October 20, 2026, 10:02 am | Read time: 2 minutes

For the Readers’ Choice Awards, readers of Condé Nast Traveller evaluate various travel experiences and destinations each year, including cities, islands, hotels, airports, and airlines. The best ski resorts are also chosen annually. According to the travel magazine, readers assessed criteria such as the quality of hotels and restaurants and how easily one can navigate within the ski resorts.

Rank 1: Zermatt, Switzerland

This year, the Swiss ski resort Zermatt secured the top position in the Europe ranking. Zermatt is the highest ski resort in the Alps. The highest point of the “Matterhorn Ski Paradise” is at 3,899 meters. Below the famous Matterhorn, winter sports enthusiasts can find numerous, sometimes challenging slopes. According to the official website, all slopes together cover an impressive 360 kilometers, connected by a total of 52 lifts and cable cars. Both beginners and advanced skiers, as well as professionals, are guaranteed to find the right run here.

Rank 2: Verbier, Switzerland

Rank 2 is held by Verbier, also located in Switzerland, with its winter sports area “4 Vallées.” According to the Daily Mail, the luxurious ski resort is popular among celebrities and members of European royal families. In 2024, members of the Danish royal family reportedly visited the Swiss winter sports resort. Richard Branson also owns a mountain lodge here, The Lodge, which can be rented.

More on the topic

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Rank 3: Méribel, France

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The third-place ski resort is Méribel in the French Alps. According to the official website, the “Les Trois Vallées” there form the largest contiguous ski area in the world with around 610 kilometers of slopes. The traditional wooden chalets in the village provide a cozy atmosphere. Culinary enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in Méribel.

The 20 Best Ski Resorts in Europe 2026

1. Zermatt, Switzerland
2. Verbier, Switzerland
3. Méribel, France
4. Val Gardena, Italy
5. Obergurgl, Austria
6. Corvara Alta Badia, Italy
7. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
8. Les Arcs La Plagne, France
9. St. Anton, Austria
10. Val d’Isère, France
11. Les Deux Alpes, France
12. Val Thorens, France
13. St. Moritz, Switzerland
14. Tignes, France
15. Courchevel, France
16. Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria
17. Kitzbühel, Austria
18. Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Italy
19. Andermatt, Switzerland
20. Avoriaz, France