If you’re ready to carve up the slopes, then take a look at our handy guide to the stand-out ski destinations you should be visiting this winter.
The best ski destinations in Europe
St Moritz, Switzerland
When it comes to the ultimate ski destinations in Europe for unabashed glamour, look no further than St Moritz.
This Swiss superstar has to be one of the most sophisticated ski destinations and has been ‘the’ place to ski for over 150 years.
Luxury is in abundance in St Moritz, from the lavish hotels to the unmissable apres ski, when it comes to living your best life, St Moritz is one of the top ski destinations for that.
And then of course there’s the skiing. With 218 miles of high-altitude pistes and a heady mix of large and small ski areas, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting your ski on!
Despite it being a luxurious resort, you can still do St Moritz on a lesser budget and can even get a ski pass from CHF45 which is the equivalent of £41 per day for the duration of your stay.
Innsbruck, Austria
There’s no doubt that Innsbruck will ‘peak’ your interest and if you are looking for ski destinations with a dose of culture, then the charming city of Innsbruck offers you the best worlds, plus you can enjoy both mountain and city life in one amazing trip.
Not only has the Tirol capital been the host city of the Olympics twice, it also is the beating heart of the Tyrol region and is surrounded by 13 (yes 13!) ski resorts which includes Kühtai, Patscherkofel and Bergeralm.
If you are a ski aficionado, head on over to Axamer Lizum where you will be able to take advantage of the more challenging ski runs or if you are with a group of people with different ability levels, why not try the Schlick 2000 which is great for families in particular as they have a ski school and more progressive terrains for more experienced skiers.
Delightful all year round, but Innsbruck is one of the best ski destinations for festive fun and you won’t want to miss exploring the charming holiday markets in the surrounding villages!
Val d’Isère, France
Although on the pricier side of Europe’s best ski destinations, Val d’Isère is always one of the top ski destinations on people’s must-visit list.
Enchanting and glamorous, it’s easy to fall in love with this French ski resort.
For experienced skiers, you can enjoy the first-class slopes that even comes with a back up artificial snow maker (just in case!) but you are almost guaranteed to enjoy enviable and reliable snow levels throughout the ski season.
Of course, one of the main attractions is the impressive dining and vibrant après-ski which more than justifies the plane ticket alone!
There’s plenty of amazing restaurants and eateries to indulge in, from the intimate dining of Cocotte to the renowned Dick’s Tea Bar which has come to be known as an institution in Val d’Isère to both tourists and locals alike.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Infinitely one of Austria’s most popular ski destinations, Kitzbuhel is also one of the most desirable ski destinations in Europe and is known for its effortless charm as it is for its incredible skiing. In total, there are 96 runs covering 145 miles of unsurpassed skiing.
Whether you are a complete beginner or want to brush up on your ski skills, you can book in for some lessons at one of the region’s 11 renowned ski schools.
The picturesque and historic city centre with its charming cobblestone streets and ornate architecture is a joy to explore and it’s surrounded by the most stunning landscape which includes crystal clear water and stunning mountain panoramas that are just waiting to be explored by outdoor enthusiasts.
As well as its lively après-ski scene, you can enjoy exploring some of Kitzbuhel’s fabulous restaurants, where you will have plenty of delicious options from traditional dishes to haute cuisine.
The magic of the mountains can be found in this cosmopolitan town. to enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the slopes.
Courmayeur, Italy
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, the ski resort of Courmayeur is a charming old village located in one of Europe’s highest mountains.
Although it’s just 22 km away from its captivating French neighbour Chamonix on the French side of the mountain, Courmayeur is unique in its own way and it’s chock full of Italian style and sophistication.
The skiing in Courmayeur offers excellent conditions thanks to the high altitude, with pistes above 2,500 metres and it can be reached in just 90 minutes from Geneva airport, making it a stellar choice for a quick weekend of skiing.
Offering a glamorous Italian mountain experience, Courmayeur is one of the best ski destinations in Europe for all abilities thanks to its superb selection of piste and off-piste skiing, but it is strongly recommended that you hire a guide to assist you with where to go.
