Skiing is a sport that has captivated the hearts of winter enthusiasts for decades. The adrenaline rush of carving down snow-covered slopes, the breathtaking vistas of mountain ranges, and the cozy après-ski culture all contribute to making skiing a beloved pastime.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the slopes, there are ski destinations all around the world that offer unique experiences and unforgettable memories.
If you’re looking for the best places to ski in the world, we’ve assembled our list of some of the premium ski resorts you can enjoy wherever you are.
North America
1. Whistler, Canada
Skiable Area: Over 8,000 acres
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Vibrant nightlife, bustling bars, and fine dining.
Cuisine/Culture: Fusion of Canadian and international flavors.
Whistler, Canada, consistently ranks as one of the best places to ski in the world. Its extensive terrain, including the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, offers diverse runs suitable for all skill levels. The après-ski scene here is lively, with numerous bars and restaurants, making it a perfect destination for those who love both skiing and a vibrant nightlife. Make sure to get your Canada visa first!
2. Aspen, USA
Skiable Area: 5,547 acres
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Upscale bars, live music venues, and art galleries.
Cuisine/Culture: Upscale dining, art, and a mix of cultures.
Aspen, Colorado, is renowned for its glitzy appeal. With its four major mountains – Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and Aspen Highlands – there is terrain suitable for all levels. After a day on the slopes, enjoy the sophisticated après-ski scene, including upscale bars, live music venues, and world-class cuisine.
3. Jackson Hole, USA
Skiable Area: Over 2,500 acres
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Cozy mountain bars and restaurants.
Cuisine/Culture: Wild West charm and hearty American fare.
Nestled in the Teton Range of Wyoming, Jackson Hole is a paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders. With its steep terrain and challenging runs, it’s not for the faint of heart. The après-ski scene here is more laid-back, with cozy mountain bars and restaurants serving hearty American cuisine.
4. Lake Tahoe, USA
Skiable Area: Over 22,000 acres
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Casinos, bars, and nightclubs.
Cuisine/Culture: A mix of American and international cuisine.
Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers a vast skiable area with stunning lake views. Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy the vibrant nightlife, with casinos on the Nevada side and a mix of bars and restaurants on the California side.
5. Banff, Canada
Skiable Area: Over 8,000 acres
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Cozy pubs and restaurants.
Cuisine/Culture: Canadian Rockies charm and Canadian cuisine.
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park boasts breathtaking scenery and world-class skiing. After a day on the slopes, unwind in cozy pubs and restaurants, where you can savor Canadian cuisine while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Europe
6. St. Anton, Austria
Skiable Area: Over 190 miles of slopes
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Legendary après-ski bars and clubs.
Cuisine/Culture: Traditional Austrian cuisine and charming alpine culture.
St. Anton, located in the Austrian Alps, is famous for its challenging terrain and legendary après-ski scene. Skiers can tackle the deep powder runs during the day and then immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife, with traditional Austrian cuisine and charming alpine culture. This is just one of the amazing places to ski, and Austria offers many of the best places to ski in Europe and the world including Mayrhofen and Kitzbuhel.
7. Chamonix, France
Skiable Area: Over 800 acres
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Cosmopolitan bars and clubs.
Cuisine/Culture: French gourmet cuisine and mountaineering heritage.
Chamonix, nestled in the French Alps, is a haven for extreme skiers and mountaineers. It offers a range of challenging runs and breathtaking off-piste opportunities. The après-ski scene is cosmopolitan, with French gourmet cuisine and a rich mountaineering heritage. This is just one of the great ski resorts in France, and you can find many of the best ski resorts in the world in the French Alps.
8. Verbier, Switzerland
Skiable Area: Over 250 miles of slopes
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Chic bars, clubs, and music festivals.
Cuisine/Culture: Swiss hospitality and world-class dining.
Verbier, in the Swiss canton of Valais, is known for its extensive ski terrain and luxurious amenities. Switzerland offers many of the best places to ski in the world, including Verbier and Zermatt. Once you’re done on the mountain, experience the chic après-ski scene, featuring upscale bars, clubs, and even music festivals.
9. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Skiable Area: Over 140 miles of slopes
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Elegant cafes, wine bars, and fine dining.
Cuisine/Culture: Italian flair and gourmet cuisine.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, often referred to as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” offers a unique blend of Italian elegance and excellent skiing. The après-ski experience includes elegant cafes, wine bars, and fine dining establishments where you can indulge in Italian cuisine.
Central Asia
10. Dizin, Iran
Skiable Area: Over 2,000 acres
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Limited nightlife options.
Cuisine/Culture: Iranian cuisine and rich cultural experiences.
Dizin, located in the Alborz mountain range of Iran, offers a unique skiing experience with stunning mountain views. While the après-ski scene is limited, you can immerse yourself in Iranian culture and cuisine in this picturesque setting.
11. Gudauri, Georgia
Skiable Area: Over 40 miles of slopes
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Growing nightlife scene with bars and clubs.
Cuisine/Culture: Georgian hospitality and traditional cuisine.
Gudauri, nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, is an emerging ski destination in Central Asia. With its snow-covered peaks and Georgian charm, it’s a great place to explore both skiing and the local culture. The nightlife scene is growing, with bars and clubs where you can experience Georgian hospitality and traditional cuisine.
Asia
12. Niseko, Japan
Skiable Area: Over 2,000 acres
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Japanese hot springs (onsen), bars, and international cuisine.
Cuisine/Culture: Japanese culture and renowned powder skiing.
Niseko, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, is renowned for its deep powder skiing. And Japan has a reputation as one of the best placed to ski in the world. After a day on the slopes, soak in Japanese hot springs (onsen), enjoy the local bars, and savor international cuisine in this unique ski destination.
Scandinavia
13. Riksgränsen, Sweden
Skiable Area: Over 30 miles of slopes
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Cozy pubs and northern lights viewing.
Cuisine/Culture: Arctic charm and Swedish Lapland cuisine.
Riksgränsen, located in Swedish Lapland, is known for its long skiing season, extending into June. The après-ski scene is characterized by cozy pubs and the chance to witness the mesmerizing northern lights. Explore Arctic charm and savor Swedish Lapland cuisine during your visit.
14. Geilo, Norway
Skiable Area: Over 31 miles of slopes
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Cozy cafes and local bars.
Cuisine/Culture: Norwegian hospitality and Nordic cuisine.
Geilo, a picturesque village in Norway, offers a family-friendly ski experience. Its slopes cater to all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for beginners and families. After skiing, relax in cozy cafes and local bars while experiencing Norwegian hospitality and Nordic cuisine.
15. Levi, Finland
Skiable Area: Over 43 miles of slopes
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Lively bars, nightclubs, and the chance to witness the northern lights.
Cuisine/Culture: Lappish culture and Finnish delicacies.
Levi, located in Finnish Lapland, is known for its lively après-ski scene, with bars, nightclubs, and the possibility of witnessing the northern lights. Immerse yourself in Lappish culture and savor Finnish delicacies during your stay.
16. Hemsedal, Norway
Skiable Area: Over 40 miles of slopes
Après-Ski/Nightlife: Cozy pubs and restaurants.
Cuisine/Culture: Norwegian hospitality and Nordic cuisine.
Hemsedal, often referred to as the “Scandinavian Alps,” offers a variety of slopes and excellent snow conditions. After a day of skiing, unwind in cozy pubs and restaurants while experiencing Norwegian hospitality and Nordic cuisine.
Conclusion
Whether you seek challenging slopes, vibrant nightlife, or cultural experiences, these 16 fab ski destinations around the world have something to offer every type of skier. From the towering peaks of North America and the sophisticated resorts of Europe to the emerging ski scenes of Central Asia and the unique cultural experiences of Asia and Scandinavia, these destinations provide a diverse array of skiing adventures. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and discover why these places are truly among the best in the world for skiing.