Ski Resorts to Visit in Winter in Europe From London

Living in London means you’re never far from world-class skiing. Hop on a plane (or even a train) and within a few short hours you can be standing in front of a mountain range that people travel halfway around the world to experience. The French Alps, the Swiss peaks, Austria’s Arlberg and even the tiny nation of Andorra are all within reach for a weekend trip or a full week of adventure.

But choosing which resort is right for you is half the fun. Do you want steep terrain and serious freeride culture? Champagne terraces and world-class après? A buzzing British scene where you’ll always bump into fellow Londoners? Or something affordable, sunny and social? Below you’ll find five of Europe’s most exciting ski destinations, all perfectly positioned for London departures, plus some smart planning tips to keep your trip smooth, safe and stress-free.

For many travellers, London isn’t just a stopover. With the UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme), you can live and work in the UK for up to two years, giving you the freedom to make London home while hopping across Europe for weekends in the snow. It’s the kind of setup most skiers and snowboarders dream of: steady income in the city, with the slopes just a few hours away. 

That’s why so many young travellers use their working holiday visa as a launchpad for ski adventures. You’re not committing to one resort for a whole season, instead you can sample them all. Spend one weekend carving pistes in Chamonix, the next dancing on tables in St. Anton, and another soaking up the sunshine in Andorra.

If you’re new to the UK or considering a working holiday, check out Global Work & Travel’s complete guide to the UK Working Holiday Visa. It’s the easiest way to understand eligibility, costs and how to set yourself up for a lifestyle where London is your hub and Europe’s best snow is your playground.

Chamonix, France

Location & Overview

Set against the backdrop of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is where modern skiing was born. Just over an hour’s drive from Geneva Airport, it’s one of the easiest major resorts to reach from London. Unlike purpose-built resorts, Chamonix is a real town with year-round life. That gives it an authenticity you can feel in the streets, the cafés, and the climbers and guides who have called it home for generations.

Vibe & Culture

Chamonix has a reputation for being a hardcore snow destination, and the rumours are true. This is a place where mountaineers and freeriders come to test themselves. But that’s not a reason to skip this location if you’re a beginner or intermediate. The town has a thriving international community, cosy chalets, and plenty of pistes for intermediates and learners. Think of it as a place where ambition and adventure mix with laid-back French charm.

What to Pack & Expect

Pack for variety. Conditions change quickly in the valley: one minute you’re in bright sun, the next a storm sweeps down from Mont Blanc. Layer up, bring good goggles, and if you’re considering off-piste, a guide and avalanche gear are essentials. Expect crowds during peak holiday weeks, but you’ll find quieter corners if you’re willing to explore.

Best Time to Go

January through March is prime. December has its Christmas sparkle, but snow can be unpredictable. Spring brings bluebird days and longer lifts, perfect for lunching on a terrace.

Local Events & Extras

From world-cup ski races to ice-climbing festivals, Chamonix loves to show off its alpine heritage. Even if you’re not competing, just being part of the atmosphere is surreal. Off the slopes, wander Rue du Dr Paccard for cafés, bars and a taste of that unique Chamonix energy.

How to Get There from London 

Fly London to Geneva, then transfer by shared shuttle, private car, or bus - the ride to Chamonix is just over an hour. Trains run too (via Geneva and Martigny), but the shuttle is usually quicker. If you’re travelling with skis or boards, door-to-door minibuses are the easiest option.

Verbier, Switzerland

Location & Overview

Verbier is the jewel of the Swiss 4 Vallées. From Geneva, trains and shuttle buses connect smoothly, and once you’re in Le Châble you can ride the gondola straight up into town. It’s an easy journey that feels like stepping into a very polished winter postcard.

Vibe & Culture

Verbier has two faces: it’s a playground for the rich and famous, and it’s a proving ground for serious skiers. On one side of the resort you’ll see champagne terraces and fur coats; on the other, gnarly cliffs and powder fields that attract the best freeriders in the world. The après is legendary but also stylish, think more DJs and cocktails than steins and table-dancing.

What to Pack & Expect

This is Switzerland, so quality comes at a price. Budget a little more for mountain lunches and nightlife. Pack your sleekest ski gear, Verbier has a way of making you want to step up your look, but don’t forget the performance layers. The mountain is steep and serious when you want it to be.

