Narrowing down the best ski resorts in the world to one list is downright impossible. And the definition of “best” varies from person to person and resort to resort. Nonetheless, there are a number of mountain destinations and ski resorts that stand above the rest. So we’ve put together a list of what we consider to be some of the best ski resorts in the world.
These ski resorts will clearly vary with the climate, terrain and region, and this is certainly not an exhaustive list, but we’re confident that these are world-class ski resorts that make for a memorable ski vacation. Be sure to check out our list of OnTheSnow’s top user-rated ski resorts as well, and leave a resort review for any ski resorts you’ve recently visited.
The Best Ski Resorts In The World
North America
Killington, Vermont
Killington, known as the “Beast of the East,” is located in Central Vermont, and holds the title of the largest ski resort in the Eastern U.S. Skiers and riders have access to 3,000 acres of terrain, over 7 mountains, and can enjoy every possible type of ski terrain. Killington boasts more lifts on a single mountain than any other ski area in North America (22 lifts carrying more than 35,000 people per hour). While it receives a decent 250 inches of annual snowfall on average, the ski resort has an incredible snowmaking system that has seen significant upgrades in recent years. Killington also boasts the longest ski season on the East Coast, typically opening in early November, and remaining open through the end of May.
»View Killington Lodging Options.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Located in Western Wyoming’s Teton Village, Jackson Hole is among America’s must-visit resorts. It has some of the most famous and technically challenging lines in America (we’re looking at you Corbet’s Couloir) spread across 2,500 acres. Jackson Hole’s 13 lifts include the famous red tram that takes skiers and riders up into the Tetons for a wide variety of trails. Smooth groomers, glades, and moguls are blanketed by almost 500″ of snow annually, while there’s also an open backcountry gate that expands access to more than 3,000 acres of additional terrain. The terrain is so good and varied at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort that it was rated by OnTheSnow users as the Best-All Mountain Terrain Resort for the 2023-24 season.
The cowboy town of Jackson is full of unique lodging, dining, and shopping options. Plus, if you’d like to venture out of town, there’s plenty to explore in nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
»View Jackson Hole Lodging Options.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen has long been known as one of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world. Beyond the luxury, however, Aspen has a lot to offer because of its four very special ski mountains that are just miles apart.
Aspen Mountain, known locally as Ajax, features intermediate and advanced runs from top to bottom, with everything from steeps and bumps to trees and groomers. Aspen Highlands is a throwback to skiing of yesteryear, with lots of double blacks and its signature Highland Bowl. This is where the locals love to play. Buttermilk is the more humble beginner and intermediate mountain, home to 470 acres, 3 express lifts, solid grooming, and several terrain parks. Last, but not least, Snowmass is the biggest mountain of the quartet, and the most popular because of its wide-open terrain.
We of course can’t talk about Aspen without mentioning its amazing après-ski scene, featuring award-winning restaurants, wine bars, fun pop-ups, and unique food and drink experiences spread across the town. Our users rated it the best ski resort for aprés-ski for the 23-24 ski season.
»View Aspen Lodging Options.
Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado
Vail is a resort known throughout the world for its style and class, yet also has first-class terrain, as evidenced by the major events it’s hosted like two World Championships and numerous World Cup competitions. Vail’s mountain scenery is beautiful, while Vail Village brings a bit of Bavaria to the Rocky Mountains. Though all levels of skiers and snowboarders will have a great ski vacation at Vail, more advanced skiers will be in heaven when dipping into Vail’s famous Back Bowls. Beaver Creek, Vail’s sister resort, is only 12 miles away, and is a pristine mountain resort with plenty of all-level skiing and lots of challenges. Both ski resorts are on the Epic Pass.
»View Beaver Creek Lodging Options.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is an unparalleled ski destination. But while many of Colorado’s ski resorts are a reasonable drive from Denver, Telluride is more than six hours away, and far more remote than most ski destinations. And that’s part of the charm. Nevertheless, flying into one of the regional airpots, like Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), makes it easier to get to the resort.
