Europe’s ‘most dependable’ ski resorts revealed – with Austria’s ‘snowiest’ spot and a faff-free Italian gem topping the listing

As the ski season approaches, Britons wanting to hit the slopes will be seeking somewhere that provides a consistently good experience.

Whether you’re looking for an area where you will wake up to regular fresh snow or somewhere with frequent lifts to the top of the mountain, new research has revealed the most reliable ski resorts in Europe.

The study looked at 133 popular resorts in the Northern Hemisphere over seven winter ski seasons to calculate a ‘reliable ski score’.

This score was calculated using several different measures, including the average percentage of lifts and slopes operating in the core season (mountain running), snow adequacy, consistency, downside protection and snow depth.

But which resort came out as the very best? Here we take a look.

1. Pontedilegno-Tonale, Italy

Pontedilegno-Tonale was named Europe’s most reliable ski resort in the research by ski holiday provider Inghams Ski, with a score of 93.1 out of 100. 

Located in the Adamello-Presanella range of northern Italy, the spot is perfect for those wanting a hiccup-free experience and snow-sure slopes. 

There are four areas within the region for skiers to enjoy: Ponte di Legno, Temù, the Tonale Pass and the Presena Glacier – with 46 different runs and 29 lifts.

2. Obertauern, Austria 

Known as the snowiest ski destination in Austria, Obertauern ranked second with a score of 92.9 out of 100.

It is made up almost entirely of ski-in, ski-out hotels, so skiers can hit the slopes straight from their accommodation with no faff. 

What’s more, with 100km (62 miles) of slopes and 26 modern lifts, visitors of all levels will find something to enjoy. 

3. Les Arcs, France

Bringing France into the top three, Les Arcs followed closely with 92.2 out of 100.

Skiers are treated to around 200km (124 miles) of slopes here, as well as easy access to the vast Paradiski area, which includes sister resort La Plagne.

The combination of these two spots gives skiers a total of 425km (264 miles) to enjoy.

4. Les 3 Vallées, France

With an impressive reliable ski score of 91.1 out of 100, Les 3 Vallées placed fourth overall.

Skiers have access to 600km (373 miles) of slopes across seven resorts here – making this the largest ski area in France. 

5. Alpe d’Huez, France

Another French spot rounds off the top five, as Alpe d’Huez scored a total of 90.5 points out of 100. 

It’s home to La Sarenne, the longest ski run in Europe, and there are more than 250km (155 miles) of slopes to choose from. 

6. Kitzsteinhorn, Austria

In Kitzsteinhorn, you can ski over 3,000m above sea level. As such, the spot secured sixth place, with a reliable ski score of 89.6 out of 100.

The Austrian resort has good snow reliability due to how high it is, and promises ‘top-quality snow and best piste conditions’.

7. Filzmoos, Austria

Filzmoos was named the seventh most reliable ski resort in Europe, scoring 89.5 out of 100.

Skiers will find 20km (12 miles) of ski slopes in the village and a high-altitude trail at 1,600m above sea level.

8. Tignes-Val d’Isère, France

Another French spot, Tignes-Val d’Isère takes eighth place, boasting a vast area of 300km (186 miles) of slopes that reaches an altitude of up to 3,450m.

There are plenty of runs to suit every skill level, and the resort promises it is ‘one of the first Alpine resorts to open each season’. 

9. Espace San Bernardo (La Rosière/La Thuile), France

Espace San Bernardo promises sun and snow, as a south-facing resort in France. 

It scored 89.2 out of 100 and offers an altitude of up to 1,850m as well as 156km (97 miles) of ski slopes. 

10. Damüls Mellau, Austria

Rounding off the top ten, Damüls Mellau in Austria scored 89.1 out of 100 overall. 

Skiers have access to 109km (68 miles) of pistes as well as 27 lifts and cable cars, all to be enjoyed with reliable snow conditions.