Imagine yourself gliding through snow-coated slopes while enjoying an incredible landscape of towering mountains and pine forests. Then, staying by the fireplace and sipping a hot drink after a long day of skiing. Sounds awesome, right? You might wonder where are the best places to ski, knowing that winter is approaching. We have compiled a list of 12 best ski destinations in the world. Check them out and get ready for a fantastic getaway!
Best Places to Ski in the World – Summary
- Zermatt, Switzerland
- Hemsedal, Norway
- Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
- Andorra
- Kitzbuhel, Austria
- Cervinia, Italy
- Ortisei, Italy
- Vail, Colorado, USA
- Deer Valley, Utah, USA
- Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
- Banff, Canada
- Portillo, Chile
- Niseko, Japan
- Queenstown, New Zealand
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Nothing matches the spectacular scene in Zermatt. The snow-capped Matterhorn mountain points at the sky, along with a series of jutting peaks. Winding valleys and glimmering slopes stretch from the foothills of the jaw-dropping mountains. They beckon travelers to come and experience wholesome ski adventures. From the classic alpine to adrenaline-rushing heli-skiing, there is no such thing as ‘boring’ in Zermatt.
With its extraordinary landscape and diverse ski area, Zermatt is notably one of the world’s best places to ski. Matterhorn Ski Paradise has become a favorite spot. It stands at an altitude of 3883 meters and features 365 days of snow. Delve into a picturesque ski experience with the backdrop of the gorgeous Swiss Alps. During your vacation, you can stay in one of Zermatt’s ski resorts, ranging from comfortable cabins to five-star resorts.
2. Hemsedal, Norway
Get ready to slide and glide to Norway’s renowned ski spot. Hemsedal is tucked in the Scandinavian Mountains, offering an outstanding scene of snow-veiled landscapes. It is home to more than 50 slopes and 21 lifts. Whether you are having your first skiing or a dedicated skier, Hemsedal offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Moreover, it is a family-friendly resort, featuring a large children’s area.
As we mentioned before, Hemsedal welcomes all levels of skiers. The resort offers a 6 km-long piste, where you can slide downhill uninterrupted. The winding slopes and elevations are perfect for freestyle skiing. Moreover, you can do cross-country skiing in Hemsedal. With all it has to offer, Hemsedal is one of the world’s best places to ski.
3. Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
Glide through the slopes of the French Alps, while letting the stunning Mont Blanc cast a spell on you. Skiing in Chamonix Mont Blanc, a ski resort in France, is simply magical. The area offers various slopes and pistes, standing at an altitude of 1035 meters. From pine-dotted terrains to competition-level slopes, Chamonix beckons all ski lovers to come and visit.
Chamonix Mont Blanc comprises five main ski areas, which are Brevent, Flegere, Grands Montets, Domaine de Balme, and Les Houches. They feature high-altitude terrains, different levels of slopes, thick snow, and incredible resort towns. For that reason, world-class skiers choose Chamonix as their favorite ski resort. Nonetheless, Chamonix will make every traveler – beginner or expert – fall in love easily. It is undeniably one of the world’s best ski destinations.
4. Andorra
Sitting on the borders of Spain and France, Andorra is a small country that boasts the beauty of the Andorra-Pyrenees Mountain. Every winter the mountain’s hills and slopes are powdered with thick snow, making it an ideal destination for skiing. Thanks to TripLeader Gabriel, an experienced skier and trip host working in Andorra, we learned that Andorra’s ski scene is immaculate. It offers a wide variety of ski slopes, welcoming both newbies on their first time putting on ski gears and seasoned skiers who are ready to do mid-air tricks.
Gabriel adds that Andorra is nothing fancy – only warm and welcoming ski towns will accommodate you. “Stay in El Pas de La Casa. It is a small town but also the main resort in the winter. Just a stone throw’s away from the slopes and has everything you need,” adds Gabriel. Besides the ski town, you can also head to Bordes d’Envalira for an adrenaline-packed snowboarding session.
5. Kitzbuhel, Austria
Tucked in the Austrian Alps, Kitzbuhel offers an exceptional ski vacation. As you step into the resort town, you will be greeted by adorable storybook houses and wooden lodges. Cable cars will take you to snow-veiled slopes and picturesque pistes. Kitzbuhel features a wide range of ski spots, including 70 km-long cross-country ski trails and 233 km downhill slopes.
Kitzbuhel has become one of Europe’s best places to ski. It has world championship-scale slopes, including the one used for the Hahnenkamm Race. Moreover, you can find a unique gliding terrain covered in thick layers of snow. After a long day of ski, you can unwind in a comfortable cottage and have some delicious meals.
6. Cervinia, Italy
Neighboring the ethereal Zermatt, Cervinia is an amazing ski destination. This Italian ski resort features everything unbelievable and luscious. Tucked on the Italian foothills of Matterhorn, Cervinia displays exquisite mountainous landscapes. Moreover, it has a wide range of winding slopes to choose from. It is often included in skiers’ Zermatt itinerary, as the two resorts are linked by the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.
