Imagine yourself gliding through snow-covered slopes, surrounded by majestic mountains and pine forests. At the end of a long day of skiing, you cozy up by the fireplace with a hot drink. Sounds dreamy, right? With winter just around the corner, you might be wondering where the best places to ski are. We’ve put together a list of the top 12 ski destinations around the globe. Check them out and start planning your perfect winter getaway!
Best Places to Ski in the World – Summary:
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
2. Hemsedal, Norway
3. Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
4. Kitzbuhel, Austria
5. Cervinia, Italy
6. Ortisei, Italy
7. Vail, Colorado, USA
8. Deer Valley, Utah, USA
9. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
10. Portillo, Chile
11. Niseko, Japan
12. Queenstown, New Zealand
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nothing beats the stunning scenery in Zermatt. The snow-capped Matterhorn and its surrounding peaks are truly breathtaking. The slopes and valleys are perfect for all kinds of skiing fun, from classic alpine skiing to thrilling heli-skiing. Zermatt’s diverse ski areas make it one of the best places to ski worldwide. Matterhorn Ski Paradise, standing at 3,883 meters, offers year-round snow and picturesque ski experiences with the majestic Swiss Alps in the background. Accommodation options here range from cozy cabins to luxurious five-star resorts.
Hemsedal, Norway
Get ready to explore Norway’s famous ski destination, Hemsedal, situated in the Scandinavian Mountains. The resort features over 50 slopes and 21 lifts, catering to all skill levels from beginners to seasoned skiers. Hemsedal is family-friendly with a large children’s area and boasts a 6 km-long piste for uninterrupted downhill skiing. The slopes are perfect for freestyle skiing and cross-country skiing, making Hemsedal one of the best ski destinations globally.
Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
Experience the magic of skiing in Chamonix Mont Blanc, nestled in the French Alps with the awe-inspiring Mont Blanc as your backdrop. The resort offers a variety of slopes at 1,035 meters in altitude, suitable for both beginners and professionals. Chamonix consists of five main ski areas: Brevent, Flegere, Grands Montets, Domaine de Balme, and Les Houches. These areas offer high-altitude terrains, diverse slopes, and vibrant resort towns, making it a favorite among world-class skiers.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Situated in the Austrian Alps, Kitzbuhel is perfect for a memorable ski vacation. The resort town is adorned with charming storybook houses and wooden lodges. Cable cars provide access to snow-covered slopes and scenic pistes. Kitzbuhel features an extensive range of ski spots, including 70 km of cross-country ski trails and 233 km of downhill slopes. The resort is known for its championship-caliber slopes, like those used in the Hahnenkamm Race, and offers unique gliding terrains blanketed in snow. After skiing, relax in a cottage and savor a delicious meal.
Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia, near the enchanting Zermatt, is a stunning ski destination in Italy. Located at the Italian foothills of the Matterhorn, Cervinia boasts beautiful mountainous landscapes and a variety of slopes. The resort is often included in skiers’ Zermatt itineraries, thanks to the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing linking the two resorts. With 150 kilometers of slopes, Cervinia caters to all levels of skiers. Beginners can enjoy the gentle pistes of the Plan Maison area, while more experienced skiers can tackle the slopes near the Swiss border and the long runs of Valtournenche village.
Ortisei, Italy
Nestled at the base of the Dolomites, Ortisei is another must-visit ski spot in Italy. The town offers a stunning landscape and numerous winter activities. Locals flock to Ortisei for winter sports like snowboarding, tobogganing, and, most popularly, skiing. The resort boasts hundreds of miles of ski terrains with ten distinct pistes, suitable for both cross-country and classic alpine skiing. Ortisei also features ten ski lifts that transport visitors to sparkling ski spots. This quaint and underrated destination is one of the best places to ski in Europe.
Vail, Colorado, USA
Vail is a legendary ski destination in Colorado that has been popular for years. Nestled between the Gore Mountain Range and Sawatch Mountain Range, Vail offers a variety of ski areas, including snow-cloaked back bowls, smooth pistes, and extensive terrains. The stunning landscape, with jagged mountains and snow-dusted woodlands, ensures a scenic adventure. Whether you’re carving up the snowy slopes or planning a ski vacation, Vail is a fantastic choice.
Are you ready to embark on your snowy adventure? If a thrilling ski vacation is on your mind, JoinMyTrip offers incredible group trips worldwide, led by experienced TripLeaders. They’ll take you on unforgettable ski adventures or magical winter getaways anywhere from Finland to Japan. What are you waiting for? Travel with JoinMyTrip today!