Skiing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports, but not all ski resorts are created equal. Some resorts offer better amenities and more terrain, so research before heading on the slopes. We’ve collected our favorite ski resorts worldwide for this list—and we think you’ll find it hard to pick just one!
When the winter weather approaches and heavy coats come out, most of us dream about somewhere we can escape. What’s better than a snowy mountain range with a cozy ski lodge or restaurant serving hot cocoa? So here I am to share 20 of the most fabulous ski lodges/resorts in the world — are you ready?
This ski lodge has a ski school and rentals located in the Adirondack Mountains. A spa, restaurant and lounge, heated pool and hot tubs, sauna, gym, and game room are available on-site. The lodge has fireplace seating areas with fireplaces that you can enjoy while relaxing by the lake or watching others ice skate on it!
This resort is great for skiing with the resort is excellent for skiing with skin/out access and a heated pool; it’s also located close to restaurants and shops.
2. Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is located in Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains. It has a high-alpine setting, and its ski season lasts from November to May. The mountain is open to skiers and snowboarders alike—but only those who stay at the hotel can use their equipment on the slopes (rather than renting from A-Basin).
The mountain has a vertical drop of 1,200 feet and features 31 named runs that span over 2,000 acres of terrain. It’s also one of the closest ski areas to Denver—which means it’s a convenient destination for locals looking for quick weekend getaways filled with fresh powder!
3. Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta
Fairmont Banff Springs is a Canadian National Historic Site located in Banff National Park, Alberta. The resort has been open since 1888, making it the oldest in Canada. This resort has world-class skiing and snowboarding. They’ve got many restaurants to choose from, and accommodations are luxurious, so you can feel like royalty while pampering yourself during your stay there! There are also lots of activities for families, including a kids club and ski school if you want your children to learn how to ski and snowboard or play around with them on the slopes when they’re young enough that it seems fun for them but not so young that they get bored easily (or hurt).
4. The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Vail Colorado
The Arrabelle at Vail Square is a ski-in/ski-out condo townhome resort located in the heart of Vail Village. This original Colorado ski town remains one of North America’s most elite ski resorts.
The Arrabelle offers four-bedroom units with fully equipped gourmet kitchens, living rooms, and private hot tubs on every balcony. It also features a 24-hour concierge service and complimentary transportation to/from area attractions such as shops, restaurants, and bars, plus complimentary access to 360Fit gym facilities located right next door at Westin Riverfront hotel (this includes classes like yoga or Pilates). Take advantage of this unique location by walking over to The Fordyce Spa & Salon for treatment or stop by The Vigarista Wine Bar & Restaurant for a bite after your day on the slopes—if you’d rather stay put, then order room service from their menu instead!
For those looking for more than just skiing during their vacation, here are some ideas: visit nearby casinos (less than 30 minutes away), such as Black Hawk Casino, which hosts live entertainment throughout each night, including Cirque du Soleil shows! Or head out for some hiking & mountain biking excursions through Rocky Mountain National Park, just 45 minutes away from Vail village!
5. Revelstoke Mountain Resort, British Columbia
Revelstoke Mountain Resort was named the best ski resort in North America in 2018, and it’s easy to see why. Located on British Columbia’s east coast and surrounded by towering peaks, this resort is Canada’s largest ski area, with a vertical drop of 1,600 meters (more than 5,200 feet). It also offers some of the country’s most dramatic mountain views— and has a reputation for being one of the best places to ride powder snow.
6. The Little Nell, Colorado
Located in the heart of Aspen, The Little Nell is a family-owned resort that has welcomed guests since 1987. With a staff dedicated to providing an exceptional experience, you’ll surely enjoy your stay at this luxury ski resort.
The Little Nell has a unique location next door to Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. The two mountains are connected by an aerial tram that takes less than three minutes to get from one mountain’s base area to another’s (you can ride both ways for free).
