Ski Solutions Guide to Lesser-Known Ski Resorts

25th December 2023

Last modified on December 30th, 2023

While the draw of popular ski resorts is clear, there are plenty of lesser-known hidden gems that provide unparalleled skiing conditions, traditional charm, and a crowd-free stay.

With this in mind the UK ski operator, Ski Solutions, has rounded up some of the best lesser-known ski resorts across Europe for holiday goers to book this season.

PlanetSKI has asked Ski Solutions for some options:

Geilo, Norway *best for families*

Perfect for families looking for a Scandinavian adventure, Geilo is home to two fantastic local ski schools, as well as off-slope activities such as dog sledding, fat biking, and snowshoeing.

Situated between two National Parks, Geilo is a charming ski resort with incredible scenery and a great snow record.

The resort can also be reached by the famous Oslo Bergen Railway that travels through Norway’s spectacular Fjord region.

Gelio is a great resort for families with little ones learning to ski, and there is also plenty for non-skiers to enjoy.

Vestlia Resort

This ski-in ski-out hotel is situated 50 metres from the ski school and childcare centre, making it a fantastic option for families.

Many rooms at the hotel benefit from connecting doors, lounges, and kitchens, which are ideal for a larger group.

Hotel amenities include a soft play area for children, a bowling alley, and family pool, offering plenty to do after time spent on the slopes.

For those looking to relax, the award-winning spa is a great way to unwind, and the hotel is also in ideal proximity to many off-slope activities.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers Vestlia Resort on a half board basis from £1,445pp including flights and private transfers.

www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700

Geilo, Norway. Image © PlanetSKI

Soldeu, Andorra *best for all abilities*

Skiing in Andorra offers an unparalleled experience, with the Pyrenean mountains having their own unique landscape that is dotted with authentic Andorran ski resorts and mountain villages.

Soldeu ski resort lies in a serene, tree-lined valley offering exceptional scenery and access to the extensive Grandvalira ski area and modern lifts.

The resort is the ideal destination for intermediate skiers looking to develop their skills and progress to more challenging terrain, or a beginner looking to learn the basics on fun, safe and wide-open runs.

The atmosphere at Soldeu is relaxed and peaceful, and the influence of Spanish and Catalan culture shines through the resort in a unique manner.

Park Piolets Mountain Hotel and Spa

Park Piolets Mountain Hotel and Spa is a five-star hotel based at the foot of the Grandvalira ski slopes.

All rooms at the hotel are mountain-facing for guests to enjoy unparalleled views from a balcony or terrace.

With an extensive and varied gastronomic selection, the hotel has plenty to offer, as well as being situated a short walk away from the town’s amenities.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers Park Piolets Mountain Hotel and Spa on a half board basis from £1,279 pp including flights and transfers.

www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700

Soldeu, Andorra. Image © PlanetSKI

Gressoney, Italy *best for experienced skiers*

The Italian resort of Gressoney is made up of two charming Italian villages – Gressoney-La-Trinité and Gressoney-Saint-Jean.

Gressoney benefits from access to the whole of the Monterosa Ski area, which champions some of the best Italian off-piste skiing, as well as scenic heli-skiing opportunities.

Surrounded by the towering Dolomites, the scenery around Gressoney is second to none, including impressive views of Mont Blanc, the Gran Paradiso and the Matterhorn.

A great option for those looking for a laid-back holiday, Gressoney has a quiet après ski scene and a relaxed mountain vibe.

Hotel Lo Scoiattolo

Hotel Lo Scoiattolo offers everything you might need for a stay in Gressoney.

The hotel supplies a free shuttle to and from the slopes and has a great range of relaxing amenities including a sauna, water massage and Scottish waterfall shower for guests to enjoy.

Guests can enjoy sumptuous meals at the hotel restaurant, which serves traditional treats and modern platters, as well as plenty of local delicacies.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers Hotel Lo Scoiattolo on a half board basis priced from £1,045pp, including flights and private transfers.

www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700

Gressoney, Italy. Image © PlanetSKI

Samoëns, France *best for Alpine charm*

Not only well-known for its natural beauty, Samoëns is also the only ski resort in France to have the status of ‘Monuments Historique’ thanks to its beautiful old buildings.

The ancient village has a beautiful traffic-free centre, and the main street is home to a plethora of gourmet shops offering local delicacies and treats, as well as plenty of Alpine shops and wonderful interior design.

Les Chalets de Layssia

Located in the very heart of the village, this self-catered accommodation is fully equipped with spacious living areas and quality furnishings.

Those staying at Les Chalets de Layssia also have access to an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and gym.

For ease, the accommodation is also close to the Grand Massif Express lift, which gives you access to one of the most beautiful ski areas in France.

The apartments are ideal for people who want to have the luxury feel you get in a spa hotel, but with the ease and flexibility of being self-catered.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers Les Chalets de Layssia on a self-catered basis priced from £745pp, including flights and private transfers.

www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700

Villars, Switzerland *best for short transfers*

Villars is situated on a sunny south-facing plateau, which looks out across the mountains of the Portes du Soleil ski area.

An ideal ski weekend destination, Villars can be easily reached by car from Geneva or by Swiss Rail.

The resort itself is filled with impressive shops, plenty of accommodation choice, and plenty of unique offerings beyond skiing.

Villars Lodge

This contemporary Swiss lodge is a great laid-back alternative to a more traditional hotel.

Villars Lodge has great amenities and is an excellent base for all types of skiers.

For foodies, the Lodge serves up plenty of delicious traditional food.

Most importantly, with the ski lifts just a short walk away, guests are perfectly positioned to get out and explore the Villars/Les Diablerets-Glacier 3000 ski region.

HOW: Ski Solutions offers Villars Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis priced from £945pp including flights and Swiss Rail transfers.

www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7700

Swiss Flag. Image © PlanetSKI

Ski Solutions

Ski Solutions is Britain’s original specialist ski travel agency and tailor-made tour operator and have been arranging ski holidays for more than 35 years to Europe and North America.

Ski Solutions work with the finest chalets, hotels, and apartments in the mountains and with access to the full ski market, they can tailor-make the perfect holiday.

Offering total flexibility, their ski experts can find the best solution for their clients, whether that’s a luxury seven-night escape, a ski weekend, or a long-haul, multi-destination trip.