Luxury European ski holidays

If you’re planning a European ski holiday, you’ve come to the right place. VIP SKI’s luxury catered chalets and hotel are nestled in some of Europe’s finest ski resorts, with prime ski-in/ski-out locations putting you right at the heart of the action. You’ll be in easy reach of high-altitude skiing, too, as all of our European resorts sit at 1,800m or more above sea level.

Taking your children on their first ski trip to France? Celebrating a milestone birthday trip with friends? Planning a romantic getaway to a picturesque alpine village? Whatever brings you to the slopes, you’ll find all the home comforts you need in our catered chalets - just with a little extra indulgence and stunning mountain scenery.

Find all the inspiration and information you need to plan your next European ski holiday below. For advice on which resort is best for your group or time of year, please contact our friendly team.

You can ski in over 30 countries in Europe, so choice isn’t the challenge when planning your next trip - knowing which is the best resort for your group is. From snow conditions and the weather to family friendliness and activities off the slopes, there are lots of factors that can influence your enjoyment of your week away in the mountains.

Ski holidays in the French Alps

With over 35 years of ski holiday operations under our belt across Europe, we know a thing or two about what makes a trip unforgettable. France has been the sole destination of our catered holidays since 2021, and it’s easy to see why:

• The skiing is exceptional, with something for everyone. There really is no arguing with this - the sheer size and quality of the ski areas in the French Alps is something else, with runs that range from wide and cruisy blues for those finding their feet to zippy reds and steep blacks for the more advanced in your group
• Family friendliness is second nature. From ski schools and beginner areas to childcare and activities away from the piste, you’ll always feel welcome and cared for as a family on holiday in the French Alps.
• The scenery is breathtaking. Dramatic glaciers, tree-lined pistes, picture-perfect chocolate-box villages - French ski resorts are as beautiful as you’d imagine them to be, and more.
• It’s where après-ski is done properly. The fun doesn’t end when the lifts close - in fact, this is when the resorts come to life, with piste-side DJs and live bands keeping the energy up well into the evening.
• Flights are short and transfers are straightforward. France is one of the most accessible ski destinations from the UK, so you can spend less time travelling and more time on the slopes. Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble, and Chambéry airports are all within easy reach of the mountains.

France itself has over 300 ski resorts, which is far too many to choose between if you ask us!

Avoriaz, La Plagne, Les Arcs, and Val d’Isère are the four that we handpicked for our luxury holidays. Between them, they’re home to around 1,800km of pistes of varying terrain for all abilities, so we can promise that you won’t get bored.

Our chalets sit at an average altitude of 1,967m above sea level, allowing you all the advantages of high altitude but within a short distance (often ski-in/ski-out) of both the chairlifts and the villages themselves.

More Brits choose to get their winter sports fix in Val d’Isère each winter than anywhere else in the world, and with good reason. Val d’Isère is linked to Tignes, with the joint ski area providing an extensive amount of pistes that are ideal for complete beginners and experts alike.

No European ski resort can fully guarantee snow, but this high-altitude resort is as close as you’ll get. Offering the longest season of our four destinations, lifts open in Val d’Isère in late November and close (for skiing) at the end of April/start of May. The village itself sits at 1,850m and stretches three miles along the valley, from La Daille at the resort’s entrance to Le Fornet at the opposite end.



The town’s known for its liveliness and is packed with world-famous après-ski bars, high-end restaurants, and upmarket shops. There are plenty of activities for the kids away from the slopes, too, from husky sleigh rides to skidooing and even a farm tour.

Learn more about why Brits head back to this resort year after year by reading all about Val d’Isère.

Find your luxury chalet in Val d’Isère

Plenty of different resorts and villages to stay in isn’t the only reason why the Paradiski region is so impressive. More than 70% of the pistes in the area are at 2,000m or higher, making it one of the most reliable spots in Europe for snow.

Arc 1950’s one of the resorts that serves this ski area. Even though it was purpose-built, the village is as alpine picturesque as they come. Combine this with its 1,950m altitude, access to some of France’s best high-altitude skiing, and lots of luxury accommodation options, and you start to see what makes Arc 1950 so special.

Whether you’re a first-time skier or a powder hound, a family with little ones or a couple looking for some R&R, there’s so much to do in the village itself as well as on the mountain. Find out what else makes the resort one of our favourite European skiing destinations by reading all about Arc 1950.

Find your luxury chalet in Arc 1950

La Plagne is one of the best-loved ski areas in the French Alps. Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s one of Europe’s most suitable ski resorts for beginners - as well as for those getting back onto skis or a board after a few years out.



Sitting at the heart of the vast Paradiski area, it offers direct access to 425km of pistes, an absolute dream for any skier or snowboarder. From long, wide blues to scenic, tree-lined reds, plus a generous helping of challenging blacks, La Plagne has runs for all ages and abilities.

