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If you love to ski, you’ll know that one of the most annoying parts of a winter snow holiday can be major queues for lifts and congestion on the slopes during peak season.
The good news is that, from up-and-coming resorts in Poland to less well-known corners of the French Alps, you don’t have to follow well-trodden paths to enjoy a fantastic ski break.
Yotam Idan, co-founder and CEO of bespoke ski holiday operator WeSki, has shared some of the lesser known ski destinations the continent has to offer.
Get in now, he advises, because Europe’s quieter ski destinations are unlikely to stay under the radar for long…
Seefeld, Austria
A ski track located in the mountains in the resort of Seefeld, Austria
With a strong Olympic heritage, Seefeld blends sporting legacy with contemporary alpine elegance.
The focus here is on relaxed skiing, exceptional cross-country trails, and a strong wellness and spa culture.
It’s particularly well-suited to slow travel, where quality, scenery, and restoration take precedence over high-intensity skiing.
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Kranjska Gora, a picturesque ski resort in Slovenia’s Julian Alps
Best known for its World Cup pedigree, Kranjska Gora surprises visitors with how peaceful and accessible it feels as a holiday resort.
Set against the dramatic Julian Alps, it combines excellent scenery with uncrowded pistes and a relaxed pace.
Exceptional value, walkable villages, and a welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for understated alpine escapes.
Szczyrk, Poland
Never heard of Szczyrk in Poland – it’s worth a punt for a great value ski holiday, with new lifts recently installed
Szczyrk is an unconventional yet increasingly compelling choice for travellers seeking something different.
Significant investment in modern lifts and infrastructure has transformed the skiing experience while maintaining a local, unpretentious feel.
Affordable pricing across accommodation, dining, and passes makes it a standout option for stylish travel without excess cost.
Val Cenis, France
Skiers on slopes in the French Alps in Val Cenis, which lies in the Savoyard region
Val Cenis retains the charm of traditional Savoyard villages, offering a sense of alpine life that has largely disappeared elsewhere.
The ski area delivers reliable snow, open slopes, and minimal queues, creating a calm and enjoyable mountain experience.
Compared to nearby high-profile resorts, it offers outstanding value and a notably quieter atmosphere.
Champagny-en-Vanoise, France
Champagny-en-Vanoise in the French Alps is a skiers haven – and still part of the popular Paradiski area
Although technically part of the vast Paradiski ski area, Champagny-en-Vanoise feels worlds away from the crowds in the region’s more popular resorts.
Skiers benefit from access to one of Europe’s largest mountain networks while staying in a tranquil, village-based resort.
It’s an ideal balance of expansive terrain by day and refined calm in the evenings.
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Hidden gem ski destinations to know before everyone finds out about them in 2026
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