8 of the Most Underrated Ski Resorts in Europe

Nobody likes crowded pistes, lift queues and ultra-tracked-out powder. That’s why we have crawled through thousands of unbiased user reviews and genuine ratings to give you 8 of the most underrated ski resorts in Europe. Think wide-open pistes, empty lifts and pristine powder; the mountains are calling, after all.

Baqueira-Beret, Spain

With more than 167km of pistes and a top elevation of 2610m, Baqueira-Beret has some seriously respectable stats and yet maintains a relatively low profile. Located in the Spanish Pyrenees, it has some of the best snowfall in the country, with a combination of Atlantic weather and Mediterranean storms making for phenomenal powder skiing when conditions are right. It also hosts a stage of The Freeride World Tour, so there’s some exciting terrain to be found, too.

For beginners, families, and proud members of the two-runs-and-done club, there are plenty of cruisey blues and a Moët Winter Lounge complete with a sun terrace.

Why it’s so great: Great food, great wine and uncrowded slopes - it’s Spain’s largest ski resort but remains relatively unheard of. Best for: Those who want a quieter, well-rounded resort with the added benefit of tapas. Local tips: Where Goats Go to Die is the rough translation of Escornacrabes, the most notorious ski run in the area where not-so-friendly rock walls await either side of a sheer face. Maybe save that for a few days in, once you’ve got your ski legs.

Vielha has the most options in terms of food, accommodation and nightlife. Find out more insider knowledge and read community reviews on Baqueira-Beret here.

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Riksgränsen, Sweden

Located 200km north of the Arctic Circle, Sweden’s Riksgränsen is the northernmost ski resort in the world. Described as a freeride ‘playground’ by the Snomad community for its variation in natural terrain, Riksgränsen is also known for late-season powder and midnight sun skiing. Small yet perfectly formed, options are somewhat limited here in terms of accommodation, lifts and pistes, meaning it is not so suited to beginners but is likely to be a dream come true for free riders.

Why it’s so great: Skiing beneath the midnight sun in May & June. Best for: Those looking for the heli-skiing trip of a lifetime without the price tag of the Alps. Local tips: The best time to visit is between March and May. Anything earlier is too cold!

Borovets, Bulgaria

Known for being a budget-friendly option where cheap beer-fuelled rounds of Hammerschlagen abound at rowdy apres, Borovets is the loveable, rustic rogue of underrated ski resorts in Europe. The Rila Hotel is a great place to stay, with an extensive spa area soothing those muscles, and spacious rooms bringing a touch of alpine class. The skiing can be tricky depending on the conditions, and the quality of the groomers along with the vintage Yasrebetz gondola is reflected in the cheap lift pass price.

The left side of the mountain is best for beginners along with the friendly Markudjik green and blue area, which is accessed by the Yasrebetz - if you don’t want to ski down reds, take the gondola back down to the resort.

Why it’s so great: Cheap beer, cheap food, cheap lift pass and relatively decent terrain. **Best for: **Those looking for a bargain break to get the ski trip out of the group chat. Local tip: Night skiing is pretty fun here, but be prepared to queue. Get the low-down on other Borovets insights here. Borovets Large.jpeg

La Clusaz, France

If you want alpine charm, hearty food and quality skiing but without the crowds, La Clusaz is probably your best bet for an underrated ski resort in France. It’s known as a freeride mecca, forming part of the Massif des Aravis, and yet is only an hour from Geneva with views out to Mont Blanc (on a good day,) what’s not to love?

Described as a “postcard perfect ski resort,” this pretty village is perfect for a quick ski trip, allowing you to get your fondue fix and some seriously great skiing in during a long weekend.

Why it’s so great: The proximity to Geneva airport & lack of crowds. **Best for: **Those wanting maximum enjoyment for the shortest transfer time. Local tips: If La Clusaz doesn't have much snow at the time of your visit, you can try Le Grand Bornard which is about 15 minutes away on the ski bus. Native legend Candide Thovex has a coffee shop/ store/bar in the town centre popular with the younger crowd.

