Skiing has swiftly evolved from a winter activity enjoyed only by hardy mountaineers to popular family recreation. The ski industry has responded to rising demand by increasing the number and variety of services it offers, including hotels, food, après-ski, and other indoor and outdoor activities. In contrast, the snow and the shape of the mountain faces are of paramount importance to skiers. While just roughly 110,000 people call Bariloche, Argentina, home, many more Make a Trip There To Enjoy Skiing Or Trekking.
Even though the most well-known ski resorts are in Europe and North America, Japan’s prominence on the ski globe was cemented by the 1998 Winter Olympics, and the Andes Mountains have gained notoriety due to skiers’ hunt for year-round snow.
There are a lot of things to think about when deciding which ski resort is the best for your vacation. In any case, for the sake of this ranking, the skiing experience itself—including the variety and complexity of the terrain, the snow conditions, and the availability of lifts—is the primary factor.
Our compilation of the world’s best ski areas will help you zero in on the perfect runs. Select a ski resort from the list below to host your next ski holiday.
French resort town of Courchevel
Courchevel is for serious skiers who want to enjoy the snow, despite the town’s prominence and the clearly wealthy neighbourhoods. Courchevel is a component of the Les 3 Vallées region, the largest Alpine ski domain in the world, with 600 kilometres of connected ski slopes covering 10 peaks higher than 2,500 metres, and has 150 kilometres of its own Alpine ski terrain that can be accessible by 60 lifts.
Skiers and snowboarders flock here for the world-famous off-piste terrain and the four metres of natural snowfall each year that is meticulously groomed and maintained. There are a number of very difficult black mogul runs, including one particularly treacherous corridor (couloir).
Former downhill runner for the World Cup, Jean Blanc. From the top of Col de la Loze to Le Praz, the Jockeys and Jean Blanc pistes provide some of the most demanding tree skiing in the area. The resort is one of the most popular in France, but none of the five surrounding towns will have their normal ritzy après-ski atmosphere this year (seven of them have Michelin stars).
The Argentinean city of San Carlos de Bariloche
San Carlos is a popular ski destination that is hidden away in a beautiful location that highlights Argentina’s natural wonders. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of activities, including skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, swimming, surfing, and dining at any of the area’s many excellent restaurants. Conferences, expositions, music festivals, and art shows are just few of the yearly events that take place in the area.
There are 132 kilometres of snowboardable terrain and 45 ski lifts in the San Carlos de Bariloche area. Due to its proximity to Bariloche, Cerro Catedral is sometimes referred to as the Bariloche ski resort, although it is more often recognised as Argentina’s most famous ski resort, Catedral Alta Patagonia. Catedral, the country’s biggest ski resort, spans over a whopping 1,200 acres and has stunning views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Cerro Catedral is a mountain with a wide range of ascents and descents, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Trinity Basilica of St. Anton the Wonderworker Austria; in the town of Arlberg
Popular among skiers in Arlberg, St. Anton is known for its lively après-ski scene and excellent expert skiing. In the roughly one mile between Valluga, Kapall, and Schindler, you’ll encounter a precipitous drop in elevation. Paths in Schindlerkar and Mattun are less often maintained and so best suited for experts.
St. Anton is well-known for its excellent off-piste skiing, abundant snow, and boisterous après-ski scene. When coupled with the 306-kilometer Ski Arlberg trail system, this fame became even more considerable. There’s a tonne of off-piste skiing at St. Anton, and the snow is consistently deep and light. St. Anton’s rowdy après and party culture is a far cry from the tranquil village.
France’s Number Four Ski Resort, Val d’Isere
Skiing legend Jean-Claude Killy turned his birthplace of Grenoble, France, into a major tourist attraction when he won a record-breaking three gold medals there in 1968. Val d’Isere and neighbouring Tignes share the high valley, providing over 300 kilometres of connected ski terrain served by over 150 ski lifts.
Part of Parc National de la Vanoise, this valley is surrounded by mountains that rise to elevations of up to 3,450 metres and provide excellent skiing opportunities. Skiing on the Glacier du Pisaillas often continues far into June and even July because of the high altitude, which ensures snowfall until the end of spring.
Val d’Isere and Tignes are two of the best places for advanced skiers to go since they both have more than twenty black diamond runs. Skiers with skill, though, have something to boast about when they go off the groomed trails. Most off-piste skiing in Tignes occurs in open areas away from trees. Experience 45-degree thrills (and breathtaking vistas) on the North Face of Pramecou; nevertheless, even for expert alpine skiers, it is recommended that you hire a guide.
Courchevel is for serious skiers who want to enjoy the snow, despite the town’s prominence and the clearly wealthy neighbourhoods. Courchevel is a component of the Les 3 Vallées region, the largest Alpine ski domain in the world, with 600 kilometres of connected ski slopes encompassing 10 peaks higher than 2,500 metres, and it includes 150 kilometres of Alpine ski terrain that can be accessed by 60 lifts.
Niseko, Japan
The four ski resorts that make up Niseko United may be found in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, close to 90 kilometres from the city of Sapporo. Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, and An’nupuri are some of these hotels. Many of the trails provide views of Mt. Yotei’s almost perfect cone, which has earned it the moniker “Hokkaido’s Mount Fuji,” and together they make for an extraordinary and varied landscape on the slopes of a volcano.
Niseko is renowned for its snow, and the cold temperatures that create it, so dress accordingly. Groomer runs, tree runs, powder bowls, and snowparks may all be found on one side of the mountain. On the other hand, the untracked backcountry on the opposite side of the mountain offers natural halfpipes, steep chutes, and seemingly infinite tree skiing.
Niseko is renowned for its off-piste and glade skiing, yet the majority of its runs are graded for beginners and intermediates only. The resort is a highlight of any trip to Japan, with heli-skiing, cat-skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and hot spring spas all accessible.
Niseko’s wide variety of kid-friendly activities and top-notch ski and snowboard instruction led to it being crowned Japan’s best family ski resort in the Ski Asia Awards (offered in English).
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Despite its reputation as a summer getaway, St. Moritz sees an influx of tourists as soon as the snow begins to fall. The Glacier Express leaves Zermatt in style during the winter months to take passengers to their destination. There are three peaks in the area that can be reached by cable car. Ski trails and a frozen lake are the most popular places to do sports in the area.
Relax in one of St. Moritz Bader’s numerous hot springs after a day on the slopes. St. Moritz has depended heavily on its reputation for many years, yet it is still a world-renowned ski destination. St. Moritz has three distinct ski areas, so skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels may find an appropriate slope and a variety of off-piste activities to enjoy. There are 155 kilometres of slopes and 8 kilometres of ski routes available for skiing and snowboarding, and there are 23 lifts to get you there. Between 1,720 and 3,022 metres in altitude, all the winter sports action takes place.
