How we score and classify ski resorts
This page explains how BestSnowHotels rates and classifies the 436 ski resorts it covers. We do it transparently, so that both travelers and the numbers we publish can be trusted.
The Snow Score
The BestSnowHotels Snow Score is a comparative index from 0 to 100 that reflects how reliable a resort's snow tends to be. It combines base and summit altitude, the resort's historical snow record, and slope aspect and exposure. It is a relative way to compare resorts against each other, not a live forecast. For current conditions, see our weather pages.
The ski-in/ski-out classification
Every resort is classified from our own editorial assessment into three honest tiers, against the marketing spin. "Ski to your door" (strong) means most of the village is genuinely on the snow. "Ski-in/ski-out addresses" (partial) means only specific hotels or sectors are truly on the piste. "Limited", or stay nearby, means lodging is in a town and you travel to the lifts. We would rather say a resort is not really ski-in/ski-out than oversell it.
Our data and sources
Altitudes, piste kilometres, lift counts and typical season windows come from resort data that we compile and cross-check. Live snow and 7-day forecasts come from the Open-Meteo aggregated model (ECMWF, Meteo France, DWD, Met Norway), refreshed regularly. The example hotels are real listings with their genuine ratings and review counts, along with an honest distance to the slopes.
Our honesty pledge
We do not fabricate numbers or invent dates we cannot verify. Indicative season windows link to the resort's official site so you can confirm them, and ski-in/ski-out is called as it really is. When we advise you on a trip, accuracy comes first.