Europe’s oldest ski resorts
Step inside France and Switzerland’s snowy mountain resorts that have aged like fine wine
There are more than 3,900 ski resorts in Europe – but just a century ago, there were just a handful peppered across the Swiss, French, Italian and Austrian Alps that welcomed skiers. Having been thoroughly transformed by investment and infrastructure, which makes getting up and down mountains a breeze, today’s skiers are now spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the snow on the continent. Away from the modern winter sports hubs of Val Thorens and Verbier, we’ve delved into the history books to discover the humble beginnings of some of Europe’s best ski resorts.
Chamonix, France
Sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of Europe’s most iconic alpine resorts, boasting 470cm of annual snowfall and 41 snow days each year. However, it started its life as a mountaineering destination in the 18th century when tourists flocked to climb its snow-capped peaks rather than traverse them on skis. The opening of several alpine hotels followed, but it was the completion of its main railway track in 1901 that put Chamonix on Europe’s map as a winter sports hub. It hosted the 1924 Winter Olympics and then the Aiguille du Midi cable car which opened in 1955 saw Chamonix lead the modern evolution of ski lifts. Today, the area is favoured by expert skiers who can ski black runs across four distinct areas – the Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère, Les Houches and the Domaine de Balme – and enjoy one of the most picturesque runs in France: Vallée Blanche.
Where to stay: Hotel Mont Blanc
Located in the heart of Chamonix, Hotel Mont Blanc is a 40-key property that dates back to 1849, making it one of the area’s oldest and most iconic institutions. Established to serve the mountaineering, and then snow sports crowds, the hotel’s most recent renovation saw designer Sybille de Margerie ensure the traditional and cosy interiors complement mountain vistas at every turn. Private balconies, the on-site Clarins spa, outdoor heated swimming pools and hot tubs make for a relaxing stay, while the flagship restaurant, Le Matafan, offers modern French cuisine that is bound to appease any foodie.
From £310 per night.
St Moritz, Switzerland
Famous for being the birthplace of ‘winter chic’ – a term coined by the town’s biggest advocate, hotelier Johannes Badrutt (see below) – St Moritz came to prominence when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, and soon anyone who was anyone flocked to its snow-capped slopes. It remains a key player in the international snow sports scene, as a well-versed host of the snow polo world cup which will return in January, as well as the Engadin Skimarathon in March: the largest cross-country skiing event in Switzerland and the second largest in the world. With more than 190 acres of white-powder pistes – and a plethora of five-star hotels, designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants – it’s undeniably one of Europe’s glitziest ski resorts.
Where to stay: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
Since its opening in 1896, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has served as the alpine hideout of the elite, with names like Coco Chanel, Alfred Hitchcock, Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin featuring in its guestbook. Standing proudly on the shores of St Moritz Lake in the Engadin Valley, Badrutt’s Palace features 159 suites and rooms, all offering views of the lake or charming village centre. The Palace Wellness Spa is home to St Moritz’s largest outdoor pool alongside state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facilities, saunas and steam rooms and one of Europe’s highest-altitude padel courts. Elsewhere, discover 11 restaurants – including an outpost by acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton, and the 364-year-old Chesa Veglia serving the region’s most coveted pizza – as well as two bars and a nightclub.
From £1,400 per night.
Davos, Switzerland
A snow lover's paradise, Davos sits at the heart of seven ski areas, with slopes reaching 2,844 metres. It hosted its first winter guests in 1865, but prior to that it was one of Europe’s most lauded health destinations. Deemed as a tonic for those suffering with respiratory conditions, key figures like Dr Alexander Spengler and author Arthur Conan Doyle helped shape its early development, especially when Doyle wrote about his wife’s convalescence here and his newfound passion for skiing. The first organised ski race in 1883 and the opening of the Parsenn funicular in 1931 acted as a gateway to higher slopes and marked the beginning of Davos's modern ski tourism boom.
Where to stay: AlpenGold Hotel
AlpenGold Hotel has been affectionately nicknamed the ‘golden egg’ by locals since it opened in 2013 thanks to its space-age design that was inspired by pinecones from the neighbouring forest. A stone’s throw from Lake Davos and the Flüela Valley, the 216 rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of snowy peaks and chalets, while bathrooms include luxurious egg-shaped tubs. For dining, La Muña blends Peruvian and Asian influences, while The Cheese Factory serves fondue, raclette, and mountain potatoes, complemented by local vegetables and meats.
From £365 per night.
La Clusaz, France
La Clusaz, nestled in the Rhône-Alpes in southeastern France, is deemed the country’s oldest ski resort. The opening of a road connecting Annecy and the Aravis Valley in 1902 marked the beginning of the region’s tourism industry, but it took five years before it hosted its first ski competition. What followed in the 20th century was the development of a cable car, drag lifts, the world’s first Telemix lift (combining chairs and gondolas) and a single ski pass connecting the entire area that straddles five mountains which ultimately cemented La Clusaz’s reputation as a ski resort for the modern age.
Where to stay: Côté Confins
Côté Confins is a ski-in, ski-out apartment situated across three floors, comprising six bedrooms. Sleeping 13 people, Côté Confins is just moments away from the ski lift and is therefore perfect for those looking to get straight out to the slopes. Take advantage of a private chalet hot tub, as well as a sauna to relax and rest your ski legs, before walking less than 10 minutes into the centre of La Clusaz to experience the height of the alpine village’s nightlife.
From £895 per person per week.
Zermatt, Switzerland
This mountain resort combines world-class skiing, iconic Matterhorn views and alpine charm. While hiking first attracted swathes of tourists here in the 1800s – and the village's first hotel opened in 1838 – ski lifts opened nearly a century later in 1928. Since then, the car-free town has retained its traditional charm. Situated in the shadow of the world-famous Matterhorn, elevate to an altitude of 3,883m to discover the Matterhorn Ski Paradise: Switzerland's highest ski area, guaranteeing great conditions all season long. 2026 is set to be a big year for Zermatt as it hosts the Horu Trophy in January – one of Europe’s biggest curling tournaments – the ski-mountaineering race Patrouille des Glaciers in April, and the renowned music festival Zermatt Unplugged.
Where to stay: Mont Cervin Palace
Dating back to the 1850s, Mont Cervin Palace is Zermatt’s Grande Dame and one of Switzerland’s legendary hotels. Set to reopen for the ski season on 12 December, it offers a timeless charm, beginning with a horse-drawn carriage ride from the station while each room provides stunning views of the Mischabel, Edelweiss, or Matterhorn, most with balconies or terraces. The huge Spa Nescens is a serene escape with indoor-outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths, and anti-ageing Nescens treatments. Foodies won’t be disappointed either as restaurants range from Michelin-starred Ristorante Capri to Joseph’s Bar for cocktails, afternoon tea and snacks accompanied by live music.
From £620 per night.
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