The Secret to a Luxury Ski Trip on a Budget? Try Europe.
I’ve been lucky enough to ski many of the best resorts across Europe, the U.S., and Canada. I promise I’m not trying to pick a fight with my American and Canadian friends, you have fantastic skiing, but Europe offers something more… Much more.
Last winter I took a group of Spence Connection guests on a five-day Dolomite ski safari followed by three days in Venice. Skiing in Europe isn’t just skiing. It’s culture, food, scenery, history, and adventure rolled into one. If you’ve never skied in Europe and you love the sport, you must do it at least once while your knees (and other important bits!) still cooperate.
And if you already ski in Europe, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
1. Why Americans Should Seriously Consider Skiing in Europe
It’s dramatically better value. Let’s be honest, U.S. skiing has become eye-wateringly expensive.
A day pass at a top U.S. resort on a weekend is now $300+ per day per person. In Europe?
Under $100 at iconic resorts like Courchevel, Val d’Isère, Zermatt, St. Anton, Dolomites, and more. Add in delicious and affordable mountain restaurants, competitive pricing for rentals, and excellent public transportation, and the value becomes undeniable.
If you haven’t bought your Ikon/Epic pass this year, consider putting that money toward your flight and ski Europe instead.
2. Europe Offers So Much More Than Skiing
You can ski hard all day and then wander through cobblestone streets, eat in family-run mountain huts, enjoy proper après ski (not just a single beer at 4pm), and finish your week in Paris, Venice, Vienna, Zurich, Munich, or wherever takes your fancy.
The Alps are physically bigger than most North American ranges. That means:
· Much more skiing above the tree line
· Epic glaciers
· Huge bowls and freeride zones
· Endless long, scenic groomers
· Lift systems that connect entire regions—think hundreds of miles of pistes
Lift-access freeride skiers rejoice. And for groomer lovers: you’ll be in heaven.
3. The Après Ski Culture Is Next-Level
Après in Europe can be:
· All-day affairs (looking at you, St. Anton and Ischgl)
· Glitzy champagne terraces in Courchevel
· Classy lounges in Zermatt and St. Moritz
· Serious dance parties in Sölden
North America simply can’t replicate European après—it’s in a different league.
4. Wondering where to Go? My Personal Top Picks
· Zermatt, Switzerland – Iconic Matterhorn scenery, long runs, world-class food, great for couples or families.
· St. Anton, Austria – Energetic, legendary après ski, fantastic terrain.
· Courchevel & Méribel (Trois Vallées) – The world’s largest ski area; luxury hotels and chalets.
· Val d’Isère, France – Snow sure, glamorous, great for strong skiers.
· Dolomites, Italy – UNESCO beauty, incredible food, the famous Sella Ronda, great value.
· St. Moritz, Switzerland – Old-school glamour, pristine pistes, winter wonderland vibes.
If you’re torn between the Swiss Alps and the Dolomites, or between a glitzy resort and a low-key Alpine village—I can help you find the perfect fit.
5. A Luxury Ski Trip Made Easy (and Surprisingly Affordable)
At The Spence Connection, we work with the top European ski experts, many of whom are based in the UK (the British are good at skiing holidays, just not skiing itself!).
We can arrange:
· Multi-resort ski safaris
· Stunning hotels hand-picked for slope access & style
· Luxury catered chalets with private chefs
· Airport transfers
· Lift passes ready on arrival
· Pre-booked ski rentals
· Private guides/instructors
· Restaurant reservations for all the best mountain huts
· Après ski ideas
· Add-ons to Paris, Venice, Vienna, Munich, Zurich, or wherever your European fancy takes you
Whether you’re a couple, a family, or a group of friends, skiing becomes effortless when everything is pre-arranged.
6. What About Costs?
A typical luxury European ski week can include:
· 7 nights in a fantastic hotel or chalet
· Breakfast daily (and often dinner included)
· Private transfers
· Ski hire
· Lift passes
· A day of private ski guiding
· Access to the world’s greatest slopes
And even then, it still often comes out cheaper than skiing in the U.S.
7. Why Plan With The Spence Connection?
Simple:
1. I’ve done it all – ski guiding in Klosters, seasons in Val d’Isère, and skiing across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
2. I know the right people – boutique chalet companies, elite UK ski specialists, and the best hotel contacts.
3. I match you with the ideal expert based on your group, preferences, budget, and ski ability.
4. You get independent advice and VIP treatment, without paying extra.
I’m a spoiled little so-and-so who’s done it all—and I love helping people experience the absolute magic of skiing in Europe.
Is This the Year You Finally Ski Europe?
With the Winter Olympics happening in Cortina this February (but the rest of Europe skiing as usual), there has never been a better time.
Whether you want a luxury catered chalet, a multi-resort adventure, or a week of perfect pistes and long Italian lunches—I can help you craft the perfect trip.
Get in touch, and let’s plan your European ski adventure.