Top 10 snow-sure ski resorts in Europe

Inghams has resorts all across Europe and Canada, some of which at very high altitude, based on glacier or close to the arctic circle ensuring there is always snow in sight.

1. Tignes/Val d’Isère, France

Resort Altitude: 1785m

Piste Altitude: 1550m-3656m

Ski Area: 300km

Runs: Blue 87/Red 41/Black 26

Glaciers: 1 in each resort

Snow Canon coverage: 352 snowguns

Famed for their unbeatable snow record, if there’s snow in the French Alps, you’re likely to find it in these neighbouring villages of Tignes and Val d’Isère, ideal for a family, friends or couples get away. Each resort also has their very own glaciers which are open well into the summer – perfect for a spot of summer skiing or snowboarding!

2. Cervinia, Italy

Resort Altitude: 2050m

Piste Altitude: 2050mm-3900m

Ski Area: 150km

Runs: Blue 18/Red 35/Black 7

Glaciers: 1

Snow Canon coverage: 50%

As one of the highest resorts in the Alps, Cervinia is often able to keep their slopes open as late as the beginning of May. This resort is top ranking for winter activities later in the ski season such as spring skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports such as sledging and has glacier access. Situated on the Swiss border, with a lift pass that covers the whole area, you can ski or cable car into the neighbouring snow-sure resort, Zermatt, for the very best of Europe's resorts.

3. Ischgl, Austria

Resort Altitude: 1400m

Piste Altitude: 1400m-2872m

Ski Area: 340km

Runs: Blue 47km/Red 155km/Black 27km

Glaciers: 0

Snow Canon coverage: 50%

Ischgl is a paradise for powder, especially with 50% snow canon coverage when needed. There’s excellent access to the un-pisted freeride terrain high in the Fimbatal Valley via the Piz Val Gronda lift. As one of Austria’s most snow-sure areas there’s nothing to stand in your way if you’re planning your excellent spring getaway or anytime throughout the season for a bit of snowboarding or skiing. Don't forget Austria is one of the top European destinations for Après Ski, so you can enjoy the evenings as much as the days. 

4. Zermatt, Switzerland

Resort Altitude: 1620m

Piste Altitude: 1620m-3900m

Ski Area: 200km

Runs: Blue 13/Red 42/Black 4

Glaciers: 1

Snow Canon coverage: 70%

With or without the iconic Matterhorn mountain peak, Zermatt would still be hailed as one of the world’s top destinations for skiing and snowboarding alike. It boasts a huge, high-altitude ski area with plenty to keep you entertained whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, dining or shopping.

The highest cable car in Europe will take you to the ‘Matterhorn Glacier Paradise’, where the snow quality is always high. You can even ski to Zermatt’s sunny, Italian neighbour, Cervinia using an international lift pass if you fancy a day of adventure. 

5. Les Arcs, France

Resort Altitude: 1800m/1950m/2000m

Piste Altitude: 3225m

Ski Area: 210km

Runs: Blue 140/Red 79/Black 37

Glaciers: 1

Snow Canon coverage: 25%

With snow for sure and high altitude, the resort of Les Arcs is an excellent end of season destination. The skiing rises as high as 3225m on the Aiguille Rouge summit, and in good conditions stretches down to the tree lined pistes at 1200m. It’s an excellent variety of terrain and works all types of skiing holidays.

Purchase a whole area lift pass and you’ll also be able to explore Les Arcs’ sister resort of La Plagne. With its very own glacier and further 225km of pisted ski runs, together these two resorts are a fabulous end of season destination.

6. Val Thorens, France

Resort Altitude: 2300m

Piste Altitude: 1300m-3230m

Ski Area: 170km

Runs: Blue 177/Red 111/Black 30

Snow Canon coverage: 43%

At 2300m, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe. The piste stretches as high 3230m. Consequently, the area has an excellent record with snowfall right through to May meaning you can enjoy a very late springtime snowboarding or skiing session. Add the fact the après isn’t too shabby either.

7. Obergurgl, Austria

Resort Altitude: 1930m

Piste Altitude: 1930m-3080m

Ski Area: 110km

Runs: Blue 30%/Red 50%/Black 20%

Snow Canon coverage: 99%

Obergurgl is one of Austria’s most snow-sure locations despite the absence of any glacial terrain on such a high-altitude location. Starting at 1930m, the resort historically receives a consistent natural snowfall from November through to May, making it a long ski season there. It also has phenomenal snow canon coverage - 99%, meaning Obergurgl is an excellent option for a winter adventure, be it skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing. You can be sure that you will arrive to snowy views at this resort. 

8. Lech, Austria

Resort Altitude: 1450m

Piste Altitude: 1450m-2811m

Ski Area: 340km

Runs: Blue 145/Red 140/Black 55

Snow Canon coverage: 60%

With an excellent natural snow record and 60% snow canon coverage, Lech boasts great late season skiing year in, year out. In addition to that, it offers a fantastic array of off-piste opportunities. It is one of the few Austrian resorts to offer heli-skiing which is a fantastic and exciting opportunity.

With sophisticated après-ski, exclusive boutiques and a horse drawn carriage or two, Lech is an amazing place to be, almost romantic feeling.

9. Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Resort Altitude: 1800m

Piste Altitude: 1800m-3500m

Ski Area: 145km

Runs: Blue 20/Red 19/Black 6

Glaciers: 1

Snow Canon coverage: 45%

Widely known as ‘the Pearl of the Alps’, Saas-Fee is one of the most traditional resorts in this area. Set amidst the most spectacular, glacial scenery, you can ski in Saas-Fee well into the summer months, great for a weekend getaway. With an excellent snow record and plenty of cruising red runs, Saas-Fee is also a great resort for snowboarders of all levels. Don't discount this resort if you are a beginner skier though, this will challenge your skills but won't be too testing.

10. Obertauern, Austria

Resort Altitude: 1740m

Piste Altitude: 1740m-2350m

Ski Area: 147km

Runs: Blue 83km/Red 55km/Black 11km

Glaciers: 0

Snow Canon coverage: 86%

Much like Obergurgl, Obertauern doesn’t have a glacier but does have one of the best snow records in Austria so it is certainly worth a visit. The long season reaches into May, an assured destination for a late ski holiday and an ideal place to hop over to for a well deserved break. The resort offers high altitude, queue-free skiing with traditional Austrian après and plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation. What more could you want?! It may not have been on your list before, but it should be now. 

Not sure when to go on a skiing holiday? Find out more on our When To Go page to help you decide the right time during the season for you. 

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