ChrisC
Well-known member
Where Americans Ski: Top 10 European Resorts by U.S. Ski Lesson Bookings
Shouldn't this nonsense prevent SnowBrains from winning Journalism awards?
Essentially, all of the data is from Maisonsport (an instructor booking site), showing where US skiers booked lessons by percentage. Again, private lessons (although a huge value in Europe).
Fine. But Maisonsports' available ski instructors are almost entirely in France, and fewer in Italy. Much fewer numbers in Switzerland, and almost zero in Austria. Hence, US booking and visitation just mirrors Maisonsports instructor reach / # of contractors. It does not show where US skiers are going - nearly 0% to Austria?!
However, the list shows Chamonix and Zermatt as the top 2 ski destinations for US skiers, and that's my experience as well - especially given the Ikon pass product. Zermatt is almost overrun with US skiers; American English is more common than British English on lifts or in restaurants. And the 3 Vallees is the equivalent of an Epic destination.
I am always interested in what ski resort brands even register with US skiers; most know Zermatt, Chamonix, Courchevel/Val Thorens/Méribel, and Val d'Isere. Maybe St. Moritz and Davos? Possibly Cortina after Olympic branding exercise? There is a big drop-off afterward: Verbier, St. Anton/Lech Arlberg, Ischgl, Les Arcs/La Plagne, etc.
Assume Megeve is in the list below due to high-end clientele and instructor #s on site.
https://maisonsport.com/en/resort Shows # of instructors on site.
Article.
snowbrains.com
Shouldn't this nonsense prevent SnowBrains from winning Journalism awards?
Essentially, all of the data is from Maisonsport (an instructor booking site), showing where US skiers booked lessons by percentage. Again, private lessons (although a huge value in Europe).
Fine. But Maisonsports' available ski instructors are almost entirely in France, and fewer in Italy. Much fewer numbers in Switzerland, and almost zero in Austria. Hence, US booking and visitation just mirrors Maisonsports instructor reach / # of contractors. It does not show where US skiers are going - nearly 0% to Austria?!
However, the list shows Chamonix and Zermatt as the top 2 ski destinations for US skiers, and that's my experience as well - especially given the Ikon pass product. Zermatt is almost overrun with US skiers; American English is more common than British English on lifts or in restaurants. And the 3 Vallees is the equivalent of an Epic destination.
I am always interested in what ski resort brands even register with US skiers; most know Zermatt, Chamonix, Courchevel/Val Thorens/Méribel, and Val d'Isere. Maybe St. Moritz and Davos? Possibly Cortina after Olympic branding exercise? There is a big drop-off afterward: Verbier, St. Anton/Lech Arlberg, Ischgl, Les Arcs/La Plagne, etc.
Assume Megeve is in the list below due to high-end clientele and instructor #s on site.
https://maisonsport.com/en/resort Shows # of instructors on site.
Article.
Where Americans Ski: Top 10 European Resorts by U.S. Ski Lesson Bookings - SnowBrains
Where do Americans ski in Europe? Using data from Maison Sport for where Americans have booked ski lessons, we provide the top 10.
snowbrains.com
The ski instructor booking platform’s latest figures rank the top 10 European ski resorts where U.S. customers have booked lessons this season, offering a snapshot of shifting travel patterns — and a strong preference for iconic Alpine destinations.
#10 Avoriaz, France — 3.02%
Perched above the Portes du Soleil, Avoriaz is known for its ski-in, ski-out design and beginner-friendly layout. Its car-free village and wide, rolling slopes make it particularly attractive for American visitors seeking structured lessons in a relaxed, accessible environment.
#9 Tignes, France — 3.42%
High-altitude and snow-sure, Tignes offers long seasons and varied terrain, from glaciers to advanced pistes. Its reliability and modern lift system make it a strong choice for Americans looking to maximize time on snow while improving technique.
#8 Val d’Isère, France — 4.83%
Linked with Tignes, Val d’Isère combines elite-level terrain with traditional Alpine charm. It attracts ambitious skiers, many of whom book lessons to tackle its steep slopes and off-piste routes with expert guidance.
#7 Courmayeur, Italy — 5.03%
On the Italian side of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur offers a more relaxed, scenic alternative to its French neighbors. Its tree-lined runs and culinary reputation appeal to Americans seeking a balance between instruction, leisure, and culture.
#6 Méribel, France — 5.03%
Centrally located in the Three Valleys, Méribel provides easy access to the world’s largest interconnected ski areas. Its mix of terrain makes it ideal for lessons, allowing instructors to tailor progression across a wide variety of slopes.
#5 Val Thorens, France — 6.04%
As Europe’s highest ski resort, Val Thorens delivers exceptional snow reliability and expansive high-alpine terrain. Its altitude and modern infrastructure attract Americans looking for consistent conditions and high-energy skiing. Like Méribel, it is part of the Les 3 Vallées Ski Area.
#4 Megève (France) — 9.05%
Megève blends traditional Alpine charm with extensive intermediate terrain, making it a favorite for those prioritizing both progression and atmosphere. Its reputation for hospitality and scenic skiing continues to draw international visitors.
#3 Courchevel (France) — 9.46%
Courchevel is considered the most high-end resort across the three valleys that make up the Les 3 Vallées Ski Area. If we combined these three resorts and counted them as one, it would lead this ranking with a staggering 20.53% of lesson bookings.
#2 Zermatt (Switzerland) — 14.69%
With the iconic Matterhorn as its backdrop, Zermatt offers extensive, high-altitude skiing and cross-border access into Italy. It is not surprising that Zermatt is a fan favorite with American tourists, as it offers a massive terrain and is definitely a bucket-list destination for most visitors to the European Alps.
#1 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (France) — 15.29%
Topping the list, Chamonix remains one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world. Known for its steep, technical terrain and off-piste culture, it often requires local knowledge — making ski instruction not just popular, but essential for many visiting Americans. Taking a guided tour down Mont-Blanc is certainly the highlight for every skier or boarder.
What stands out is that French resorts clearly dominate the rankings, claiming eight of the top ten spots. While Switzerland and Italy remain popular destinations for American travelers, each country places just one resort on the list. As transatlantic ski travel continues to grow, this ranking offers a useful snapshot of where Americans are heading—whether you’re looking to join the buzz around Europe’s most talked-about resorts or steer clear of fellow countrymen. Whatever your motivation, we hope this list helps with your European trip planning.
Last edited:
