1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
Best time to visit: Jan-March, June-Aug, Dec
- Whistler Blackcomb is a renowned ski resort located in Whistler, often regarded as the largest ski resort in North America
- In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Whistler Blackcomb offers a vibrant village atmosphere with various dining options, nightlife, and events throughout the winter season, such as film festivals and live music
Featured in The Best of British Columbia
2. Courchevel, France
- Courchevel is a French Alps ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley
- It is a part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest linked ski areas in the world
- Sports events from the 1992 Winter Olympics and the 2023 World Ski Championships took place in Courchevel
- The ski resort is considered exclusive, attracting wealthy clientele including royal families
- It hosts one of the largest concentrations of 5-star ranking luxury hotels
Featured in The Best of France
3. Niseko, Japan
- Niseko is a resort area located in Hokkaido, that consists of three towns: Kutchan Town, Niseko Town, and Rankoshi Town at the foot of Niseko Annupuri
- Niseko is famous for its high-quality powder snowfall, and has recently been developed as an international ski resort area
- The 30-year economic stagnation in Japan has made Niseko one of the cheapest ski resorts in the world, and many skiers choose Niseko because of this affordability
Featured in The Best of Japan
4. Verbier, Switzerland
- Verbier is a renowned village located in the canton of Valais
- It is primarily known as a holiday resort and ski area in the Swiss Alps
- The ski area boasts over 410 kilometers (about 255 miles) of ski runs and 93 lifts, making it one of the largest ski domains in Switzerland
- The village offers panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc and the Combins mountain ranges
Featured in The Best of Switzerland
5. St Anton am Arlberg, Austria
- Sankt Anton am Arlberg, commonly referred to as St Anton, is a village and ski resort in the Tyrolean Alps
- Skiing has a long history in St. Anton, with ski instructors from the area emigrated to the United States in the 1930s, helping to popularise the sport
- St. Anton was the host of the Alpine World Ski Championships in 2001, and is frequently listed as one of the world's top skiing resorts both in terms of skiing available and après-ski entertainment
- The groomed runs in the region cater to all levels; 43% are for beginners (blue), 41% for intermediate skiers (red) and 16% are for the more advanced (black)
Featured in The Best of Austria
6. Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado, United States
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, Dec
- Aspen/Snowmass is a renowned winter resort complex consisting of four distinct ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands
- Each mountain offers unique terrain and experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all levels
- Aspen/Snowmass is known not only for its skiing but also for its remarkable scenery, luxury accommodations, and wide range of winter activities
Featured in The Best of Colorado
7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado, United States
Best time to visit: Jan-March, June-Sept, Dec
- Vail Ski Resort is a premier ski destination located near the town of Vail, where it is renowned for being one of the largest ski resorts in the world and the second largest single mountain ski resort in North America
- The highest point at Vail reaches 11,570 feet (3,527 meters), and caters to various skill levels from beginners to advanced skiers
- Vail Ski Resort also boasts a village atmosphere among the mountain scenery, with numerous dining options, shops, and accommodations
Featured in The Best of Colorado
8. Whiteface Mountain, New York, United States
- Located in the Adirondack Mountains, Whiteface Mountain Ski Area is a prominent ski resort
- Whiteface Mountain's east slope is home to a major ski area which boasts the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, and which hosted the alpine skiing competitions of the 1980 Winter Olympics
Featured in The Best of New York
9. Zermatt, Switzerland
- Zermatt is a renowned mountain resort village located in the Swiss Alps
- It is famous for its views of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the world
- The village is car-free, with visitors typically arriving by train
- Zermatt is a year-round destination, offering skiing and mountaineering in winter, as well as hiking and climbing in summer
Featured in The Best of Switzerland
10. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, Wyoming, United States
Best time to visit: Jan-June, Dec
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a ski resort at Teton Village, in the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains
- It is named after the historically significant Jackson Hole valley and is known for its steep terrain and large continuous vertical drop of 4,139 ft (1,262 m)
- Half of the terrain is rated expert, 40% intermediate, and only 10% beginner
- It appears frequently in the media as one of North America's most expensive ski resorts
Featured in The Best of Wyoming
11. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah, United States
Best time to visit: Jan-March, Dec
- Park City Mountain Resort is a premier ski resort located in Park City
- It is renowned as the largest ski resort in the United States, boasting over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, which includes more than 300 trails and 38 lifts