Best Time to Go

Late January to early March is the sweet spot for snow depth and atmosphere. By late March you’re into long-lunch territory, with sunny terraces overlooking the Alps.

Local Events & Extras

Verbier hosts the Xtreme Verbier, the final stop of the Freeride World Tour. Watching athletes drop impossibly steep faces is worth the trip alone. Off the slopes, check out the classical concerts, high-end dining, or just sit back with a glass of wine and people-watch.

How to Get There from London

Fly London to Geneva (1 hr 40 mins), then take the train directly from Geneva Airport to Le Châble (around 2 hr 20 mins). From Le Châble, a gondola takes you up into the heart of Verbier. On peak weekends, the Verbier Express runs direct, making it one of the most seamless ski transfers in Europe.

Val d’Isère, France

Location & Overview

Val d’Isère is a classic, and for good reason. Linked with Tignes to form the Espace Killy, the area offers 300 km of pistes with altitude that guarantees snow well into spring. Londoners can jump on the Eurostar to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and transfer up the valley, or fly to Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry.

Vibe & Culture

Val d’Isère is a lively blend of traditional Savoyard village charm and international ski culture. The British presence is strong, you’ll hear familiar accents on the lifts and in the bars, but it never feels overwhelming. Expect buzzing après, plenty of nightlife, and slopes that reward every level from first-timers to experts.

What to Pack & Expect

High altitude means colder temperatures. A good down layer and quality goggles are essential. Expect long days: you can ski for hours without repeating a lift. Dining runs from alpine chalets to fine French cuisine, it’s worth budgeting for a few lavish meals.

Best Time to Go

December kicks off with festive energy, but the best snow usually sits from January through March. April is party season, with end-of-season celebrations that are legendary. 

Local Events & Extras

Après at La Folie Douce is almost a rite of passage. DJs, live performers and dancing on tables in ski boots, you’ll leave with stories. Beyond the parties, Val hosts freestyle competitions and cultural festivals that bring even more colour to the valley. 

How to Get There from London

Two main routes:

• Train: Eurostar “Snow” service runs from London St Pancras to Bourg-Saint-Maurice (approx. 8 hrs), then transfer by bus or taxi (45 mins).
• Flight: Fly London to Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry (1 hr 30–2 hrs), then take a coach or transfer (3–4 hrs depending on traffic).

St. Anton, Austria

Location & Overview

St. Anton is the beating heart of the Arlberg region, Austria’s largest interconnected ski area. It’s about two hours from Innsbruck or four from Zurich by train, with the station sitting right in town. That makes it one of the most accessible big resorts from London.

Vibe & Culture

St. Anton is famous for two things: world-class skiing and world-class après. The terrain is vast, varied and often challenging. The nightlife? Rowdy, youthful and unforgettable. If you’re up for a social, high-energy ski trip, this is your place. There is a real community vibe here, one where you’ll make a dozen best friends on the first night. 

What to Pack & Expect

Bring stamina, both for your legs and your liver. Conditions can shift from powder to packed in a single day, so versatile skis and gear help. Off the slopes, Austrian hospitality shines: hearty food, friendly service, and beer that’s refreshingly affordable compared to France or Switzerland.

Best Time to Go

February and March are prime, with consistent snow and long days. December has festive energy, and spring brings softer snow perfect for cruisy afternoons on sun terraces.

Local Events & Extras

Torchlight descents, ski races, Tyrolean music nights, St. Anton loves to entertain. But honestly, the daily après is the main event. Dancing on tables in your ski boots to classic anthems is almost a rite of passage.

How to Get There from London

• Flight and Train: Fly London to Innsbruck (2 hrs) or Zurich (1 hr 50 mins). From Innsbruck, it’s a 1 hr 20 min train ride straight to St. Anton station (right in the village). From Zurich, expect around 4 hrs by direct train
• Bonus: The train ride through the Arlberg region is spectacular, a highlight of the journey, not just a transfer.

Andorra (Grandvalira & Vallnord)

Location & Overview

Tucked between France and Spain, Andorra punches above its weight when it comes to skiing. Grandvalira is the largest area, with Pal Arinsal and Ordino Arcalís adding variety. Barcelona and Toulouse airports offer easy transfers, making it surprisingly simple from London.

