Discover Europe’s Best Remote Ski Resorts

Europe is not just home to headlining ski destinations such as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc; it also boasts off-the-radar areas like Spain’s remote Val d’Aran, an alpine paradise known for its steep valleys and jagged couloirs. Moreover, the often-overlooked Pyrenees region of France offers ski trails that wind through ancient farming villages.

As a former snowboard instructor with experience in Sweden, Norway, and some seriously remote ski areas in France, Italy, and Switzerland, I assure you that the most accessible and popular ski locations are not always the best options.

Travelers venturing to resorts further afield will reap significant rewards, from crowd-free trails to shorter lift lines and more affordable lift passes. Here are some remote ski resorts worth the journey in Europe.

1. Narvik, Norway

Best for Arctic Circle skiing

Fancy skiing in the Arctic Circle? Head to Narvik, an alpine skiing hotspot in Norway’s sparsely populated north. Skiing here offers a unique experience, as the slopes are floodlit in winter, allowing for evening skiing from 10am to 4pm on weekends and 3pm to 8pm on weekdays. Moreover, you may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights while descending the resort’s 16 ski runs served by six lifts.

For adventurous spirits, off-piste activities abound, including a ride on the Arctic Train, Norway’s northernmost train service, which takes passengers from Narvik to Bjørnfjell near the Swedish border. When it comes to accommodation, consider Camp 291, where you can stay in sleek glass cabins perched on the mountainside.

2. Fjätervålen, Sweden

Best for sustainability

This beautiful Swedish ski resort, located 451km (280 miles) north of Stockholm, features 18 slopes and a 47km (29-mile) network of cross-country skiing trails. Set between 683m (2240ft) and 1003m (3290ft), Fjätervålen offers breathtaking views and the unique chance to spot the Aurora Borealis.

Moreover, the resort focuses on sustainability, utilizing only renewable electricity, providing numerous electric vehicle charging points, and employing LED lighting throughout.

3. Großglockner, Austria

Best for natural beauty

While North and South Tyrol are Austria’s most popular ski regions, the East Tyrol region guarantees crowd-free skiing and awe-inspiring views. It’s a wonderfully remote ski area with few major roads and only a handful of resorts.

Großglockner, one of Austria’s largest ski areas, boasts 43km (27 miles) of trails and 55km (34 miles) of cross-country tracks. Here, après-ski is less about nightlife and more about exploring the wild region of Hohe Tauern National Park through guided hikes or stargazing sessions with local naturalists. Additionally, children under six ski for free, making it a fantastic value for families.

4. Baqueira-Beret, Spain

Best for off-piste skiing

Located in the Catalan Pyrenees, Baqueira-Beret is becoming increasingly accessible, yet it still preserves a sense of untamed wilderness. A three-hour drive from Barcelona leads to 169km (105 miles) of slopes that ascend to 2500m (8202ft) above sea level. Top trails, such as Escornacabres—a thrilling off-piste descent—appeal to adrenaline seekers.

5. Les Orres, France

Best resort in the Southern Alps

Les Orres, situated in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, exemplifies the value of exploring lesser-known ski areas. Perched at 5400m (17,717ft) above sea level, the resort offers 100km (62 miles) of slopes served by 17 lifts, boasting incredible snow reliability due to its north-facing position. Consequently, visitors are often seen skiing in T-shirts during late March or April.

6. Aletsch Arena, Switzerland

Best for sunny slopes

Aletsch Arena is undoubtedly one of the most stunning ski areas, featuring a network of snow-covered slopes near Switzerland’s Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With 103km (64 miles) of slopes ranging from 1845m (6053ft) to 2896m (9501ft) above sea level, much of the accommodation is conveniently ski-in, ski-out.

This ski area is also one of Europe’s sunniest, with 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal spot for off-piste activities and scenic excursions.

7. Sella Nevea–Kanin, Italy and Slovenia

Best for spectacular backdrops

The Sella Nevea–Kanin ski area straddles the border between Italy and Slovenia, renowned for its consistent snow quality. The ski season typically runs from November to June, offering fantastic backcountry terrain for adventurous skiers. With 29km (18 miles) of slopes, this resort caters to beginners and intermediate skiers looking to soak up mesmerizing views, making it a perfect destination for skiing enthusiasts.