Telluride’s uniqueness extends to the resort, which boasts some of the most vertical in North America, with 4,425 feet of vert. All told it has more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. But one of the most extraordinary things about Telluride is its complimentary gondola, the first public transit system of its kind in America, linking the town of Telluride to Mountain Village. This is a resort experience you can’t just have anywhere. And on a powder day, it can’t be beat. OnTheSnow users would agree, since Telluride was rated the Best Overall Ski Resort for the 2023-24 ski season.
»View Telluride Lodging Options.
Deer Valley, Utah
While there are too many Utah ski resorts we could name here, Deer Valley is among the headliners, featuring 2,026 acres, with more than 100 trails served by 21 lifts and numerous bowls. Off-mountain is just as good, with some of the world’s best ski destination hotels, such as the Goldener Hirsch and The St. Regis Deer Valley. This is the resort for skiers, especially considering that Deer Valley is a ski-only resort (sorry snowboarders).
While you’re here, you of course can’t miss Park City Mountain Resort, which is one of North America’s largest ski resorts with an incredible 7,300 acres of skiable terrain spread across 3 unique base areas.
»Choose your accommodation at Park City.
Alta and Snowbird, Utah
It’s impossible to talk about the world’s best ski resorts without mentioning the ski resorts in Utah’s Cottonwood Canyons. Utah isn’t called the “The Greatest Snow on Earth” for nothing. Utah’s location, the Wasatch Mountains, and science all combine to create a fluffy, dry powder that you just won’t find anywhere. During the record-breaking 2022-23 ski season, Alta, in Little Cottonwood Canyon, shattered its record with an astonishing 903 inches of snow. Its neighbor, Snowbird, received a record-breaking 838 inches of snow. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more snow and better powder skiing in North America.
»View Alta Lodging Options & Snowbird Lodging Options
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain has been a magnet for skiers and riders, primarily from California, since Dave McCoy opened the lifts in the 1950s in the Sierras. Mammoth’s secrets have long been discovered by skiers and riders from all over North America and the world. It is most easily reached via a 325-mile (5-6 hours) drive from the Los Angeles area, but there’s also a nearby regional airport. Mammoth’s long dormant volcanic dome at 11,053 feet (3,369 m) is the highest chairlift-accessible ski resort in California, and receives an average snowfall of 400 inches per season. This means lifts are usually spinning from early November until nearly summer. Make a long weekend of it so you can experience June Mountain, the nearby ski area that offers more of a local mountain feel.
When you’re ready for a break from alpine skiing, hit the area’s cross-country trails, as Mammoth Lakes is home to 140 miles of cross-country track. Cap off your day with a soak at any number of nearby hot springs.
» Check out Mammoth Lodging Options
Palisades Tahoe
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe has long been one of America’s preeminent destination resorts. And it’s only gotten bigger and better. It merged with Alpine Meadows in 2012, expanding its skiable terrain to 6,000 acres across 2 mountains. A decade later, at the start of the 2022-23 season, the Base to Base Gondola opened, linking the two mountains. It transports guests between The Village at Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Lodge, with the option for more advanced skiers and riders to unload at the KT-22 mid-station. Across the two mountains are incredible views of Lake Tahoe.
At the end of the day, skiers and riders can belly up to a number of amazing aprés-ski spots, from waterfront bars and restaurants at Lake Tahoe to iconic bars at The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Le Chamois we named one of the best aprés-ski bars in America.
» Check out lodging options around Lake Tahoe
SkiBig3, Alberta, Canada
Banff Sunshine, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise make up the SkiBig3 of Canadian Rocky Mountain skiing. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better trio of mountains in North America. SkiBig3’s ski areas are located around the mountain town of Banff, about 85 miles (136 km) from Calgary.