- Park City Mountain was a venue for the 2002 Winter Olympics and is set to host events for the 2034 Winter Olympics
Featured in The Best of Utah
12. Sugarloaf, Carrabassett Valley, Maine, United States
- Sugarloaf Resort is a prominent year-round destination located in Carrabassett Valley
- It is renowned for its extensive skiing and snowboarding opportunities, boasting over 1,360 skiable acres, making it the largest ski area east of the Rocky Mountains
- Sugarloaf offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing
- The Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel offers lodging designed to evoke the charm of classic New England farmhouses
Featured in The Best of Maine
13. Deer Valley, Utah, United States
- Deer Valley Resort is a premier ski destination located in the Wasatch Range, in Park City
- Deer Valley is renowned for its upscale services, including ski valets, gourmet dining options, and elegant day lodges
- Deer Valley offers a unique skiing experience that caters exclusively to skiers, and snowboarding is not permitted
- The resort has hosted numerous elite skiing competitions, including events during the 2002 Winter Olympics
Featured in The Best of Utah
14. Val-d'Isère, France
- Val-d'Isère is a commune of the Tarentaise Valley, in the Savoie department (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region)
- The western and central areas of Val d'Isère are most recognizable by their "chalet" architecture, while in the eastern part of the town high-rise architecture dominates the landscape
- The Tarentaise Valley has the largest concentration of world-class ski resorts in the world
Featured in The Best of France
15. Telluride Ski Resort, Mountain Village, Colorado, United States
- Telluride Ski Resort is a premier ski destination located in the San Juan Mountains, that spans over 2,000 skiable acres and features a diverse range of terrain suitable for all skill levels
- The resort is renowned for its scenery and has been rated as one of the top ski resorts in North America by various publications
- It is located near the historic town of Telluride and the modern alpine community of Mountain Village
- In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Telluride offers a variety of winter activities, including snowmobiling and heli-skiing
Featured in The Best of Colorado
16. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado, United States
Best time to visit: Jan-April, Nov-Dec
- Breckenridge Ski Resort is a prominent alpine ski destination located in Breckenridge, recognized for its extensive skiable terrain, covering approximately 2,908 acres across five peaks, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the United States
- Breckenridge is notable for having the highest chairlift in North America, reaching an elevation of 12,840 feet
- Originally a mining town, Breckenridge has transformed into a world-renowned winter sports destination
- Breckenridge Ski Resort also has a vibrant town atmosphere with dining, shopping, and various winter activities
Featured in The Best of Colorado
17. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
- Cortina d'Ampezzo offers skiing facilities for amateurs, centrally located among the 12 resorts of the Dolomiti Superski area
- Facilities also exist for cross-country skiing, including a long stretch of the old railway line
- In and around Cortina d'Ampezzo, there are opportunities to participate in many other winter sports such as curling, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, sledding, and extreme skiing
Featured in The Best of Italy
18. Big Sky Resort, Montana, United States
- Big Sky Resort is a prominent ski resort located in Big Sky, renowned for its extensive skiable terrain, which range from groomed trails to challenging descents
- It is one of the largest ski resorts in North America
- In addition to winter sports, Big Sky offers summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking, golfing, and zipline tours
- The resort is set against the backdrop of the Greater Yellowstone Region, providing a picturesque environment for outdoor activities
Featured in The Best of Montana
#11 in Best Ski Resorts in the USA
19. St. Moritz, Engadin, Switzerland
- St. Moritz is a high Alpine resort town in the Engadine
- Popular pastimes include skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, and nearby there is also the world-famous Cresta Run toboggan course
- It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948
Featured in The Best of Switzerland
20. Chamonix, France
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a commune situated in the French Alps just north of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe
- It was the site of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924
- It is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, popular with alpinists and mountain enthusiasts
Featured in The Best of France
21. Kitzbühel, Austria
- Kitzbühel is a renowned ski resort that attracts visitors year-round for various outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and mountain biking
- The town is famous for its history, often referred to as the most legendary sports town in the Alps
- It features a vibrant atmosphere with traditional architecture, luxury accommodations, and a variety of events throughout the year
Featured in The Best of Austria
22. Sun Valley, Idaho, United States
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, June-Sept, Dec
- Sun Valley is a resort city located in Blaine County, renowned as one of the premier ski destinations in the United States
- The city is part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, making it a great spot for stargazing
