Millions of Brits head to the mountains each year for their perfect winter getaway, but new research reveals that some of Europe's most popular ski destinations are falling short of visitor expectations.
The Most Grumbled-About Getaways
A comprehensive analysis conducted by digital privacy firm Privacy Tutor has scrutinised TripAdvisor reviews for ski resorts across the continent. The study calculated a complaints score based on several key factors, including the prevalence of crowds, overall cost, snowfall reliability, infrastructure quality, service standards, and accommodation.
Topping the list as the most criticised resort is Les Deux Alpes in France, which scored a perfect 100 out of 100 on the complaints index. A significant 56.7 per cent of the negative feedback targeted overcrowded slopes and lift queues, while 15.3 per cent of reviewers raised issues with the high cost of a holiday there. This is particularly notable for a resort that boasts the largest skiable glacier in Europe and is one of France's oldest ski villages.
Overcrowding and High Prices Dominate Gripes
In second place is Austria's St Anton am Arlberg, the country's largest inter-connected ski area, with a complaints score of 78.06 per cent. Mirroring the issues in Les Deux Alpes, nearly half of all complaints (48.8 per cent) were about crowds, and over a quarter (26 per cent) were related to cost.
However, the tourism board for St. Anton am Arlberg has responded to the findings, telling the Daily Mail that the resort generally receives positive reviews online. A spokesperson stated they believe the data 'reflects the current situation in the ski area only to a very limited extent,' adding that assessments based solely on older TripAdvisor comments cannot provide a full picture of such a large and innovative ski area.
Taking the third spot is Italy's Sestriere Via Lattea, with a score of 68.39 per cent. Unlike the top two, this resort's primary criticism was different, with a majority of complaints (53.7 per cent) focusing on its outdated infrastructure.
The Top Ten List of Discontent
The research identified a clear top ten of Europe's most criticised ski destinations. The list is completed by:
- Serre Chevalier, France (4th) - 58.71% score, with 38.7% of complaints about overcrowding.
- Saas-Fee, Switzerland (5th) - 58.06% score, with complaints about crowds (58.06%), cost (40.2%), and infrastructure (23.9%).
- Avoriaz, France
- Breuil-Cervinia, Italy
- Zermatt Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Switzerland
- Ischgl, Austria
- Grandvalira, Andorra
The study also highlighted specific resorts for particular failings. Davos-Klosters in Switzerland was named the most expensive, with a staggering 91.7 per cent of its complaints concerning high costs. Meanwhile, Mayrhofen in Austria was crowned the most overcrowded, where 78.9 per cent of negative reviews raised issues with excessive numbers of visitors.
The Daily Mail has approached the management of Les Deux Alpes, St Anton am Arlberg, Sestriere Via Lattea, Serre Chevalier, and Saas-Fee for their comments on the research findings.
