Our Favourite Highest European Skiing Slopes & Resorts

There’s nowhere quite like a mountain top to truly appreciate the sensation of having your head in the clouds. Choosing a ski resort based on height alone may seem daunting to skiers with less experience, but there are benefits to be found the higher you go. With great altitude comes great views, guaranteed snow, and the promise of some of the best skiing of your life. To help inspire your next ski holiday we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite sky-high resorts, and some of the highest, steepest slopes to be found in Europe.

Our top 5 highest ski resorts in Europe

Val Thorens, France

With its skiable glaciers peaking at 3,230m, Val Thorens is the highest resort in the famous and expansive Three Valleys, and home to the highest ski slopes in Europe. Although its position above the treeline leaves it vulnerable to high winds and harsh conditions, when the weather is good, there’s over 100km of slopes to enjoy, with a much longer season than many other resorts.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Iconic and magical, found at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn, Zermatt is a skier’s paradise. For adrenaline junkies, the Klein Matterhorn-Schwarzsee ski area boasts a thrilling 2,200m vertical. Quality snow is guaranteed every day of the year, and fresh mountain air is found in abundance here, thanks to Zermatt village’s ban on non-electric vehicles.

Cervinia, Italy

Found on the Italian side of the Matterhorn, staying either here or at Zermatt means enjoying double the amount of skiing on some of the highest pistes in Europe, thanks to the easily traversable link between the two locations. Cervinia is a good choice for less experienced skiers who still want the views of a high-altitude resort, but aren’t looking to venture too far out of their comfort zone.

Tignes, France

Home to a restaurant located at 3,032m, Tignes provides holidaymakers with a very literal option to live the high life. With access to multiple glaciers, reliable snow and bustling nightlife, Tignes is spread across four villages - which means no worrying about having to fight for space. 

Sölden, Austria

Snowsure and scenic, and with a modern and well-maintained lift system, Sölden is a ski resort that can be traversed with ease - but that doesn’t mean the slopes are boring. Famous for being a featured backdrop in the James Bond film Spectre, the views here are incredible, especially when skiing the Big 3 - Tiefenbachkogel, Schwarze Schneide, and Gaislachkogel - three mountains, all over 3,000m.

Our top 5 steepest ski slopes in Europe

Kandahar, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

With a toe-curling maximum gradient of 92%, this famous World Cup racing slope is as steep as they come, and not for the faint of heart. This 3km run is deep and steep in all the right places, and skiers who are brave enough to attempt it can expect to reach incredible speeds of up to 86mph. Come prepared with nerves (and thighs) of steel.

Harakiri, Mayrhofen, Austria

The steepest ski slope in Austria, named after the Japanese samurai practice of ritual suicide, Harakiri is intimidating to even the most accomplished skiers. This well-groomed piste is 1,500m long and has a maximum gradient of 78%. If you feel up to attempting this slope, you can have your run immortalised with a photoshoot and join the exclusive Harakiri community - they even have t-shirts.

The Streif, Kitzbühel, Austria

World famous for hosting the Hahnenkamm downhill ski race, Kitzbühel is home to the dizzying Streif - a slope with a gradient of up to 85%, where expert racers can hit 80mph. Not one for beginners, this run is for daredevils and speed demons. However, Kitz is also home to more diverse runs, if you’d rather watch others attempt the Streif from somewhere less steep.

Lauberhorn, Wengen, Switzerland

The longest downhill in the Alpine Skiing World Cup at 4,500m, crowds flock to watch skiers take on Lauberhorn. While the maximum gradient is lower than other slopes on this list, the length of this run means skiers can still hit incredible speeds - the record currently being an unbelievable 100mph. However, if you want to take your time and take in the view while skiing here, there are places you can stop for refreshments on the way down.

Lange Zug, Arlberg, Austria

If you can muster the courage to attempt the steep 80% gradient descent into this slope, you’re rewarded by the terrain flattening out to make way for stunning views and plenty of space - very rarely is this piste crowded. You’ll undoubtedly be left feeling the burn after this run, but it will have been worth it.

Our favourite challenging ski slopes in Europe

The Swiss Wall, Avoriaz, France

The very fact that you start this slope in France and end up in Switzerland gives you an idea of just how impressive it is. Watch out for ice, moguls, and rock drops, and remember - there’s no shame in taking the chair lift down.

Grand Couloir, Courchevel, France

A famous black run, ungroomed and off the beaten track, Grand Couloir is almost as hard to reach as it is to ski. Frequently touted as one of the most difficult runs in Europe, what it lacks in length it makes up for in excitement and exclusivity - being ungroomed, you may need to race other skiers to the start to catch it in its prime.

Mont Fort, Verbier

Beginning at the highest point in Verbier at an altitude of 3,300m, this black run offers you unmatched views and a real workout to boot. Though your knees may feel weak when you’re standing at the top, you’ll need all of your strength to carry you down - feel free to make stops along the way.

Find the perfect chalet to keep you close to the action

Depending on how much you ski, the slopes may already feel like a second home. Why not cement that feeling with a chalet of your own? We have beautiful properties in some of the most sought after ski locations.

Crans-Montana

With sweeping views across the Swiss Alps and lots of entertainment for sporting fanatics, Crans-Montana is a luxurious example of alpine excellence.

Verbier

As mentioned above, Verbier is home to some of the most challenging and exciting skiing in Europe - not to mention a famous aprés-ski scene.

Zermatt

Skiers flock here to bask in the glory of the Matterhorn. Thanks to its year-round snow and a packed calendar of local annual events, the lifestyle in Zermatt is both enviable and unmatched.

 

Whether you’re looking for a property to rent out, or to enjoy yourself, Steiger & Cie can help. Interested? Reach out to our team today!