If you’re after a classic European ski getaway, check out Alpine resorts like Verbier, Switzerland, and Courchevel, France.For a closer-to-home powder trip, head to famed ski destinations like Aspen, Colorado, and Deer Valley, Utah, or hop across the border to Whistler Blackcomb in Canada.Asia and South America are also home to phenomenal ski resorts, like Japan’s Niseko United, Portillo in Chile, and Catedral Alta Patagonia in Argentina.
There are thousands of ski resorts sprinkled across more than 60 nations around the globe. From boutique, family-run mountains and mega all-inclusive resorts to beginner-friendly slopes and expert-only backcountry, there’s a hill for everyone. On the hunt for your perfect mountain to explore during the ski and snowboard season? We tapped Travel + Leisure editors and contributors to round up the 20 best ski resorts in the world.
Verbier, Switzerland
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Average snowfall: 181 inches
Number of runs: 99
Yes, Verbier is home to plenty of runs for every level of skier, from beginner to expert. But the real fun begins in the backcountry. Skiers and riders are invited to hike up the backside of the mountain with a local guide to find the freshest snow possible without another soul in sight, so you can carve it all on your own. When you’re done, ski right to the nearby W Verbier to snuggle up in a room with your very own fireplace.
Niseko United, Japan
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Average snowfall: 505 inches
Number of runs: 61
Niseko United is where the true powderhounds want to be all winter long. Considered one of the best ski resorts in Japan, this sprawling mountain area on Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, is actually made up of four interlinked properties—Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, and Hanazono.
“I believe we have the best powder in the world,” says Kohei Iwata, a hotel manager at Sansui Niseko who has also worked at the Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “It’s rare to see sunshine in the wintertime, but that means we have really good snow conditions.” You can find runs equally divided between beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, making it a spot welcoming to all.
Packing Tip
When planning a ski trip to any of these renowned destinations, ensure you pack appropriately for the various snow conditions and terrains. Essential items include layered clothing for warmth, waterproof outerwear, ski goggles, and high-quality sunscreen, as several of these locations experience heavy snowfall yet plenty of sun.
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
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Average snowfall: 146 inches
Number of runs: 141
Want a challenge? Head straight to St. Anton in the Tyrolean Alps. While the mountain has plenty of runs for beginners and intermediates across its nearly 190 miles of interconnected runs, it’s a paradise for the advanced skier. It’s also a particularly stellar place for snowboarders thanks to its various fun parks and free-ride spaces. In town, stay at the historic Hotel Arlberg, which has been run by the same family for generations.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
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Average snowfall: 323 inches
Number of runs: 200+
Whistler is the place to go for a larger-than-life ski and snowboard experience. It’s home to vast and varied terrain, which makes sense, considering it’s the largest ski resort in North America. And while 20 percent of its trails are marked for beginners, Whistler really is a seasoned skier’s paradise, as 35 percent of the trails are marked as intermediate and a whopping 45 percent are roughly divided between advanced terrain and experts-only. If you do want to go all the way to the top, make sure you’re prepared, as the peak elevation hits an astonishing 7,497 feet. Get the best view of the mountain every morning by booking a room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Courchevel, France
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Average snowfall: 161 inches
Number of runs: 112
Located in the French Alps, Courchevel is as ritzy as ski destinations come. Travelers can shop for a new Moncler puffer, then walk right to the chairlift, make their way to the top of the mountain, and ski down one of its more than 100 named runs. After a day on the slopes, explore the resort’s six interconnected villages for upscale dining and plenty of après opportunities. And, you can never go wrong by staying somewhere like the Six Senses Residences, which offers slope-side views and an expansive spa.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
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Average snowfall: 314 inches
Number of runs: 116
Stowe is, without question, the quintessential New England ski destination. The charming town looks like something out of a Hallmark movie, with a local attitude to match. Though it’s grown in recent years, thanks to an acquisition by Vail Resorts, the town spirit remains the same, and its core audience is composed of people who are serious about spending sunup to sundown on the mountain.