The resort itself is made up of a collection of purpose-built villages at high altitude, with Plagne Centre at its core. From here, lifts fan out in every direction to provide unrivalled access to the slopes - and in many cases, a true ski-in/ski-out experience.

Off the mountain, La Plagne is full of family-friendly fun, energetic après-ski bars, and a host of non-skiing activities like ice climbing and tobogganing. With its mix of convenience, charm, and extensive skiing, we simply love La Plagne, and it ticks all of the boxes for an unforgettable alpine holiday.

Learn more about this idyllic resort by viewing our La Plagne page.

Find your luxury chalet in La Plagne

Perched at 1,800 metres, Avoriaz is a unique, car-free resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area. Known for its striking wooden architecture that blends seamlessly with the mountain landscape, its cosy atmosphere makes you feel right at home.

Offering a ski-in, ski-out experience unlike any other, Avoriaz is your gateway to 600km of linked runs and endless terrain for all abilities. You’ll find beginner-friendly pistes alongside some of Europe’s most famous off-piste challenges, like the formidable ‘Swiss Wall’.

Beyond the slopes, Avoriaz’s family-friendly village has plenty to do, including horse-drawn carriage rides, a world-class aquatics centre, and lively après-ski spots. Whether you’re someone who’s keen for first lifts or prefers to spend your days soaking up the quintessentially French atmosphere, find out what else we think you’ll love about this picturesque resort by reading all about Avoriaz.

Find your luxury chalet in Avoriaz

Experience the best of the best that Europe has to offer with a VIP SKI holiday to France. Whether you’re ready to book your trip or you’re after some more advice on which French resort is right for your group, our friendly team’s on hand to help you out.

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What are the best French ski resorts for beginners?

If you’re considering skiing for the first time, we’d recommend La Plagne or Arc 1950 out of the four resorts we’re based in. They both have the gentle, snow-sure nursery slopes you need when you’re first finding your feet on skis or a board. And when you’re ready to progress, they’ve both got the wide, easy, and long blue runs that are ideal for learning to perfect your turns on.

Access to quality ski lessons is also important. Finding a ski school with a strong reputation and English-speaking instructors will ensure your or your children’s first ski experience is an enjoyable one.

We’re partnered with trusted ski schools in each of our resorts so you can feel confident when learning the skill - and to make booking lessons simple. Our Alpine Account Managers and Concierge teams can guide you through the options, recommend the right level, and arrange everything before you travel, so you arrive with a clear plan and no stress. For more information, please view our ski lessons page.

Something else beginners should consider when booking a ski holiday is the location of the chalet or hotel. It’s not easy carrying skis for the first time (or any time after that!), so look for resorts that have regular transport from the village to the slopes and back again. Even better, choose accommodation with ski-in/ski-out access - you’ll have direct access to the piste, without needing to walk across town or take a bus for a day on the mountain.

Head to our beginners page for everything else you need to consider when planning your first ski holiday. For more advice about which resort is right for you, read our blog: The best ski resorts for beginners.

Which European ski resorts are the best for families?

We’re biased, but the four French resorts we operate in are some of the best for families. Avoriaz, La Plagne, Arc 1950, and Val d’Isère are full of advantages for family ski trips, no matter the kids’ ages, parents’ ski abilities, or childcare requirements.

These four resorts are all:

• Easy to get to. Once you land in Europe, all you want to do is feel that fresh mountain air on your face, and any transfer over a few hours can be testing for even the most patient parents!
• Home to villages that are simple to get around. There aren’t any lengthy walks from our chalets to ski school meeting points or need to taxi to popular restaurants, leaving plenty of time for you to explore the area.
• Bursting with activities other than skiing. From classic alpine activities like tobogganing and ice skating to daredevil-worthy skidooing and paragliding, as well as luxe spas and high-end shopping, there’s something to keep everyone happy in each of these villages.
• Renowned for their ski schools. As beginner-friendly resorts, there are lots of schools to choose from, whether you’re after group or private lessons or a day of ski guiding.
• Centred around childcare. Knowing (and planning) this ahead of your trip will make a real difference to your holiday. Get that ‘me’ time you deserve while our qualified nannies keep your children entertained. We run kids’ clubs, offer private nannies, and provide babysitting services to make sure that the whole family has an enjoyable holiday. Find out more by reading about our ski holidays with childcare.

Our website’s full of insight on what it takes to have the best family ski holiday, from our top tips to keep the children happy and how to keep your mind at ease when skiing with little ones to how much the trip’s likely to cost. For more advice and guidance like this, head to our blog, or contact our friendly team.

Which European ski resorts are the most snow-sure?

As a rule, the higher the altitude, the more snow-sure the resort. The higher above sea level you are, the lower the temperature usually is, which helps to prevent any snow from melting and keeps it packed to form the base you need for skiing.

Our chalets and hotel average 1,967m above sea level, and every bed is above 1,800m. Read our high-altitude skiing page for everything you need to understand about the importance of elevation for an unforgettable ski holiday.