There’s also some challenging black runs that more advanced skiers can enjoy.
Courmayeur comes alive in the evenings and this vibrant town is full of boutique shops, sophisticated bars and restaurants.
The best ski destinations in the USA
Aspen, Colorado
One of the US’s most famous ski destinations, Aspen in the Rocky Mountains is a hotspot for skiers who want excellent eateries, eclectic shops and lots of things to do.
Skiing wise, there’s a slope for every skill level from Buttermilk for beginners to Aspen Mountain for more experienced skiers.
There’s so much fun to be had in Aspen, from snowmobile and sleigh rides to ice skating and more.
You can even take a hot air balloon ride to take in the magnificent views of the stunning landscape. Throw into the mix the fantastic range of shops, galleries and restaurants.
This crowd pleasing ski destination has so much to offer, why not pay a visit to the old mining town of Breckenridge where you will find world-class skiing, riding and excellent bars and restaurants.
Whistler, British Columbia
You say ski destinations and we say Whistler!
This legendary ski destination is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and is in British Columbia just north of Vancouver.
If you love all things snow-related, you can’t go wrong with Whistler where you can enjoy snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing and more.
This former Winter Olympics playground is just waiting to be explored. Full of charm and natural beauty, Whistler has some of the most mind-blowing landscapes which includes lush greenery, stunning glaciers, waterfalls, beaches and valley trails.
Festivals, spas, restaurants and bars combine with endless outdoor activities to make Whistler the ultimate place to escape and unwind whilst having lots of fun to boot!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
One of the USA’s top all year-round ski destinations, the possibilities for adventure at Jackson Hole are limitless.
Wyoming is not only good for skiing and other snow-related sports, it is also pretty good for fishing, horse riding, white water water rafting, and more.
Jackson Hole is the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and is also close to the Bridger Teton National Forest.
Authentically American and with distinctive Western mountain character, Jackson Hole is a popular year-round tourist destination and is one of the most popular ski destinations in the USA.
Soak in the splendour of the Grand Teton National Park, where you will find a myriad of wildlife which includes moose, elk, and buffalo.
The best ski destinations in Europe
St Moritz, Switzerland
When it comes to the ultimate ski destinations in Europe for unabashed glamour, look no further than St Moritz. This Swiss superstar has to be one of the most sophisticated ski destinations and has been ‘the’ place to ski for over 150 years.
Luxury is in abundance in St Moritz, from the lavish hotels to the unmissable apres ski, when it comes to living your best life, St Moritz is one of the top ski destinations for that. And then of course there’s the skiing. With 218 miles of high-altitude pistes and a heady mix of large and small ski areas, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting your ski on!
Despite it being a luxurious resort, you can still do St Moritz on a lesser budget and can even get a ski pass from CHF45 which is the equivalent of £41 per day for the duration of your stay.
Innsbruck, Austria
There’s no doubt that Innsbruck will ‘peak’ your interest and if you are looking for ski destinations with a dose of culture, then the charming city of Innsbruck offers you the best worlds, plus you can enjoy both mountain and city life in one amazing trip.
Not only has the Tirol capital been the host city of the Olympics twice, it also is the beating heart of the Tyrol region and is surrounded by 13 (yes 13!) ski resorts which includes Kühtai, Patscherkofel and Bergeralm.
If you are a ski aficionado, head on over to Axamer Lizum where you will be able to take advantage of the more challenging ski runs or if you are with a group of people with different ability levels, why not try the Schlick 2000 which is great for families in particular as they have a ski school and more progressive terrains for more experienced skiers.
Delightful all year round, but Innsbruck is one of the best ski destinations for festive fun and you won’t want to miss exploring the charming holiday markets in the surrounding villages!
Val d’Isère, France
Although on the pricier side of Europe’s best ski destinations, Val d’Isère is always one of the top ski destinations on people’s must-visit list.
Enchanting and glamorous, it’s easy to fall in love with this French ski resort.
For experienced skiers, you can enjoy the first-class slopes that even comes with a back up artificial snow maker (just in case!) but you are almost guaranteed to enjoy enviable and reliable snow levels throughout the ski season.
