Where are the best destinations to enjoy winter sports?

From the glamour of St Moritz and the charm of Kitzbühel to the majestic slopes of Lech Zürs and manicured pistes of Courchevel, fans of the white stuff are truly spoiled for choice. 

Read on for our guide to the best destinations to enjoy winter sports as you Dream, Plan and Book your next snowy adventure.

Banff is the gift that keeps on giving thanks to its endless landscape of lush forests, glacial lakes and eminent peaks. After a day on the slopes, head to the Hot Springs and watch the snow fall on the surrounding mountains in unspoiled wilderness. When it comes to enjoying winter sports on the slopes, you have a choice of three, offering both snowboarders and skiers an almost limitless variety over 8,000 acres of incredible terrain.

Alaska may not be your obvious choice for a ski holiday, but you might be surprised to know that its seven resorts are deemed bucket list worthy thanks to lofty peaks, heli-skiing and quirky vintage chairlifts. Whether you’re a newbie or a long-time skier, Alaska delivers in abundance. Head over to the Aurora café for the après ski where you can enjoy schnapps or even a relaxing hot chocolate (perhaps with a dash of something stronger?).

For pure unadulterated glamour, look no further than the stunning ski resort of St Moritz. Think opulent hotels and lodges, lush forests and glimmering lakes. For those into winter sports,  there’s some truly first-class skiing, thanks to its high altitude base, providing an excellent quality of snow over 218 miles of high-altitude pistes. St Moritz is also home to the renowned Cresta Run where you can find some of the region’s most sought-after restaurants and hotels. 

Need a break from the slopes? There’s a smorgasbord of art galleries, museums and intriguing landmarks, including St Moritz’s very own ‘leaning tower’ to be discovered. And you simply can’t visit St Moritz without taking a ride on the famed Glacier Express to nearby Zermatt – a dreamy journey through forests and valleys, with spectacular views of the mountains.

Small yet mighty, Aspen certainly packs a punch thanks to its proximity to four herculean ski areas and Insta-worthy views of the Rockies. Aspen mountain (also known as Ajax) has 675 skiable acres that you can explore to your heart’s desire.

And then there’s Aspen Snowmass, the crème de la crème of Aspen’s resorts, where you’ll find the second-largest vertical drop in the whole of the United States. A casual 4,406 feet. Maybe not for the faint-hearted.

Skiing aside, Aspen offers next-level winter sports activities such as a ride on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, hiking, dog sledding, ice skating and yoga.

Once you’ve got your fill of all that fresh air, head to one of the local restaurants, including the Creperie Du Village, where you can chow down on some of the most delicious crepes you’ll ever try.

Lech is truly a ski resort and holiday destination for all seasons. From sleigh rides and ice skating in winter to mountain top yoga and ebiking in spring, if you love laidback luxury with a dollop of alpine chic, you’ll find all of that and more in Lech – whilst nestled around a whirling river. Ski Arlberg boasts 190 miles of pistes and is the world’s fifth-largest ski resort, as well as one of the best places for snow in Europe.

If you were to conjure up a postcard-perfect image of ski perfection, then the alpine town of Kitzbühel surely springs to mind. Wander its cobbled streets, where you’ll find charming inns garnished with ancient frescoes, Gault Millau winning restaurants aglow with candlelight and chic boutiques. Intermediate skiers can glide down the renowned Streif Downhill course, but if the slow and steady pizza-french-fries technique is more your level, there are slopes for all abilities!

A ski resort a mere hour’s drive from Munich, you say? Not just one of the best ski resorts in Bavaria, the professional snowboarding community give it their kudos, too. 

Although the altitude lends itself to pristine, fairytale snow, if there’s a distinct lack of the white stuff when you visit, there’s no need to worry. Dreams can still be made thanks to its impressive snowmaking equipment. Whilst you’re at it, why not try some mountain carting and traverse down the Alpenbahnen Spitzingsee?

Nestled in the snowy backdrop of Mt Blanc, Chamonix sprawls across five mountains and offers varied terrain for skiers and snowboarders. Ski highlights include the 12.5-mile-long Vallée Blanche, the world’s longest off-piste ski route. Meanwhile, visitors can take a trip up the spectacular Aiguille du Midi, one of Europe’s highest cable-cars.

Looking for something totally different? Here you can truly say YOLO and give tobogganing and rafting a go, or take up hiking and horse riding.