Skiing is a tremendous sport that allows couples to enjoy some incredible views while getting a workout in at the same time. No matter where you are in the world, if there’s a mountain with snow, you should consider testing out the slopes because you might learn and see more than you were expecting. While there are many amazing ski destinations worldwide, here are five romantic places to ski in Europe. Whether skiing is a new hobby or something you’ve been doing since you were a kid, spending time at these iconic ski resorts redefines peak experience.
Les Deux Alpes, France
Les Deux Alpes is in the southeastern part of France in Venosc. It is home to the largest skiable glacier in all of Europe, and it’s France’s second oldest ski resort. Because this resort is on a glacier, skiing can take place year-round.
Les Deux Alpes offers about 220 kilometres of skiable runs and over 2,000 metres of vertical drop! This is an excellent location no matter what your level of experience since it’s easy to take ski lessons.
Beyond skiing, there’s so much entertainment in which to partake at the resort, including, spas, fitness centres, a bowling alley, a museum, a library, restaurants, bars, and clubs. You can go swimming or head to the ice rink for some skating. Or, if you’re looking for more adventure, you can check out different views of the mountain by going paragliding or snowshoeing.
With such a big variety of different activities, this is an excellent resort to check out if you’re in the southeastern part of France with your loved one!
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
One of the best romantic places to ski in Europe, Cortina d’Ampezzo is located in the Dolomites area of Northern Italy. This ski resort fits the needs of all levels of skiers with about 120 kilometres of ski runs to play on.
Cortina d’Ampezzo also has several other activities you can enjoy if you want a break from skiing. Why not brush up on some local history and dive into the Great War in the Dolomites? You can go on a guided tour, where you’ll find people dressed up in vintage uniforms from the war reenacting tales from the past. Or if you prefer to explore on your own, you can head over to the Lagazuoi 5 Torri tourist information centre to see remnants of the war such as tunnels and trenches.
If history isn’t your thing but you still want to discover the Dolomites, you can opt for snowshoeing to indulge in breathtaking views. Or maybe you just want to enjoy some romantic time with your partner at one of the spas on the mountain, where you can take in the views while hanging out in hot bath barrels with a warm beverage of your choice!
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is known as “The Matterhorn Ski Paradise.” It’s Switzerland’s highest ski resort with an altitude of about 3,700 metres. With 400 kilometres of runs to choose from, it’s the perfect mountain for any level of experience. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, you can take lessons, or you can head straight for the slopes. For the more advanced, try testing out your skills at the Snow Park, where you’ll find rails, jibs, tables, boxes, and more!
Want a break from skiing, but still looking for entertainment? At Zermatt, you can go ice-skating or sledding. You can also check out the mountain by hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Another way people enjoy the mountain is by viewing it from above by paragliding or taking a helicopter ride.
Once you’re done with your adventures, you can find entertainment all around. Check out some of the restaurants on the mountain, especially the ones with views of the Matterhorn. You can even visit sheep to learn about animals and traditional farming.
Lastly, the Zermatt hosts musical festivals outdoors. Who doesn’t love listening to live music while hanging out at the mountain!?
Kitzbühel, Austria
If you’re looking for some urban flair, you’ll want to check out Kitzbühel, east of Innsbruck. This alpine town not only offers incredible skiing, but events and other outdoor activities. To start, it is known to be Austria’s best ski resort with over 160 kilometres of marked slopes. Like many resorts, this location is great for all levels of experience. They offer classes for beginners and even for more advanced skiers to help further develop skills.
You might also find yourself interested in trying snowshoeing and winter hiking. Either option will allow you to see the incredible views of the Tyrolean mountain landscape. There are multiple trails to choose from, with guided tours available to view some of the region’s most stunning spots! Cross country skiing is another popular pursuit here. With about 65 kilometres of trails, you can find the best one based on your experience and the style you prefer. And even better, all the routes have a great selection of restaurants and small huts where you can take breaks!
Other activities you can find here include swimming, ice skating, tobogganing, and spa facilities. But what makes Kitzbühel an incredible travel destination is the diverse culinary experience. Kitzbühel is home to more than 13 award-winning restaurants, and with over 60 different huts and restaurants spread out throughout the mountain, you’re bound to find a romantic spot to enjoy. Some of these huts and restaurants are small, romantic, cozy, and some are even hidden!
Kitzbühel also offers a variety of events that make it a truly unique destination. If you’re into the more adventurous events, you’ll want to visit during the Hahnenkamm Races. This is “the world’s most prestigious ski race,” where some of the best athletes in the world will compete.
All of this combined makes Kitzbühel one of the perfect romantic places to ski in Europe.
Soldeu, Andorra
Great weather and a small, easy to navigate area make Soldeu a fantastic, affordable ski destination in the Pyrenees mountains (between France and Spain).
With a generous intermediate ski terrain, you can access about 300 kilometres of trails, from high-speed cruising runs to novice slopes. There are also diverse villages to explore. The main ski resort is very walkable, linking hotels with à la carte restaurants, a pub, and a multi-level spa.