Cervinia features 150 kilometers of slopes that you can enjoy. From gentle pistes to groomed slopes, the resort welcomes all levels of skiers. The Plan Maison area is perfect for beginners who are taking their first steps at ski. Meanwhile, the slopes close to the Swiss border call experienced skiers for a challenge. Furthermore, you can do long runs on the slopes of Valtournenche village.
7. Ortisei, Italy
TripLeader Windy, an experienced traveler (30+ countries) living in Italy, recommended skiing at Ortisei for less-crowds and an authentic Italian village feels. The small town is nestled at the foothills of the Dolomites, featuring an incredible landscape and wholesome activities. During winter, locals flock to the town to enjoy winter sports. The snowy slopes and terrains of Ortisei call you for various winter sports, such as snowboarding, tobogganing, and skiing. However, the most popular activity you can do during the winter in Ortisei is skiing.
Ortisei’s ski spots are nothing less than fantastic. It features hundreds of miles of ski terrains, which are marked by ten pistes. Whether you want to do cross-country skiing or classic alpine, experience a wholesome one in Ortisei. Moreover, the ski resort has ten ski lifts that take you to sparkling ski spots. Underrated and quaint – Ortisei is one of the best places to ski in Europe.
8. Vail, Colorado, USA
When talking about the best places to ski in the US, we won’t leave out Vail. This winter wonderland in Colorado has been everyone’s favorite for a long time. Tucked between the Gore Mountain Range and Sawatch Mountain Range, Vail offers a diverse range of ski areas. Snow-cloaked back bowls, smooth pistes, and vast terrains are what you can find in Vail. Moreover, get ready for a scenic adventure as Vail’s jagged mountains and snow-sprinkled woodlands create a beautiful landscape.
9. Deer Valley, Utah, USA
Deer Valley is where luxury meets world-class skiing. Famous for its perfectly groomed corduroy runs, exclusive ski-only policy, and star-quality service, this Utah resort creates a premium experience from the moment you arrive. The terrain caters especially well to intermediate and advanced skiers, with long, rolling descents framed by snow-dusted aspens. Off-mountain, the ambiance of nearby Park City adds charm with boutique dining, cozy lodges, and a lively après-ski scene. With all it has to offer, Deer Valley accommodates skiers who prioritize comfort, top-tier terrain, and a touch of luxury.
10. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler is the definition of big-mountain skiing. Home to the legendary Whistler Blackcomb, the resort offers over 8,000 acres of terrain, glacier skiing, bowls, tree runs, and some of the most diverse slopes in North America. The alpine scenery is dramatic and rugged, with towering peaks and atmospheric forests that become a winter wonderland from November to April. Its pedestrian village is equally awesome, buzzing with restaurants, bars, and shops that keep the energy high long after the lifts close. So, if you are into a big, bold, and fantastic ski adventure this year, Whistler is your go-to!
11. Banff, Canada
Banff offers a true alpine escape inside the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. With three major ski areas — Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay — skiers get access to wide-open bowls, powder-filled glades, and panoramic viewpoints straight out of a postcard. The dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes, and pristine wilderness give Banff an almost surreal winter beauty. Visitors can also enjoy the authentic mountain town, natural hot springs, and iconic wildlife sightings.
Why it’s on the list: Banff combines world-class skiing with extraordinary scenery, making it one of the most unique and visually stunning ski destinations on earth.
12. Portillo, Chile
Portillo brings a different kind of magic — high-altitude skiing in the Andes with deep, dry powder and bold, rugged landscapes. Its iconic bright-yellow hotel overlooks the shimmering Laguna del Inca, giving skiers a dramatic backdrop for every run. With steep chutes, expansive bowls, and some of the Southern Hemisphere’s best off-piste terrain, Portillo is a favorite among experienced skiers seeking adventure.
Why it’s on the list: Portillo delivers world-class freeride terrain and an intimate, all-inclusive ski experience, making it an unforgettable destination for powder lovers.
13. Niseko, Japan
TripLeader Victor, a banker from Spain, flies to Niseko to spend the winter skiing and staying in his chalet. You might wonder, “Why Niseko?” But actually, this Japanese ski resort is home to a legendary powder. Enjoy one of the world’s lightest, driests, and deepest snow as you ski through endless forests of birch trees. Although lots of the pistes in Niseko are made for experienced skiers, beginner still can savor the resort’s great slopes. Beyond the slopes, travelers can soak into natural hot springs (onsen), eat freshly-caught seafood and Japanese cuisine, and experience a unique blend of international ski culture. Therefore, Niseko is one of the best places to ski in the world.
14. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown transforms into a snowy playground during winter, with access to top ski fields like The Remarkables and Coronet Peak. The landscapes are unmistakably dramatic — jagged mountains rising over deep blue lakes, creating cinematic scenery at every turn. The slopes cater to all abilities, while the town itself is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, offering everything from bungee jumping to scenic helicopter rides.
Are you ready to pave your way through the snowy terrains? Or has an awesome ski vacation been in your mind? Then, we got you! JoinMyTrip has fantastic group trips all over the world, led by experienced TripLeaders. They will happily take you to thrilling ski adventures or magical winter getaways – from Finland to Japan.
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