5 Must-Read Thrillers Set in Snowy Ski Resorts

There's something captivating about a suspense novel set against the stunning, often perilous backdrop of a ski resort. Dramatic, often treacherous mountain landscapes coupled with unpredictable weather create the perfect setting for gripping narratives and chilling characters.

We've shortlisted five of our favourite thrillers that turn the idyllic ski resort setting into a hotbed of drama and suspense. Whether you’re an avid reader or a winter sports enthusiast (or both), they are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat...

Plot summary: A corporate retreat at a luxurious chalet turns deadly when an avalanche traps the guests and a killer starts picking them off one by one.

The thrill factor: The claustrophobic setting and the tension between characters create a nail-biting read.

Why we love it: The psychological suspense, combined with the isolated mountain location, makes for an immersive read that’s hard to put down.

Buy One by One by Ruth Ware

Plot summary: Four friends embark on a boys’ skiing holiday in Morzine, anticipating a weekend of fun, drinking and some healthy competition on the slopes. But their trip is cut short when one of them falls to his death.

The thrill factor: The tense and chilling atmosphere of the novel keeps readers on edge as they navigate the intricate dynamics of friendship and the dark secrets that unravel in the picturesque setting of Morzine.

Why we love it: Set in the heart of Morzine, this book brings a familiar ski town to life with a dark twist.

Buy The Ski Trip by Sarah Clarke

Plot summary: Elin Warner, a detective on leave, visits a luxurious hotel in the Swiss Alps for her brother’s engagement. However, the hotel, a converted sanitorium, holds dark secrets. When a snowstorm traps them and guests start disappearing, Elin must confront her fears and unravel the mystery before it's too late.

The thrill factor: The eerie setting of an isolated hotel amidst a snowstorm creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, while the hotel's sinister past adds to the suspense. The combination of psychological tension and a race against time will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Why we love it: The combination of psychological tension and a breathtaking (yet treacherous) alpine setting draws you in, and the race against time to solve the mystery will keep you hooked.

Buy The Sanitorium by Sarah Pearse

Plot summary: In 1998, two brothers go skiing in the French Alps, but after a tragic accident, only one returns. Twenty years later, a group of guests arrive at a luxurious chalet in the same location, unaware of the dark history. As a snowstorm traps them, secrets are revealed and past events come back to haunt them.

The thrill factor: Intertwining timelines and multiple perspectives create a narrative filled with suspense and mystery. The isolated chalet and the relentless snowstorm enhance the tension, making the reader feel the characters' fear and paranoia.

Why we love it: The rich backstory and layers of mystery keep you guessing, while the luxurious chalet setting makes us want to escape to the Alps immediately.

Buy The Chalet by Catherine Cooper

Plot summary: Mila is on her way to sister’s wedding at a beautiful mountaintop retreat with her husband Ethan but things quickly go wrong when their rental car breaks down and they become stranded in an abandoned ski resort in a snowstorm.

The thrill factor: The eerie and isolated setting coupled with a constant sense of being watched create a palpable feeling of dread in this tense novel.

Why we love it: The suspense builds gradually, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Try “Stranded” next if you enjoy “The Resort”...

Buy The Resort by Sarah Goodwin

Whether you are a keen skier or snowboarder, or are yet to hit the ski slopes, there’s no denying that luxury chalets and dramatic weather conditions make a great setting for a gripping murder mystery.

If reading this has got you in the mood for a (non-murderous) escape to the Alps, we’d love you welcome you for your next holiday where you can cosy up with a novel by the fire or enjoy a chapter or two in the hot tub before a delicious 3-course dinner.

We have book swaps in most of our chalets so who knows what delights you might find...