Many European cities make the perfect place for winter holidays, offering beautifully lit medieval squares and glittering winter festivities. Some are also close to some of the very best places to ski in Europe. Planning to fly privately? Then your choice of places to ski in Europe just got far wider! The ability to fly into the many airports not served by airlines means you can fly much more directly to your resort. The right private jet can also make it far easier to take along your ski equipment and clothing.
Where to Ski in Europe
With their magnificent mountains and picture postcard villages, Austria and Switzerland are home to many of the best places to ski in Europe. But as our list proves, they don’t have the monopoly on great ski resorts and winter holiday spots!
Our six best destinations for winter holidays and skiing in Europe are:
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is the place to access the 4 Vallées ski area. This offers over 250 miles of ski runs suitable for skiers of all levels and a 10,826 ft peak. This cosmopolitan resort also offers a snowshoe walk and the longest toboggan run in Switzerland (over 6 miles long). Visit in December for the electro music Polaris Festival or in March for Verbier Xtreme, which attracts the best free riders in the world.
Fly To:
Sion Airport, Switzerland (10 miles), Aosta Airport, Italy (25 miles) or Saanen Airport, Switzerland (28 miles).
Nearest Major City:
Lausanne (La Blecherette) Airport is only 60 miles from Verbier. Lausanne is considered by some to be the most beautiful Swiss city. Sitting on Lake Geneva’s north shore, this charming, hilly city has amazing views of the Alps, the Jura Mountains and, of course, the lake. The 12th-century Gothic cathedral isn’t to be missed.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad is a prestigious resort offering 124 miles of ski slopes. It’s home to Glacier 3,000, so-called because it stands 1864 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level. Winter biking, ice sports and night skiing are all available, as is golf—ideal if you want a break from winter sports! Time your trip to coincide with the Snow Bike Festival and International Hot-Air Balloon Week in January, Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad in February, or Ride on Music in March.
Fly To:
Saanen Airport, Switzerland (2 miles), St Stephan Airport, Switzerland (6 miles), Sion Airport, Switzerland (17 miles), Payerne Airport, Switzerland (31 miles) or Bern Belp Airport, Switzerland (32 miles).
Nearest Major City:
Bern, the Swiss capital, sits on a horseshoe-shaped bend on the Aare River. It’s the craft beer capital of Switzerland, with more than 150 breweries and microbreweries. Sample the local brews and visit the city’s sights, including the medieval Old Town, the Bear Pit, Albert Einstein’s House, and the Museum of Fine Arts, which opened in 1879.
Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein is a cozy spa village in the heart of Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park. With a summit of 7,545 ft and total skiable terrain of 53 miles, there’s plenty of space for skiers. However, for those wanting a break from the ski slopes or something a bit different, there’s also a rock trail, good slopes for sledding, a magnificent waterfall, and hot springs.
Fly To:
Salzburg Airport, Austria (48 miles), Klagenfurt Airport, Austria (65 miles), or Zeltweg Airport, Austria (76 miles).
Nearest Major City:
Salzburg lies near the German border on the River Salzachand. Famous as the birthplace of Mozart, it’s a beautiful city with narrow alleyways, lovely valleys, and vibrant nightlife. It offers a wealth of attractive and historic castles, palaces, churches, and monasteries to explore.
Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel is a small, picturesque town close to both Innsbruck and Salzburg. Cobblestone streets, cozy bakeries, and unique shops and boutiques make it a perfect Alpine getaway. It offers skiers 68 marked ski slopes, totaling 37 miles. The longest slope (Fleckalm and Maierl) is just over 5 miles long, while the highest slope is Zweitausende at the Pass Thurn. You can also enjoy tobogganing, ice curling and winter hiking If you’re here for a festive break, don’t miss the wonderful Kitzbühel Christmas Market.
Fly To:
Salzburg Airport, Austria (38 miles), Innsbruck Airport, Austria (51 miles), or Erding Airport, Germany (64 miles).
Nearest Major City:
Kitzbühel is roughly equidistant from both Salzburg, mentioned above, and Innsbruck, capital of the Tyrol. Don’t miss Innsbruck’s most famous attraction—the shimmering Golden Roof, made of 2,657 gilded copper shingles. Wander through Innsbruck’s Old Town, with its Baroque and Gothic architecture, and the imposing Ambras Castle.
Megeve, France
Megeve was the first purpose-built resort in France. It oozes historic charm, and its 227 miles of ski runs includes a wide range of easy slopes. Aside from skiing, you can enjoy hot air balloon rides, sleigh rides and an evening at the Megeve casino.
Fly To:
Meythet Airport, France (26 miles), Annemasse Airport, France (29 miles), and Courchevel, France (32 miles).
Nearest Major City:
Geneva is Switzerland’s second-largest city and less than 50 miles from Megeve. It’s famous for hosting meetings between world leaders and major exhibitions, such as the International Geneva Motor Show. The quality of its clocks and watches is also legendary! Highlights include:
The world’s only peak-to-peak suspension bridge. The Peak Walk by Tissot includes a 350 ft long footbridge and a viewing platform. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains, including Matterhorn, Mont-Blanc and Eiger.
The Mont-Saleve Cable Car, offering views of the Alps and Geneva and a variety of winter sports once you reach the top, including cross-country skiing.
The Patek Philippe Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating history of timekeeping and timepieces.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina d'Ampezzo offers a more laid-back Alpine experience, complete with Italian style and cuisine. With 75 miles of ski slopes and a peak of 9,678 ft, it offers plenty of scope for skiers, but the resort is aimed mainly at novice skiers and those wishing to spend most afternoons and evenings off-piste—in the excellent restaurants or bars! The town also hosts major music events such as the Music Festival Dino Ciani.
Fly to:
Bolzano Airport, Italy (39 miles), Aviano Ab Airport, Italy (41 miles) or Asiago Airport, Italy (54 miles).
Nearest Major City:
Bolzano, often referred to as ‘the Gateway to the Dolomites’, is close to not just Cortina d’Ampezzo, but also the Alpe di Siusi, Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Campitello di Fassa, Corvara, Arraba and Obereggen ski resorts. It offers a wonderful mix of Austrian and Italian culture and cuisine, marvelous views, and a rich history. Highlights include the Assumption of Our Lady Cathedral, the Dominican Monastery, Runkelstein Castle and Delle Erbe Square.
Book Your Private Charter to Your Ski Resort Today
Hopefully our list of the best places to ski in Europe has whetted your appetite for your next skiing holiday! Travelling to your chosen resort by private jet will make your trip more convenient, flexible, and luxurious. Forget airlines, with their restricted range of destinations and departure times: fly to the airports you want, when you want!
Not all private jets will accommodate skis; you will usually need a midsize or large jet. This means that renting skis at the resort can be more cost-effective than hiring a larger plane. However, if you’re very attached to your own ski equipment, talk to the team here at Paramount Business Jets. They will be able to recommend the right private jet for your needs. For couples or small groups, they may recommend the Citation Mustang, the only very light jet that can transport skis. This four-seater aircraft has a ‘ski chute’ down the center of the plane. Get in touch by calling +1-877-727-2538 ext. 1 or email the team at charter@paramountbusinessjets.com. They will be happy to help.
