SnowWorld's top 12 skiresorts

The name of this area in France might not immediately ring a bell, but the villages Tignes and Val d’Isère probably do! Tignes, one of the most famous ski villages in the region, has hosted several freeride events and is well known for its excellent off-piste opportunities. Both Tignes and Val d’Isère are among the highest ski resorts in the world, which means snow is almost guaranteed! Thanks to the many facilities for children, Espace Killy is also very family-friendly — perfect for a ski holiday with the whole family.

By far the largest ski area in the world is Les 3 Vallées in France. With the famous Val Thorens as its highest point, this ski region is hard to miss. Well-known resorts such as Courchevel and Méribel are also part of this vast area. Whether you want to make a long descent with stunning views or ski between the trees, the variety of slopes is enormous. This makes it a great destination for both experienced skiers and beginners. Les 3 Vallées is also a fantastic choice for a family ski holiday — there’s even a mini club for the youngest snow enthusiasts!

Despite its compact size, Les Deux Alpes is a slope-rich ski area in France. Because of this, it offers a bit less challenge for winter sports enthusiasts who enjoy long day tours. However, thanks to the glacier in the area, it is very snow-sure for much of the year, meaning you can ski there for an extended season. In addition to its slopes, Les Deux Alpes also offers a wide range of other activities, such as ice skating, ice climbing, and paragliding.

It’s quite a mouthful, but the result of many ski areas merging together — meaning plenty of winter fun! Skiing in Austria always guarantees a great atmosphere, and this ski area is no exception. With numerous runs weaving through the trees and slopes surrounding the main villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm, this region is perfect for exploring a variety of routes.

Zillertal Arena in Austria, with Gerlos as its central hub, is a favorite among Dutch winter sports enthusiasts. This also means that many Dutch ski instructors work in the area. Thanks to the wide variety of slopes, both beginners and advanced skiers can have an amazing time here.

With Lech and Sankt Anton, this Austrian ski area is very popular among Dutch visitors — even the Royal Family! You can come here not only for the challenging slopes but also for the lively après-ski scene. Thanks to its location, the area gets plenty of snowfall, making downhill runs on the pistes almost always possible.

You might know the name Alpe d’Huez as a cycling paradise, but it’s also an excellent destination for skiing. This challenging ski area is part of the Grand Domaine, a region that’s perfect for both beginner skiers and seasoned adventurers. With plenty of après-ski options such as shops, bars, and restaurants, there’s something for everyone!

The frozen shores of Lake Zell and the glacier on the 3,000-meter-high Kitzsteinhorn ensure that this Austrian region is rich in snow. Both advanced and beginner skiers can fully enjoy themselves here. Zell am See is also a great ski area for families, although it tends to attract a somewhat younger crowd.

Zermatt is een Zwitsers skigebied dat bekendstaat om het adembenemende uitzicht op de iconische Matterhorn. Je skiet hier bovendien op een gletsjer, wat het gebied zeer sneeuwzeker maakt. Vanuit Zermatt is het zelfs mogelijk om de grens over te skiën naar Italië.

Livigno, the only Italian ski resort on this list, is located at an altitude of 1,820 meters, nestled between the Stelvio and Engadin national parks. Its isolated location makes the area very snow-sure and sunny — but also quite cold.

Just to the right of Lake Geneva, you’ll find the ski village of Gstaad. It may not be widely known, but Gstaad is considered one of the most exclusive winter sports resorts in the world. A ski pass will set you back between €400 and €450 for a week, while an average stay for two people costs between €1,500 and €2,000 per week. Prices of €25,000 per week are certainly not unheard of.