it. Morzine remains the capital of the 650km Portes du Soleil ski area, and is a great base to explore, despite its relatively low altitude of 1,000m. A popular spot for families, it offers a host of alternative activities to skiing and snowboarding, including ice-diving beneath a lake, nature discovery tours, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowshoeing and shopping. There's also a world-class ice rink and a large swimming pool.
Morzine is a charming resort close to Geneva Credit: Alamy
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Morzine
2. St Anton, Austria
After four impressive years on the top spot Austrian favourite St Anton has traded gold for silver in this year's chart. It's not too much of a surprise that this party resort, renowned around the world for its wild après and even wilder expert terrain, regularly appears in the top of the charts. Frequently rated among the top five resorts in the Alps, St Anton is located in Austria's giant Arlberg ski region, one of Europe's snowiest areas, boasts 340km of pistes, 200km of off-piste itineraries and over 55km² of challenging off-piste terrain. In addition, it has a highly efficient lift system and an attractive town bursting with stylish hotels, chalets and restaurants. And, come après time, it doesn't get any better than St Anton.
St Anton has long been a favourite with Telegraph readers
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to St Anton
1. Chamonix, France
Claiming the crown this year as the number one ski resort for Telegraph readers, after steadily moving from third to second last year, is Chamonix – solidifying itself as a world-class resort. The French hotspot hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and has re-emerged on the freeride wave as the capital of all-mountain skiing. This steep-sided valley, draped with tumbling glaciers beneath a crown of rocky spires, is where snow sports and mountaineering meet. Ski instructors and mountain guides come here to qualify, and every dedicated skier and snowboarder puts it on the bucket list to see how they'll measure up to the challenge of what Chamonix calls simply "le grand ski". Yes, it has beginner slopes and intermediate cruising too – but the real draw is for advanced skiers, and Telegraph readers, looking for a real challenge. See you there!
People from all over the world flock to Chamonix
Read more: An essential ski holiday guide to Chamonix
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