Ski in ski out resorts are often seen as the premium option. After all, what better than rolling out of your hotels boot room directly onto the slopes and into a full day – only to return right to the door. Awesome, right?
But of course, not every ski resort is ski in ski out. And while some resorts do offer *some* ski in ski out, it’s also nice to know that you’re heading somewhere that offers this convenience as standard.
We’ve picked out the best ski in ski our resorts in Europe, most of which are in the Alps.
This article does also contain some affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click and buy, at no additional cost to you.
What is ski in ski out resort?
A proper, bona fide ski in ski out resort will be almost entirely built with hotels on the side of the pistes, or at least at the base of the slopes. Some might also have hotels or chalets actually on the mountain rather than in the resort itself.
However, many of the ski resorts on this list offer a mixture of both village accommodation and piste side lodging options.
Is ski in ski out better?
Ski-in, ski-out hotels offer fantastic convenience when it comes to access to the pistes. Instead of transferring to the lift station, waiting for a ski bus or walking in your ski boots, you literally strap in and then drop in. So for those who want to be up and on the ski slopes as soon as possible (and roll off the slopes into their apartment), yes ski-in ski-out is much better.
Top European Ski-In Ski-Out Destinations
Val Thorens, France
Nestled in the French Alps, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest resort, sitting at a lofty altitude of 2,300 meters. This prestigious title ensures fantastic snow conditions and access to the extensive Three Valleys ski area, providing an unforgettable ski experience for visitors of all skill levels. Picture yourself gliding directly from your luxurious accommodation to the slopes, surrounded by the grandeur of the alpine landscape.
Val Thorens’ lively après-ski scene is another major draw, with numerous restaurants and clubs adding to the resort’s vibrant atmosphere. For thrill-seekers, paragliding and Europe’s longest toboggan run offer adrenaline-pumping excitement, while beginners will appreciate the fun-filled nursery slopes in the resort’s center.
For a premium ski-out hotel experience, consider Le Chalet Altitude for stunning views and premium experience, Club Med Val Thorens Sensations, or Le Cheval Blanc Apartments for a more affordable Val Thorens holiday with ski in ski out. These all provide easy access to the slopes and a comfortable stay for visitors.
Read our guide: How to find affordable ski packages to The Three Valleys.
Courchevel, France
Courchevel, another gem in the Three Valleys, offers an unparalleled ski-in ski-out experience with access to a staggering 600 km of pistes, 53 slope-side restaurants, and a lively après-ski scene. From sipping delicious cocktails at Copia in Courchevel 1650 to savoring traditional French dishes at Les Pierres Plates near Saulire, your taste buds will be as thrilled as your ski boots.
Luxurious accommodation abounds in Courchevel, with Hotel La Sivoliere providing an elegant ski-in ski-out experience. Some other great ski in ski out hotels in Courchevel include Hotel Les Trois Vallees and L’Apogee, both of which offer excellent locations, smooth ski in/out and top notch facilities.
Courcheval and the Trois Vallees region caters to all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the vast array of slopes. So, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, Courchevel promises an unforgettable ski vacation with unlimited access to world-class pistes and an après-ski scene that perfectly complements your days on the slopes.
Lech, Austria
The Austrian village of Lech is a sophisticated ski-in ski-out destination that exudes charm and elegance. With a great snow record and efficient lifts, Lech offers a delightful Tyrolean atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a more refined ski experience. The pistes in Lech cater primarily to intermediates, with a network of flattering blue runs and more challenging red runs and itinerary routes, ensuring a varied skiing experience for all abilities.
Luxury hotels and chalets dot the edge of the slopes in Lech, providing direct access to the ski area and a comfortable stay. This doesn’t mean the whole of Lech is ski in ski out, so you’ll need to pick the right hotel. The Hotel Tannberghof is right in the heart of Lech, mere steps from the main lift and the pistes, making it one of the few ski in hotels.
Hotel Sonnenberg is another nearly ski in ski out hotel, mere steps from the lifts and close enough to ski back to your hotel at the end of the day.
The après-ski scene in Lech is sophisticated and elegant, with classy shops, bars, and restaurants to explore after a day on the slopes.
So, if you’re seeking a ski-in ski-out destination that combines traditional charm with modern amenities, Lech is the perfect choice for your next ski vacation.
Les Arcs, France
Located in the French Alps, Les Arcs is a ski-in ski-out paradise, offering direct access to the slopes across four ski areas and easy access to the Paradiski area. With a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels like the five-star Taj-I Mah to more budget-friendly options, Les Arcs caters to all types of travelers.
