Winter is magical, with snowy landscapes and crisp, fresh air. For those who love skiing and snowboarding, it’s the perfect time to hit the slopes and experience the thrill of the mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, plenty of destinations worldwide offer fantastic skiing and snowboarding experiences. This travel guide will explore some of the top skiing and snowboarding destinations for your winter vacation.
The Alps, Europe
The Alps offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, with a wide range of slopes for all skill levels. You can find fantastic ski resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, with beautiful scenery and charming alpine villages. Some of the famous ski resorts in the Alps include Val d’Isere in France, St. Moritz in Switzerland, Kitzbuhel in Austria, and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is the biggest North American ski resort, with 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. Located in British Columbia, Canada, Whistler Blackcomb offers fantastic powder skiing, snowboarding, and stunning views of the Canadian Rockies. With over 200 marked runs, Whistler Blackcomb has something for everyone, from beginner slopes to double black diamond runs.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is one of the famous ski resorts in the United States, known for its luxurious amenities and world-class skiing. With four ski areas, including Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands, there are plenty of terrains to explore. Aspen also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs to keep you entertained after a day on the slopes.
Niseko, Japan
Niseko is a popular ski resort located on the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan. Known for its deep powder snow and picturesque scenery, Niseko is a favorite destination for skiers and snowboarders worldwide. With over 47 kilometers of groomed runs and 200 courses, Niseko has something for everyone, from beginners to experts. And when you’re done skiing, you can relax in one of the many natural hot springs or enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a beautiful alpine village at the foot of the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Known for its charming architecture, car-free streets, and stunning views, Zermatt is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. With over 360 kilometers of runs and 54 lifts, Zermatt offers plenty of terrain for all skill levels. And after a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the town’s excellent restaurants, bars, and shopping.
Park City, Utah
Park City is a charming town in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, just a short drive from Salt Lake City. With three ski resorts, including Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, and The Canyons, there are plenty of terrains to explore. Park City also has a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops and a lively arts scene.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is a beautiful ski resort in the Swiss Alps, known for its challenging terrain and stunning scenery. With over 400 kilometers of runs and 92 lifts, Verbier offers plenty of skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all skill levels.
Banff, Canada
Banff is a winter wonderland for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. With three ski resorts to choose from – Banff Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village, and The Lake Louise Ski Resort – there is something for everyone, from beginner to expert.
Hakuba, Japan
Hakuba is a hidden gem in the Japanese Alps, quickly becoming a popular skiing and snowboarding destination. With over ten ski resorts to choose from, including Happo-One, which hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba offers a diverse range of slopes for all skill levels. The area is also known for its traditional Japanese culture, including onsens (hot springs), local sake, and delicious cuisine.
Chamonix, France
Although less well-known than other destinations on this list, Chamonix is a ski and snowboard paradise. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, Chamonix offers stunning views and some of the most challenging slopes in Europe. The resort town also has a lively après-ski scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Nestled in the heart of the Dolomite Mountains, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a picturesque town offering some of Italy’s best skiing and snowboarding. With 140 km of slopes, including the famous Olympia run, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a paradise for intermediate and advanced skiers. The town is also a delight, with its charming streets, chic boutiques, and gourmet restaurants.
Portillo, Chile
For those looking for a unique skiing and snowboarding experience, Portillo in Chile is the perfect destination. Located in the Andes Mountains, Portillo offers a range of slopes for all skill levels, including some of the most challenging terrain in South America. The resort is also famous for its iconic yellow hotel, a popular spot for après-ski drinks and socializing.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
Jackson Hole is a renowned skiing and snowboarding destination in the Grand Teton Mountains of Wyoming, USA. The resort has over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, including steep chutes, wide-open runs, and off-piste powder stashes. Its iconic Tram takes you up 4,139 vertical feet to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Jackson Hole is known for its challenging terrain, but it also has a lot of beginner and intermediate runs, making it suitable for all levels.
Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Sun Valley is a classic ski resort located in central Idaho, USA. It was the first destination ski resort in America and is still one of the most popular. Sun Valley boasts over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, with long, groomed runs, gentle slopes for beginners, and challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Its charming ski village is modeled after a European Alpine town, offering plenty of restaurants, shops, and après-ski activities.
Grandvalira, Andorra
Grandvalira is a massive ski resort in the small European country of Andorra, between Spain and France. It’s the largest ski resort in the Pyrenees, with over 210 km of ski runs spread across six sectors. Grandvalira is known for its sunny weather, excellent snow conditions, and varied terrain, making it suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort also offers plenty of off-piste opportunities for advanced riders.
