So how do you actually choose a ski resort when there are hundreds to pick from? Some skiers pick a resort for its après-ski, others for the off-slope activities, but we’ve always thought snow reliability deserves to be right at the top of the list. Nothing turns a ski holiday from average to unforgettable quite like good snow, and nothing sinks one faster than the lack of it.
Start with snow reliability and altitude
As a rule of thumb, we’d suggest looking for a resort with a minimum altitude of around 2,000m. Going higher also opens up early and late season skiing with far more confidence that the snow will hold up, which is ideal if you’re chasing value deals or would simply rather avoid the crowds. There’s no shortage of high-altitude resorts across the Alps, particularly in France, Austria, Andorra and Italy, so you’ll be spoilt for choice; our Best Snow-Sure Ski Resorts guide is a good starting point if reliable snow is your priority.
Think about who you’re travelling with
Altitude aside, think about who you’re travelling with and what kind of days you actually want. Travelling with young children or nervous beginners points you towards a resort with a gentle, well-connected beginner area right by the village; our guide to the best resorts for families is built around exactly that. If you’re the strongest skier in the group and everyone else wants a slower week, our Best Ski Resorts for Non-Skiers piece rounds up resorts with enough going on that nobody feels short-changed. And if you’d rather leave the car at home altogether, we’ve also picked out the best ski resorts reachable by train.
Need a bit of inspiration?
Still need a bit of inspiration? We’ll run down some of our favourites below:
If you’re looking for the perfect destination for your next trip, our Resort Guide has everything you need to know, searchable by country, altitude and ski area size. You can also catch our regular podcast, The White Out, on Apple | Spotify | Podcasts or search The White Out on your chosen podcast directory.
Quick FAQs on choosing a ski resort
What’s the most important thing to look for when choosing a ski resort?
Snow reliability is the one thing that can make or break a holiday, so it’s worth prioritising over factors like nightlife or off-slope activities. Altitude, aspect and glacier access all affect how snow-sure a resort is likely to be.
What altitude is best for a snow-sure ski resort?
As a general rule, look for a resort with a minimum altitude of around 2,000m. Higher resorts also tend to have longer seasons, with more reliable early and late season skiing.
How do I choose a ski resort for a family with young children?
Look for a resort with a gentle, well-connected beginner area close to the village, plus a good ski school. Our guide to the best resorts for families rounds up the ones that get this right.
