Industry News
The 2022-2023 ski season was quite underwhelming and forgettable for most European resorts, so many skiers and riders found themselves looking for the best resort to capitalize on the goods. Neilson Active Holidays recently conducted a study to determine the best European ski resort to visit for many different categories, including average monthly snowfall. Although this last season was mild in snowfall, these resorts still tended to consistently deliver.
9. Flims Laax Falera, Switzerland
The #9 spot on this list goes to Flims Laax Falera for receiving, on average, 41.1 inches (104.5cm) of snowfall a month during the 2022-2023 season. On average, the resort sees 170.4 inches (433cm) of snow in a season. Located in the Swiss Alps, boasting 28 lifts, 140 miles (225km) of slopes, and over 30 restaurants, this resort is an excellent spot for a true aprรจs-ski experience.
8. Arosa Lenzerheide, Switzerland
Like the last resort in Switzerland, Arosa Lenzerheide is home to over 140 miles (225km) of groomed runs at 9400 feet (2865m) above sea level. This resort averaged 42.1 inches (107cm) of snowfall per month last season. Like many other resorts in the Alps, this resort operates an impressive 43 lifts during the regular season to deliver many points of access to all the powder. During the regular season, the resort averages 190 inches (438cm) of snowfall.
7. La Rosiรจre, France
The further down this list we go, the more it becomes dominated by French resorts. La Rosiรจre, in France, reportedly averaged 42.4 inches (107.8cm) of snow every month during the 2022-2023 season. On average, the resort gets 196 inches (500cm) of snow annually. Located at the foot of the legendary Mont Blanc in the French Alps, this resort will surely serve powdery turns all season long.
6. Flaine, France
In the northern French Alps, Flaine Ski Area racked up an average of 42.5 inches (108cm) of snowfall monthly last season. Flaine Ski Area has a peak elevation of 8,200 feet (2500m), 24 operating lifts, and 64 runs while also being the sixth snowiest resort in Europe last season. During a regular season, the resort can expect to see an average of 183 inches (466cm) of snowfall.
5. La Plagne, France
La Plagne Ski Area in France is recognized as the most popular ski resort in the world, seeing more than 2.5 million visitors every season. While also drawing a large crowd, the resort offers skiing and riding at up to 10,660 feet (3250m) and 36 square miles (100 square kilometers) of skiable area. Last season, the resort averaged 43.5 inches (110.5cm) of snow monthly, making it the fifth snowiest resort in Europe. The resort averages 187 inches (475cm) of snowfall during the ski season.
4. Engelberg-Titlis, Switzerland
In central Switzerland, Engelberg-Titlis received an average of 43.8 inches (111.3cm) of snowfall per month last season. Offering summer glacier skiing and 1.2 miles (2000m) of vertical drop, this resort has everything to entertain skiers and riders of all skill levels. This resort will see an average of 200 inches (508cm) of snow during the ski season.
3. Tignes, France
With a peak elevation of 11,330 feet (3456m), Tignes Ski Area in France averaged 45.1 inches (114.8cm) of snowfall every month last season. Advertising slopes for all levels of skiers, Tignes is one of the largest ski areas in the Alps, with over 185 miles (300km) of slopes. The slopes at Tignes average 221 inches (563cm) of snowfall every season.
2. Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria
The only ski resort not located in France or Switzerland on this list, Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Austria, received an average of 46.4 inches (118cm) of snowfall monthly during the 2022-2023 ski season. On average, the resort gets 186 inches (474cm) of snow every season. Saalbach-Hinterglemm is part of a four-piste network, connecting it to three other ski resorts that offer 70 lifts and over 165 miles (270km) of skiable slopes.
1. Val Thorens, France
The snowiest resort in Europe last season was Val Thorens, France. The resort saw an average of 47.5 inches (120.8cm) of snow every month, making it the snowiest resort in Europe. The resort will see an average of 215 inches (550cm) of snowfall during the ski season. Sitting in the French Alps, the resort forms part of the Les Trois Vallรฉes Ski Area, the largest linked ski area in the world with over 372 miles (600km) of slopes.
It’s no wonder why the Alps are the skiing powerhouse of Europe when the nine snowiest ski resorts in the continent are all located in the Alps. France held five of the nine snowiest resorts last season in Europe, so if you’re looking for the prime aprรจs-ski experience, high-altitude glacier skiing, and massive ski areas while also receiving a healthy amount of snow, it appears France is the spot to be.