Of course, one of the main attractions is the impressive dining and vibrant après-ski which more than justifies the plane ticket alone!
There’s plenty of amazing restaurants and eateries to indulge in, from the intimate dining of Cocotte to the renowned Dick’s Tea Bar which has come to be known as an institution in Val d’Isère to both tourists and locals alike.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
Infinitely one of Austria’s most popular ski destinations, Kitzbuhel is also one of the most desirable ski destinations in Europe and is known for its effortless charm as it is for its incredible skiing. In total, there are 96 runs covering 145 miles of unsurpassed skiing.
Whether you are a complete beginner or want to brush up on your ski skills, you can book in for some lessons at one of the region’s 11 renowned ski schools.
The picturesque and historic city centre with its charming cobblestone streets and ornate architecture is a joy to explore and it’s surrounded by the most stunning landscape which includes crystal clear water and stunning mountain panoramas that are just waiting to be explored by outdoor enthusiasts.
As well as its lively après-ski scene, you can enjoy exploring some of Kitzbuhel’s fabulous restaurants, where you will have plenty of delicious options from traditional dishes to haute cuisine.
The magic of the mountains can be found in this cosmopolitan town. to enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the slopes.
Courmayeur, Italy
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, the ski resort of Courmayeur is a charming old village located in one of Europe’s highest mountains.
Although it’s just 22 km away from its captivating French neighbour Chamonix on the French side of the mountain, Courmayeur is unique in its own way and it’s chock full of Italian style and sophistication.
The skiing in Courmayeur offers excellent conditions thanks to the high altitude, with pistes above 2,500 metres and it can be reached in just 90 minutes from Geneva airport, making it a stellar choice for a quick weekend of skiing.
Offering a glamorous Italian mountain experience, Courmayeur is one of the best ski destinations in Europe for all abilities thanks to its superb selection of piste and off-piste skiing, but it is strongly recommended that you hire a guide to assist you with where to go.
There’s also some challenging black runs that more advanced skiers can enjoy.
Courmayeur comes alive in the evenings and this vibrant town is full of boutique shops, sophisticated bars and restaurants.
The best ski destinations in the USA and Canada
Aspen, Colorado
One of the US’s most famous ski destinations, Aspen in the Rocky Mountains is a hotspot for skiers who want excellent eateries, eclectic shops and lots of things to do. Skiing wise, there’s a slope for every skill level from Buttermilk for beginners to Aspen Mountain for more experienced skiers.
There’s so much fun to be had in Aspen, from snowmobile and sleigh rides to ice skating and more.
You can even take a hot air balloon ride to take in the magnificent views of the stunning landscape. Throw into the mix the fantastic range of shops, galleries and restaurants.
This crowd pleasing ski destination has so much to offer, why not pay a visit to the old mining town of Breckenridge where you will find world-class skiing, riding and excellent bars and restaurants.
Whistler, British Columbia
You say ski destinations and we say Whistler! This legendary ski destination is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and is in British Columbia just north of Vancouver.
If you love all things snow-related, you can’t go wrong with Whistler where you can enjoy snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing and more.
This former Winter Olympics playground is just waiting to be explored. Full of charm and natural beauty, Whistler has some of the most mind-blowing landscapes which includes lush greenery, stunning glaciers, waterfalls, beaches and valley trails.
Festivals, spas, restaurants and bars combine with endless outdoor activities to make Whistler the ultimate place to escape and unwind whilst having lots of fun to boot!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
One of the USA’s top all year-round ski destinations, the possibilities for adventure at Jackson Hole are limitless.
Wyoming is not only good for skiing and other snow-related sports, it is also pretty good for fishing, horse riding, white water water rafting, and more.
Jackson Hole is the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, the National Elk Refuge, and is also close to the Bridger Teton National Forest.
Authentically American and with distinctive Western mountain character, Jackson Hole is a popular year-round tourist destination and is one of the most popular ski destinations in the USA.
Soak in the splendour of the Grand Teton National Park, where you will find a myriad of wildlife which includes moose, elk, and buffalo.
