Off-piste ski resorts Europe

As the global capital of winter sports, Chamonix’s history, skiing and scenery make it a true alpine legend. Every seasoned snow lover should come here at least once; skiing the awesome terrain from a proper mountain town with the Mont Blanc massif as your backdrop will make for a week to remember.

Stay in the world capital of alpinism and ski in sight of the Matterhorn: the greatest mountain destination in Switzerland and quite possibly the world, Zermatt has an unbeatable mix of dizzyingly snow sure slopes, a delightful old mountain town and some of the most jaw-dropping surroundings you'll ever set sight upon.

Austria's snowsport capital, St Anton in the extensive Arlberg circus of the Tyrolean Alps has every level of ability covered (including the most exhilarating white-knuckle terrain). Stunning alpine scenery and world famous après ski make St Anton an international "top ten" destination for its' immense skiing, incredible views and intense partying.

Spectacular views of Mont Blanc aren’t the only bonus of the glacier - this ‘upside down’ ski resort is one of the most snow-sure in the Alps, so much so that you can ski here in the summertime. Much loved for its après ski, the town's main strip is bursting with some of the best bars in the mountains.

This idyllic village (pronouce it 'cloisters') has been enchanting Brits since the 18^th century with its traditional wooden chalets, beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere. Paired with its larger neighbour Davos, Klosters has been named a true classic in the ‘Best of the Alps’ group and is somewhere you should definitely ski at least once in your lifetime.

The Côte d’Azur of winter resorts with some of the best off piste in the Alps. As the favourite ski destination of royals and celebs as well as top skiers and boarders from around the world, Verbier is the place to combine world class skiing with a posh party atmosphere back in town.

Attractive, traditional and oozing style, Courchevel ticks all the boxes for a first class ski holiday. With masses of amenities and a quality area that’s well linked within the rest of the Three Valleys - not to mention an infectiously glam atmosphere - it’s no wonder Courchevel’s one of the most popular ski resorts in the world.

Ski never-ending pistes and powder, ogle at colossal peaks and cosy Savoie architecture, then end the day with some of the world's most wild and wonderful après ski. Val d'Isere is considered by many to be the best ski resort on earth, and we’re inclined to agree.

This is Europe's highest resort, with incredible views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and fantastic connections to the rest of the enormous Three Valleys. Holidays here are perfect for varied and snow-sure terrain in a laid back, friendly atmosphere. If you're early or late in the season, or in a year with poor snowfall, this place will give you some of the best conditions in the Alps!

Tignes is somewhere you can ski longer, higher and further than most other resorts in the Alps. Owing its snow-reliability to the Grande Motte glacier, the local ski area is joined with Val d’Isere’s to form the mammoth Espace Killy - intermediates will have a whale of a time here. Choose between 5 different villages, whether your priority is convenience, cosiness or cheap accommodation. Tignes also has one of the most famous New Year parties in the Alps.