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To: Calais
 
 
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Best Places to go Skiing in Europe

For many travellers, swapping the airport queues for a scenic ferry journey completely changes the tone of the holiday. Opting for a comfortable and exciting sea crossing, like the convenient Dover to Calais route, means you can travel on a day and time that suits you. Plus, you get to enjoy extra flexibility with various ticket types. When you travel this way, your trip truly starts as soon as you step onboard, setting you up perfectly for the best skiing holidays.

Skiing in Europe
How to Choose Where to Go Skiing in Europe

With so many incredible European ski destinations on offer, picking the right one can feel a bit overwhelming. The best place to go skiing in Europe depends entirely on what you want from your trip. Are you looking for family-friendly slopes, a luxurious alpine retreat, or a budget-friendly adventure?

How you prefer to travel also plays a huge part. When you choose to drive and take the ferry to France or the Netherlands, you open up a world of possibilities for skiing in Europe. Free from airline baggage limits, a ferry voyage lets you bring a vehicle loaded with ski equipment, warm clothes, and even a few of your favourite snacks from home. Driving allows you to easily reach some of the most spectacular resorts in the French Alps and beyond at your own pace, ensuring you can pack all your family's essentials in the boot.

Where to Go Skiing

Top European Ski Destinations by Category

Ski in Europe

Best Places to Ski in Europe for Beginners

If you are wondering where to ski in Europe as a beginner, France is an exceptional starting point. Resorts like Morzine and Les Arcs boast world-class ski schools and plenty of gentle green and blue runs. Morzine is a fantastic option because it is a very straightforward drive once you arrive in Calais. Alternatively, if you want to practise before hitting the mountains, driving to the Netherlands is a brilliant idea. SnowWorld Landgraaf is Europe's largest indoor ski resort and a perfect place to find your ski legs before tackling the larger alpine resorts.

Expert Skiers

Best Resorts for Advanced & Expert Skiers

For those seeking adrenaline and challenging pistes, France once again takes the crown. Chamonix offers some of the greatest off-piste skiing opportunities in the world. It is the ultimate playground for expert skiers wanting to test their limits. If you love unplanned, ad-hoc excursions, Chamonix is also brilliant for last-minute skiing holidays.

Ski Resorts

Best Ski Resorts for Non-Skiers

Not everyone goes to the mountains to actually ski. If you prefer winter walks, lavish spas and incredible food, Megève in the French Alps is a winter wonderland. It is one of the best places to go skiing in Europe if you want to spend your days enjoying the alpine atmosphere without strapping on a pair of skis.

Snowboarding

Best Resorts for Snowboarding

If you'd rather swap skis for a board, you will find some of the most spectacular slopes just a straightforward drive from the port. When it comes to world-class alpine terrain, snowboarding in France is truly hard to beat, offering everything from wide-open runs to legendary snowparks.

For those seeking thrilling descents and incredible off-piste adventures, snowboarding in Chamonix is world-renowned. Sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, this iconic resort is a brilliant playground for those chasing deep powder and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Alternatively, if you want guaranteed snow and excellent freestyle facilities, snowboarding in Tignes is a fantastic choice. Known for its high-altitude glacier and wide, forgiving slopes, it suits both seasoned snowboarders and beginners finding their balance.

Best of all, choosing to drive and take the ferry allows you to easily pack your own snowboard, boots, and bulky winter gear in the boot of your car, completely avoiding the worry of strict airline baggage limits.

Cheap Skiing Holidays

Top Destinations for Cheap Skiing Holidays

Finding cheap skiing holidays does not mean you have to compromise on quality. While Eastern Europe is often touted for budget trips, there are plenty of affordable hidden gems in France that save you the long drive and keep fuel costs low. Resorts like Flaine and La Norma offer excellent value for money, affordable lift passes and self-catering apartments, making your pound stretch further while still enjoying the glorious French mountains.

Best Places to go Skiing in Europe

Courchevel

Courchevel, France

If you are picturing your perfect luxury alpine getaway, there are plenty of locations to choose from, but Courchevel always stands out. Luxury hotels in Courchevel provide a wonderful atmosphere and chic interiors, making skiing an art form. There are also possibilities to entice your taste buds with meals in Michelin-starred restaurants, take private classes, and get some of the most luxurious therapeutic spa treatments in Europe.