The resort boasts extensive intermediate cruising, black runs that become mogul fields, challenging groomed reds, and accessible off-piste skiing. If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, the resort’s Transarc cable car whisks you to the top of the Aiguille Rouge, where you can experience one of the world’s longest on-piste descents and epic off-piste runs. For those who prefer a more sedate ski or snowboard experience, there are plenty of groomed runs to enjoy as well.
Les Arcs offers a well-rounded ski vacation with a variety of slopes and activities for the entire family.
If you’re looking for a ski in/ski out hotel in Les Arcs, the Chamois offers 4 star apartments right on the slopes and just a short ski to the lifts. You’ll also find a selection of quality and affordable apartments in Les Arcs right next to the slopes.
Check out SkiWorld for some great deals on Les Arcs apartments.
Flaine, France
Flaine, a purpose-built ski resort in France, offers ski-in ski-out access to an impressive 265 km of pistes and a range of non-skiing activities. With 64 incredible slopes serviced by 24 state-of-the-art ski lifts, Flaine caters to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced powderhounds.
The resort is particularly family-friendly, with excellent nursery slopes for beginners and a superb ski school to help newcomers develop their skills. The Résidence Les Terrasses de Veret is 3 star ski in ski out property right on the slopes and just a short stroll (or ski) from the ski school.
There are also a number of very affordable premium ski apartments in Flaine, such as the Premium Résidence Les Terrasses d’Hélios and Résidence La Forêt, both of which are right on the pistes.
The village of Flaine is set in a bowl, with some great runs back into the village. However the bigger Grand Massif ski pass includes resorts such as Samoens and Les Carroz, which, although not as high as Flaine, offer a great value base for an excellent ski holiday.
Not every hotel in Flaine is ski in ski out, but the resort is perfect for families and those looking for an enjoyable and relatively quiet ski resort.
Sestriere/Sauze d’Oulx, Italy
Located on the border between France and Italy, Sestriere offers ski-in ski-out convenience, access to the Milky Way ski area, and relatively affordable prices for high-altitude, snow-sure slopes. This resort caters to all types of skiers, with gentle nursery areas for beginners and tougher terrain for more advanced skiers.
Sauze d’Oulx is the more lively of the Milky Way resorts, although the après-ski scene in Sestriere is still fun, with great bars to enjoy drinks in the glorious afternoon sun.
The Milky Way/Via Lattea is a great resort, which offers a huge area to explore with lots of choice for ski in/ski out accommodation. Try Chalet La Capannina in Sauze, for a rustic ski in ski out vibe.
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
Nestled in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio offers a picturesque ski-in ski-out resort experience with excellent slope access and stunning views. This charming Italian resort offers a varied ski experience, with lovely tree-lined runs and higher peaks providing breathtaking views.
The lively atmosphere in Madonna di Campiglio includes plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages, ensuring a well-rounded ski vacation for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skier, Madonna di Campiglio provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable ski holiday with easy access to the slopes and a vibrant town to explore.
The 3 star Residence Ambiez and the 4 Star Hotel Denu are both perfectly located right next to the pistes, allowing you to cruise right back to base at the end of a busy day.
Obergurgl, Austria
Obergurgl, Austria, combines traditional charm with ski-in ski-out convenience, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a laid-back ski experience at Austrian ski resorts. This picturesque resort offers a range of luxury hotels and chalets on the edge of the slopes, providing direct access to the ski area and a comfortable stay for visitors.
The Crystal VAYA is our pick, a 4 star hotel with stylish interiors, a great pool and ski to the door options. Or, the TOP Hotel at Hochgurgl offers 5 star styling in. anexcellent location right next to the slopes.
The resort is particularly family-friendly, with excellent nursery slopes and a superb ski school to help newcomers develop their skills. With its convenient ski-in ski-out access and relaxed atmosphere, Obergurgl is the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy a memorable ski vacation in a charming Austrian setting.
Trysil, Norway
Trysil, Norway, is a family-friendly ski-in ski-out resort that provides slopes for all levels and a range of accommodations to suit various budgets. With 71 km of piste and four levels of terrain park, there’s something for everyone at this popular ski resorts destination, from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to the fantastic skiing, Trysil offers plenty of fun activities for the whole family, such as:
- Sledging
- Organized activities
- Sleigh rides
- Exciting dog sledding
With its ski-in ski-out access and family-friendly atmosphere, Trysil is an excellent destination for families seeking a memorable ski vacation. Take a look at the Radison Blu 4 Star hotel which has all the trappings of a modern luxury hotel plus ski in/ski out.
