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Feb, 11 - 2025 - 7 mins

The Best Ski Resorts for Off-Piste in Europe

It doesn’t get much better than gliding through untracked pow on a bluebird day, does it? Whether you’re all about dodging trees in the cruisey lower reaches of the resort, or you prefer a boot-packing mission to discover the very best of the backcountry, we’ve rounded up a (non-exhaustive) list of the best ski resorts for off-piste in Europe. Better yet, each resort has been selected based on genuine, unbiased community reviews, with some insider intel as to where to score those life-changing lines.

Verbier, Switzerland

Often described by riders as being home to the best off-piste they’ve ever skied (check the reviews, we’re serious,) Verbier is essentially one of the founding fathers of freeriding. The Verbier Extreme was launched there in 1996, and to this day it remains the most prestigious extreme skiing and snowboarding contest, the pinnacle of the Freeride World Tour.

Dominated by Mont Fort, the skyline of Verbier features stonking panoramic views out across the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche and the Mont Blanc Massif. Situated in the huge 4Vallées area, off-piste riders can enjoy endless terrain, with seven ungroomed but secure itineraries should you want to ride independently, or dip a boot-clad toe in the off-piste waters. There’s little wonder that Verbier is classed as one of the best resorts for off-piste skiing in Europe.

Our community reviewers note it’s an expensive resort that can get heavy on the queues during peak weeks. Nothing that a packed lunch and a well-chosen week can’t solve.

Altitude range: 1500 - 3330m Favourite descents: On the slopes, Tortin is a black run with a reputation as one of the gnarliest in Europe. For freeride fans, the Bec des Rosses is where the final event of the Freeride Tour takes place each year. The off-piste run from Col des Gentiannes (2,950 m) down to Le Chable (800m) also offers a decent amount of descent, but be sure to check the avalanche risk and hire a guide. Snomad Community tip: “If you like off-piste or ski touring, you can easily find a guide and rent equipment to take you in Verbiers backcountry. You will not be disappointed!” - Candice, Jan 2025.

Chamonix, France

The off-piste world is your oyster in Chamonix. A popular town in Southeastern France, Chamonix’s proximity to Mont Blanc - the highest mountain in Western Europe - guarantees two things; 1. Stunning scenery and, 2. Insane high-alpine off-piste. One community reviewer, Emily, even went as far as saying “Chamonix was amazing, the off-piste is nothing like the US and it made for an unforgettable experience.” Most riders get a Mont Blanc pass, which grants access to 10 ski areas both close by and further from Chamonix town itself - it also includes access to specified gyms and the cinema. However, it’s worth noting that a lot of the resorts included aren’t linked so you might find yourself taking the free bus a fair amount, which can get crowded. Alternatively, you could hire a car or drive out there - it’s all worth it for those turns in the deep stuff. A long season from November to April also means you can probably score a cheap week without too many crowds.

Altitude range: 1035 - 3842m Favourite descents: The Vallée Blanche, which begins from the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car is a 20km route that has a reputation for being one of the best in the world. Snomad Community tip: “Thoroughly recommend getting a guide for finding the best conditions/areas to explore. Off-piste in and around Argentiere is fantastic.” Rob, Dec 2024.

“Flegere & Grand Montets (GM) are the best local areas by far. I had the most fun on groomers in Flegere and the most fun off-piste in GM when there's fresh powder. Next to no apres, le petit social is your best bet. In summary, Grand Montets is best for hard riders, Les Houches for families, Le Brevent and Le Flegere for everyone.” - Ben, Nov 2024

Engelberg, Switzerland

Rated #1 for Off-Piste in Europe by the Snomad community, Engelberg sits in the Centralsschweiz Alps in, you guessed it, central Switzerland. The village itself has a sleepy, peaceful feel thanks to its history as a holiday hotspot throughout the 19th century when people would come from all over to experience the therapeutic mineral waters and fresh air. Today though, it’s a global freeride mecca.

According to the Snomad community, “The skiing is a free ride heaven. There are loads of epic off-piste itineraries that are easily accessed from the lifts. It’ll have your thighs burning.” Unknown in the '90s, Engelberg attracts riders from all over the world in their search for pow. Because the Titlis massif attracts storms from every direction, snowfall is abundant and often very light, and with the big-mountain terrain, this place is the virtual definition of steep and deep with endless backcountry to boot. Almost all of the old lifts have been replaced in the past 10 years with high-speed modern equivalents. Plus they have what is widely acknowledged to be the world's best powder run, the magnificent Laub.

Altitude range: 1050 - 3028m Favourite descents: The Laub run is a cult classic among freeride fans. Accessed from the top of the Laubersgrat lift, you’ll enjoy 1195m of vertical drop and can finish things up in the restaurant at the bottom of the valley. Laub itself is the old word for avalanche, so with that in mind make sure you check over all your safety equipment beforehand and take care not to ride above other skiers and boarders.
Snomad Community tip: “Engelberg has been an off-piste mecca and hidden gem in Switzerland for many years, more recently discovered by the Scandinavians so for fresh tracks it is a good idea to hire a guide. With the glacier the season is long and the slopes are mainly north facing so snow stays although this can get hard-packed so make sure you have good edges and know how to handle the sometimes challenging reds and blacks.” Judith, Feb 2024.

La Grave, France

Another previously unknown spot, La Grave takes us back to France, more specifically Southeastern France, in the shadow of La Meije, the second-highest mountain in the Écrins. In La Grave, there are no groomed runs or marked trails, meaning you are very much skiing on nature’s terms, with natural challenges such as crevasses, couloirs and sheer drop-offs. Hiring a guide who knows it inside out is essential.

We’ll end that summary with some wise words from Bill, a member of the Snomad community who left this review in Jan 2025. “La Grave is the single greatest off-piste skiing in the world. There is no comparison for lift-accessed skiing. On my first day at La Grave, we had 90cm fresh powder and got the three greatest runs of my life. La Grave isn't for everyone. But if it is for you, have fun because nothing will ever compare.” Enough said.

Altitude range: 3560 - 1450m Favourite descents: The Vallons de la Meije side of the mountain is home to the classic route of La Grave and tackles a variety of terrain with breathtaking panoramas - it also doesn’t get a whole lot of sun until mid-March which often means insane pockets of powder. La Voûte is also a favoured couloir route that requires a roped entry and spits you out by the river. Snomad Community tip: “Not a place for the faint-hearted and I can only advise to hire a local guide for the first few days. Bring your mountaineering kit and enjoy!” Pascal, Nov 2023 Discover the best resorts for off-piste riding with Snomad As we said above, this list is by no means exhaustive, and there are still so many mind-blowing off-piste hotspots to discover. Find them for yourself using the Snomad Off-Piste Resort Rankings, where just about every single resort you can think of is ranked, rated and reviewed by actual riders.