10 amazing ski towns in Europe to inspire your next winter vacations

13.01.2024.

Even if you’re not eager for skiing, visiting these ski towns unveils the fascinating winter magic. Skiing can be an expensive sport and you can also substitude it with hiking in some of these European destinations.

The winter fun brings us back in childhood showing us happiness in the simple outdoor joy. All we need is snow and the rest will follow up.

Most often, choosing a winter resort is not only about skiing but a cultural experience intertwined with the amusing activities.

Together with a dozen stunning travel bloggers, I bring you a colourful palette of winter vacation ideas from all across Europe. With the various European ski towns, find also an amazing choice of winter hikes including the southern places. Be ready to make your winter unforgettable with these ideas.

This post contains links which could help me to earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for reading and supporting Under Flowery Sky.

Oberstdorf, Germany- contributed by myself

Oberstdorf is a lovely town on the very south of Germany, known by its ski jumping tournaments. Nestled in Allgau, Oberstdorf offers the longest downhill slope. The five ski jumps give Oberstdorf a unique reason to visit during the winter time.

Its highest peak Nebelhorn unveils the gorgeous panorama of the surrounding mountains, which you can easily reach by cable car. One of the longest ski runs in Germany will satisfy visitors of all levels of experience.

The Fellhorn mountain is another awesome choice with Crystal Family fun parks full of inspiring decor. Perfect for snowboarders is an area close to the middle station of the Fellhorn cable car.  

Don’t miss a chance to visit Breitachklamm near Oberstdorf, which has stunning and deep canyons.

On the Söllereck mountain, you can enjoy incredible pistes which are perfect for children.

Very close to the Austrian border and the famous castle Neuschwanstein, Oberstdorf is about 2,5h from Munich. Easily reachable by train or even Flixbus, the hiking and skiing fun is full of choice in Oberstdorf.

Hotel Filser offers the panoramic views of the Alps and cozy atmosphere. For more luxurious experience, choose Hotel Franks with its charming garden, outdoor and indoor pools.

Lech, Austria- contributed by Caitriona Maria from The Facts Institute

Lech, Austria, is a picturesque alpine gem perfect for ski enthusiasts and winter adventurers alike. Renowned for its world-class slopes, this charming town offers a mix of challenging runs and beginner-friendly pistes, making it ideal for skiers of all levels. 

As a beginner skier, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there last winter, and it was truly a vacation to remember. I hired a trainer to teach me the ropes, and with a bit of perseverance, I was teasing my way between poles and making tiny ski jumps!

Off the slopes, enjoy the gourmet restaurants, outdoor bars, and mountainside views. The villagers are friendly and welcoming there and will make you feel right at home. 

Innsbruck is the closest airport to Lech. Once you get to Saint Anton am Arlberg, a bus will take you to your destination. I stayed in a cozy accommodation called Haus Sebastian, which was a stone’s throw away from all the shops, eateries, and slopes. With such luxury comes a price tag, but you can stock up at the local SPAR and hit the bars and restaurants in the evenings—we enjoyed Schneggarei for top-notch wine and pizza!

Selva, Dolomites, Italy- contributed by Louisa Loring from EatingAroundItaly.com

Right in the heart of the Val Gardena UNESCO Dolomites, Selva is a charming alpine village offering countless outdoor activities, cultural experiences and scenic views 360 days of the year. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Sella Group and the Sassolungo, Selva is an ideal destination for any kind of traveler including beginning skiers or experts, couples, families with small children and large groups. 

Selva is a skier’s paradise, being part of the renowned Dolomiti Superski area with access to over 1,200 kilometers of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. No matter where you are on the famed ‘Sella’, you will be awed by the stunning sweeping mountain views. For non-skiers, there are plenty of winter hiking trails, snowshoeing paths, and ice skating rinks in the town below and even up on the mountains.

Selva is small enough to make moving about, parking your car and renting gear easy and seamless yet at the same time, it’s large enough to offer a wide selection of cafes, bars and restaurants serving up regional Ladin cuisine. The small town has everything you want at your fingertips in terms of skiing equipment, rentals and lessons (including ski school for little ones). Book your stay in the center of Selva on the slopes, like at Hotel Garni Aghel, which makes your skier experience even easier and more enjoyable. 
As you ski, you will notice a wide range of huts and cabins to stop at and sunbathe, eat and drink ranging from casual to fine dining. In addition, the town, ski slopes, ticket windows and general management of Dolomiti Superski is easy to navigate and a pleasure to work with.

Chamonix, France- contributed by Chanelle Rosenbaum from Chasing Chanelle

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, bordering Italy and Switzerland in the French Alps, is one of Europe’s most iconic ski towns. Not only is it one of the world’s top ski resorts, it’s also Europe’s extreme sports capital. And it was the location of the first winter Olympics!

As such, it’s no surprise that Chamonix is a haven for skiing and snowboarding, with access to 5 different ski areas. Plus, there are plenty of other winter activities to do in the valley, including Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. And, to wind down at the end of the day, the town is also known for its lively après-ski atmosphere.

Getting to Chamonix is straightforward. The town is just a 1-hour drive from Geneva Airport, with regular shuttle services available.

For a fun and comfortable stay, check into La Folie Douce Hotel. Located at the base of the Brévent ski area, it’s one of the valley’s only hotels that boasts ski-in-ski-out access. Plus, it has its own spa and restaurant, and hosts plenty of onsite events and concerts.