La Plagne, France
La Plagne, situated in the French Alps, is a ski-in ski-out resort made up of 11 separate villages. The resort offers access to a vast ski area covering 425 km of slopes, ensuring a diverse skiing experience for all levels. With a range of accommodations, including luxury hotels such as Hotel Club Les Deux Domaines or the Hotel Carlina, you’re spoiled for cool and stylish piste side accommodation in La Plagne.
There are plenty of luxury chalets in La Plagne, right by the slopes and with something for all budgets.
The après-ski scene in La Plagne is relatively sedate, but then this is a very family focused resort. But there bars and plenty of places to enjoy a sundowner after a hard day carving up the ParadiSki.
Overall, La Plagne is an ideal destination for those seeking a ski-in ski-out resort with a more laid-back atmosphere.
Avoriaz, France
Avoriaz, France, is a unique, purpose-built ski-in ski-out resort located in the heart of the 650 km Portes du Soleil ski area in the French Alps. This car-free village boasts excellent modern lifts, making it easy to access the ski area and experience the resort’s stunning architecture.
Although Avoriaz ski area is relatively small, the resort is particularly well suited for intermediate skiers. There is a vast offering of lovely blues and fast reds on the snowy doorstep. Avoriaz also features doorstep skiing as standard, with a range of ski-in ski-out apartments, providing convenient access to the slopes for visitors.
With its unique design and varied skiing experience, Avoriaz is an excellent destination for those seeking a memorable ski vacation in a one-of-a-kind resort. In fact, we thought it was excellent – check out our Avoriaz review.
We stayed at the excellent 5 star Residences L’Amara which is right on slopes, or check out some great Avoriaz deals on Snowtrex.
Les Deux Alpes, France
Les Deux Alpes, located in the French Alps, offers options for ski-in ski-out access to one of the biggest ski areas in Europe, with over 225 km of slopes. This lively resort features numerous bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular destination for skiers seeking a vibrant après-ski scene.
You’ll also be able to enjoy glacier skiing and a fantastic ski run all the way back into the main resort centre.
Not every apartment or hotel in Les Deux Alpes is ski in ski out, with most of the big resorts in town very close to the lifts. There are no hotels on the mountain itself, but hotels such as Mejiotel are right on the piste, meaning you can ski home at the end of the day. Hotel Jam Session and Hotel La Mejie are technically ski in/ski out although you’ll need to walk up onto the piste.
The resort caters to all skill levels, with a wide variety of slopes available for beginners and advanced skiers alike. With its ski-in ski-out access and lively atmosphere, Les Deux Alpes is an excellent destination for those seeking a memorable ski vacation with unlimited access to world-class slopes.
Want to know more? Check out our review of Les Deux Alpes.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Ski-In Ski-Out Resort
Choosing the perfect ski-in ski-out resort requires considering various factors to guarantee an unforgettable ski vacation. The altitude of the resort plays a critical role, as it influences the quality of the snow, temperature, and length of the ski season; resorts at higher altitudes often enjoy better snow and longer ski seasons. Checking the resort’s snow history and snowfall averages for the area is also imperative to gauge the reliability of the snow.
Accommodation options are another vital factor; look for ski out accommodation close to the ski slopes with easy access to the ski lifts and consider the amenities offered, such as a spa, restaurant, and bar.
Finally, evaluate the ski area size and après-ski activities by checking the size of the ski area and the number of ski runs available, as well as the après-ski activities offered by the resort, such as restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
Taking these factors into account will guide you in selecting the perfect ski-in ski-out resort for your next unforgettable ski vacation.
Need something for the kids? Check our our guide: Family friendly ski resorts in France.
Summing Up
Ski-in ski-out resorts offer the ultimate convenience and enjoyment for winter sports enthusiasts, providing seamless access to the slopes and a variety of accommodations and après-ski experiences.
From the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens, to the charming Austrian village of Lech, each destination we’ve explored has something unique to offer.
Discover ski in ski out holiday deals in some of the best European resorts with SkiWorld.
When is the best time to go for ski-in ski-out holidays?
So long as there is ample snowfall, you can enjoy a great ski in ski our holiday package. This is because, of course, you’ll need enough snow to get you to and from your door. Some resorts are great for early season skiing with plenty of snow in December, but then others might be better in the middle of the season for February skiing. Generally speaking from Christmas to March will provide plenty of snowfall across the Alps and Pyrenees.
Keep an eye on the snow reports for the best results!
