It’s that time of year when your search history will be filled with variations on “top ski destinations,” “best ski resorts in the world,” and “great après-ski areas.” A ski holiday is, after all, the perfect occasion to don new snow pants that match your favorite wool sweater and model them out on the slopes, and follow a day on the mountain with a cozy bonfire with friends or a night of partying in local ski towns. Whether you’re sticking to beginner runs or know your way around black diamonds, plan ahead for the perfect trip at a premium resort. Here are some of the best ski destinations in the world, from North America to the French Alps.
1. Aspen-Snowmass, Colorado
Colorado is home to several world-class resorts, from Vail to Breckenridge. But Aspen-Snowmass takes the cake for its easy access to four fantastic mountains (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass), live music options, and many excellent restaurants. Each mountain resort offers intimate dining opportunities, like Lynn Britt Cabin on the slopes of Snowmass, where foodies can eat and drink in a private cabin in the mountains, or Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro high up on Aspen Highlands, which boasts an iconic Alpine atmosphere and a champagne-spraying après-ski scene. Meanwhile, the town of Aspen itself boasts world-class shopping, restaurants, hotels, and museums. Grab a drink at the Little Nell, peruse the new Bottega Veneta store, and have dinner at White House Tavern after.
2. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Take a hop and a skip outside the USA and find yourself in British Columbia at Whistler Blackcomb. The two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, combine to create the largest ski resort in North America; its PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is the longest and highest continuous lift system worldwide. The resort’s global stature is proved, as well, by the Whistler Blackcomb having hosted a number of sports events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The neighboring village has exciting nightlife for your dining and après-ski needs, from shops and cafés to bars and memorable nightlife like the GLC and Dusty’s.
3. Zermatt, Switzerland
Take your snow days and ski runs to the highest possible altitude in Switzerland. Zermatt offers beautifully groomed slopes where visitors can experience the thrill of freeskiing, plus hiking and climbing. And Zermatt’s helicopters aren’t just used for emergencies: The Swiss resort offers sightseeing via helicopter as well as heliskiing, whisking adrenaline-seeking skiers to trails only reachable from the sky. Then, cap off your time at Michelin-starred restaurants like After Seven and Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni.
4. Val d’Isère, France
The French ski scene is competitive, to say the least, from Mont-Blanc in Chamonix to Courchevel. But Val d’Isère is worth the spot on your bucket list for its traditional charm, 90 ski lifts, and seemingly endless off-piste options. Located in the French Alps near the border with Italy, this European resort has an experience for everyone, whether you're bringing the whole family or looking for a romantic getaway, thanks to its over 186 miles of terrain. Among its many miles, Val d’Isère has plenty of dining options, such as Dick’s Tea Bar, as well as other fun experiences like ice skating and tobogganing.
5. Niseko United, Japan
It might be a bit farther afield than your usual ski destination, but this Japanese ski resort is more than worth the trip. Located on the island of Hokkaido, Niseko United brings together four resorts on one mountain, taking winter sports to the next level for skiers and snowboarders alike with its breathtaking views and some of the driest, lightest snow powder in the world. The variety of terrain means even more options for what kind of slope you’ll be racing down, but with the guarantee that any slope you choose will be smooth sailing. Sign up for a snowshoe tour or try out a guided snowmobile ride through the pristine snow before exploring the numerous cuisine options, from local Japanese to Scandinavian.
6. Kitzbühel, Austria
With 145 miles of trails covered in thick snowfall, Kitzbühel is a standout among resorts in Europe thanks to its 58 lifts, over 60 mountain huts, photogenic views, and its iconic freestyle event. There are runs ideal for beginners and experts alike, and off the slopes, adventurers can trek out to the Aurach Wildlife Park, which features over 350 animals, from red deer to yaks, or go on guided hikes throughout the Alps. After taking in the beauty of the Tyrolean mountains, pause for a breather at the resort’s spa area, featuring panoramic pools, steamy baths, and a solarium.
7. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s 2,500 acres of terrain, stretching all the way to Bridger-Teton National Forest, make the backcountry skiing opportunities feel endless. This skiing experience should catch the eyes of all those thrill-seekers looking to customize their backcountry ski trip with fun and challenging obstacles, reached with minimum hiking. (Bonus: Early gondola access is offered, too.) If you’re really ready to push yourself, test your skills on the world-famous chute, Corbet’s Couloir, shaped like an upside-down funnel. Intense and intimidating, the chute is for the brave skiers willing to seemingly defy gravity.
8. Ski Arlberg, Austria
Backpedaling our way to Austria once more, don't forgo Ski Arlberg on your list of options. The Austrian resort is the biggest connected ski resort in the country (consisting of St. Anton–St. Christoph–Stuben, Lech–Oberlech–Zürs, and Warth-Schröcken—we know, it's a mouthful) and one of the five largest ski resorts worldwide. With some of the best snow for skiing and snowboarding, Ski Arlberg is often regarded as the epicenter of winter sports, with over 125 miles of deep snow runs and diverse slope options. Wrap up your mountain races with other snow-lovers in the après-ski scene by partying among DJs and bottles of champagne.