Mt. Norquay is the birthplace of skiing within the Canadian Rockies, and a great smaller ski area for a family-friendly vibe and night skiing. Banff Sunshine is high on the Continental Divide in the heart of Banff National Park, and features 3 sprawling mountains spread over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain with amazing views. Sunshine has everything from gentle slopes to extreme big mountain runs. Last, but not least, Lake Louise is renowned for its awesome scenery and versatile terrain. Play on more than 4,200 acres spread across 4 mountain faces on one of the largest ski resorts in North America.
»View SkiBig3 Lodging Options here
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb, located two hours from Vancouver, is the largest ski resort in North America. Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains with more than 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers combined, receiving an average of 465 inches of snow annually. It has 36 lifts, with the Peak-to-Peak Gondola topping them all off. Whistler Village sits at the base of the mountains, and is well-regarded for its four-star accommodations, dining, a plethora of après-ski options, and shopping.
While there are so many extraordinary things about Whistler, one of the best things for more advanced skiers and riders is the access to British Columbia’s incredible backcountry skiing terrain. Whistler Blackcomb is a gateway for skiers and riders to have access to 432,000 acres for heli-skiing thanks to Whistler Heli Skiing. What’s more, Epic Pass and Epic Day Pass Holders receive 20% off Whistler Heli Skiing packages.
Europe
Austria
St. Anton am Arlberg
St. Anton am Arlberg is referred to as the “cradle of alpine skiing,” and it’s a title that this iconic Europe ski destination has earned. It’s the largest connected skiing area in Austria, with more than 186 miles (300 km) of marked runs, 87 lifts and cable cars, and lots of off-piste skiing. It’s a playground for intermediate and advanced skiers, while it’s also a great ski destination for beginners, thanks to St. Anton am Arlberg’s top-of-the-line ski school. The relatively small, but cosmopolitan Tirolean mountain village exudes hospitality while retaining much of its original feel and charm. Meanwhile, the neighboring villages of St. Cristof, Pettneu am Arlberg, Schnann, Flirish and Strengen are just as picturesque and charming.
» View St. Anton Lodging Options
Kitzbuhel
You may have seen Kitzbuhel on TV if you’ve ever watched the famous World Cup downhill on the Hahnnenkamm Streif. Kitz is a medieval town, about 62 miles (100 km) east of Innsbruck, where skiing has been taking place in the region for more than 125 years. The ski destination is easily accessible and generally offers up long ski seasons. Kitzbuhel has 57 lifts to get skiers to everything from beginner terrain to expansive advanced terrain. Once it’s time for après-ski, 60 huts and mountain restaurants offer relaxing Euro-style meals right in the heart of the stunning mountains. Kitzbuhel is truly a historic city, while nearby villages include Jochberg, Aurach, Kirchberg, Aschau and Hollersbach.
» View Kitzbuhel Lodging Options
Soelden
Skiing and riding in Soelden, which you may notice from the James Bond film Spectre, is about as different of an experience as you can get in Austria. And it’s not just because Soelden hosts the James Bond 007 Elements Experience. Soelden is a standout because its terrain spans two glaciers (Rettenbach and Tiefenbach) and three well-connected mountains for skiing and riding for all skill levels. Its terrain is particularly well suited for confident intermediates and advanced skiers. Soelden is a rather big ski town, unlike other typical Austrian villages, and sprawls out with accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife. Plus, Soelden is regarded as one of the best party ski towns in Europe.
Switzerland
Verbier
Verbier, located in Southwest Switzerland, is one of the most cosmopolitan resorts in the country, while also having an incredible amount of ski terrain. All told, Verbier’s 4 Valleys ski region has 254 miles (410 km) of ski runs and more than 90 lifts (yes, seriously). The region’s five resorts include: Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon and La Tzoumaz. Among the most epic experiences is taking a cable car to the summit of Mont-Fort and, if you have the ability, skiing or riding down one of the iconic black runs. The town of Verbier has developed into a glamorous winter playground, dotted with Michelin-starred restaurants, stunning spas, wine bars, and much more. This is an iconic Swiss ski holiday experience.
Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana you may have seen from watching major ski racing events like the World Alpine Ski Championship and numerous World Cup races that have been hosted here. Its 87 miles (140 km) of ski runs and the Plaine Morte Glacier, at an elevation of 9,020 feet, are among the highlights. Crans-Montana’s views are incredible from any of its completely south-facing marked runs, although there’s not a bad view. Some of the best runs favor intermediate skill levels.
Crans-Montana is made up of two Swiss mountain villages, Crans-sur-Sierre and Montana, both of which are accessed via funicular from the valley town of Sierre. The Alaïa Chalet, a huge indoor and outdoor multi-action sports complex for skiers, snowboarders and skaters, opened on the outskirts of town in 2019.
France
Les 3 Vallées
Welcome to the largest interlinked ski resort area in the world. Les 3 Vallées comprises more than 370 miles (600 km) of skiable terrain and 180 ski lifts. More than 300 ski runs connect the ski resorts of Val Thorens, Les Menuires, Meribel, and Courchevel with the smaller villages of Saint Martin, La Tania, and Brides les Bains. All skier and rider ability levels can sample these wide-open spaces, panoramic vistas, and incredible days on the slopes of the French Alps. Nearly half the runs are aimed at beginners and intermediates, while the rest is dedicated to more advanced skiers and boarders. Its 36 fun zones (themed runs, snowparks, beginners’ areas, etc.) offer endless opportunities and even more fun.
» View Les 3 Valées Lodging Options.
Val d’Isere
Val d’Isere, and neighboring Tignes, is part of the huge Espace Killy region, named for Olympic triple gold medal winner Jean-Claude Killy, who honed his skills here. They claim to have the largest snowmaking capacity in Europe, and combined with the 5,000-foot (1550 meters) altitude, it typically makes for a long ski season thanks to all the snow it receives. Skiing and riding on the Glacier du Pisaillas often extends the season well into June. Skiers and riders will find an astonishing 150 lifts at Val d’Isere that provide access to 186 miles (300 kilometers) of terrain. Beginner skiers can enjoy the travelator, an enclosed magic-carpet at the top of the gondola for accessing a gentle slope, while intermediate and advanced skiers will find an abundance of terrain.
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski Area, boasting 155 miles (249km) of terrain, is a combination of six resorts in one interconnected Alpine ski area, located only one hour away from Grenoble and less than five hours from Paris. Two snowparks, a boardercross park, and a halfpipe add to the fun. More than 80 lifts connect the 6 base villages to terrain as high as Pic Blanc, the highest peak in the ski area, with incredible views of Mont Blanc. The Sarenne is one of the longest runs in the world at 10 miles (16 km). It’ll give even the best skiers an endurance test.
Skiing and riding at Alpe d’Huez is on a fully south-facing plateau, offering maximum exposure to the sun. Yet the combination of fresh snow and snowmaking operations provide a generous blanket of snow.
Italy
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of Italy’s most famous and expansive ski resorts for a ski holiday. It hosted the Winter Olympics in the 1950s, and has been chosen to host the Games again in 2026. Cortina has an incredible vertical of 5,200 feet, with 36 lifts to get skiers and snowboarders across the resort. There are 37 runs here for all skill levels, as well as terrain parks and plenty of beginner terrain. In fact, nearly half of Cortina d’Ampezzo’s runs are for beginners.
Among the best perks of Cortina d’Ampezzo: It’s part of Dolomiti SuperSki, a collection of 16 resorts accessible by the Dolomiti Card, which includes world-class ski resorts like Alta Badia and Val Gardena. The card is reusable, lets you top off at any time and allows you to skip the lift lines.
