This blog post was updated on May 16, 2023.
Can’t wait to head to the mountains this ski season? Before you go, make sure to have a look at our list of some of the best winter sports resorts and most powdery slopes you can find around the world. From the ultra-famous to the practically unknown, any of these choices are great for a fun, snowy getaway. With these splendid ski-friendly destinations, you’ll have the winter trip of a lifetime!
Austria
Austria is home to modern downhill skiing and world-class resorts such as St. Anton and Sölden. The Alpine nation offers awesome conditions around skiing season, so it’s always a good idea to check for cheap international flights that might take you there before the end of the winter. There’s lots of snow and access to slopes at more affordable prices than most of its neighbors. Even Austria’s highest altitude resorts are built around traditional villages (many dating to the Middle Ages). Plus, they include plenty of off-piste opportunities to discover the fascinating culture, cuisine, and history of this beautiful country.
Utah
Utah is America’s outdoor playground any time of year. A great family destination, yes, but with lots of opportunity for pro and expert skier action beyond bunny hill too! Resorts and mountain towns such as Alta, Sundance, Park City, and the Solitude beckon. The backcountry skiing here is possibly the best in the US, so you won’t want to miss out on this one. And for travelers seeking urban comforts between time on the slopes, Salt Lake City makes a great base with more than a dozen resorts just a short drive away!
Bulgaria
The Eastern European country of Bulgaria is quickly becoming known as a destination for budget-friendly ski and winter sports galore. But great value isn’t the only reason to visit resorts such as Bansko and Pamporovo. Truth is, this nation is a great place to hit the slopes! Although advanced skiers might find Bulgaria less enthralling than other places, it’s hard to find a better spot for beginners and families alike. When you come to Bulgaria, you’ll also find that there are fewer crowds and better accessibility to runs!
California
There are California ski resorts for just about any skill level, style, or budget. Most often they’re in stunningly scenic settings abutting vast wilderness areas, but also within easy reach of international airports and major metro areas. Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Mammoth aren’t just Golden State greats but are also national treasures for ski buffs. And when Mother Nature does her magic, there’s skiable snow on mountains for months starting in early autumn and lasting into the summer. Best of all worlds? Pretty much!
You may also like: Hit The Slopes at These Off-The-Beaten-Path Resorts & Mountains in the US!
Canada
The Great White North wows with some of North America’s best places for winter play. There are great skiing opportunities and all sorts of winter sports action across British Columbia, especially in Whistler and the Blackcomb mountains. In Alberta’s magnificent stretch of the Rocky Mountains, the thrill of the vertical drop is coupled with jaw-dropping panoramas of pristine wilderness-resort areas such as Jasper and Banff. But it’s not only the west coast that Canadians can boast about. The east coast, particularly Quebec, has amazing resorts, massive mountains, and ideal weather for snowy fun.
Colorado
Experience a Rocky Mountain high in one of America’s top-rated ski and snowboard destinations! With renowned resorts in Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat, Telluride, Vail and so many other world-class places to play in the snow, it’s no wonder Colorado is such a popular state with skiers. Whether you’re heading for a family vacation, a day trip on the slopes, or the entire ski season, you’ll find it the right fit for you, whatever your level of proficiency.
France
Some people might tell you that France is the world’s best place for skiing. It’s certainly the most popular in terms of the number of tourists visiting the country just to ski. There’s good reason for their rendezvouses with the resorts here: they’re huge, efficiently run, well connected to airports and train stations, and they cater to a broad range of budgets and skill levels. Oh, and areas of the Alps such as Val d’Isere, Meribel, and Chamonix (not to mention the lesser celebrated but still epic slopes of the Pyrenees on the Spanish border) are legendary for powder, vertical drop, and off-piste merrymaking.
Italy
In the Italian side of the Alps — the Aosta Valley in Piemonte and the Dolomites in Friuli Venezia Giulia, in particular — you’ll find some of Europe’s most gorgeous landscapes. This area is home to both upscale luxury resorts and more homey and rustic type places with lifts. Cervinia, Val Gardena, and Cortina are among the former, while Sauris and Forni di Sopra belong to the latter. No matter where you ski …you’re in for excellent food, a vibrant nightlife, and loads of fun on and off the slopes!
Slovenia
The tiny Balkan nation of Slovenia offers big value, big mountains, and big fun for folks looking for powdery conditions, well-maintained facilities, and minimal crowds. Slovenia is situated in one of the lesser appreciated but nonetheless stunning corners of the Alps. It borders Italy to its west and Austria to the north, as well as Croatia and Hungary. The fascinating mix of traditions and cultures will add to the wintry mix of your trip. Make for Mariborsko Pohorje or Kranjska Gora for the best runs.
Switzerland
Think of Switzerland and you’ll surely picture some skiing in your mind. It’s home to renowned resorts such as Verbier, Zermatt, and St. Moritz. But, don’t forget the snowcapped panoramic Alpine peaks, serene glacial lakes, and vast swathes of wilderness. With all of this, it’s no wonder the original destination for winter tourism is still the ideal place for action-packed outdoor fun when wintertime comes!
So which ski destinations around the world are your personal favorite? Tell us in the comments!
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