The amenities at The Little Nell include four restaurants—three open for lunch and dinner—plus five bars and lounges, an outdoor pool, and hot tubs with a fire pit nearby for nighttime relaxation after skiing all day long! If these aren’t enough for you, then maybe hiking or snowshoeing around their property will fill up some time. Or maybe relaxing in front of one of their many fireplaces after skiing all day long will keep everyone content?
7. Powder Mountain, Utah
Powder Mountain is the king of Utah’s ski resorts. It’s home to the highest lift-served vertical in the state, with 3,874 feet of steep terrain on its east side alone. The resort has an exemplary snow record, with more than 400 inches of natural snowfall per year and a skiable landscape open as early as Thanksgiving and skiing through July 4th. Powder Mountain’s varied terrain means there’s something for everyone at this ski resort—from glades and groomers to chutes and bumps, plus four parks and a halfpipe.
Powder Mountain offers something for every budget for lodging options ranging from affordable condos to luxury lodges (including one within walking distance of the lifts).
8. Panorama Mountain Village, British Columbia
Panorama Mountain Village is a ski resort in British Columbia, Canada. Situated in the Cariboo region of British Columbia and towering over the Kootenay River Valley, Panorama Mountain Village is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. In addition to its extensive network of slopes, Panorama Mountain Village offers access to hiking trails and mountain biking trails that lead through thick forests and along ridges with jaw-dropping views.
Panorama Mountain Village has no condos but chalets for rent during winter months; there also are numerous hotels nearby if you prefer staying indoors rather than roughing it outdoors.
9. Big Sky Resort, Montana
When it comes to snow, Big Sky Resort has it in spades. The sprawling ski resort is located in the Gallatin Mountains in Montana and spans 2,700 acres of skiable terrain. It’s also home to some of the best powder skiing in North America, including glades and off-piste runs that will give you a run for your money (or at least make your legs sore).
The resort is also an excellent place for beginners, with wide-open areas that are easy to navigate and plenty of ski schools to get you up and running. There’s even an indoor water park if you need a break from the snow.
10. Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington State
Mount Baker is a ski resort located in the North Cascades of Washington State with some of the best views in North America. The mountain has steep terrain that allows for challenging skiing and snowboarding, but it’s also known for its incredible views—which most visitors can see at any time of day.
Mount Baker is also home to one of our favorite resorts on this list: Ski Bluewood!
11. Sugarbush Resort, Vermont
Sugarbush Resort is located in Warren, Vermont. With 20 trails and three lifts, it has a vertical drop of 1,000 feet and is open from December to April. Sugarbush Resort has the best snow conditions out of any other ski resort we could find.
The resort has 20 trails, with one expert and 19 intermediate courses. The mountain has a vertical drop of 1,000 feet, the highest in Vermont. They have three lifts that serve you well and are open from December through April.
12). Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado
Breckenridge Ski Resort is a four-season resort in the Rocky Mountains in Summit County, Colorado. It has 21 lifts with over 40 runs and is known for its nightlife. Breckenridge Ski Resort has a vertical drop of 1,965 feet and an average annual snowfall of 400 inches (107 m).
Breckenridge Ski Resort has a base elevation of 9,600 feet (2,951 m), making it one of North America’s highest ski resorts. Because of this high altitude and its proximity to Denver International Airport (about 3 hours away by car), Breckenridge is one of the most popular destinations for skiers visiting Colorado during winter.
13. Big White, British Columbia
Big White is a ski resort located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, and it’s one of Canada’s largest ski resorts. Big White offers over 130 trails for all ability levels, including an on-site ski school where you can learn to snowboard or improve your skiing skills. If you’re looking for a new challenge, check out its terrain park for snowboarders—it features jumps, rails, and boxes designed by local pros.
There are also plenty of other fun activities at Big White. For example, there’s an ice skating rink with live music performances during the winter months; guided sleigh rides; hot tubs where you can relax after a long day on the slopes; restaurants and shops right in the village area that can be accessed via gondola (or shuttle bus if you don’t want to ride up).
14. Airelles Courchevel (Courchevel, France)
Airelles Courchevel lies in the French Alps, in the Les Trois Vallées region. It’s near the town of Courchevel and has nine slopes to explore. Its most recent snowfall was on February 16th, so you’re in luck if you want some snow right now!
