As the 2026/27 ski season approaches, travelers are already planning winter escapes to Europe’s most famous mountain destinations. High-altitude resorts, reliable snow conditions, extensive ski areas, luxury accommodation and lively après-ski scenes are expected to make the Alps the main attraction once again.
While exact visitor numbers for the full 2026/27 season cannot yet be known, current travel rankings and resort data point to several destinations that are likely to be among the most popular choices. Recent European ski rankings have highlighted resorts including Zermatt, Kitzbühel, Chamonix, Livigno and several major French and Austrian destinations.
1. Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens remains one of Europe’s strongest choices for snow reliability because of its altitude. It forms part of Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area, with around 600 kilometres of slopes. For 2026/27, Val Thorens is scheduled to operate from November 21, 2026, through May 2, 2027.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is famous for spectacular Alpine scenery, luxury hotels and skiing beneath the Matterhorn. Its glacier and high-altitude terrain make it particularly attractive for travelers looking for a premium winter experience. Zermatt has also ranked among Europe’s leading ski resorts in recent international rankings.
3. Chamonix, France
Chamonix combines challenging skiing with one of the most iconic mountain landscapes in Europe. It is suitable for experienced skiers but also offers options for families and less experienced visitors. A 2026 survey by Which? named Chamonix the most popular resort among respondents.
4. Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel is one of Austria’s most prestigious winter destinations, known for its historic town, beautiful slopes and famous ski-racing heritage. It remains a popular choice for travelers who want to combine skiing with restaurants, nightlife and traditional Alpine atmosphere.
5. St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
St. Anton is particularly popular among advanced skiers and visitors looking for a lively après-ski scene. Its extensive terrain and reputation for challenging skiing make it a major name on the European winter calendar.
6. Livigno, Italy
Livigno offers an attractive combination of snow, mountain scenery and relatively good value compared with some premium Alpine resorts. Its high altitude and duty-free status have helped make it one of Italy’s most popular ski destinations.
7. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Located in the Dolomites, Cortina combines dramatic scenery with upscale hotels, restaurants and excellent skiing. The resort is scheduled to open for the 2026/27 season in late November, making it another destination to watch this winter.
8. Val Gardena, Italy
Val Gardena is an excellent option for travelers who want spectacular Dolomite scenery and access to a large network of slopes. It is also frequently highlighted for its balance between quality skiing, scenery and value.
9. Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl is famous for its energetic atmosphere, extensive ski terrain and long season. For 2026/27, the Silvretta Arena is scheduled to operate from November 26, 2026, until May 2, 2027.
10. Tignes–Val d’Isère, France
This high-altitude ski area is another strong option for the 2026/27 season. The combined resort is scheduled to open on November 28, 2026, and remain open until May 2, 2027, giving visitors a particularly long winter season.
The 2026/27 ski season is set to be a major one
From luxury getaways in Switzerland to family holidays in France and value-focused trips to Italy, Europe’s ski destinations offer something for almost every type of traveler. For those planning early, high-altitude resorts such as Val Thorens, Zermatt and Tignes–Val d’Isère are particularly attractive choices because of their long seasons and snow reliability.