Bormio
Bormio, in the heart of Alta Valtellina, offers some of the best summit-to-base skiing and riding at the three ski areas of Bormio, Santa Catarina, and Cima Piazzi-San Colombano. Take in the views, then swoop down from the highest peaks of Bormio 2000 and 3000. Advanced skiers may want to test themselves on the the Stevio, the World Cup downhill course. Bormio will play host to some of the alpine skiing events at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The ski resort is easy to reach by car from Milan and the north end of Lake Como via Aprica Pass on the SS 39 – an all-winter road.
Courmayeur
Courmayeur’s world-class cred as one of the best ski destinations comes in part from its location on the northwest edge of Italy, bordering France and Switzerland in the Italian Alps, and featuring magnificent views of Mont Blanc. There are two sides to Courmayeur -Chécrouit and Val Vény, where beginners, experts, snowboarders, and telemark skiers (popular in Europe) ski and ride. The food and wine scene of Courmayeur is an attraction in and of itself After a day of skiing, enjoy an aperitif and an excellent dinner at high altitude as the sun sets on Mont Blanc.
Asia
Yabuli, China
Yabuli, located in the Heilongjiang Province, is China’s largest ski resort, and a unique experience for skiers and riders. This modern China ski resort features 9 lifts (including a 6-seat gondola) and a vertical drop of 2,900 feet (884 meters). The terrain spans 165 acres (65 hectares) with 49 runs, half of which are intermediate runs. Club Med Yabuli, the ski area’s all-inclusive resort, is arguably the biggest draw, located just steps from the gondola. Club Med specializes in all-inclusive luxury resorts in many mountain destinations around the world, including several in Asia.
Yongpyong, South Korea
Yongpyong, located about three hours from Seoul, is Korea’s biggest ski resort. Many people may remember it as the resort that hosted the slalom and giant slalom events at the 2018 Winter Olympics. It’s served by 14 lifts and 31 slopes that operate across 4 zones. Yongpyong’s more challenging terrain is found in the Dragon Zone, which is accessed via Yongpyong’s only gondola. Intermediate to advanced skiers will find a number of fun runs to play on. Rainbow is the highest run at nearly 12,000 feet (3658 meters), while Rainbow Paradise is the longest run at more than 3 miles long. Mega Green is the best choice for beginners.
Nagano, Japan
Nagano, which played host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, is a short train and bus ride from Tokyo, making it an ideal location for international travelers. Hakuba 47 and Goryu, two outstanding mountains, combine into one ski resort in Nagano, supplying a little bit of everything to keep all types of skiers and snowboarders happy.
Among the benefits of skiing at Nagano is the access to so many great ski areas with one pass. Happo One, located an hour away from Nagano, is Hakuba Valley’s largest ski area and home to some seriously snowy steeps (it’s where the Olympic Super-G event was held). Shiga Kogen, also an hour from Nagano, is the largest interconnected ski area in Japan, comprised of 19 separate ski areas, with trails running between them through the mountains.
You can read more about skiing in Japan in our article about some of the country’s best ski resorts.
Niseko, Japan
Niseko is one the most famous ski resorts in Japan, contributing to the country’s affectionate “Japow” term. This Japan ski destination was built for powder seekers, many of whom claim it has some of the best snow in the world. Located in Hokkaido, in Northern Japan, Niseko spans across 5 different resort areas, including Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, and Moiwa, making it one of the largest ski areas in the country. Boasting 2,100 acres available to explore, Niseko has a little bit of everything, including some of the world’s all-time snowiest glades. It’s a particularly favorable spot for English-speaking families as they offer ski lessons available in English. Plus, Niseko is offered on the Ikon Pass.
South America
Before planning a ski vacation to South America and Oceania, just note that these are Southern Hemisphere countries. So that means that while it’s winter in North America, it’s summer in South America, and vice versa. South America, New Zealand, and Australia‘s ski seasons kick off at the beginning of North America’s summer, and continue through much of the fall months until about October.