“If you’re going to ski on the East Coast, the only place to go is Stowe,” says Denny Lee, T+L articles editor. As for where to après, nothing beats a beer at the Matterhorn, where you’re likely to run into half the ski patrol after their shifts end. Stay close to the mountain action with a few nights at Topnotch Resort, which offers in-room fireplaces for cozy evenings.
Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Courtesy of Deer Valley Resort
Average snowfall: 300 inches
Number of runs: 202
“If you’re a skier, you’ll appreciate that Deer Valley doesn’t allow snowboarders,” Nina Ruggiero, T+L’s senior editorial director, says. “Think powder that stays fresh longer, less crowded slopes, and an overall great environment for skiers of all levels.” Deer Valley, which recently added almost 100 new ski runs as part of a massive expansion, is also known for luxurious touches like its high-end restaurants like seafood spot Cast & Cut. Also, Ruggiero calls its ski instructors “some of the best in the country” and says “the ability to ski in and out of the Montage Deer Valley (resident mountain dogs included) is definitely a plus.”
Aspen Mountain, Colorado
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Average snowfall: 307 inches
Number of runs: 104
Aspen Mountain is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world. It’s a luxurious place thanks to high-end shopping and world-renowned boutique hotels like Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, along with other favorites like The Little Nell and the St. Regis Aspen Resort. “I would rank Aspen among the best resorts in North America,” says Lee. “The Highland Bowl is out of this world.” Plus, he adds, “the après-ski people-watching can’t be beat.”
Big Sky Resort, Montana
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Average snowfall: 400 inches
Number of runs: 320
As the name implies, Big Sky Resort is one seriously big mountain. Here, skiers and riders will find more than 300 named runs to explore, offering solitude for those who want it, easy turns for those who need it, and lots of steep and deep for those looking for a challenge. Travelers can purchase early-access tickets, allowing them an hour on the slopes before it opens to the general public, or opt for guided headlamp skiing under the stars. The Montage Big Sky provides a touch of luxury to this beloved mountain destination.
Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
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Average snowfall: 355 inches
Number of runs: 330+
Park City is a place where skiers and riders can choose whatever kind of day they wish. Go slow and steady down its beginner terrain, which makes up eight percent of the mountain; a bit faster down its intermediate blues, which make up 42 percent of the mountain; or zoom down the black diamonds, which make up the other 50 percent. Don’t miss your chance to stay in the nearby Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection, which boasts an infinity hot tub, wellness treatments, and indulgent dining.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming
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Average snowfall: 458 inches
Number of runs: 131
Jackson Hole is as Wild West a ski destination as they come, with craggy mountains stretching into the gorgeous valley below. “This resort made me fall in love with skiing. It’s packed with long runs of pillowy snow and, of course, gorgeous views,” says Taylor McIntyre, senior visual editor at T+L. “I had an instructor who went above and beyond, and I went from the bunny slope to blue runs in a single day. There’s also a tram that will take skiers and non-skiers up the mountain to find not only some of the resort’s most difficult trails but also a cafe and the best view of the resort.” In town, check into The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection, a stately property with a heated outdoor pool and rustic-chic rooms.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
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Average snowfall: 108 inches
Number of runs: 88
Another glitzy destination to add to your must-ski list is St. Moritz. “St. Moritz lives up to its lavish reputation,” Lee says. “The mountain is epic, the funiculars run like clockwork, the crowd is jet-set, and the nightlife is chic.” And, with Corviglia mountain offering 26 miles of beginner trails, 49 miles of intermediate runs, and 21 miles of expert terrain, it’s a place where everyone can find a little fun in their swanky ski gear. As for where you stay, you can’t go wrong with Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.
Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado
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Average snowfall: 280 inches
Number of runs: 148
Telluride, which sits amid the San Juan Mountains, offers charm for days. The town’s unique blend of history—thanks to its Victorian-era buildings—and exceptional skiing make it a must-do. Plus, its remote location keeps big crowds away, allowing you to explore the slopes more intimately. Once you’re ready for a break, retire to the Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection.
Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
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Average snowfall: 200 inches
Number of runs: 136+
“It’s no wonder why Sun Valley, Idaho, has long been an oasis for snow-chasing glitterati,” Lydia Price, a senior engagement editor at T+L, says. “Its star peak, Bald Mountain, offers gorgeous panoramic views of a whopping five mountain ranges, and the vivacious spirit of the small town’s full-time residents makes for a warm, jovial stay.” Sun Valley also comes with some unique skiing and riding; its longest run extends three miles. After a day on the slopes, unwind at one of Sun Valley Resort’s lodging options, like the Sun Valley Inn.
Portillo, Chile
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Average snowfall: 224 inches
Number of runs: 35
Looking for a summertime ski trip? Make your way to Portillo from June to September to ski during winter in the Southern Hemisphere. This Andean ski resort is known for its striking mountain views and powder-covered slopes. It’s loved for the fact that it limits its number of daily guests to 450 people, so everyone lucky enough to snag a ticket can fully enjoy the slopes without those pesky lift lines. Spend a few days with ski-in, ski-out access at the Hotel Portillo, which has just 123 rooms, making it about as exclusive as the mountain.
Tremblant, Canada
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Average snowfall: 177 inches
Number of runs: 102
Those looking to ski European-style mountains without having to cross an ocean can find what they’re looking for at the Tremblant resort in Mont-Tremblant, Canada. The picturesque ski village is colorful and quaint, just like those you’d find in the Alps. And it has mountain peaks to match, with 2,871 feet of vertical terrain to ski across four slopes, including 178 acres of glades for a little backcountry-style fun. It’s also home to the chic ski-in, ski-out Fairmont Tremblant.
Bormio Ski, Italy
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Average snowfall: 89 inches
Number of runs: 30
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Bormio is the place to be for those who want to work up a sweat all day on the slopes and unwind all night in style. The mountain offers nearly 6,000 feet of vertical drop, including some rather challenging terrain (it is, after all, famed for hosting the Alpine Ski World Cup). Riders can get their kicks at The Jungle snow park or on free-ride slopes. And, if you’ve got kids or total beginners in your group, that’s OK too, as the resort has a fantastic ski school program and plenty of beginner terrain to explore. Beyond the mountain, the town is also loved for its spas and hot springs that will make you feel renewed and ready for another day of skiing. Stay as close as possible to both the slopes and the spas with an overnight at the Hotel Rezia, which offers mountain views and its own Turkish bath.
Catedral Alta Patagonia, Argentina
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Average snowfall: 78 inches
Number of runs: 58
Located in Argentina’s Lake District, Catedral Alta Patagonia is well worth a visit for its stellar location and amenities like a full-service base village. Here, skiers and riders will find all the deep powder they want during the season, as well as plenty of backcountry and tree skiing terrain. The resort boasts some of the best views on the continent, as the mountain looks over Lago Nahuel Huapi, providing a glittering lake backdrop to almost every run. Travelers can stay at Hotel Catedral Patagonia, which has a spa for post-slope relaxation.
Les Deux Alpes, France
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Average snowfall: 128 inches
Number of runs: 96
“Nestled in the heart of the Alps, this ski resort is truly one of the best France has to offer,” says Anna Popp, T+L associate editor. “I joined the ski club when I studied at the University of Grenoble, and I would often take the bus after classes to spend my afternoons skiing since the Alps are so accessible.” As Popp notes, there are runs for beginners and advanced skiers here, all with “views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world.” Skiers and riders can stay on top of the mountain by booking one of the town’s private chalets, like the Chalet Leslie Alpen, which comes with amenities like a sauna and hot tub.
Kitzbühel, Austria
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Average snowfall: 92 inches
Number of runs: 90
Kitzbühel, Austria, is yet another European ski destination that perfectly marries centuries-old charm with world-class ski facilities fit for all abilities. If you’re a beginner hoping to check out some of the expert talent, plan your trip around the prestigious Hahnenkamm race, which has been held at the mountain every year since 1931. While there, book a stay at Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort to add a touch of Alpine elegance to your ski getaway.
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