Top 10 Snow-Sure Ski Resorts in the Alps

If you’re planning a ski trip in 2025/6 and want to guarantee the best possible snow conditions, altitude and geography matter just as much as snowfall totals. Some Alpine resorts consistently deliver reliable snow cover thanks to their glaciers, high-altitude pistes, and north-facing slopes. Using 10 years of snowfall data, here’s a breakdown of the top 10 snow-sure ski resorts in the Alps – places where winter feels long, white, and dependable.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland – 10-year average snowfall: 414 cm

Snow record: With the iconic Matterhorn towering overhead, Zermatt is renowned for its consistent conditions. Skiers can carve turns on the Matterhorn Glacier up to 3,883 m, making it one of the highest ski areas in Europe.

Why it’s reliable: Year-round skiing on the glacier ensures snow cover, and the resort’s altitude means good conditions well into late spring.

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2. Cervinia, Italy – 10-year average snowfall: 566 cm

Snow record: Sharing the same glacier as Zermatt, Cervinia enjoys long, snow-sure seasons.

Why it’s reliable: At 2,050 m, it’s one of the highest resorts in Italy, with wide north-facing slopes that hold snow exceptionally well. Bonus: You can ski across the border into Switzerland.

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3. Tignes, France – 10-year average snowfall: 669 cm

Snow record: Tignes is blessed with both a strong snowfall history and access to the Grande Motte Glacier (3,456 m).

Why it’s reliable: Open from autumn through late spring, glacier skiing ensures snow even in leaner winters.

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4. Val d’Isère, France – 10-year average snowfall: 581 cm

Snow record: Linked with Tignes, Val d’Isère forms the legendary Espace Killy ski area with a huge variety of terrain.

Why it’s reliable: The resort’s high-altitude slopes and consistent coverage make it one of France’s safest snow bets.

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5. Saas-Fee, Switzerland – 10-year average snowfall: 547 cm

Snow record: Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Alps,” Saas-Fee is famous for its glacier terrain and dependable conditions.

Why it’s reliable: With pistes up to 3,600 m, it’s among the most snow-secure destinations in Europe.

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6. Les Deux Alpes, France – 10-year average snowfall: 309 cm

Snow record: Despite a lower average than some rivals, Les Deux Alpes benefits from glacier access at 3,568 m.

Why it’s reliable: One of Europe’s largest glaciers keeps the season long, with skiing possible from early winter to late spring.

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7. Alpe d’Huez, France – 10-year average snowfall: 438 cm

Snow record: The higher reaches, particularly around Pic Blanc (3,330 m), receive excellent snow.

Why it’s reliable: The vast vertical drop and high north-facing slopes help preserve snow even in warmer spells.

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8. St. Anton, Austria – 10-year average snowfall: 387 cm

Snow record: St. Anton sits in the Arlberg region, famous for some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Alps.

Why it’s reliable: Regular storms bring deep snowpacks year after year, making it a freeride paradise.

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9. Ischgl, Austria – 10-year average snowfall: 543 cm

Snow record: Ischgl enjoys strong snowfalls and a long season that often extends into May.

Why it’s reliable: High-altitude skiing (up to 2,872 m), north-facing terrain, and meticulous piste grooming keep conditions excellent.

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10. Avoriaz, France – 10-year average snowfall: 638 cm

Snow record: Frequently among the snowiest resorts in the Alps, Avoriaz can see 11–12 metres in big winters.

Why it’s reliable: At 1,800 m, it’s entirely ski-in/ski-out, with north-facing slopes that hold onto the snowpack.

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What 10 Years of Snowfall Data Tell Us

Snowfall across the Alps can vary dramatically from season to season, but the past decade highlights some clear trends:

High variability year to year

Even snow-sure resorts experience fluctuating seasons. Some winters deliver record-breaking totals, while others are much lighter. High-altitude and glacier-linked areas, however, reduce the risk of completely poor snow years.

Glaciers remain the most resilient – but they’re shrinking

Resorts like Zermatt, Cervinia, Tignes, and Saas-Fee have historically had the most reliable snow thanks to glaciers. However, recent summers have seen rapid glacier retreat, which threatens long-term summer skiing and may reshape the Alpine landscape in decades to come.

Epic snow years still happen

The Alps have enjoyed some truly remarkable winters in the last decade – including heavy, late-season dumps in 2022–23 and again in April 2025. These events boost averages but also bring avalanche risks and travel disruption.

Lower slopes remain vulnerable

Even in snow-rich resorts, village-level runs can struggle in warmer winters. Most major resorts now invest heavily in snowmaking to keep lower connections open, ensuring skiers can still return to base.

Final Takeaway

For skiers chasing snow security, the safest bets are high-altitude resorts with glacier access – they offer the longest and most reliable seasons. That said, snowfall in the Alps is still highly variable, and planning flexibility is key. If you want the best chance of powder days, focus on destinations like Zermatt, Tignes, Val d’Isère, Saas-Fee, and St. Anton, where history shows the odds are firmly in your favour.