Portillo, Chile
Ski Portillo, South America’s first ski resort, is renowned worldwide by visitors and teaching professionals who come to the Andes Mountains from all over the world to ski and ride year-round. Its legendary yellow and blue ski-in/ski-out resort, Hotel Portillo, has only 123 rooms available from June to September, but is an iconic experience for a South America ski vacation. There are a few small lodges and cabins, too. Portillo’s slopes are suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers, with plenty of powder skiing when storms often leave feet of snow. Plus, there aren’t the lift lines of many North America ski resorts on a powder day. All told Portillo offers more than 1,200 acres of terrain.
» View Portillo Lodging Options.
Valle Nevado, Chile
Valle Nevado, located 90 miles from Santiago, features 2,200 acres of varied terrain, 17 lifts, and Chile’s only gondola. The resort receives plenty of snow because of its orientation and altitude of 9,924 feet, and boasts short lift lines and uncrowded slopes on powder days. Most of the terrain is designated for intermediate to advanced skiers, and is largely comprised of wide-open, groomed runs ideal for cruising. Yet there’s also a terrain park and plenty of backcountry terrain for off-piste skiing. Bonus: Guests spending seven nights at the resort receive two interconnect tickets to neighboring resorts La Parva and El Colorado, combining for an incredible 7,000 acres of terrain. Treat yourself at the Hotel Nevado, a high-end, all-inclusive hotel with ski-in and ski-out access.
» View Valle Nevado Lodging options.
Las Lenas, Argentina
You’ll find Las Lenas Ski Resort in the Mendoza province of Argentina. While it’s not as convenient as many other South America ski resorts, it’s so worth it. Intermediate terrain, featuring wide runs with a great pitch, is in abundance here, making it a smart destination for families of varied abilities. Most of the best terrain is located off the famous Marte double chair, where the runs are truly long. However, it’s the advanced and expert terrain that makes Las Lenas so special. Las Lenas has an incredible 43,000 acres of skiable terrain (more than even Whistler Blackcomb), much of which is vast backcountry terrain for expert skiers to really let loose.
Nevertheless, this is a great place for beginners to learn, since Las Lenas’ ski school is multilingual. Many North America and Europe ski instructors head here after the Northern Hemisphere ski season.
» View Las Lenas Lodging Options.
Oceania
Perisher, Australia
Perisher is the largest ski area in Australia with a diverse variety of terrain for all skiing and snowboarding abilities. It boasts a generous 3,000 acres of skiable terrain covering approximately 5 square miles (12 square km), and has activities for everyone to enjoy, including tubing at the largest tubing area in Australia. Snowmaking is key here, with the terrain covered by 240 snow guns. The Front Valley slope is lit for night skiing on select evenings.
While there are four ski villages—Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow—they aren’t villages in the traditional since that you’d find in Europe or North America. Many of the amenities and operations are no-frills; so, yes, you’ll see some T-bar lifts. Yet it’s without question one of the best destination resort experiences in Australia. Perisher is in the Kosciuszko National Park, about a 5-hour drive from Sydney and 7 hours from Melbourne. Unique to the region is the Skitube Alpine Railway, an electric rack-rail that provides train access to the region.
» View Perisher Lodging Options.
Thredbo, Australia
While Thredbo is not the biggest ski resort in Australia (1,200 acres), it offers up some challenges with the highest vertical drop in the country and very respectable steeps. It also has some good leg burners, including the 3-mile (5 km) Village Trail, which is the longest ski run in Australia. Interestingly, the best beginner runs of Thredbo are at the top of the mountain, making for a unique experience for skiers just starting out. The Merritts Gondola, the only one in Australia, is a high-speed, 8-person lift that takes you from the village to the base of the cruiser area in 6 minutes. Thredbo is a vibrant village at the base of the mountain with a range of accommodations, restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.