Zermatt, Switzerland- contributed by Zoe from Together in Switzerland

For one of the most exciting ski towns in Europe, consider visiting Zermatt in Switzerland. This car-free location is a dream destination for all who enjoy a winter vacation with lots of snow. 

Zermatt is located in the Valais canton of Switzerland and you can only reach it by local SBB train. You can take a car most of the way, but have to switch to the train for the final part. The trains are ideal, and very scenic along the way. Then when you’re in the village, there are some local mini taxi’s you can take for your accommodation.

For sleeping, book your stay at Hotel Cheminee. They have cosy rooms with balcony views of the Matterhorn, and located easily within the centre and close to the main ski gondolas. 

Zermatt is the base when you wish to see the famously known Matterhorn. This mountain is visible right from the center of Zermatt, but most scenic when you take either the Matterhorn Express gondola to the Klein Matterhorn peak, or the Gornergrat train to the different peak. Both also doable without skiing.

When not hitting the slopes to ski or snowboard, you can enjoy many wonderful winter hikes in the area, such as to a few viewpoints to see the village from above. Zermatt also hosts a local museum called Matterhorn Museum Zermatlantis, where you can learn about the full history of the area. 

Shopping in Zermatt is also enjoyable, with a range of luxury stores to little local boutiques. You can definitely find something unique here to take home. For a bite to eat when not in your hotel, make sure to visit Fuchs Bakery & Bistro, perfect for breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack! 

Tromsø, Norway- contributed by Chris from Global Trip Diaries

Tromsø is a very different ski town, combining Arctic activities with guaranteed snow. The most convenient skiing is in Tromsø Alpinpark, offering runs for all abilities, just a 15 minute drive from the city centre. The views from the slopes are spectacular, like nothing I’ve seen in Europe, overlooking the town and the fjords. 

The most unique feature is the polar nights. Floodlit slopes let you ski in the darkness. If you’re lucky, the Northern Lights can make an appearance! 

Tromsø is great for beginners and families, but advanced skiers won’t be bored either – there is plenty of alpine skiing and guided tours.

To reach Tromsø, fly to Tromsø Airport, Langnes, with direct flights from major European hubs like Oslo and London. The airport is just 10 minutes from the city centre by bus or taxi.

For an amazing stay with views to match, try Skaret by Vander in the centre of town. 

Ruka, Finnland- contributed by Suzanne from Meandering Wild

Ruka is in Finnish Lapland and is suitable for all skill levels with over 30 ski runs and an extensive network of cross-country trails. Beyond skiing you can enjoy snowshoeing, ice fishing or take a husky or reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forests. Ruka is also an ideal destination for witnessing the Northern Lights with them being visible from the edge of the resort.  It is under 30km from Riisitunturi National Park which has stunning landscapes.

Ruka has a number of beautiful hotels. The most stunning is Ruka Peak which has views out across the forest that surrounds the town and has a sauna and outside hot tub to relax after a day on the slopes.

Getting to Ruka is straightforward with flights from Helsinki direct to Kuusamo Airport. The transfer from Kuusamo airport to Ruka is 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and continue by bus or car. 

Brasov, Romania- contributed by Ersilia from Explore With Ersilia

Poiana Brasov is Romania’s premier ski resort, nestled just 30 minutes from medieval Brasov city. Multiple ski slopes offer stunning views of the Carpathian mountains.

Getting here is straightforward. First, fly to Bucharest Airport. Then choose between a train or transfer to Brasov. From Brasov, regular Bus 20 services run to Poiana Brasov.

For your stay, consider the luxurious Hotel Aro Palace. This 5-star hotel in Brasov offers elegant rooms. Its location provides easy access to both the slopes and city center.

When you’re not skiing, explore Brasov’s medieval charm. The iconic Black Church stands as a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city. Take the cable car up Tampa Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the region.

The resort’s convenient location lets you combine winter sports with cultural exploration.

Zakopane, Poland- contributed by Adrianna from Stylish Travlr

Zakopane, often called the winter capital of Poland, is a must-visit for ski lovers. Located in the Tatra Mountains, it’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying the snowy outdoors. Beginners and pros can head to ski areas like Kasprowy Wierch or Gubałówka. After skiing, explore Krupówki Street for food, souvenirs, and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the traditional wooden houses and a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh for a cozy winter experience.

Zakopane is easy to reach from Kraków by bus or train, which takes about two hours. Both options are affordable and offer beautiful views along the way.

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, book a room at Bachleda Residence. This elegant hotel offers stylish rooms, a spa, and great amenities, all close to Zakopane’s top attractions.

Grindelwald, Switzerland- contributed by Goya from Goya Galeotta

Grindelwald, in the Swiss Alps, is a dream ski town. Part of the iconic Jungfrau Ski Region spanning across two valleys and three mountain ranges, its perfectly prepared pistes of over 200 kilometres are perfect for all levels. 

Here, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a wide range of options from gentle family-friendly runs to challenging slopes for seasoned pros. While non-skiers can enjoy sledging trails, snowshoeing, winter hikes, the First Cliff Walk or the thrilling First Flyer zipline — a high-speed ride with jaw-dropping views.

Getting to Grindelwald is easy. A scenic train from Zurich via Interlaken takes about two and a half hours, offering breathtaking views along the way.

For a welcoming place to stay, Hotel Belvedere is a top pick. Offering panoramic views of the North Face of the Eiger, this family-run 4-star superior hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the town centre — making it perfect to grab a bite or browse nearby shops for Swiss souvenirs after a day on the slopes!

PIN IT FOR LATER: