The Most Scenic Ski Resorts in Europe

Discover the most scenic ski resorts in Europe in our top 5 list.

While the immense beauty of the Alps makes choosing the most picturesque ski resorts a challenge, the finer details discern the great from the truly spectacular. Some wear their snow a little better than others, and the natural surroundings, architecture and atmosphere can make some stand out from the crowd. The knowledgeable and well-travelled team at Firefly has come to a unanimous decision; here is our handpicked list of the most scenic ski resorts in which to rent a luxury ski chalet.

Our Top 5 Scenic Ski Resorts in Europe

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier has a spectacular setting on a sunny plateau with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The snow-covered vista includes the magnificent Mont Fort and Le Bec des Rosses with views reaching as far as the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.

Located in the largest lift-linked ski domain in Switzerland (the 4 Valleys area), Verbier offers superb skiing on 412km of runs. The pistes are served by 88 ski lifts and the local slopes are home to some of the most extreme winter spectator sports in the Alps. High-profile visitors flock to the beautiful alpine village with its traditional wooden buildings housing an abundance of upscale eateries and boutiques.

A stay in Verbier could not get any more exclusive than at Sir Richard Branson’s luxurious personal mountain hideaway The Lodge. This stunning property was included in Forbes’ list of ‘places where you can vacation like a billionaire’. It benefits from meticulous attention to detail, which anticipates guests’ every need; from its indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi to its party room featuring a dazzling disco ball, this luxury chalet has something for all tastes. The 10-bedroom property even has an ice rink in winter. It goes without saying that the contemporary decor is sublime, preferring subdued tones and splashes of colour rather than the traditional wooden-clad style.

It’s located just a 5 or 6-minute walk from the restaurants, bars and boutiques of Verbier, but you’ll find it hard to drag yourself away from the home cinema, wine cellar, steam room and other features of this ultra-luxurious abode. It’s a firm contender on anyone’s list of the most scenic ski resorts in Europe.

Chatel, France

Chatel is a little-known but utterly charming French ski resort located in the Chablais on the border with Switzerland. This charismatic alpine resort had modest beginnings as a farming village but has developed into a first-class ski hub. Largely undiscovered by British tourists, the French Tourist Board awarded it the “Famille Plus” rating, which means it is a wonderful family destination.

This hidden treasure sits in the heart of one of the largest ski areas in the world, the Portes du Soleil. This Savoyard corner of the Alps consistently boasts one of the best snow records in Europe since many of the slopes are north-facing. The design of many chalets in Chatel is inspired by the traditional farmsteads still found in the Abondance Valley and adheres to a respect for tradition and comfort.

To make the most of Chatel’s stunning location, you need to stay in a luxury chalet that offers the best views of the village. We recommend Chaletneuf du Tenne, the highest chalet in the resort; combined with Maison Blanche et Verte and its stunning, chic and contemporary style, this makes for a hard decision between the finest luxury ski chalets in the resort.

The vista afforded by the terrace and huge lounge windows is priceless at Chaletneuf du Tenne. The balconies of the two master suites have their own divine views over the snow-cloaked Abondance valley and Mont du Grange nature reserve. The 4-bedroom property is only a one-minute drive from the nearest lift and a four-minute chauffeured drive to the village centre.

Megeve, France

Megeve is undoubtedly one of France’s most beautiful ski resorts and one of the most scenic ski resorts in Europe. Unlike most other scenic alpine resorts, which rely on the surrounding forests and mountains to provide the appeal, the village itself is the main draw in Megeve. Dating back to the 13th century, and with a medieval church to prove it, Megeve exudes a fairytale appeal that few ski resorts can match.

The quaint, cobbled streets invite exploration, and since the old centre of the village is a car-free zone, you might prefer to take in the sights by horse-drawn carriage for a truly romantic experience. Of course, the mountains themselves are stunning too, and most of the slopes are tree-lined with Mont Blanc looming on the eastern horizon.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt has become the poster child of scenic alpine resorts, and much of the acclaim is due to the presence of an iconic mountain. The Matterhorn proudly stands overlooking Zermatt, offering a beautiful focal point from the resort. No other resort can compete in terms of the sheer magnificence of the Swiss village’s skyline. The fact that Zermatt is car-free only serves to enhance the rustic feel, making it as festive as it is scenic.
Cutting-edge architecture and gourmet restaurants stand peacefully beside century-old farmhouses and luxury chalet rentals in Zermatt. The stunning resort is certainly Europe’s most alluring winter destination.

Chalet Les Anges reflects the ultra-luxurious architecture of Zermatt. Renowned designer Magali de Tscharner created the light-infused chalet and filled the 700m2 space with natural materials that perfectly contrast with its chic modern furniture. Its large lounge has a grand piano, a roaring fire and floor-to-ceiling windows. It also has seven bedrooms, three of which have balcony views of the Matterhorn.

Cervinia, Italy

We cannot talk about Zermatt without mentioning Cervinia, its Italian neighbour on the other side of the Matterhorn (Cervino in Italian). Cervinia is one of the most scenic alpine resorts in Europe, much of its allure stemming from the majestic presence of the mountain. This iconic peak dominates the skyline, providing a stunning backdrop to the resort. The beauty of Cervinia’s landscape is unparalleled, with panoramic views that rival any other destination in the Alps.

The charm of the resort is enhanced by its relatively unknown presence. While Zermatt has boomed in popularity, Cervinia remains a hidden gem. It has similar features, without the madding crowd. Luxury hotels and fine dining establishments coexist harmoniously with quaint chalets and historic buildings, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. The extensive, well-maintained ski slopes cater to all levels, making Cervinia not only scenic but also a top choice for winter sports enthusiasts.

My favourite chalet in Cervinia is La Fenice, which stands alone at the base of Cervino. It is the pinnacle of luxury chalets in Cervinia. This exceptional chalet embodies sophisticated elegance and cutting-edge design. Spanning an impressive 1,200m2, La Fenice offers seven exquisitely appointed bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities and stunning mountain views.

The chalet features a spacious living area with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the breathtaking panorama of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. An impressive private hot tub (which fills from a special heated water tank below), spa, cinema room and more provide unparalleled relaxation and entertainment options. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, La Fenice seamlessly blends contemporary style with traditional Alpine charm, offering guests an unrivalled experience of comfort and opulence in one of Europe’s most scenic ski resorts.

Booking the Best European Chalets in Scenic Locations

If you would like more information about Firefly’s luxury ski chalets in these scenic resorts, or information on properties in other destinations, contact us.

Cover photo: Chalet Zen, Zermatt.

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