Confused.com has revealed Europe’s hidden gem ski destinations to explore this season. With France and Austria continuing to dominate the European ski market, new analysis from Confused.com Travel Insurance highlights five lesser-known destinations offering excellent value and variety for UK skiers.
*All details correct at time of publish (3 December 2025)
Germany
Germany ranks top, home to 638 ski resorts ranging from the high-altitude Bavarian Alps to lower mountain areas. Despite its scale, winter sports insurance quotes for Germany via Confused.com were 98% lower than those for France, suggesting the destination remains under-appreciated.
The country offers around 80 beginner-friendly resorts, including Steinplatte Winklmoosalm (20km of easy slopes) and Söllereck with dedicated practice areas.
Access is straightforward, with direct flights from 13 UK airports, including five in London. Most ski areas sit within 1.5 hours of a major airport, and travellers can choose from 144,288 ski-area accommodation options, including 55,317 rated four stars or higher.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic takes second place with 316 ski resorts, many spread across the scenic Giant (Krkonoše) Mountains.
The country offers six beginner-friendly ski areas, including Lipno, well-regarded for families, and Plešivec, where the majority of slopes are graded easy with ski parks for children. Direct flights are available from 15 UK airports, and there are 13,204 accommodation options, 3,651 of which hold four stars or more.
Poland
Poland’s 286 ski resorts span several mountain ranges, with the Tatra Mountains standing out for both beginner and advanced terrain. Despite being the most popular winter sports destination on this list among Confused.com customers, quotes for Poland still accounted for only 1% of all winter sports insurance quotes in the last year.
Poland has nine beginner resorts, including Kotelnica, known for its forgiving slopes and ski schools, and Witów, a small village with wide, gentle runs. Travellers can choose from 51,784 ski accommodation options, including 15,139 four-star or higher hotels and chalets. Poland is easily accessible, with direct flights from 16 UK airports.
Sweden
Sweden offers 256 ski resorts, reliable snowfall and impressive winter landscapes. Twelve resorts are ideal for beginners, including Tänndalen, named Sweden’s Best Ski Resort 2025, featuring easy terrain, 15 surface lifts and extensive practice zones.
Skiers have access to 6,661 accommodation options, 1,945 of which are four-star or above. Six UK airports serve Sweden directly, including three in London plus Edinburgh, Liverpool and Manchester.
Slovakia
Slovakia’s continental climate delivers consistently snowy conditions across its 122 ski resorts, paired with a strong line-up of winter activities such as tobogganing, dog sledging and thermal spas. The country offers four beginner-friendly resorts, including Tatranská Lomnica in the Tatras—home to nursery slopes, ski schools, and Slovakia’s longest and highest piste.
There are 7,567 ski-area accommodation options, of which 1,984 are rated four stars or more. Six UK airports offer direct flights.
Confused.com travel insurance expert, Alvaro Iturmendi, comments on customers protecting themselves and their belongings on a ski holiday:
“Before travelling to a destination, it is essential that winter sports insurance is arranged, which is typically offered as a travel insurance add-on. While a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC if it is not yet expired) offers access to state-level healthcare in Europe, it does not cover accident retrieval or expensive ski gear.
“Exactly what is covered by winter sports insurance will vary by policy, so the terms should be checked thoroughly to ensure the right cover is in place. Key factors to look out for include mountain rescue, lost or stolen ski equipment and passes, and cover for piste closure (if it lasts more than 24 hours). Staying safe, responsible, and taking care of belongings will also help ensure the policy remains valid.”
Survey results and article provided by Confused.com travel insurance.
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