Cardrona, New Zealand
Just an hour away from Queenstown is Cardrona, a well-rounded New Zealand ski resort that has 38 trails served by 7 lifts. It boasts one of New Zealand’s highest ski resort summit elevations at over 6,000 feet, and thanks to its location in the Crown Mountain Range, it’s able to receive and hold more snow than many other nearby ski areas. Cardrona’s variety of terrain makes it appealing to families of all abilities. Captain’s Basin and Arcadia Chutes are the go-to spots for advanced skiers, while more playful riders have tons to experience in the expansive terrain park system, featuring four distinct areas. Come 2025, Cardrona will be the largest ski area in New Zealand after increasing its terrain by 24%. This project includes the construction of a new six-person lift and brand new ski area called Soho Basin.
» View Cardrona Lodging Options
The Best Ski Resorts for Snowboarders
Happo-One, Hakuba, Japan
Riders love the light, prodigious powder at Happo-One in Nagano’s Hakuba Valley. In Japan they have their own word for it, which we mentioned above, called “japow.” Happo-One is the biggest ski resort in the area with four base areas and a terrific village. Happo-One is dotted with great terrain parks, tree riding, powder stashes, and more. While Happo-One can be expensive by Japanese standards, it’s not if you’re coming from the big ski resorts of North America.
Utah
Snowboarders love the access to 9 resorts within a 1-hour drive from Salt Lake City, Utah. Park City Mountain Resort is one of the best for snowboarders, featuring 6 terrain parks for beginners and advanced snowboarders, plus a 22-foot halfpipe. Brighton has a beginner’s park and 3 more terrain parks. Then there’s Woodward, which is created just for park riders, with multiple zones for beginners and experts alike (including a large freestyle terrain park) in Park City. Note that the Utah ski resorts of Deer Valley and Alta do not allow snowboards.
The Remarkables, New Zealand
The Remarkables, 45 minutes from Queenstown, is the name of both a mountain range and ski resort in Otago on the South Island of New Zealand along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It earns its name due to the backdrop against the water that is indeed remarkable. The Burton Stash, an advanced terrain park, is centered around the rock and stone that is plentiful in the natural terrain of New Zealand. It was personally designed by Jake Burton and legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly, and is one of only six in the world (and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere).
» View Remarkables Lodging Options.
Best for Freeriding
Freeriders, and especially solid intermediates, love Revelstoke. And if you’re local, Revelstoke is a great place to elevate your skills with its 5-week and 10-week freeride programs during the heart of the ski season. In the U.S., freeriders love Crested Butte in Colorado. Head for Extreme Limits, the Headwall, and North Face. Over in Europe, St. Anton’s Kappl in Austria has loads of good freeriding terrain, while serious skiers and freeriders also love Chamonix in France with its steep faces, glacial runs, tree skiing, and some of the world’s best backcountry terrain.
Where is the best place to ski in the world on a ski holiday?
Do you like to ski or ride where the choices are literally endless? Then choose the mega resorts of France which include Chamonix, Val d’Isere, Courcheval, and others. If you want traditional village life and ideal ski terrain to go with it, then choose St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria, where it all began. Colorado’s Aspen Snowmass, Utah’s Cottonwood Canyon resorts, and Whistler Blackcomb give the famed European resorts serious competition.
What is the ski capital of the world?
Courcheval in the French Alps actually bills itself as “The Ski Capital of the World.” The famed resort at the foot of Mont Blanc has every right to use that moniker. Courchevel is a big part of Les Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in France and one of the largest in the world with 373 miles (600 km) of powdery snow. The area includes Meribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and Courcheval.
In conclusion
So what are the best ski resorts in the world? Well that’s ultimately up to you considering how many great ski destinations there are around the world. The late, great ski filmmaker Warren Miller used to say, “The best place to ski in the world is the mountain you are skiing on today.” He was, of course, correct. The best in France will be way different than the best in Vermont and the best in Japan will be way different than the best in Italy. The best, for sure, is up to you.
April 15, 2025
