The Alps ski season usually runs from early December to April, with the most reliable snow from January to March. The right resort depends on who's coming, how well they ski, and how much you want to spend.
Pick by style
- Big ski areas for keen skiers: the Three Valleys (Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens) and Tignes-Val d'Isère in France, or the Arlberg (St. Anton, Lech) in Austria.
- Iconic and glamorous: Zermatt with its Matterhorn views, St. Moritz, and Cortina d'Ampezzo, which co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Family-friendly: Austria's Saalbach, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis and Obergurgl, or France's Les Arcs and La Plagne with ski-in, ski-out apartments.
- Better value: Italy's Dolomiti Superski area (Val Gardena, Alta Badia) for food and scenery, plus Andorra and Bulgaria's Bansko on a budget.
When to go
School holidays (Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter) are the most expensive and crowded. Early-season weeks in December, the second half of January and March are the best balance of snow, sunshine and price.
Budget
Self-catered apartments in mid-size resorts can run $120-250 a night; ski-in, ski-out hotels in top resorts are often $400-1,000+. Add lift passes, equipment and lessons, and book them online in advance for discounts.
Getting there
Fly into Geneva, Zurich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Milan or Venice, then transfer by train, shuttle or rental car. If you rent a car, book winter tyres and snow chains. Many resorts are car-free in the centre.
Compare chalets, ski hotels and airport car rentals on TripBreeze, or tell the concierge "family of four, intermediate skiers, February, mid-range".
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