From popular locations to hidden gems, this list has the best ski resorts that should always be on your radar. Each one has something special to offer, including family-friendly options and great aesthetics, and you’ll find incredible natural terrain. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or expert; you’ll find locations that work well for you. So grab your gear and let’s explore the snow.
Habuka
If you come to Japan, you’ll find Habuka, one of the larger mountain towns, offers easy access to not just one, but several ski areas. These areas include Cortina, Happo One, and Norikura Onsen. They offer slopes for every skill level, and they have lovely backcountry lines. Another great reason to visit here is that they’re less well-known, so they attract fewer people. As a result, it offers a more culturally rich experience.
Kicking Horse
Located in Canada, it’s famous and covers 3,500 acres of terrain. There are 121 runs and 85 marked couloirs. There are five lifts, and the terrain has five bowls that are only accessible by helicopter. There is a wide variety here, which makes it popular among guests. The best of the backcountry terrain is ‘in-bounds.’ For beginners, stay on the lower flanks of the mountains by the Catamount lift.
La Grave France
There are fewer than 500 beds for visitors here, but it makes the list because while it’s the smallest ski town in the country, it’s considered the best place in the world for freeriding if you’ve got the skill. The only lift is a cable car of five bubbles, and there are no marked pistes. It’s recommended that you not attempt this area unless you’re an expert.
Powder Mountain
The United States is home to Powder Mountain, and it boasts fantastic terrain. Powder Mountain is located just outside the tiny village of Eden, in Utah. They do tell people that the chairlifts are slow and old, which is unlike what you find in Europe, but they prefer to say they’re ‘uncrowded’ by design. They don’t have long queues here, and they have light, fluffy snow.
Telluride
Colorado has great snow locations, and Telluride is one of them. It has an all-around experience that is great for guests. This is another resort that requires more skill, as the peaks are steeper and far more dramatic than those of others. The town also has a bohemian vibe, which has been popularized by celebrities who have performed here. While you’re here, you can also take a day trip to Silverton and gain access to a new skiing experience.
Val Di Fassa, Italy
This ski area in Italy has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has increased its popularity. The views here are breathtaking, featuring Dolomitic rock and comprising seven villages. Cortina is considered the most elegant, but they’re all beautiful. You’ll find great spa hotels and eateries here. However, please note that this is ideal for intermediate to expert skiers, rather than beginners.
Obergurgl-Hochgurgl
Now, we’re going to Austria, and it’s to a high-altitude ski resort that offers snow-sure slopes and high alpine off-piste terrain. Prices are considered more competitive than in France or Switzerland, and you can purchase a lift pass for periods longer than three days. You’re close to the resorts and tiny villages, where other runs can be found.
Laax Switzerland
This resort bet big on people wanting to snowboard, and they built one of Europe’s first halfpipes. However, people also love to ski here. The ski area is 224 km of pistes and fantastic backcountry terrain. The village also sets itself apart from others in the Alps, and people like coming here as a result. Laax is also aiming to achieve a zero-carbon status by 2030, which would be a world first.
St. Moritz Switzerland
Described as a playground of the famous and the rich, it’s well known for championships, five-star luxury hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants. It also has a frozen lake that hosts horse races, and St. Moritz has hosted two Winter Olympic Games. It’s also home to the famous ‘Free Fall.’ It takes skill as it’s the world’s steepest start gate.
Aspen
Arguably, the best and most famous in the United States, it’s known for having ski aficionados from around the country. The Games Aspen is held here, as well as the X Games, and the Audi Power of Four. It’s over 7,900 feet above sea level, and it gives you great snow most months out of the year.
Niseko
Get ready, because we’re going to Japan. Niseko is the country’s most famous ski resort, attracting a large number of visitors due to its consistently high-quality snow throughout the season. You can also snowmobile, cat-ski, and heli-ski, or go snowshoeing. They have fifteen volcanic hot springs, and one of them is 100 years old!
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Italy may not seem like a top-tier skiing destination, as most people associate it with sunny vineyards, but it offers excellent places for winter fun. This town is considered elegant and beautiful, boasting 140 ski runs. It’s also a historical town that provides a gorgeous backdrop, so you want to explore when you’re not on the slopes.
Chamonix
The first Winter Olympics were held here a century ago. It has become famous over the years as the premier destination for professional skiers. The resort is at the foot of Mount-Blanc. Visitors find it incredibly charming and exciting. The area is known for challenging slopes, extreme weather conditions, and steep pistes. Advanced skiers should come here to test their skills.
St. Anton
The ski resort is at the western border of Tyrol in Austria. It’s the largest ski area and features a town that boasts the best chalets, restaurants, and hotels, along with 305 km of slopes. The legendary ski meister Hannes Schneider established a ski school here, and you’ll find challenging terrain, meaning that this is another area that is more suited for experts.
Whistler Blackcomb Canada
Whistler is over 8,100 acres of terrain with 35 lifts and a peak-to-peak gondola. Two humongous mountains have ‘in-bounds’ backcountry and have snow-filled bowls. Beginners are welcome here, as eight terrain parks cater to a range of abilities, from beginner to expert. It’s also a family-friendly resort with mini areas for those who need a more relaxed experience.
Grab The Gear
Now that you know where to go, you can grab your gear and head out. Each one of these areas is excellent for a particular type of skier. The beginners who want to see what it’s all about still get to experience a great time, but experts get to challenge themselves and feel the mountain as they test their limits. Which one will you go to first?