- Historically, Sun Valley attracted many celebrities and elite athletes, contributing to its reputation as a luxurious getaway
- Today, it continues to be a destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer visitors looking for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures
Featured in The Best of Idaho
#13 in Best Ski Resorts in the USA
23. Snowbird Ski Resort, Utah, United States
- Snowbird Ski Resort is a premier ski and summer destination located in Little Cottonwood Canyon
- It is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, averaging over 500 inches annually
- It features Utah's only Aerial Tram, providing views of the surrounding mountains
- In addition to winter sports, Snowbird offers summer activities such as hiking, mountain coasters, and tram rides
Featured in The Best of Utah
24. Val Gardena, Italy
- Val Gardena is a valley in the Dolomites of South Tyrol
- It is best known as a tourist skiing, rock climbing, and woodcarving area
Featured in The Best of Italy
25. Hakuba, Japan
- Hakuba is a village located in the eastern foothills of the Hida Mountains in the northern part of the Japanese Alps and is a popular ski resort
- As the surrounding valley has an annual snow fall of over 11 meters, it is the central hub for 10 ski resorts with more than 200 runs
- The village was the main event venue for 1998 Winter Olympics
Featured in The Best of Japan
26. Mont Tremblant Resort, Quebec, Canada
- Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is a year-round resort in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec
- Mont Tremblant is celebrated as one of the top ski resorts in Eastern North America, offering a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels
- The summit is at an elevation of 875 m (2,871 ft), which makes it one of the tallest peaks in the Laurentians
- The mountain and resort are part of the Mont-Tremblant National Park and are both located near the village of Mont-Tremblant
Featured in The Best of Quebec
27. Courmayeur, Italy
- Courmayeur is cited as "Italy's best all-round ski resort", and contains the Alpine Botanical Garden Saussurea, which describes itself as Europe's highest botanical garden
Featured in The Best of Italy
28. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, United States
- Taos Ski Valley is a prominent alpine ski resort located in Taos County, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- It offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding
- The area combines outdoor activities with rich Native American and Spanish cultural influences
- While it is primarily known for winter sports, Taos Ski Valley also offers summer activities like hiking and mountain biking
Featured in The Best of New Mexico
#14 in Best Ski Resorts in the USA
29. Bormio Ski, Italy
- Bormio is a town and popular winter sports resort
- In addition to modern skiing facilities, the town is noted for the presence of several hot springs that have been tapped to provide water to three thermal baths
Featured in The Best of Italy
30. Morzine, France
- Morzine is a traditional market town located in the French Alps, specifically within the Portes du Soleil ski area, which is one of the largest ski regions in the world
- In winter, it is renowned for its extensive skiing and snowboarding opportunities, offering access to around 650 kilometers of ski terrain
- The town is characterized by its chalets and is set in a river gorge surrounded by partially wooded slopes
Featured in The Best of France
31. Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil, France
- Avoriaz is a prominent ski resort located in the French Alps, specifically within the Portes du Soleil ski area, which is one of the largest ski domains in the world
- It is renowned for its excellent snow conditions and is often considered the snowiest ski resort in France
Featured in The Best of France
32. Les Deux Alpes, France
- Les 2 Alpes is a ski resort in the French department of Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- The village has the largest skiable glacier in Europe and is France's second oldest ski resort behind Chamonix
- It has the longest, normally open full on-piste vertical available in the world
Featured in The Best of France
33. Heavenly Mountain Resort, Lake Tahoe, California, United States
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Heavenly Mountain Resort is a ski resort located on the California–Nevada border in Lake Tahoe
- It has 97 runs and 30 lifts that are spread between California and Nevada and four base facilities
- The resort boasts the highest elevation of the Lake Tahoe area resorts with a peak elevation of 10,067 ft (3,068 m)
Featured in The Best of California
34. Cardrona Alpine Resort, South Island, New Zealand
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, Dec
- Cardrona Alpine Resort is a prominent ski destination located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, situated between the towns of Wanaka and Queenstown
- The distribution of slopes is 20% beginner, 25% intermediate, 30% advanced and 25% expert
Featured in The Best of New Zealand
35. Treble Cone, New Zealand
- Treble Cone is the largest ski area in New Zealand's South Island, equalled only by Roundhill after the installation of a 1.44 km (0.9 miles) rope tow (world's longest rope tow) in 2010
- Treble Cone is most known for its fairly steep and challenging terrain, which it claims is some of the best in the country
- Recent earthworks initiatives have however ensure that beginner to intermediate skiers and boarders are fully catered for
Featured in The Best of New Zealand