In the mountainous regions that allow you to ski seamlessly across Europe's boundary lines
Due to the abolition of border controls in Europe's Schengen Area by 29 countries in 1995, skiing becomes a smooth transition from one nation to another.
The Portes du Soleil region permits skiing from France into Switzerland across 12 interconnected resorts.
The adjoining resorts of La Rosière in France and La Thuile in Italy form Espace San Bernardo, merging two smaller destinations into a more substantial playground.
In France's Southern Alps, Montgenèvre proudly flies the French flag in the mostly Italian Via Lattea, with the Swiss and Italians sharing the Matterhorn from opposing borders.
Ischgl, one of Austria's most bustling party resorts, is linked to the more subdued Samnaun in Switzerland.
Remember to catch the final lift back to your base to avoid expensive transportation or accommodation costs. It is advisable to carry your passport as a precaution.
Espace San Bernardo – France and Italy
Family-oriented La Rosière in France's Savoie region boasts some of the sunniest slopes in the French Alps and offers panoramic views of the Isère Valley. Although the resort caters more to beginners and intermediates, advanced skiers can explore the extensive freeride area at Mont Valaisan's summit at 2,800 meters.
Located at the top of Fort de la Redoute at 2,390 meters, you can access the glass-floored terrace to admire the stunning panoramic views before embarking on the narrow red run towards La Thuile in Italy's Aosta Valley.
Following two lengthy, somewhat monotonous drag lifts, you can enjoy the rest of Espace San Bernardo's 160 kilometers of diverse slopes and alpine eateries serving generous plates of pasta. Recall that the drag lifts are closed during unfavorable weather, so plan your French-Italian expedition for a sunny day.
In La Thuile, you can take advantage of the opportunity for heli-skiing, which is prohibited in France but legal within Italy's borders, allowing you to descend onto French slopes.
Whichever resort you choose to ski in, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.
Ischgl, Austria – Samnaun, Switzerland
It's not an exaggeration to claim that high-altitude Ischgl is the liveliest resort in the Alps, with significant concerts launching and concluding the season and a nightlife for partying till dawn. It also attracts a large crowd of snowboarders and offers one of Europe's finest terrain parks.
In stark contrast to Ischgl's vibrant Tirolean town in southern Austria, its tranquil neighbor across the border in Switzerland, Samnaun, shares the Silvretta Arena ski area, covering 239 kilometers (149 miles) of slopes.
Both resorts are easily accessible through a quick lift system, as they provide starkly different yet indulging experiences.
Back in the 19th century, when the only means of reaching Samnaun was through Austria, the Swiss granted this small village duty-free status—the only one in Switzerland. Skiers can therefore take advantage of purchasing duty-free goods when crossing borders.
The thrill of getting there is part of the fun: ancient smuggler trails have been transformed into thrilling ski circuits.
Download the Samnaun app and select among gold, silver, and bronze routes, from a challenging four-hour thigh-burner to an easier route comprising blue runs with checkpoints along the way. Completion of any route qualifies users for a prize draw.
Portes du Soleil – France and Switzerland
Twelve resorts—eight in France and four in Switzerland—form one of the largest ski domains in the world, Portes du Soleil, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. Its extensive 650 kilometers (404 miles) of pistes cater to mileage-hungry intermediate skiers, providing a true sense of traversing vast distances.
Start in the picturesque traditional French village of Châtel and soon you'll be on Swiss soil in Morgins. From there, you'll pass through the hamlets of Champoussin and Les Crosets, and you can make a detour to the largest Swiss village, Champéry.
Advanced skiers will enjoy tackling the notorious Swiss Wall run at the Pas de Chavanette, which consists of a vertical drop of 331 meters and is carpeted with moguls. This run is not for the faint-hearted, so experts only should take on the challenge.
Return to France via the futuristic 1960s resort of Avoriaz, which is directly linked to two of Portes du Soleil's most attractive and traditional villages, Morzine and family-focused Les Gets.
Via Lattea – France and Italy
Among the eight resorts that make up the Via Lattea—Milky Way—only Montgenèvre falls on the Italian side of the border in France.
Montgenèvre (known as Monginevro to the Italians) offers a variety of terrain throughout the entire domain, including a high-altitude beginners' area. Its closest Italian neighbor, tiny Claviere is easily reachable via skis and is also an enchanting 20-minute walk along cross-country skiing trails.
For a thrilling day-long expedition, traverse all the way to Sestriere, one of the primary locations for the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, partiers flock to Sauze d’Oulx, a beloved spot where skiers from Turin like to unwind. If you're seeking a more tranquil experience in Sauze d’Oulx (which happens to be pronounced "soze dooks"), you might consider visiting during the week when the crowd level is less rowdy.
Zermatt, Switzerland – Cervinia, Italy
Although the Swiss boast a more stunning perspective of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, the Italian resort of Cervinia has its own allure — expansive, well-lit slopes ideal for leisurely skiing, an abundance of snow, and, most importantly, more affordable rates compared to the fashionable Switzerland.
The opening of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing in 2023 marked the arrival of a new cable car that connected the two resorts, providing a faster option than the previous series of time-consuming lifts. This transit turned into the highest border crossing in the Alps and became accessible to non-skiers as well.
However, keep in mind that the crossing will be temporarily closed for maintenance from January 6 to February 14, 2025, so take this into consideration if you're a non-skier who still wants to explore Cervinia.
Zermatt is globally recognized as a top-tier ski resort, and watching the ethereal beauty of the Matterhorn will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Conversely, across Monte Cervino (the Italian name for the Matterhorn), Cervinia offers a delightfully Italian ambiance, reliable high-altitude slopes, and an extended ski season.
The Espace San Bernardo area allows for easy travel between La Rosière in France and La Thuile in Italy, offering a unique experience of merging two ski resorts.
Ischgl in Austria and its neighboring Samnaun in Switzerland can be easily accessed through a quick lift system, providing a stunning contrast between the lively Austrian resort and the tranquil Swiss village.