Sold on La Clusaz for your next trip? Get more community insights and share intel here.

Ruka, Finland

If you want to be in with the chance of spotting the Northern Lights during your ski trip, then Ruka is the place for you. Situated in Lapland, the largest and northernmost region of Finland, it is known for its snow-sure status and beautiful pink skies. This does all mean, however, that it gets COLD - don’t expect to go skiing inside the Arctic Circle and be able to sip on Aperols in your base layers.

However, Ruka is so much more than cocktails and thumping music. In the words of Tess, a member of the Snomad community, “It’s so beautiful - you will keep stopping to take photos and to stroke reindeer. You won't be rushing out of the door to catch the first lift as there's just no rush in Finland! The lifts are open until 7 pm most days and sometimes even until 11 pm and lift queues just don't exist! This also means that if you want to spend half a day husky sledding, riding snowmobiles, visiting Santa at his cottage, ice karting etc, there is still plenty of time left in the day to ski or snowboard. It's not the cheapest place for a beer and spirits are very pricey but with a hip flask or two, you'll be fine! There are plentiful tree runs so you can enjoy fresh terrain if you want to venture off the pistes.” Want to read more reviews like this one? Find them here.

Why it’s so great: Reindeer, Northern Lights, deep powder and magical winter huts. Best for: Those wanting a relaxed trip in a true winter wonderland. Local tips: There are warming huts scattered all over the ski area where you can stop, warm up and even cook your lunch over the fire! Ruka Large.jpeg

Pila, Italy

A relatively small resort with something for everyone, Pila is located in Italy’s Aosta Valley. It has a reputation as a family-friendly choice and is linked via a 20-minute gondola ride to the Roman town of Aosta below. It is popular with Italians yet the slopes remain quiet - there’s a choice of mountain restaurants all serving delicious Italian cuisine, with the Yeti Bar & Restaurant frequently mentioned in our community reviews.

Why it’s so great: All pistes lead back to the resort, making it a safe and navigable option for beginners and families. Stunning views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Delicious Italian food. Best for: Those wanting to merge a city-style break with the ski trip. Local tips: Stay up in the resort of Pila if you want to avoid the bottleneck of the Aosta gondola. There are a few ski-in ski-out hotels.

Sainte Foy, France

Just down the road from its bigger siblings Tignes and Val D’isere, Sainte Foy (pronounced ‘san fwah’) is a true hidden gem. It has a good reputation for freeriding and powder, and all routes lead back to the resort, which is great for beginners and families.

Interested to hear what the actual skiers and snowboarders from the Snomad community have to say? After visiting in Jan 2025, Heather tells us “It’s a gem of a resort! It's become a lot more popular in recent years but when you're there you can still benefit from quiet, well-maintained slopes and almost zero queues for the lifts outside peak weeks. I'm very much a piste lover and although there aren't endless kms to be skied, you can happily while away a week. I have friends who ski here who can't get enough of the off-piste - Conditions permitting, it's world-class.” To read more insights like this one, check out the Sainte Foy reviews & ratings.

Why it’s so great: Quiet, charming resort with decent powder and off-piste on a smaller scale. Best for: Those who love small, quiet and authentic resorts with pretty tree runs. Local tips: Be sure to enjoy some apres at Les Moulinettes, which has stunning views down the valley, enjoys the afternoon sun and serves great food & drink.

La Thuile, Italy

Just a few miles from the French border, Italy’s La Thuile is described by the Snomad community as “less crowded than many of the more popular resorts, particularly those in France, making it easier to get on lifts and get the runs in without waking up at dawn. The food is fantastic (it's Italy!) and the whole place is perfect for families.”

Why it’s so great: Enjoy Italian food and the sunny side of La Rosiere by skiing over there during your stay. Win-win.
**Best for: **Those who want to experience the best of skiing in both Italy and France. Local tip: The lift pass includes one-day skiing at a nearby Aosta Valley resort. Courmayeur is one example - a free ski bus takes you to the bottom of the cable car there in about 30 minutes.
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