Chamonix

Chamonix, France

Think ad-hoc excursions, they are often the most enjoyable. However, booking last-minute skiing holidays is not always easy. If you seek an adventure trip, Chamonix offers great sporting opportunities for a spontaneous getaway. Festive seasons such as Christmas and New Year are popular with skiers and families alike, so if you are thinking of visiting in winter, it is always best to plan ahead where you can.

Landgraaf

Landgraaf, The Netherlands

A wonderfully unique addition to our list, Landgraaf is home to an incredible indoor winter sports arena. It is an easy, pleasant drive from the coast and makes for a brilliant weekend getaway or a warm-up trip before heading farther south into the Alps.

Zermatt

Zermatt, Switzerland

If you are willing to drive a bit further through the continent, Zermatt in Switzerland offers another fantastic opportunity for a snowy retreat. Sitting in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn, it provides breathtaking scenery and reliable snow coverage.

St Moritz

St Moritz, Switzerland

For those who want to double down on elegance, St Moritz provides a wonderful atmosphere for a luxury ski holiday. It is famous globally for its glitz, glamour, and exceptional winter sports heritage.

Planning Your Skiing Holiday in Europe

Whether you are sliding down the slopes or sipping hot chocolate by the lodge, a family winter holiday is a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time together. To make sure that everyone, from the youngest snow bunny to the most experienced skier, has everything they need, preparation is essential.

If you need to plan your day around the ferry's arrival and your destination's opening, always consult the Dover to Calais timetable before booking. This helps ensure your onward journey runs as smoothly as possible. To add a little extra comfort to your trip, you might even consider upgrading to an exclusive all-inclusive Club Lounge for the crossing.

Skiing Holiday in Europe
Making the Most of Your Journey with P&O Ferries

Whether you are heading off the slopes with your family, going for an unplanned break packed with winter sports or indulging in an opulent ski retreat, getting there should be as relaxing as possible. With all the comforts and amenities available on board to keep you entertained during a 90-minute crossing, you will arrive refreshed and ready to get those skis on.

You can pick up some travel essentials in the Duty Free shop, unwind in a quiet lounge, or head to the Food Market for delicious hot and cold dishes before the drive. Taking the time to relax during your journey makes your winter break entirely stress-free.

European Endeavour

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 What are the ski holiday packing essentials?

A few things that you should not forget when packing for a ski holiday include; waterproof and thermal clothing, gloves, goggles, and of course, the skiing gear if you are not renting at the resort. Worried about forgetting some travel essentials? No need to worry, our duty-free shop on P&O Ferries has everything from toiletries to currency exchange for the ski resort.

2 How much does a ski holiday cost?

A ski holiday can vary greatly, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. On average, budget £1,000-£2,000 per person for a week. With P&O Ferries, you can cross to France starting at £92 per person, giving you extra flexibility to splurge on what truly matters—like après-ski treats and equipment upgrades. Learn more about our ferries to France today.

3 How much is a family ski holiday?

For a family of four, expect to budget around £4,000-£5,000, depending on the destination. A Dover to Calais ferry trip makes family travel easier, with onboard kid-friendly entertainment to keep the little ones happy without extra cost.

4 How do I plan a ski holiday?

Successful planning involves selecting a suitable resort, preparing gear, and deciding on travel. Ferries offer unparalleled flexibility, so check out our Dover to Calais travel planning guide to start your trip stress-free.

5 Where is the easiest place to drive to for a ski holiday?

The French Alps offer some of the most accessible resorts when travelling via the Dover to Calais route. Destinations like Flaine, Morzine and Chamonix can be reached in around eight to nine hours of driving from Calais, making them incredibly popular for British holidaymakers looking for a straightforward journey.

6 Can I take my ski gear on the ferry?

Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of travelling by ferry is that you do not have to worry about strict airline baggage rules. You can load up your car with your skis, snowboards, boots and bulky winter clothing at no extra cost.

7 Which country in Europe is best for a ski holiday?

France is arguably the best destination for UK travellers due to its proximity to the ferry ports, vast interconnected ski areas and varied resorts catering to all budgets and abilities. The Netherlands also offers fantastic indoor facilities for beginners, while Switzerland and Austria are spectacular options for those willing to enjoy a scenic drive further into Europe.