Planning a ski holiday this winter? The resorts where you're most likely to find reliable snow - and why altitude matters

Skiers planning a winter getaway should head for the highest slopes they can find, scientists say.According to a new report, warmer weather is making snowfall increasingly unpredictable across many of the world's mountain regions.The World Meteorological Organization and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation warn that climate change is already shrinking snow cover and threatening the long-term viability of some ski destinations.Ski experts increasingly regard slopes above 5,900ft to 6,500ft (1,800m to 2,000m) as the safest bet for dependable conditions, while lower-altitude resorts are becoming more vulnerable to mild winters and rain instead of snow.That means high-altitude destinations such as Val Thorens and Chamonix in France, Zermatt in Switzerland, Obergurgl in Austria and Cervinia in Italy are expected to fare better than lower-lying resorts in the years ahead.'Western Europe – and also the contiguous United States – experienced their warmest summer on record in 2026,' the report reads.'Heat, combined with drought, had a punishing impact on Alpine glaciers and the snowpack.' Forecasts reveal that from December to February, much of Europe could experience significantly less snowfall than usual. Pictured: brown areas indicate less snow, while blue areas indicate more snow According to a new report, warmer weather is making snowfall increasingly unpredictable across many of the world's mountain regions. Pictured: Skiers ride a chairlift between La Rasse et Chaux Ronde above a snowless field in 2022 The most snow-sure resorts this winter • Val Thorens, France (resort altitude 7,546ft)• Tignes, France (resort altitude 6,890ft)• Cervinia, Italy (resort altitude 6,726ft)• Zermatt, Switzerland (resort altitude 5,315ft; skiing up to 12,739ft)• Obergurgl, Austria (resort altitude 6,332ft)• Saas-Fee, Switzerland (resort altitude 5,906ft; skiing up to 11,811ft) The report notes that 2015-2025 was the warmest decade on record globally, while glacier loss has accelerated for four consecutive years.Snow cover duration has declined in almost every mountain region studied, particularly at lower elevations, where it is shrinking by an average of five days per decade.The report points to Switzerland as a stark example of the trend. According to the country's National Centre for Climate Services, the number of snowfall days below 2,600ft (800m) has halved since 1970.At the same time, the winter freezing level has climbed from around 1,970ft (600m) above sea level 50 years ago to about 2,790ft (850m) today, reducing the chances of snow settling at lower resorts.The consequences are already being felt by the ski industry. During the 2025-26 season, weather conditions forced the cancellation of 25 Ski World Cup races.Researchers also highlighted a worrying projection for Europe's ski sector.A study published in Nature Climate Change found that, without snowmaking, 53 per cent of Europe's 2,234 ski resorts could face a very high risk of snow shortages if global temperatures rise by 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels.Adding to the uncertainty is a strong El Niño event in the Pacific, which experts say could make conditions across Europe milder and wetter this winter, putting further pressure on resorts that rely on consistent snowfall. Popular destinations such as Les Gets and Morzine in France (pictured during a previous low snow season) could be the most affected Higher resorts including Val Thorens (pictured) are generally better insulated from rising temperaturesFor holidaymakers, however, the takeaway is more straightforward.The golden rule is to look not just at the resort's altitude, but the altitude of the skiing itself.Resorts with extensive terrain above 6,500ft (2,000m) are generally better insulated from warming winters and more likely to offer reliable snow cover throughout the season.Lower resorts can still enjoy excellent years, but they are increasingly at the mercy of fluctuating temperatures and shorter snow seasons.While picturesque lower-level destinations such as Morzine, Les Gets and Kitzbühel remain hugely popular, they are likely to face growing challenges from milder winters and shorter snow seasons.Higher resorts including Val Thorens, Tignes, Zermatt and Cervinia are generally better insulated from rising temperatures because much of their ski terrain sits well above the freezing line.While Chamonix's village may sit relatively low, at around 3,820ft (1,000m), it provides access to some of the highest slopes in Europe which gives it a major advantage as snow lines creep ever higher. The report says decisions ranging from opening lifts and making artificial snow (pictured) to planning events and investing in infrastructure are now increasingly dependent on accurate weather and climate forecasts The report says decisions ranging from opening lifts and making artificial snow to planning events and investing in infrastructure are now increasingly dependent on accurate weather and climate forecasts.Many of those resorts could eventually become economically unviable.Even artificial snow is not a guaranteed solution. The report notes that snowmaking becomes less effective as temperatures rise and can be constrained by both water availability and soaring energy costs.'Reliable information is increasingly important for managing immediate operational risks, seasonal variability and longer-term adaptation,' the report's authors said.The report comes as the winter sports industry faces mounting pressure to adapt to a changing climate.Its authors hope better use of weather and climate data will help resorts plan more effectively and remain resilient in the decades ahead.