The resort often gets a lot of snow. According to our sources, this ski resort gets more seasonal snow than 83% of all European mountain resorts. The season kicks off at Airelles Courchevel on November 10th and runs through April 30th (weather permitting).
15. Four Seasons Whistler, Canada
The Four Seasons Resort Whistler is located on Blackcomb Mountain, which has more than 1,500 acres of skiing terrain and offers some of Canada’s most challenging and scenic runs. The resort has a ski-in/ski-out location, an award-winning spa, a fine dining restaurant from executive chef Simon Bonnet (who also serves as executive chef for Vancouver’s award-winning Fairmont Pacific Rim), two restaurants with live music by local musicians and DJs, along with multiple bars.
Whistler Village is also known as the village of Whistler—it’s home to boutique shops and galleries that showcase Canadian artisans alongside international brands. You can grab drinks at après ski bars or high-end places like Pidgin (named after its location across from “Pidgin Gate”).
16. Hintertux Glacier, Austria
This ski resort is located in the Austrian Alps, near Innsbruck. It has a variety of terrain and is ideal for beginners and experts alike. At Hintertux Glacier, you can choose from various accommodation options ranging from hotels to chalets with private saunas. If you’re looking for more than just skiing and snowboarding, there’s an ice rink to keep you occupied during the day or night (depending on when you travel).
The resort also offers excellent facilities for families with kids—including ski schools, babysitting services, and special events specifically designed for children!
17. Alta Ski Area, Utah
Alta Ski Area is the perfect place if you’re looking for a ski resort that will make you wish for snow. Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, Alta is one of the oldest ski resorts in America. Known for its steep terrain and a wide variety of off-piste skiing opportunities, it’s been a favorite among skiers since 1939, when it opened its doors to guests. With 3,600 vertical feet on offer over six mountainside peaks, there’s no shortage of challenging runs here!
18. Hakuba, Japan
Hakuba is a town in the northern Japan Alps, located on the border of Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. The area has some of the best skiing in the world—and by “best,” I mean it also has some of the deepest powder snow.
If you’re an expert skier looking for steep terrain, Hakuba is your spot. No matter what type of ski you enjoy—from downhill to backcountry—you’ll find it here. Plus, if you’re into cross-country skiing (or snowshoeing), there are plenty of options for that too!
19. Chamonix, France
Chamonix is an excellent destination for skiing. Located in France, Chamonix is a village with a population of about 7,000 that has been attracting visitors since the mid-1800s. It’s also home to one of the oldest ski resorts in Europe and is known as “the birthplace of alpine skiing.”
Chamonix is located between the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc. It’s surrounded by mountain peaks that range up to 12,600 feet (3,850 meters) high, including the Dent du Géant (10,986 feet), Pigne d’Arolla (12,668 feet), and Pointe de Nantillan (12,629 feet).
20. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb—a single ski resort, two mountains side by side in the British Columbian Rocky Mountains—is the largest ski area in North America, boasting an unparalleled vertical drop of 4,087 feet and the most significant number of lifts of any resort in North America. Add to that a mile-long gondola (which means you don’t have to schlep your skis up) and an incredible network of runs ranging from beginner to expert level, plus lots of room for snowboarders as well as skiers.
If you’re looking for powdery snow or glade skiing, you’ll find what you need here: Whistler Blackcomb has over 6,000 acres total, making it one of the largest resorts in North America by acreage.
21. Valle Nevado, Chile
Valle Nevado is a resort in Chile located in the Andes Mountains. This ski area has more than 1,400 acres of skiable terrain and an elevation of 9,300 feet (2,850 m). The resort also boasts a vertical drop of 2,000 feet (610 m).
The resort is a popular destination for experienced skiers, with several challenging runs. Beginners are also welcome at La Parva, but they should know that the resort offers only two beginner-friendly slopes.
22. Mount Hutt, New Zealand
Mount Hutt is New Zealand’s highest ski resort and one of the most popular in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in Canterbury, on the country’s South Island, it offers some of the most accessible skiing on Earth (a maximum elevation of 2,072 meters) and breathtaking views from its peak. The mountain is located on the Northern Bank of the Hurunui River and features two distinct faces: Mountaineer’s Highway and Avalanche Bowl. The former is known for steep slopes with long groomed trails suitable for beginners. At the same time, Avalanche Bowl caters to advanced skiers looking for steeper terrain with lots of bumps and turns—the perfect place to practice your turns with an instructor before tackling other mountains around town!
23. Les Trois Vallées, France
The largest ski area in the Alps, Les Trois Vallées, has a total skiable surface of 600 km. Located near the town of Courchevel (and thus accessible by train or plane), this resort is perfect for those looking for a great deal of variety in their skiing experience. The six villages within Les Trois Vallées each have distinct personalities and feelings, offering something new to explore each time you visit.
The resort has 170 marked runs, including 60% reds and 40% blacks. There are also various off-slope activities for those who want some time away from the slopes, such as horseback riding and ice skating.
24. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a town and municipality in the autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol in Italy. It’s also home to one of Europe’s most famous ski resorts, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956. Today, it offers some of the best skiing you can find anywhere on Earth—which means that if you’re looking for powdery snow and pristine slopes, this is your destination.
The main resort area has over 200 kilometers (or 124 miles) of trails spread across seven mountainside peaks: Marmolada, Faloria, Tre Croci, Punta Penia Alta/Hochflächendorf/Pian Delle Fugazze, Sella Ronda, and Sella Bouchette. You’ll also find plenty more options at nearby Alba di Canazei and Passo San Pellegrino—and for those who want even more variety than what Cortina d’Ampezzo has to offer, there are plenty of other great mountain ranges within striking distance from here, including Monte Zoncolan or Alta Badia.
25. Meribel, France
Meribel is a French ski resort located in the Haute-Savoie department of France. It’s part of Les Trois Vallées, which makes it one of the largest ski areas in Europe—and the second biggest in the world!
Meribel has 1,500 people living year-round and another 5,000 during winter time. The town itself is small but bustling with life and activity during your stay there because it serves as both a vacation destination and an important transportation hub for other high-altitude resorts like Courchevel 1850 or Val Thorens.
Start planning your winter getaway to one of these top-notch ski resorts.
With winter approaching, it’s essential to start thinking about where you want to go for your next ski trip. One way to begin the process is by choosing one of these top-notch ski resorts that offer all kinds of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and cross-country skiing.
- The Pines at Gore Mountain
- Snowmass Mountain
You’ll want to hit the slopes after reading about these destinations!
Here are 25 ski resorts to get you in the mood for some wintertime fun.
- Alta Ski Area, Utah
What makes it unique: Located on the Wasatch Range, which runs through Salt Lake City, this resort is known as one of North America’s most challenging terrain parks. Thanks to its proximity to Salt Lake City’s airport and its affordable prices (a lift ticket costs just over $50), Alta offers an easy way to experience high-quality skiing without breaking the bank or traveling too far from home.
How to get there: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport; transfer by shuttle or taxi takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately $30 or less (prices vary depending on the time of day). The resort also provides complimentary transportation from Snowbird Ski Resort if you stay there instead (the two alternatives are adjacent).
Where to stay: Most rooms at Alta Lodge cost between $200-$400 per night during peak season (December–March), but it’s worth booking early since spaces fill up fast! If you don’t mind spending a little more money for luxury amenities like heated floors, fireplaces, and soaking tubs, then consider staying at The Canyons Village Resort & Spa in Park City instead––their hotel rooms start at about $500 per night during peak season but include a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning as well as nightly social hour drinks & appetizers with wine flowing freely while enjoying live music performances all evening long!
Conclusion
After reading about these destinations, you will want to plan your next trip. You don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy the slopes, but if you are one, then we highly recommend checking out all of these incredible ski resorts.
**All Pictures are from Google**
