Ultimate guide to Europe's best ski destinations by motorhome

21 December 2023Maybritt Bos

Discover the best motorhome ski destinations in Europe for an unforgettable winter motorhome trip. In this comprehensive guide, we combine adventure and comfort against the backdrop of Europe's stunning mountain landscapes. Whether you are an experienced motorhomers or just starting to explore freedom on wheels, skiing from your motorhome offers a unique blend of adventure and flexibility. In this blog, we share our best tips and practical advice for a successful motorhome skiing holiday. Be inspired by the popular slopes of Austria, France, Italy, and the pristine snow of Norway, and discover the best routes and campervan facilities for an adventurous winter sports holiday.

Tips for an unforgettable motorhome skiing holiday in Austria

In Austria's hotspots, you will find perfectly groomed slopes stretching over kilometres of landscapes surrounded by the majestic Alps. These slopes not only offer top conditions for skiing and snowboarding, but also breathtaking views that make you feel like you are on top of the world.

But what makes a skiing holiday in Austria truly unique is the lively atmosphere. After a day on the slopes, the region comes alive with a vibrant après-ski culture. From cosy mountain chalets to lively bars and traditional Austrian 'Stubes', there is an abundance of places to relax, sample local food and enjoy warm hospitality.

Top ski regions in Austria for motorhome enthusiasts

Tyrol: Dive into the 'heart of the Alps' in Tyrol, a top destination for motorhome ski holidays. Enjoy the combination of excellent ski facilities and motorhome stopovers with breathtaking views. Explore popular ski resorts such as Ischgl and St Anton, famous for their lively après-ski scene, as captivating as the slopes themselves.
SalzburgerLand: Discover Zell am See and Kaprun, two gems in SalzburgerLand, ideal for family-friendly motorhome ski holidays. This region offers campsites with excellent facilities and easy access to the ski slopes.
Vorarlberg: Choose Vorarlberg if you are looking for quieter ski resorts and charming villages for your motorhome ski holiday. This region, with serene atmospheres in places like Lech and Montafon, is perfect for those seeking a relaxed skiing experience.

Discover the best campsites and motorhome stopovers in Austria

For a perfect motorhome skiing holiday, choosing the right campsite is crucial. Below are our recommendations for top motorhome sites in Austria. Visit Campercontact for a full overview and use the handy filter function to find the ideal campsite or motorhome stopover.

Important tips for your motorhome holiday in Austria

Winter equipment: In the winter period, it is compulsory in Austria to drive with winter tyres under your motorhome. This applies from 1 November to 15 April. The minimum tread thickness is 4mm. Sometimes snow chains are also compulsory when indicated.
Environment stickers: Is your motorhome (<3500 kg) registered as a passenger car? Then no low emission zones apply to you. Does your motorhome fall within vehicle category N1, N2, or N3? Then you are required to purchase an environmental vignette. Check here for more information on the environmental vignette.
Book early: The popularity of skiing in Austria means that campsites can fill up quickly. So book your place in time.

More about rules that apply in Austria with a motorhome? Then take a look at our country information.

Tips for an unforgettable motorhome skiing holiday in France

In the French Alps, you will discover some of the most extensive and impressive ski areas in the world. These areas offer excellent conditions for all types of winter sports, from skiing and snowboarding to cross-country skiing. The slopes are diverse - from wide, gentle slopes for beginners to challenging descents for experienced skiers. The views from the peaks, overlooking the snow-capped mountain ranges, are nothing short of breathtaking.

What makes a ski holiday in France unique is the combination of vast ski areas and sophisticated French culture. After an active day on the slopes, immerse yourself in French gastronomy and enjoy local cuisine in cosy mountain restaurants and bars. Après-ski in France ranges from relaxed to lavish, with something for everyone.

Top ski regions in France for motorhome enthusiasts

Les Trois Vallées: This is the largest ski area in the world and offers an unrivalled skiing experience. Discover areas such as Courchevel and Méribel, where luxury and skiing pleasure go hand in hand.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: A paradise for the adventurous skier and home to the legendary Vallée Blanche descent. Campsites in this area offer stunning views of Mont Blanc.
Portes du Soleil: One of the largest ski resorts in Europe, known for its extensive network of slopes that cross the border into Switzerland. Ideal for families and skiers of all levels.

Best campsites and motorhome stopovers in France

France offers a wide range of campsites and motorhome stopovers, perfect for the winter sports enthusiast. Here are a few recommendations, but don't forget to check out Campercontact yourself and use the filter function to find the ideal motorhome site in France.

Important tips for your motorhome holiday in France

Winter equipment: From 1 November 2021, it is compulsory to bring 2 snow chains or use 4 Winter tyres in mountainous areas during the winter period (1 November to 31 March). Mountain areas where this obligation applies are the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, Jura and Corsica. In addition, snow chains are compulsory where it is indicated by signs. If, in the event of an accident, the motorhome has not been prepared for winter conditions, the driver may be held (jointly) liable.
Toll: In France, there are many motorways where you have to pay tolls. The five toll categories and their specifications can be found at autoroutes.fr. For every toll road, an alternative route can be found where no toll has to be paid. If no alternative route can be found than the motorway, that motorway is toll-free.
Book early: As in other popular ski resorts, campsites in the French Alps can fill up quickly during high season. So be there in time to book your place.

