The Alps are home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, and each one has its own personality. If you’re trying to decide where to go this season, here’s a comparison of five resorts I’ve skied: La Plagne, St. Anton, Les Arcs, Val d’Isere, and Champoluc. Whether you’re after challenging terrain, a family-friendly setup, or the best apres going, there’s something here for you.
La Plagne
Best for: Beginners, families, ski-in/ski-out convenience.
La Plagne is part of the Paradiski area with Les Arcs, which gives you a massive amount of terrain to play with. It’s one of the best places to learn to ski, and I had a great time teaching my girlfriend here. The pistes are well-maintained and there’s plenty of scope for those willing to explore beyond the marked runs. It’s not known for extreme skiing, but you can still find some decent powder near the higher altitudes.
The main apres spot is La Bergerie, which has a lively but relaxed vibe. The only downside is that it shuts at half four, which feels a bit early compared to the all-night parties you’ll find elsewhere. But that’s very much in keeping with the family-focused atmosphere.
Where La Plagne really shines is the accommodation. There are loads of ski-in/ski-out chalets and hotels right on the slopes, which is a massive advantage for convenience. Compare that to St. Anton, which sits in a valley and doesn’t offer nearly as many slope-side options.
The resort itself isn’t the prettiest. It’s purpose-built and designed to be functional rather than charming. But honestly, it does exactly what it needs to do, and the connection to Les Arcs means you’ve got an enormous skiing area to explore.
St. Anton
Best for: Advanced skiers, apres-ski, anyone who wants a proper ski holiday atmosphere.
St. Anton is a different beast entirely. The terrain is steep, challenging, and has some of the best off-piste in the Alps. If you’re an advanced skier or snowboarder looking for powder-filled runs, this is the place. It’s not the best option for beginners though, as the slopes can be tricky to navigate when you’re just starting out.
And then there’s the apres. The Mooserwirt and Krazy Kanguruh are legendary for a reason. Music, dancing, and a buzzing atmosphere that easily earns St. Anton its reputation as the apres-ski capital of the world. If apres is your priority, nothing else on this list comes close.
The town itself has a traditional alpine village feel but with a more cosmopolitan, lively edge. It is expensive, and a lot of visitors come specifically for the skiing and apres experience. The valley location means ski-in/ski-out is harder to find, but the town more than makes up for it.
Les Arcs
Best for: Intermediate to advanced skiers, people who want a big ski area with good apres.
Sitting next to La Plagne in the Paradiski area, Les Arcs has a slightly more advanced feel. There are plenty of challenging runs and great off-piste opportunities, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to push themselves on steeper slopes.
The apres scene is noticeably livelier than La Plagne, especially with La Folie Douce, one of the most famous apres spots in the Alps. Expect music, dancing, and a properly festive atmosphere. Think St. Anton energy but without quite as much intensity.
Like La Plagne, it’s a purpose-built resort with plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation, so you can maximise your time on the slopes. It might lack the quaint charm of a traditional alpine town, but it’s well-organised and the proximity to La Plagne’s ski area means you’ve got a ridiculous amount of terrain on your doorstep.
Val d’Isere
Best for: Luxury seekers, expert skiers, off-piste enthusiasts.
Val d’Isere is one of the top destinations for advanced skiers, with a great mix of on-piste runs and excellent off-piste terrain. It connects with Tignes, creating a vast area to explore. The skiing is world-class, full stop.
The apres isn’t quite on the St. Anton level, but there are some chic bars and high-end restaurants where you can unwind after a day on the mountain. The village has a more refined, luxury feel to it.
The big thing with Val d’Isere is the price. It’s expensive, and it knows it. The accommodation is geared towards luxury chalets and high-end hotels, attracting an upscale crowd. Ski-in/ski-out options exist but aren’t as plentiful as La Plagne or Les Arcs. If you’re after premium everything and don’t mind paying for it, Val d’Isere delivers.
Champoluc
Best for: A quieter, more intimate experience with great off-piste and Italian charm.
Champoluc, in the Monterosa Ski area in Italy, is a completely different vibe. It’s quieter, more laid-back, and doesn’t have the massive ski areas of the other resorts on this list. But what it does have is brilliant off-piste terrain and the potential for untouched powder runs when the snow is good. If you’re into exploring less crowded, natural terrain, Champoluc is an excellent shout.
The apres is nothing like St. Anton or Les Arcs. Instead, you’ll find yourself with a glass of Italian wine or an espresso in one of the quiet village bars, which is honestly just as enjoyable in its own way. The accommodation is mostly charming chalets and family-run hotels, and the village itself has proper traditional Italian character.
Champoluc is the resort I’d recommend to anyone who’s tired of the big, busy, purpose-built places and wants something more peaceful. The skiing is great, the food is Italian, and the pace is exactly right.
The Verdict
Each of these resorts offers something genuinely different:
- La Plagne for beginners and families, with brilliant ski-in/ski-out options and a huge connected ski area
- St. Anton for advanced skiers and anyone who wants the best apres in the world
- Les Arcs for a step up from La Plagne with a livelier apres scene
- Val d’Isere for luxury and world-class skiing, if the budget stretches
- Champoluc for a peaceful, Italian alternative with fantastic off-piste
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. It just depends on what you’re after.
Written by Euan
