The Best Ski Resorts for Powder Skiing in Europe

Fresh, untouched powder is what many of us live for on the mountains. This league table ranks European resorts based on where our Snomad community finds the best powder stashes and snorkel-worthy days. We've compiled thousands of authentic user reviews to identify the real powder havens - not just the places that claim massive snowfall but rarely deliver. These rankings come straight from powder hounds who've actually ridden these slopes, not marketing teams.

Got your own powder paradise? Share your experiences and help fellow snow-seekers find their perfect powder fix by leaving a review. Also check out our rankings for Off-Piste, Expert Skiers, and Value for Money.

Best Ski Resort for Powder in Europe: Engelberg - Powder Zones Rating

Engelberg is an off-piste paradise according to our user reviews. The resort offers exceptional powder zones, with the standout being the legendary Laub run, widely acknowledged as "the world's best powder run." A Snomad community member highlights the "Big Five" freeride areas: Galtiberg, Steingerg, Sulz, Laub, and Steintäli, all easily accessible from the lifts. One expert skier mentioned that "for the dedicated powder rider, nothing compares to Engelberg" with its abundant, often very light snowfall. Another user who visited pointed out that "although on a map the runs do not look extensive, everything between them is some of the best off-piste skiing" they've experienced in the Alps.

#2 Verbier - Powder Zones Rating

Verbier is a powder paradise that lives up to its reputation as a freeride heaven. Our users consistently praise the exceptional off-piste terrain, with David, an expert skier, calling it "probably the best lift-served in-bounds freeride terrain in the world!" It's no wonder the Freeride World Tour calls this place home. Early risers get rewarded - René suggests beating the crowds for first tracks on high alpine terrain. The Mont Gelé area gets special mentions for challenging terrain, while the "itinerary" runs provide safer off-piste options for those building confidence. For powder hounds, wide skis are a must!

#3 Grimentz-Zinal - Powder Zones Rating

Grimentz-Zinal is a powder seeker's paradise, with users consistently praising its exceptional off-piste terrain. "Some of the best off-piste powder skiing I've had in Europe," writes Chris, an expert skier who enjoys naming favourite areas after Lord of the Rings characters. The accessibility is a major plus - a user who is an advanced snowboarder said the resort offers "endless easily accessible off-piste options." Another expert skier highlighted that "all the off-piste terrain are relatively safe" while still delivering brilliant powder. For those who venture beyond the pistes, the areas around Moiry dam come particularly recommended for unforgettable powder runs.