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But will there be snow…? Among skiers it’s the question that could challenge ‘what is the meaning of life?’ for most universally pondered query.
Well, if you book your next trip to one of these snow sure ski resorts you can give yourself some peace of mind. It just so happens that Europe is blessed with that rare combination of qualities that rank its resorts among the most reliable in the world for snow conditions.We’ve compared factors including altitude, snow record, and slope orientation to determine the most snow sure resorts in Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy. So now you can get back to pondering less critical questions like which mountain restaurant to visit for lunch.
Discover more about these top ski resorts below or check out all of our high altitude, snow sure ski holidays.
Most snow sure ski resorts in Europe
Thanks to their lofty heights, glaciers, or micro-climates, these resorts are some of the top snow sure ski destinations in Europe.
- Zermatt
- Cervinia
- Saas Fee
- Val d’Isere
- Val Thorens
- Tignes
- Solden
- Ischgl
- Obergurgl
- Les Deux Alpes
| Resort | Country | Resort altitude | Highest lift | December snow (weekly) | April snow (weekly) | Snow cannon coverage | Slope direction; | Skiable glacier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt | Switzerland | 1,620m | 3,820m | 44cm | 59cm | 75% | N,S,E,W | Klein Matterhorn, Theodul |
| Cervinia | Italy | 2,050m | 3,480m | 37cm | 41cm | 45% | S,S/W | Plateau Rosa, Theodul |
| Saas Fee | Switzerland | 1,800m | 3,600m | 34cm | 45cm | 30% | N,E,W | Fee Glacier |
| Val d'Isere | France | 1,850m | 3,450m | 37cm | 32cm | 50% | N,S,E,W | Pisaillas Glacier |
| Val Thorens | France | 2,300m | 3,230m | 35cm | 23cm | 40% | N,E,S/E,N/W | Pèclet, Thorens |
| Tignes | France | 2,100m | 3,456m | 37cm | 28cm | 50% | N,S,E,W | Grande Motte Glacier |
| Sölden | Austria | 1,350m | 3,250m | 37cm | 28cm | 60% | N,S,E,W | Rettenbach, Tiefenbach |
| Ischgl | Austria | 1,400m | 2,872m | 32cm | 24cm | 90% | N,S,E,W | None |
| Obergurgl | Austria | 1,930m | 3,080m | 30cm | 31cm | 90% | N,N/W,E | None |
| Les Deux Alpes | France | 1,650m | 3,600m | 42cm | 26cm | 30% | S/E,S,W | Les Deux Alpes Glacier |
How did we decide our ranking of the most snow sure resorts?
Here are the seven criteria we used to decide our ranking:
- Weekly December snowfall - Reliable early-season snow is key for resort openings and building a solid base of snow
- Weekly April snowfall - Late-season snow ensures pistes stay open into spring, even as temperatures rise
- Resort height - Higher resorts are more likely to maintain decent conditions right down to village level
- Highest lift - High-altitude terrain retains snow better, especially in warm or late-season periods
- Glacier skiing - glaciers provide year-round snow retention, supporting longer seasons and reliable conditions
- Slope direction - Shadier aspects protect snow from sun and reduce melt-freeze cycles
- Snowmaking coverage - Snow cannons supplement natural snowfall, keeping pistes skiable when the natural stuff is thin on the ground
Here are the 10 most snow sure ski resorts in Europe
Based on the ranking factors above, we bring you Europe’s most snow sure ski resorts. Switzerland’s Zermatt takes the crown, thanks to snow sure qualities that should put at ease even the most snow-anxious skiers.
But if you want to avoid paying Swiss prices, there are plenty of other reliable resorts across the Alps, each with unique characteristics that make them worth a visit.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Highest lift: 3,820m
December weekly snowfall: 44cm
April weekly snowfall: 59cm
Snow cannons: 75%
Skiable glacier: Klein Matterhorn Glacier, Theodul glacier
Our data puts Zermatt at the peak of European snow surety. With lifts climbing to 3,820m, and weekly snowfall averaging 44cm in December and 59cm in April, this legendary Swiss resort is one of the most consistently snow sure on the continent.
