Ski Hotels

A ski-in ski-out hotel quite literally does what it says on the tin – allows you to ski right to the front door of your accommodation. These types of hotels are slopeside, and most of the time near to a ski lift. The ski room tends to directly face the piste, ensuring guests have easy access to the slopes, perfect for getting straight out and exploring without any inconvenience.

This is dependent on the ski package you’ve decided to go with. Ski hotels offer different board basis, including room-only, B&B, half board, full board and all-inclusive. Most ski hotels offer B&B, with many providing half board meals, which includes breakfast and dinner (as most guests are on the slopes during the day!). Some hotels do allow guests to visit during lunchtime, giving them the freedom to explore the ski resort in the evening. Then you’ve got Club Med hotels, which include all meals and refreshments – what more could you want!

Club Med ski holidays are a firm favourite for a family-friendly trip. Everything is included, which is perfect for when it comes to childcare and evening entertainment. Outside of Club Med, the MMV Residences, such as Residence Club MMV Etoile des Cimes, as well as the Valamar Hotels, such as Valamar Obertauern, have a great range of childcare facilities. With English-speaking ski schools, kid’s clubs, cinema rooms, swimming pools and games rooms available, there is plenty to do for all the family.

That totally depends on what you are looking for. Whether you have a taste for the finer things, or a fun family getaway, there are several fantastic ski hotels in Europe. If you are looking for a truly luxurious escape, we recommend visiting The Chedi in Andermatt. For a boutique stay, Le Refuge de Solaise in Val d’Isère is an ideal, high-altitude hotel. A family favourite is Hotel L’Ecrin Blanc in Courchevel, where guests will have several fun activities to explore, including an Aquamotion water centre. You can find out more in our guide on the best luxury ski hotels in Europe.

The sooner the better. If you already have an idea of where you want to stay, we advise to get in touch as soon as possible. Top picks of ski hotels tend to get booked up quickly, so ensure you decide in good time, especially if you are travelling over the peak weeks of Christmas, New Year, February Half Term and Easter. Plus, if you get in touch early enough, we have fantastic early-booking offers!

Half board is one of the most common board basis on a ski holiday. Guests can indulge in the hotel breakfast, meaning you can get fuelled up before heading to the slopes. Enjoy an alfresco lunch on the mountains and upon returning to your hotel, freshen up and enjoy a gourmet dinner in the hotel’s restaurant (of which sometimes there is more than one!).

Not every hotel will be ski-in ski-out, and you need not worry if that is the case. Most ski hotels will either be in the centre of the ski resort (meaning you can easily walk to the nearest lift), or near to a bus stop. Ski resorts also often have a bus that shuttles skiers around the area, as well as to the main parts of town.

Every ski hotel differs when it comes to facilities. Whether you’ve gone for a boutique hotel in the centre of town, or treated yourself to a five-star, grand getaway at the foot of the slopes, expect to see some differences. Higher-starred hotels tend to be found in an exceptional, slopeside location, complete with a wellness centre, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and attentive concierge who will handle everything for you.