Lesser-Known Ski Resorts You Need to Visit in Europe

The peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama – which form part of the Sistema Central mountain range – hide the locally popular ski resorts of Valdesquí and Puerto de Navacerrada, both of which are within easy reach of Madrid. Valdesquí has 21km (13mi) of pistes, while Puerto de Navacerrada soars up to 1,858m (6,095ft) above sea level and has a range of beginner and intermediate courses within pine forests – it also offers a ski jump and slalom run. Both resorts are now temporarily closed but, hopefully, they’ll be up and running soon.

Pamporovo is popular among local skiers yet still largely undiscovered by the rest of the world. The resort sits in the southern Rhodope mountains, in the Smolyan province of Bulgaria, within abundant Norway spruce forests that become even more attractive when covered in snow. The ski area here isn’t massive, but there are a number of green and blue runs (around 3km/2mi) that make Pamporovo the ideal ski destination for beginners and non-professionals. Plus, it’s way cheaper than its western counterparts.

Another Bulgarian gem, this ski resort in the small town of Bansko – home to around 13,000 – lies in the Pirin Mountains, at an altitude of 2,000-2,600m (6,560ft-8,200ft). Bansko is more suitable for beginners, and has several ski rental shops offering the necessary gear. There are also many luxury hotels nearby; most offer a bus service to the ski-lift station in the morning and afternoon. Arrive early as possible, though, as it tends to get crowded.

The Three Valleys – or Trois Vallées – lying in the heart of the French Alps is one of the most popular ski regions in southeast France. It’s home to several ski resorts, the most famous being Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. Few have heard of Orelle, though, the fourth little valley just above Val Thorens. Small yet practical, Orelle has a mini supermarket, a bar-restaurant, a pizzeria and a mountain restaurant, along with a few stone houses offering accommodation. Try skiing, zip-lining, ice-climbing and snowshoeing or take a gondola ride to Val Thorens to ski some more.

Towering above the town of Delphi – home to the Temple of Apollo, built in the fourth century BCE – Parnassus is one of the highest mountains in Greece. As well as the incredible flora and fauna (including olive groves where wolves and boars run freely), you will find 36km (22mi) of slopes and some of the best ski resorts in the country, the highest of which sits at 2,260m (7,410ft). Fterolakka/Kellaria is the most popular resort and a perfect place to ski and snowboard.

This resort in the High Tatras range in northern Slovakia offers slopes suitable for beginners, but also some of the steepest pistes in the country. There’s a cable car that will take you to Lomnický štít, the second-highest mountain in Slovakia (reaching 2,634m/8,642ft), while you can ski from the resort’s highest and steepest slope, Lomnické sedlo (2,190m/7,185ft above sea level) directly down to the beautiful Tatranská Lomnica village. Families, adrenaline-seekers and professional skiers will all be satisfied here.

The largest and highest ski resort in Georgia is found in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, on the southern plateau of the Caucasus mountain range – the highest lift station is a little over 3,000m (9,840ft) on Mount Sadzele. There are slopes for all skiing and snowboarding levels here, with the total length of marked piste around 50km (31mi). Cat skiing, heli-skiing, night skiing, cross-country trails, ski tours and snow tubing are also available in Gudauri.

Austria’s snowiest winter-sports destination, Obertauern has 100km (62mi) of ski slopes. Purpose-built for skiiers, it sits in the Radstädter Tauern mountain range in Salzburgerland and is surrounded by snowy peaks and fine hotels, making for a delightful après-ski experience. There’s a mix of red, blue and green runs here, along with some off-piste options, so skiers of all abilities are welcome. If you’re not that fond of skiing, you can try snowboarding, tobogganing, winter hiking, ice skating or sleigh riding. End the day with a drink at the chilled-out Qu-Bar.

This is the place to visit if you want to avoid the queues. Nevis Range opened in 1989 on the slopes of the Aonach Mor Mountain in the Scottish Highlands, just a short drive from the town of Fort William. The resort has 32 different runs, including green, blue and black ones. For pro skiers looking for a thrill, the yellow itineraries of ungroomed runs on the trail map are a must. The snow is best here in February and March, while those seeking extra fun can also take part in tree-climbing courses or indulge in mountain gondola rides.

As strange as it sounds, Mount Etna, reaching 3,323m (10,900ft), is home to two ski resorts. Piano Provenzana is on the north and Nicolosi on the south of this very active volcano. The temperatures here are low during the winter, which makes Etna a marvellous place to ski. Nicolosi is the largest, with more vertical pistes and lifts to the summit. Skiing on Etna is possible from November to the end of March and sometimes into April.