Six Great European Ski Resorts to Drive To

Picture it: Sublime mountains, their grey crags hidden beneath thick, white snow. Fluffy powder tearing out from beneath your skis, or board, depending on your preferred sport. Enormous trees, dusted with snow as though the icing atop a festive cake.

Extraordinary settings in an alpine Elysium, skiing is not only one of the coolest sports going, but it allows you to explore places any other holiday wouldn’t and offers birds eye views of breath-taking natural scenes. Europe offers some of the most fantastic locations in the world for winter sports, and we’re not just talking about the Alps. Here’s six spectacular ski resorts that are all within an eight-hour drive from our Calais and Amsterdam ports.

Feldberg – Germany

If you’re keen to try some more advanced skiing conditions in Germany, then Feldberg could be a tempting option, just over seven hours drive from Amsterdam. This stunning ski resort is located in the heart of the Black Forest and transports you into the heart of a winter wonderland.

But the real reason why Feldberg is such a big hit with skiers and snowboarders is the 26 kilometres of impeccable slopes at an elevation between 888 and 1,448 metres.

Whether you are enjoying the ride of the Feldbergbahn cable car, or are admiring the spectacular views of the Black Forest, Feldberg is the ideal ski resort for advanced skiers and nature-lovers.

Les Bugnenets-Savagnières – Switzerland

Switzerland is a massively popular go-to for a skiing holiday, and one of their finest resorts has to be Les Bugnenets-Savagnières. The seven hour and fifteen minute drive from our Calais port offers instant rewards as the snow-capped mountains make their way into the view from your windscreen.

Located deep within the Jura Mountains, Bugnenets-Savagnières is like the setting from a fairytale. With seven ski lifts transporting you to altitudes between 1,030 and 1,460 metres, and the jaw-dropping sight of the Chasseral Mountain towering above you, it’s certainly one of the more dramatic ski resorts in Europe.

However, easy-going routes for novice skiers, and the Snowli mascot on-hand to encourage little ones to ski in the children’s area, ensure there’s options for all levels.

La Robella Buttes – Switzerland

This charming ski destination once again demonstrates why Switzerland is such a superb place for skiing in Europe. Once you’ve enjoyed your voyage across the English Channel, you just have a seven-hour drive to the picturesque Robella Buttes resort.

As well as 30 kilometres of ski runs at an elevation between 800 and 1,450 metres, there are also plenty of scenic hikes and mountain biking challenges.

Tuck into warming dishes in the cosy chalets nestled into the exquisite Swiss landscape, admire the Neuchâtel Mountains in the distance, or take the one-kilometre toboggan run through the stunning green pastures.

Willingen – Germany

Just a four-hour drive from Amsterdam is the incredible Willingen resort in Germany. This is one of the largest ski centres in the north-west of the country, whether you are descending the pristine mountainside of Kohlerhagen, or ascending in the eight-person cable car to the summit of Ettelsberg.

With no less than eighteen pistes at altitudes between 580 and 838 metres, it has a great selection of wide tracks for beginners, with Ettelsberg Mountain offering trickier slopes for the more experienced skiers. Visit the picture-perfect nearby villages, such as Usseln, or if away with the family, why not spend a day at the Wildlife and Leisure Park?

Meg̬ve РFrance

Eight hours drive from Calais, few locations are as closely linked with skiing in Europe as Megève. This delightful village is set in the heart of the Savoy Alps and boasts 263 kilometres of slopes at elevations between 850 and 2,353 metres. With failsafe snow conditions, and the iconic Mont Blanc providing a powerful and memorable backdrop, it’s no surprise that Megève is such a skiing hotspot.

Take a break from skiing to walk amidst the picturesque villages of Rochebrune and La Jaillet, or simply take in the panoramic views from any one of the 80 chair lifts.

La Clusaz – France

La Clusaz is another popular French ski resort that you can can reach within eight hours of our Calais port. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-east France, it offers all of the skiing conditions that you could wish for with a host of old-world charm.

The main skiing attractions take place at elevations between 1,040 and 2,500 metres, and whilst many of the 132 kilometres of slopes are aimed at intermediate levels, there are advanced runs for the daredevils and safer spaces for beginners, too.

Although La Clusaz is becoming synonymous with the freeriding, snowboarding trend, this famous resort has also earned a great name for itself thanks to its excellent activities. Pick up fresh local produce at the weekly outdoor market, take a selfie in front of the 19th century Sainte Foy Church, or go hiking at the Col de la Colombière mountain pass. There’s always something new to experience when visiting this much-loved ski resort.