Zermatt is home to not one but two glaciers: the Klein Matterhorn, which is claimed to be the highest skiable area in the Alps, and the Theodul. These maintain the piste quality and provide year-round skiing opportunities. Even when Mother Nature takes a break, the resort’s advanced snowmaking system, including the Snowmaker (which can produce snow even when temperatures are above 0°C), ensures reliable conditions from autumn to spring.
Zermatt offers 360km of skiable terrain, spanning all directions (N, S, E, W) for optimal slope conditions throughout the day, and you can even ski across the border into Italy’s sunny Cervinia (our second most snow sure resort).
Whether you're chasing powder, sunshine, or picture-perfect mountain views, Zermatt delivers on every front.
Cervinia, Italy
Highest lift: 3,480m
December weekly snowfall: 37cm
April weekly snowfall: 41cm
Snow cannons: 45%
Skiable glacier: Plateau Rosa glacier, Theodul glacier
Just over the border from Zermatt, and perched at 2,050m, Cervinia is one of the highest ski resorts in the Alps - and that certainly shows in its snow reliability. With lifts reaching 3,480m and access to both the Plateau Rosa and Theodul glaciers, this resort guarantees excellent snow conditions throughout the season. Weekly snowfall averages 37cm in December and 41cm in April, giving Cervinia one of the strongest snow records in Italy.
And despite its south and southwest-facing slopes, the resort’s altitude more than makes up for the sun exposure, though 45% of the terrain is covered by snow cannons just in case. Thanks to the glacier access, parts of Cervinia even offer summer skiing, with 26.5km of terrain staying open off-piste on the Plateau Rosa.
The resort’s connections to Zermatt unlock over 360km of connected terrain, but with more affordable accommodation and dining on the Italian side. With 200km of pistes in Cervinia alone, this is an ideal destination for intermediates, with plenty of wide, well-groomed slopes.
Add in an average of 1.8 sunny days per week, and Cervinia becomes a truly well-rounded skiing destination for those looking for reliable snow, spectacular scenery, and better value than its Swiss neighbour.
Planning a late season trip to Italy? Check out our guide to the mosts now sure resorts in Italy.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Highest lift: 3,600m
December weekly snowfall: 34cm
April weekly snowfall: 45cm
Snow cannons: 30%
Skiable glacier: Fee Glacier
Saas Fee, the ‘Pearl of the Alps’, is Switzerland’s second most snow-sure resort, thanks to its north-facing slopes, glacier skiing, and elevation that reaches up to 3,600m. The resort sits at 1,800m, with the majority of its terrain above 2,500m, ensuring cold temperatures and consistent conditions, especially in the early season. Snowfall averages a healthy 34cm per week in December and 45cm in April, while 30% of the area is covered by snow cannons.
At the heart of Saas Fee is the Fee Glacier, which not only guarantees excellent late-season skiing but also opens the door to some of the most scenic glacier runs in the Alps. The resort itself is car-free, preserving its traditional Alpine charm and pristine environment.
While more peaceful and affordable than Zermatt, Saas Fee has a surprisingly good mix of restaurants, shops, and bars - all lining a quaint main street. Its terrain suits all ability levels, with gentle nursery slopes near town and more challenging glacier runs higher up.
Val d’Isere, France
Highest lift: 3,450m
December weekly snowfall: 37cm
April weekly snowfall: 32cm
Snow cannons: 50%
Skiable glacier: Pisaillas glacier
Val d’Isère clinches the title of most snow sure resort in France. At 1,850m, the village itself usually has enough snow to offer ski-in, ski-out access throughout the season. With lifts reaching up to 3,450m and most slopes sitting well above mid-mountain, conditions here stay excellent from early December right through to spring.
On average, Val d’Isère sees 37cm of snowfall per week in December and 32cm in April. And even when conditions are suboptimal, the resort has an arsenal of 650 snow cannons covering 50% of its pistes. And with North, east, south and west-facing slopes, you can chase optimal conditions throughout the day.
Home to the Pisaillas glacier and forming half of the Espace Killy ski area alongside Tignes, Val d’Isère offers access to a whopping 300km of pistes. The resort itself blends Alpine charm with a lively apreès scene. From expert terrain to beginner slopes, Val d’Isère caters to every skier with world-class reliability and atmosphere to match.
Read more:
Set on France for your ski trip? You can discover even more of France's most snow sure ski resorts in our dedicated guide.
Val Thorens, France
Highest lift: 3,230m
December weekly snowfall: 35cm
April weekly snowfall: 23cm
Snow cannons: 40%
Skiable glaciers: Pèclet, and Thorens glaciers
Located at 2,300m, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, and one of the most snow-sure destinations in the Alps. With average December snowfall of 35cm and 23cm in April, plus an annual total of over 6 metres, Val Thorens delivers reliable conditions throughout its long season, which runs from late November to May.
The slopes rise to 3,230m, and their mostly north and east-facing aspects help preserve snow quality throughout the season. Add in 40% snow cannon coverage and you’ve got backup for when the natural stuff needs a boost. Meanwhile, its high altitude glaciers, the Aiguille de Péclet and Thorens, ensure the upper runs hold their snow even in the spring sunshine.
As part of the Three Valleys, the largest linked ski area in the world, Val Thorens offers access to 600km of pistes, 85% of which sit above 1,800m, an elevation few resorts can match.
With its snow reliability, terrain variety, and buzzing après-ski, Val Thorens is a top-tier choice for snow lovers.
Tignes, France
Highest lift: 3,456m
December weekly snowfall: 37cm
April weekly snowfall: 28cm
Snow cannons: 50%
Skiable glacier: Grande Motte glacier
At 2,100m, Tignes is another high up ski resort, and its statistics speak volumes for its snow surety. Sharing the renowned Espace Killy ski area with Val d’Isère, it benefits from the same generous snowfall and high-altitude terrain, with lifts reaching up to 3,456m - even higher than its neighbour.
The resort enjoys 37cm of snowfall in December and 28cm in April, with 50% of its pistes covered by snow cannons. Many of the slopes face north and east, preserving snow quality well into spring.
Tignes’ crown jewel is the Grande Motte glacier, which offers glacier skiing from autumn to late spring and anchors the resort’s reputation for long, dependable seasons. Access to the glacier is quick and easy via the Perce-Neige funicular, followed by a panoramic cable car that gets you to the top in minutes.
Tignes is a top performer for serious skiers looking for consistent conditions and extensive high-altitude terrain.
Sölden, Austria
Highest lift: 3,250m
December weekly snowfall: 37cm
April weekly snowfall: 28cm
Snow cannons: 60%
Skiable glaciers: Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers
Sölden stands out among Austria’s top resorts for its exceptional snow reliability, thanks in large part to its dual glaciers, the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach, which allow for early-season skiing, sometimes even from mid-September.
Despite a relatively low resort base at 1,350m, Sölden’s lifts soar to 3,250m, giving access to some of the highest terrain in the Alps. Weekly snowfall averages are strong and consistent, with 37cm in December and 28cm in April. Combined with 60% snow cannon coverage, the resort maintains excellent piste conditions throughout the season.
With 150km of varied slopes, glacier access, and serious snowmaking capacity, Sölden is one of the most snow-sure resorts in Austria, offering a long, dependable ski season without the high price tag of Swiss neighbours.
Read more:
Discover even more snow sure ski resorts in Austria in our dedicated guide.
Ischgl, Austria
Highest lift: 2,872m
December weekly snowfall: 32cm
April weekly snowfall: 24cm
Snow cannons: 90%
Skiable glacier: None
Ischgl may sit just below the 1,500m snow-sure benchmark, but what it lacks in base altitude, it makes up for in technology, elevation, and efficiency. Its fast, modern lift system quickly whisks skiers up to 2,872m, where the snow conditions are reliably strong.
The resort receives solid natural snowfall - 32cm weekly in December and 24cm in April - but where Ischgl really shines is snowmaking: a whopping 90% of its 230km of pistes are covered by snow cannons. The ski area is especially appealing for intermediates and advanced riders, thanks to its challenging terrain and wide-open pistes.
Throw in its legendary après-ski scene and high standards of piste grooming, and Ischgl earns its place as one of Austria’s best snow sure resorts.
Obergurgl, Austria
Highest lift: 3,080m
December weekly snowfall: 30cm
April weekly snowfall: 31cm
Snow cannons: 90%
Skiable glacier: None
At 1,930m, Obergurgl is one of Austria’s highest resorts, and one of the most snow sure without a glacier. Its lifts reach 3,080m, and snowfall is impressively consistent throughout the season, averaging 30cm in December and 31cm in April. And with 90% snow cannon coverage, skiable conditions are assured.
The resort’s north and east-facing slopes help preserve snow, especially on warmer days, and its lofty altitude allows it to open as early as November and stay open into May. These long seasons make Obergurgl a favourite for beginners and intermediates looking for consistent, high-quality pistes to build confidence.
Linked with neighbouring Hochgurgl, skiers can explore over 110km of terrain, from gentle learning zones at Festkogl to challenging descents like the Hohe Mut.
Although it has no glacier, Obergurgl proves that elevation, orientation, and snow management are just as important when it comes to quality conditions.
Les Deux Alpes, France
Highest lift: 3,600m
December weekly snowfall: 42cm
April weekly snowfall: 26cm
Snow cannons: 30%
Slope direction: S/E, S, W
Skiable glacier: Les Deux Alpes glacier
At 1,650m, Les Deux Alpes may sit lower than some rivals, but its high-altitude terrain, strong early-season snowfall (42cm in December), and vast skiable glacier make it one of the most snow-sure resorts in France. With lifts reaching 3,600m, it offers reliable skiing well into spring and even during summer months.
The Les Deux Alpes glacier, one of the largest in Europe, is the resort’s snow-sure secret weapon, ensuring great coverage when lower slopes need a boost. Even with a relatively modest 30% snow cannon coverage, natural snow conditions here are typically strong enough to last for the season.
The resort faces mostly south and west, but its altitude and glacier more than compensate. And with the long-anticipated link to Alpe d’Huez and La Grave still in the works, Les Deux Alpes is set to become part of one of the largest and most varied ski areas in the Alps.
Most snow sure ski resorts - rest of the world
Whistler, Canada
Highest lift: 2,284m
December weekly snowfall: 58cm
April weekly snowfall: 33cm
Snow cannons: 18%
Skiable glacier: Horstman Glacier
Whistler Blackcomb, named after the two side-by-side mountains that provide its 8,000+ acres of skiable terrain, is the largest ski resort in North America and its most snow sure.
With the resort sitting at just 675m and the highest lift going up to 2,284m above sea level, Whistler can’t match the altitude of most of its Alpine cousins. Nevertheless, it sees enough snowfall (58cm per week in December and 33cm in April) to typically open its pistes between November and May, a season length that many European resorts can’t beat. And with over one mile of vertical between the village and the higher slopers, it’s not uncommon to experience rain at resort-level and snow flurries up top.
Its main glacier (of three), the Horstman Glacier, has been open for summer skiing for the last two decades. However, unusually low snowfall over the previous winter resulted in the suspension of summer skiing for the last two seasons. Here’s hoping it makes a return in the near future.
Get a great deal on a snow sure ski holiday with Iglu Ski
Whether you’re craving late season snow or you just want to give yourself a fighting chance of experiencing optimal conditions, booking a trip to one of these sensationally snow sure resorts will set your next ski holiday up for success.
Iglu Ski can’t guarantee snow, but we can guarantee a great deal on a hotel, chalet or apartment. Discover and book your next trip to the most snow sure resorts in Europe now.