The Best Ski Holidays in Europe: How To Get There By Ferry

When you imagine the best ski holidays in Europe, you probably think of snow-dusted chalets, freshly groomed pistes and long, lazy après-ski afternoons. But one of the most important parts of the trip isn’t about the ski getaway itself, but how you get there.

If you’re in the UK or nearby, traveling to the slopes by ferry can be a cost-effective and relaxing way to start your ski holiday. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best all inclusive ski resorts and their facilities, how to reach each ski resort by ferry, and the benefits of taking a ferry to a ski resort.

Why Europe Is Perfect for Ski Holidays

There is no better place on the planet for skiing than Europe. It offers an incredible variety of ski holidays, with beginner-friendly slopes, high-altitude glacier skiing, family-oriented resorts and thrilling off-piste areas. It doesn't matter whether you’re planning a cheap last minute ski holiday, a luxury chalet break or a quick weekend on the snow, there’s a resort to match your style and budget.

For those arriving from the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria, you’ll be very pleased to know that many of these ski resorts pair perfectly with ferry crossings and a scenic drive through the mountains.

Best Ski Resorts in Europe

Chamonix, France

Chamonix needs no introduction when it comes to ski resorts. Sitting under the mighty Mont Blanc, Chamonix is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. Known for its steep terrain and remarkable off-piste, accompanied by its lively town, it’s a dream for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Facilities

• Huge ski area spread across several sectors (Brévent, Flégère, Grands Montets, Le Tour).
• Lively town with bars, restaurants, spas and plenty of non-ski activities.
• Ski schools for all levels, although beginners might prefer the gentler slopes at Le Tour or Les Houches.

How to get to Chamonix by ferry

The best way to reach Chamonix is by sailing from the UK to France. Take your car on the Dover to Calais ferry with Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries or the Dover to Dunkirk ferry with DFDS and drive the remaining distance. From Calais, it’s roughly a 8–9 hour drive via good motorways, with stunning mountain views as you approach the Mont Blanc region. Alternatively, you can travel on the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais.

If you traveling from Spain, you can get the overnight ferry from Barcelona to Genoa with GNV. While those coming from North Africa can take the Algiers to Marseille ferry with Corsica Linea or Tangier Med to Marseille ferry with La Meridionale.

Les Arcs, France

Next up on the list is Les Arcs in France. This ski resort is comprised of five villages located at various altitudes (Arc 2000, Arc 1950, Arc 1800, Arc 1600 and Bourg-Saint-Maurice). Les Arcs is part of the huge Paradiski area, linked with La Plagne via the Vanoise Express gondola, offering hundreds of kilometres of pistes. It has a great mix of terrain suited for all levels, with modern infrastructure and plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation.

Facilities

• Modern apartments and hotels.
• Snow parks, beginner zones and long cruising blue and red runs.
• Childcare options, ski schools and family-friendly restaurants make it perfect for family ski holidays.

How to get to Les Arcs by ferry

Take your car on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry with Brittany Ferries and drive down towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the gateway town for Les Arcs. The car journey from Caen to Bourg-Saint-Maurice is approximately 9 hours depending on traffic. From there, you can take a funicular or continue driving up the mountain to your chosen village.

If you traveling from Spain, you can get the overnight ferry from Barcelona to Genoa with GNV and drive north to Les Arcs. While those coming from North Africa can take the Algiers to Marseille ferry with Corsica Linea or Tangier Med to Marseille ferry with La Meridionale and drive the remaining distance.

Sestriere & the Via Lattea, Italy

For those looking for a budget ski resort away from the French Alps, Sestriere is a great option. Sestriere is part of the larger Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, connecting several Italian and French resorts into a substantial network of pistes.

Facilities

• Olympic heritage with modern lifts and varied pistes.
• Good snow record, especially at higher altitudes.
• Italian hospitality and cuisine – perfect for those who love long lunches and good coffee on the mountain.

How to get to Sestriere by ferry

Set sail from the UK to France by taking the Dover to Calais ferry, then drive via the Fréjus tunnel or Montgenèvre pass into Italy. Expect a 10-to-11-hour drive from Calais Port. It’s a longer journey than the Alps, but certainly worthwhile as you can easily extend it into a European road trip.

Trysil, Norway

As Norway’s largest ski resort, it has 78 kilometers of well-groomed slopes that are suitable for all skill levels, with beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. The resort prides itself on having minimal lift queues, giving you more time to enjoy the slopes. Easily accessible from Oslo, Trysil is one of the best options for families in northern Europe.

