If you are seeking snow-sure slopes, these top 10 highest ski resorts in Europe should be on your list. If you want to experience great skiing, as a general rule, the higher you go, the better the snow, but what matters most: the base altitude, the peak altitude, or the height of the skiable terrain? To create a definitive list of the highest ski resorts in Europe, we have considered several factors, including resort height, peak altitude and, where possible, the percentage of terrain above 2,000m. Discover our ultimate guide to the top 10 highest ski resorts in Europe, including a handy comparison table below!

1. Val Thorens, France

Resort altitude: 2,300m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,230m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: ~99%

Topping our list of the highest ski resorts in Europe is Val Thorens. Part of Les Trois Vallées, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort village, at 2,300 m. With slopes reaching up to 3,230 m, and around 99% of the terrain sitting above 2,000 m, it is one of the most snow-sure ski destinations in France. Its high-altitude location provides long ski runs for all abilities, and the resort offers excellent off-slope entertainment, including a wide selection of eateries and a world-renowned après-ski scene.

2. Zermatt, Switzerland

Resort altitude: 1,620m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,883m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: ~90%

In a close second place for the crown of the highest ski resort in Europe is Zermatt. This world-class Swiss resort offers the highest skiable terrain in Europe, with slopes reaching up to 3,883 m at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Around 90% of the slopes are above 2,000 m, guaranteeing excellent snow conditions. Zermatt is one of the few European resorts that offers skiing year-round, thanks to its high-altitude glacier. Linked with Cervinia on the Italian side, Zermatt offers extensive terrain and stunning views of the iconic Matterhorn. The village itself is charming, car-free and has a buzzing atmosphere.  

3. Cervinia, Italy

Resort altitude: 2,050m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,480m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: N/A

The snow-sure Italian resort of Cervinia sits at an altitude of 2,050 m, with slopes reaching up to a height of 3,480 m on the Italian side (not including the connected Zermatt ski domain). The resort forms part of the high-altitude Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski area, offering unparalleled glacier skiing on Plateau Rosa. Cervinia is particularly popular with intermediate skiers and offers long, sunny runs and reliable snow conditions. It is ideal for high-altitude skiing and offers a more relaxed atmosphere as well as cheaper accommodation and amenities compared to the neighbouring resort of Zermatt, just over the border.

4. Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Resort altitude: 1,800m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,573m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: N/A 

Known as the “Pearl of the Alps,” Saas-Fee is a picturesque Swiss resort, reaching 3,573 m at its highest point, the Allalin Glacier. The compact, pedestrian-friendly village lies at 1,800 m, with many of its 100km of slopes sitting above 2,000 m. Saas-Fee is a great resort for skiers of all abilities who are seeking high-altitude slopes and a charming alpine experience. The snow is so reliable at altitude that the glacier stays open for skiing almost year-round. 

5. Tignes / Val d’Isère, France

Resort altitude: 1,850m-2,100m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,456 m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: ~60%

The connected resorts of Tignes (2,100m) and Val d’Isère (1,850m) offer one of the largest high-altitude ski domains in Europe. This famous French ski area peaks at 3,456 m, at the Grande Motte Glacier, with around 60% of its slopes above 2,000 m. Snow reliability is excellent, with glacier skiing options across both the Grande Motte and Pisaillas glaciers and with 300km+ of pistes, there is a variety of terrain suited for skiers of all levels. Both Tignes and Val d’Isère offer varied accommodation options from catered chalets to ski-in-ski-out apartments, with Tignes being the more budget-friendly option of the two. No matter which resort you choose, snow-sure skiing is guaranteed!

6. Les Deux Alpes, France

Resort altitude: 1,650m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,600m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: ~75%

The French resort of Les Deux Alpes reaches 3,600 m at its glacier, with approximately 75% of slopes sitting above 2,000 m. The resort is well-known for summer skiing and has a lively village atmosphere throughout the year. Les Deux Alpes is a top resort for snow-sure skiing, with a huge vertical drop and a great après-ski scene. It is often referred to as an ‘upside-down resort’, as uncommonly, many of the beginner pistes are at higher altitudes, while the lower terrain can be more challenging. 

7. Sölden, Austria

Resort altitude: 1,650m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,340m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: N/A

Sölden peaks at 3,340 m, making it one of Austria’s highest ski resorts. The resort is renowned for its snow-sure skiing thanks to its two glacier ski areas, Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, and its extensive high-altitude terrain. Sölden is not only famous for its world-class skiing but also for being a filming location in the James Bond film, Spectre. The resort has a long ski season, typically spanning from late September/early October through to early May, so it is a great choice for an early/late-season ski trip.

8. Alpe d’Huez, France

Resort altitude: 1,860m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,330m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: N/A

Alpe d’Huez has a top altitude of 3,330 m and plenty of snow-sure terrain above 2,000m. It’s famous for the challenging 16km Sarenne run, the longest black run in Europe, which starts at the highest point in the resort and has a vertical drop of around 1,800m! The Pic Blanc glacier allows for early-season and summer skiing, and the high-altitude village has a lively atmosphere with extensive amenities to enjoy, from lively bars to traditional eateries.

9. Corvatsch, Switzerland

Resort altitude: 1,870m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,300m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: N/A

Located in the Engadin valley of Switzerland, near the luxurious resort of St. Moritz, Corvatsch sits at an altitude of 1,870m with slopes reaching up to 3,303 m (the highest in the Eastern Alps). It offers plenty of high-altitude terrain with excellent snow reliability and is best-suited to intermediate and advanced skiers seeking long alpine runs and panoramic views. The resort is also home to the longest floodlit night skiing run in Switzerland and the highest whisky distillery in the world!

10. Verbier, Switzerland

Resort altitude: 1,500m
Highest skiable altitude: 3,330m
Percentage of slopes above 2,000m: N/A

Verbier sits in the heart of Les 4 Vallées – the largest ski area in Switzerland. With slopes reaching a maximum height of 3,330m and over 400km of skiable terrain, this world-class ski area offers plenty of snow-sure skiing above 2,000m. Verbier is renowned for its off-piste skiing opportunities and excellent advanced terrain. While only part of the domain is glacier-covered, its high-altitude runs and extensive lift network make it a must-visit for skiers seeking excellent snow reliability paired with a lively resort atmosphere.

Comparison table of top 10 highest ski resorts in Europe: