If you’re planning a ski holiday and want guaranteed snow, your best bet is heading high. Altitude matters – the higher the resort, the colder it stays, which means better snow quality and longer seasons. Whether you’re travelling early, late, or just want peace of mind, here are six of Skiworld’s best high-altitude chalet resorts for snow-sure skiing.
1. Val Thorens – Europe’s Highest Resort
At 2,300m, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe – and it shows. Snow-sure from November through to May, this Three Valleys resort has a massive ski area, modern lifts, and terrain for all levels. It’s the ultimate go-to for early and late-season trips.
Val Thorens – Europe’s highest ski resort and part of the 600km 3 Valleys ski area. Image Credit: T. Loubere / Val Thorens Tourisme
2. Tignes – Reliable Snow and Varied Terrain
Tignes sits at 2,100m and shares the vast Tignes–Val d’Isère ski area. Its glacier, high valleys, and efficient lift system mean you can nearly always find excellent conditions. Great for adventurous skiers and boarders who want snow certainty with variety.
Going steep and deep in Tignes, twinned with Val d’Isere. Image Credit: Andy Parant
3. Val d’Isère – A Legendary Resort with Height on Its Side
At 1,850m with access up to 3,456m, Val d’Isère’s combination of altitude and north-facing slopes makes it one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. It’s known for its quality snowpack, challenging pistes, and top-tier ski infrastructure.
Living it up (side-down) in one of Val d’Isère’s high altitude snow parks. Image Credit:Val d’Isere Tourisme
4. Les Arcs – Ski from the Clouds to the Forests
The Les Arcs ski area ranges from 1,200m to 3,226m, with the high-altitude Arc 2000 sector offering some of the most reliable conditions in the Paradiski domain. With its snow-sure bowl, extensive pistes and easy access to La Plagne, Les Arcs delivers on all fronts.
Skiing powder in the trees. Les Arcs altitude range is massive. Image Credit: @wearemerci
5. La Plagne – Snowsure and Family-Friendly
Part of Paradiski, La Plagne offers skiing up to 3,250m via the Bellecôte Glacier. With several villages above 1,800m and a good network of lifts, it’s reliably snowy all season long. Great for families and mixed-ability groups looking for dependable conditions.
The villages of La Plagne in the evening – all above 1,800m. Image Credit: Olivier Allamand
6. Alpe d’Huez – Sunshine and Snow-Sure Slopes
Alpe d’Huez may be known as the ‘Island in the Sun’, but don’t let the blue skies fool you – at 1,860m with skiing up to 3,330m, it’s one of the most snow-sure spots in the southern Alps. Plus, the Sarenne black run offers one of the longest descents in Europe.
Explore the seemingly endless Isere Alps from Alpe d’Huez. Credit – Laurent Salino
Make Altitude Your Ally
Choosing a high-altitude ski resort is the best way to guarantee great snow conditions and an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re booking early, skiing in spring, or just want reliable powder, these resorts deliver the goods.
Explore Skiworld’s catered chalets in these snow-sure resorts and lock in your next high-altitude escape.
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