Facilities

• Huge, modern resort with excellent lift systems
• Ski schools (some of the best in Europe)
• Ski-in/ski-out hotels and cabins
• Family facilities: snow parks, kids' zones, winter activities

How to get to Trysil by Ferry

Norway may sound like a long way to travel, but ferries make the journey so easy. Take your car on the Hull to Rotterdam ferry with P&O Ferries and drive through the Netherlands and northern Germany until you reach Copenhagen. Then take the Copenhagen to Oslo ferry with DFDS Seaways. Alternatively, you could get the Scandalines ferry from Rostock to Gedser and drive through Denmark that way.

For those coming from Finland, you can get the Turku to Stockholm ferry and drive west across Sweden until you reach Oslo. The same goes for those coming from Estonia. You can get the Tallinn to Stockholm ferry and make the drive to Oslo via Orebro and Karlstad.

Cervinia, Italy

Located in Italy’s Aosta Valley, Cervinia is one of the most popular ski resorts in the region. Offering a long ski season from November to May, this resort is known for its gentle, long-cruising runs that are perfect for skiers of all levels, with over 350km of pistes available. With an elevation of 2,050m, Cervinia is one of the most reliable resorts for snowfall in the Alps.

Facilities

• Extensive ski area linked with Zermatt (Matterhorn Ski Paradise)
• Modern chairlifts and gondolas with high-altitude, snow-sure slopes
• Ski schools and beginner-friendly nursery areas
• Snow park and dedicated freestyle zones
• Wide range of mountain restaurants and bars
• Resort-center hotels, apartments and chalet-style accommodation
• Equipment hire shops for skis, snowboards and safety gear
• Kids’ facilities and family-friendly services
• Après-ski venues, cafés and pizzerias
• Spa and wellness facilities in many hotels
• Lift and ski bus network connecting different parts of the resort

How to get to Cervinia by Ferry

Getting to Cervinia by ferry is a convenient option for travelers who wish to bring their own ski equipment and enjoy a scenic journey to the Italian Alps. You can sail from the UK to France via the Dover to Calais ferry or Newhaven to Dieppe ferry, then drive through France toward the Mont Blanc region. The drive from Calais to Cervinia takes around 10–11 hours, passing through stunning alpine landscapes before reaching the Italian border. Many skiers choose to cross into Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel or the Great St Bernard Tunnel for the most direct access to the Aosta Valley.

The Benefits of Taking a Ferry to a Ski Resort

Traveling by ferry to your ski resort holiday comes with many advantages that you don’t have when fly. Here are a few benefits you can make the most of:

More Luggage

Baggage accumulates very quickly on a ski trip: skis, boards, boots, helmets, winter clothing, kids’ gear and maybe even food for the week. With a ferry crossing, you can load your car without losing sleep over strict airline baggage allowances, sports equipment charges, and dragging your heavy bags through terminals. Everything simply stays in the boot until you arrive at your accommodation.

Cost-Effective for Families and Groups

If you’re traveling with family or as part of a group, the cost of multiple flight tickets plus transfers can add up fast. By contrast, a ferry and car combination can be much better value when split between a few people. Splitting fuel and toll costs makes the per-person price very appealing. You can also shop along the way and stock up on essentials at supermarkets, saving you on food once you arrive.

Flexible Travel Times and Routes

Ferry travel gives you much more control over your itinerary:

• Wave goodbye to fixed flight schedules and travel on your own time
• Arrive early or stay an extra night without worrying about limited flights
• You can easily explore nearby towns or ski areas by bringing your own car, turning a single resort holiday into a road trip.

More Relaxing Experience

Flying can be stressful at the best of times, what with the early check-ins, security queues, and crowded terminals. Whereas ferries offer a more relaxing start to your holiday.

• Park your car and head upstairs where you’ll find restaurants, lounges and duty-free shops.
• Stretch your legs on outer deck and start unwinding after your drive.
• The children have the freedom to move around, making it easier for families.
• By the time you hit the road toward the mountains, you’re already in holiday mode.

Greener Travel

For travelers who are conscious about their carbon footprint, traveling by ferry and car can be a more environmentally friendly option than flying, especially when you have a full car. While exact emissions depend on the vehicle and route, overland travel generally compares favorably with short-haul flights.

Book Your Ferry Tickets

The best way to reach your ski vacation this winter is by enhancing your trip with the freedom and flexibility of ferry travel. Avoid strict airline baggage limits, pack all your ski gear, and turn the drive into part of the adventure. Whether you're looking for cheap ski holidays or premium European ski resorts, taking the ferry gives you unbeatable convenience and value.

Make your next ski getaway smoother, cheaper and more enjoyable. Book your ferry tickets today and start your journey to the mountains the right way.