European ski resort reliability rankings

The British tour operator Inghams Ski released its ‘Reliable Ski Score’, a ranking of over 100 ski areas across the Northern Hemisphere. The assessment evaluates destinations based on criteria including lift and slope functionality, snow availability, and the consistency of conditions across multiple winter seasons.

Italy’s Pontedilegno-Tonale was ranked as the most reliable destination in Europe, achieving a score of 93.1. Other high-ranking locations include Obertauern in Austria and Les Arcs in France. While Italy secured the top spot, France and Austria also showed significant strength with multiple locations appearing in the top rankings. The study noted that the ranking comes amid discussions regarding the impact of climate change on the reliability of winter sports seasons.

Detailed analysis of the scoring methodology reveals that the ranking is based on seven winter seasons between 2017/2018 and 2025/2026, evaluating approximately 150 European destinations. The methodology prioritizes the operation of slopes and lifts at 35 percent, snow conditions at 25 percent, and seasonal stability at 20 percent. Additional factors include the difference between average and worst seasons at 12 percent and average snow depth at altitude at 8 percent. Pontedilegno-Tonale, which spans the Lombardy and Trentino regions, features 46 trails and reaches altitudes of 3,016 meters at the Presena Glacier. Regional tourism officials stated that the ranking highlights the area’s ability to provide consistent quality and infrastructure for international visitors.