Nothing is better than opening your door to a winter wonderland, that literally starts at the end of your ski tips. Gliding across the threshold, straight onto the snow; it’s the best start to any day on the slopes. From the best ski-in ski-out resorts for families and car-free resorts, to high-altitude adventure playgrounds where the après is as close to home as the skiing. These are our top picks for the best ski-in ski-out resorts.
Avoriaz, France
Located in the heart of the epic 650km Portes du Soleil ski area in the French Alps. Avoriaz is purpose-built perfection for those looking for ski-in ski-out convenience. The resort is a striking cluster of buildings that seem to impersonate the mountains – you’ll feel like you’re truly embedded in ski heaven here. Intermediates are particularly well catered for. With a vast offering of lovely blues and fast reds on the snowy doorstep. Meanwhile, the nursery area is excellent for beginners, with lots of decent green runs to progress to. With all of this – plus parks and off-piste terrain – easily accessed from the car-free village via excellent modern lifts, we think Avoriaz is one of the best ski-in ski-out resorts in France.
Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens is Europe’s highest resort – so ski-in ski-out convenience is a given wherever you stay here. Slap bang in the heart of the sensational Three Valleys ski area, all abilities are catered for and decent snow is pretty much guaranteed throughout the season. The skiing is only one of the reasons Val Thorens is a fantastic ski-in ski-out resort. Paragliding and Europe’s longest toboggan run are also part of the fun here, and a superb lift network means you’re part of the action the minute you slide out of your front door. The resort itself has plenty to offer. Including great restaurants and lively après and clubs. Happy skiing days.
La Plagne, France
Comprised of 11 lift-linked high-altitude villages, La Plagne is one of the best ski-in ski-out resorts for families. Learners have plenty of options for ski school, and there’s all sorts of other snow fun to be had, including ziplining and exploring a grotto full of ice sculptures on the Bellecôte glacier. Each village in La Plagne enjoys easy access to the 425km of slopes that make up the Paradiski ski area, catering for all levels of skier. You can also ski to Les Arcs with an area if you want to go even further afield.
Aspen, US
One of North America’s best-known and most-loved ski resorts. Aspen incorporates four ski areas: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Whichever area you stay in, you can be sure of getting onto the slopes the minute you open the door. At 2,385m, Aspen is high altitude and snow-sure. Slopes are particularly good for intermediate and advanced skiers but beginners are catered for too. The vibe here is glamorous and exclusive, but with tubing, ice skating and one of the best ski schools in the world thrown into the mix. We’d say it’s also one the best ski-in ski-out resorts for families.
Lech, Austria
Lech is based at 1,450m so it’s not one of the highest places to stay, but as with many Austrian ski resorts, it nevertheless has a superb snow record. This is one of the reasons we consider it one of the best ski-in ski-out resorts in Austria. With fast, efficient lifts that’ll whisk you wherever you like in the expansive Arlberg ski area. It’s a top pick for powder hounds, as well as fans of lovely, wide tree-runs. The resort itself has a luxurious feel (plenty of high profile people like to holiday here). With gorgeous places to stay, a sophisticated après scene, classy shops, and elegant bars and restaurants. With horse-drawn rides on offer too, not only is it ski-in ski-out, it’s sleigh-in sleigh-out too.
Trysil, Norway
For somewhere a little different, Trysil is one of our favourite ski-in ski-out resorts for families. Norway’s largest ski resort is comprised of two main villages and one amazing mountain. With 71km of piste to play on, all levels are catered for. For children and novice skiers the beginner slopes are excellent, and there are lovely tree-lined blues to move onto once you’re ready. Advanced skiers will love the challenging blacks in the Høgegga area – and everyone will appreciate the striking scenery on route. Kids can enjoy sledging and various organised activities, plus sleigh rides and dog sledding. Most accommodation is ski-in ski-out, so from the minute you open the door you’ll feel like you’re living inside a classic Nordic winter wonderland.
Tignes, France
High and mighty Tignes is perched at the top of the sublime Tignes-Val d’Isère area. The resort itself is 2,100m, with access to slopes as high as 3,456m, so snow-sure happiness is guaranteed. And with most accommodation on the foot of the slopes, it’s one of the best ski-in ski-out resorts in France. Think glacier skiing, epic powder, amazing tree-lined runs and lovely cruising reds and blues… Tignes has it all, right from your doorstep. There are several mini villages to stay at varying altitudes. Val Claret and Le Lac are the main bases where you’ll find cool bars, restaurants and après liveliness. Le Lavachet, Tignes 1800 or Les Brévières are a little quieter but just as perfectly ski-in ski-out.
Flaine, France
Flaine is one of our favourite ski-in ski-out resorts for families. Purpose-built and divided into part levels with a car-free centre, it’s easy to get around and very child-friendly. Wherever you stay, you’ll be located near the lifts where you can access 265km of pistes that make up the Grand Massif ski area. There’s skiing for all abilities. And the snow record is superb. Modern in style, Flaine ski resort is a cheerful place with plenty on offer besides skiing, including ice skating, indoor climbing and bowling.
Sestriére, Italy
At 2,035m high, Sestriére enjoys a prime location for fantastic snow. Most accommodation is right on the slopes, making this one of the best ski-in ski-out resorts in Italy. With access to the expansive Milky Way ski area. Skiers of all levels will be spoilt for choice here, with 400km of pistes to explore. Fancy a break from Italy? You can even head over to France by ski, flying down wide, open runs into Sauze d’Oulx, Claviere and Mongenèvre. When you are off the slopes it is a little quieter than other major ski resort. However, there are great bars to enjoy drinks in the afternoon sun. And if you want to head into the forest, husky sledding is available for a snowy adventure with a difference.
Obergurgl, Austria
Think peaceful, traditional Tyrolean charm – that’s Obergurgl in a nutshell. At 1,930m it’s pleasingly high and snow-sure without being purpose-built. It’s a great choice for ski-in ski-out convenience in Austria, with lots of very nice hotels right on the slopes, as well as chalets and apartments. Minutes after breakfast is over, you’ll be gliding across snow, heading towards tree-lined runs and large cruising pistes. Excellent nursery slopes and a superb ski school make this a good choice for families – there’s even the option to go horse riding in an indoor arena if they fancy a day off the slopes. The village is pretty and laid back. It’s by no means a big party town, but there’s still some great après on offer for those so inclined.
Madonna, Italy
Madonna is a chocolate box-style ski resort with dramatic views of the Brenta Dolomites, a jagged mountain range that never gets dull to look at. We love this beautiful ski-in ski-out resort in Italy, bursting with life in the form of tasty local restaurants, chic boutique shops and cool bars. Nestled in a wooded valley, yet still with excellent access to the slopes from most accommodation, this is a great choice for those after an authentic ski experience that’s both pretty and exciting. Enjoy lovely tree-lined runs throughout the Campiglio ski area, as well as higher peaks with astounding views.
To find out more about the best ski-in ski-out resorts, call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