Vibe & Culture

Andorra is fun, affordable and refreshingly different. You’ll find a mix of British, Spanish and French skiers, a buzzing but not over-the-top après scene, and a food culture rooted in tapas and hearty mountain fare. It’s popular with groups of friends and budget-conscious travellers who still want big-mountain mileage.

What to Pack & Expect

Expect sunshine as well as snow, sunscreen is as important as gloves. Snowmaking is excellent, so coverage is reliable even in leaner winters. Accommodation tends to be better value than in the Alps, with plenty of options for groups.

Best Time to Go

January to March is peak, but thanks to snowmaking you can stretch into spring. March often brings a festival atmosphere with music events on the slopes.

Local Events & Extras

Grandvalira is known for hosting DJ sets and snow festivals, turning the mountains into open-air dance floors. If freeride is your thing, head to Ordino Arcalís, which has a cult following among powder hunters.

How to Get There from London

There’s no train into Andorra, so you’ll need to fly and coach:

• Flights: London to Barcelona (2 hrs) or Toulouse (2 hrs)
• Transfers: Direct coach services run from both airports to the resorts in 3–4 hours. Pre-book to guarantee a spot, especially in peak season. 
• Driving is also popular if you’re combining a Spanish road trip with a ski holiday

London Life and The Slopes are Calling

It may sound like a fantasy: living in London and waking up every weekend ready to ski the Alps or cruise Andorra’s sunny slopes. But honestly? With the right setup, it’s totally doable. We have the three main essentials covered; visa packs, travel insurance and SuperLite, the only app you’ll ever need while building your new reality. 

Start with the UK Working Holiday Visa (and Packs)

The golden ticket is the Youth Mobility visa, your chance to live and work in the UK for up to two years. That’s two whole winters where you can have London as your home base, pull a steady paycheck, and still jump on a Friday night flight to Geneva or Innsbruck.

If the visa application process feels overwhelming, we’ve got you covered. With two options that support you from start to finish, you’ll never feel like you’re doing it alone.

• With the Lite Pack, you arrive knowing you’ve already got a job lined up, plus support to get the admin side sorted (bank accounts, SIMs, tax numbers, all that jazz).
• With the Plus Pack, you get everything in Lite plus a second job lined up somewhere else in the world. Imagine starting in London, and then maybe heading to Canada or Australia for your next adventure.

It takes the stress out of moving and gives you a ready-made launchpad for your new life.

Stay Covered When You Hit the Slopes

Okay, so you’re in London, your job’s sorted, and you’re eyeing up those Alps weekends. Before you clip in, you need insurance that actually covers skiing. This isn’t just about lost luggage, we’re talking:

• Medical cover & mountain rescue if you tweak a knee or need to be airlifted off a slope
• Gear protection for lost or damaged skis and boards
• Trip interruptions a one-way ticket for when unexpected life happens
• 24/7 emergency help so you’re never stuck figuring things out alone

It’s the kind of policy you hope you never need, but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.

Here’s the fun bit: SuperLite is like your travel buddy that never forgets anything. It’s not just a place to dump bookings, it actually makes life easier.

• It helps with job hunting. Build a standout CV with the AI resumé builder, then browse roles filtered by lifestyle, from ski resorts to coastal towns to cultural hubs. Apply on the go and skip the stress.
• It plugs you into the Social community, where you can connect with other Global Travellers before you even leave home. Plan coffee catch-ups, après-ski nights or a weekend tour together, with a dedicated community manager keeping it safe and welcoming.
• It opens up the Marketplace & Academy, where you’ll find exclusive deals on tours, events, fashion and travel essentials, plus quick video courses to level up your language or workplace skills while you travel.

SuperLite takes care of the details so you can focus on the fun, skiing, exploring and meeting new friends along the way.

Final Thoughts

From the slopes of Chamonix to the party nights of St. Anton, Europe’s best ski resorts are only a few hours from London. Living here means you can swap city life for mountain air on any weekend, and with the right support it is easier than you think.

At Global Work & Travel, we make it possible. Our Visa Packs get you set up with work and the essentials before you arrive. Our insurance keeps you protected on the slopes, and our SuperLite app helps you find jobs, plan trips and connect with other travellers.

Working in London during the week and skiing Europe on the weekends is not just a dream. With the right plan, it is a lifestyle you can live sooner rather than later.