More about the rules and tips for motorhome travel in France? Then check out our extensive country information on Campercontact.

Tips for an unforgettable motorhome skiing holiday in Italy

Italy, with its picturesque mountain villages and excellent ski resorts, offers a unique experience for motorhome ski holidays. The Italian Alps and the Dolomites are renowned for their stunning slopes, which range from wide, gentle slopes for beginners to challenging terrain for experienced skiers. Moreover, the views of the snow-capped peaks and picturesque valleys are breathtaking.

Ski holidays in Italy are enriched by the vibrant local culture. After a day full of skiing activities, you can enjoy Italian cuisine with its delicious dishes and wines. Après-ski may not be as lavish here as in other countries, but the friendliness and warmth of the locals more than make up for it.

Top ski regions in Italy for motorhome enthusiasts

Dolomiti Superski: This is one of the largest ski areas in the world, with access to 12 ski resorts in the Dolomites, including famous places like Cortina d'Ampezzo and Val Gardena.
Valle d'Aosta: Known for its high peaks, including Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Perfect for skiers who love breathtaking views and challenging slopes.
Livigno: This duty-free area is not only great for skiing, but also for shopping and enjoying affordable luxury. Ideal for families and novice skiers.

Best campsites and motorhome stopovers in Italy

Italy offers a range of beautiful campsites and motorhome stopovers ideally located for skiers and below are some recommendations. Visit Campercontact for a full overview and use the handy filter function to find the ideal campsite or motorhome stopover.

Camping Olympia in Dolomiti Superski
Camping Pont Breuil
Campeggio Mansueto

Important tips for your motorhome holiday in Italy

Winter equipment: Winter tyres and snow chains are compulsory if indicated by a sign. Should an accident occur with a motorhome not adapted to winter conditions, the driver may be held (co-)liable. In the Aosta Valley, bringing snow chains is compulsory between 15 October and 15 April. In addition, winter tyres are compulsory for South Tyrol, the municipality of Bozen and on the Brenner motorway. So make sure you bring snow chains here.
Mountain passes: Many ski resorts in Italy are accessible via mountain passes. Keep in mind changing weather conditions and possible road closures.
Traffic regulations: There are many zones in Italy where motor vehicles have restricted access. The so-called 'zonas traffico limitato (ZTL)'. This is to limit exhaust emissions at these often historic sites.

For more information on motorhome travel in Italy, including rules and tips, check out our country information on Campercontact.

Tips for an unforgettable motorhome skiing holiday in Norway

Noorwegen, beroemd om zijn sprookjesachtige winterlandschappen en uitstekende skimogelijkheden, is een ideale bestemming voor een camper skivakantie. De Noorse skigebieden, zoals het charmante Geilo, bieden een unieke mix van natuurlijke schoonheid, rustige pistes en een familievriendelijke omgeving. Van beginner tot gevorderde skiër, de Noorse bergen bieden een scala aan pistes tegen een achtergrond van adembenemende uitzichten op besneeuwde bossen en fjorden.

Een skivakantie in Noorwegen is bijzonder vanwege de kans om het noorderlicht te zien, een onvergetelijke ervaring die je reis extra speciaal maakt. Na een dag skiën kun je genieten van de warme Noorse gastvrijheid en de heerlijke lokale keuken.

Top ski regions in Norway for motorhome enthusiasts

Geilo: This family-friendly ski resort is known for its diverse slopes and beautiful cross-country trails. Located between Oslo and Bergen, it is a perfect destination for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Hemsedal: Also known as the 'Scandinavian Alps', famous for its excellent ski facilities and beautiful scenery.
Trysil: As Norway's largest ski resort, Trysil offers reliable snow conditions and a wide range of slopes for all levels.

Best campsites and motorhome stopovers in Norway

Norway has many campsites and motorhome stopovers that are ideal for winter sports. Here are some recommendations, but don't forget to also search for the best ski location in Norway yourself on Campercontact. Use the handy filter function to find the ideal campsite or motorhome stopover.

Important tips for your skiing holiday in Norway by motorhome

Winter equipment: It is not compulsory to have winter tyres on your motorhome but the tyres must be suitable for all weather conditions. The minimum profile thickness for motorhomes <7.5 tonnes is 3mm in winter. In addition, if you drive a heavy motorhome, it is however recommended to carry snow chains. For commercial vehicles, this is compulsory. Studded tyres are allowed under certain conditions. Bear in mind that mountain passes may be closed in winter. In addition, stricter rules apply to motorhomes registered as commercial vehicles (N1, N2, N3)
Road conditions: Bear in mind changeable weather conditions and possibly closed roads in the mountains.
Après-ski: Excise duties on alcohol are very high in Norway. So during an Après-ski party, the receipt can add up very quickly. There are also a lot fewer entertainment venues than, for example, in Austria. Keep this in mind when choosing a ski location that suits you best.

For more information on motorhome travel in Norway, including handy tips and rules, check out our country information on Campercontact.