The first thing that comes to mind with the name Alpe d’Huez, is ‘sunshine.’ Three hundred days a year, the sun shines down on the beautiful slopes of this resort, offering skiers the chance to ride the line between the frozen and the hot, in that perfect zone of comfort. Couple that with the ...

Avoriaz, the main resort in the famed ski sports destination ‘Portes du Soleil’, is considered by many the most advanced and alluring Alpine resort in Europe. Easily accessible from Lake Geneva’s Thonon and the Cluses-junction between Geneva and Chamonix, Avoriaz overlooks Morzine, the ...

Chosen not only for the terrain, but also for the stunning views of nearby Mont Blanc, Chamonix has been in operation since the beginning of the twentieth century, and was popular long before that as a destination of choice for alpine adventuring. The heavy traffic through the Mont Blanc Tunnel ...

Just inside the northeast corner of the Parc National de la Vanoise, and part of the Trois Vallées linked ski area, Courchevel in a great place for skiers of all skill levels, with an abundance of choice, especially for intermediate skiers – and a few of the most challenging black runs in the ...

Less than an hour and a half from the airport in Geneva, Flaine is easy to get to, and you won’t eat up too much of your holiday in getting there. It is part of the Grand Massif Ski Area, boasting 145km of its own runs and access to an additional 120km on Les Carroz, Samoens and Morillon. Mainly ...

La Clusaz sits just west of the Swiss border and offers runs for all levels of skiers, with a special wealth of choices for intermediates. The community is friendly, appreciative of good food, and supports local recreational facilities that would be surprisingly abundant and developed for a ...

In terms of ski passes sold and number of beds available, La Plagne is the biggest ski resort in the world. Linked with Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express it also forms part of the vast Paradiski area. This high mountain plateau is surrounded by alpine peaks, and it’s an ideal resort for ...

Les Arcs is part of the mighty Paradiski ski area in the French Alps with a whopping 425km of pistes. With 70% of its slopes above 2000m it offers high altitude skiing and is as snow sure as ski areas get. The pistes vary from wide, cruisey blues to steep challenging blacks, there is plenty of ...

As part of the Grand Massif Ski Area, Les Carroz offers its own runs, plus those of Morillon, Samoëns and Flaine. It is a real, traditional village that just happens to have skiing, so visitors get to experience both the skiing and the genuine culture of the local community. The scenery and mood ...

An attractive resort for boarders and expert skiers, Les Deux Alpes also offers a wide choice of runs and off-piste fun for beginners and intermediates. With the largest skiable glacier in Europe, the area has some attractive features, accessible in any season. ...

Les Arcs is part of the mighty Paradiski ski area in the French Alps with a whopping 425km of pistes. With 70% of its slopes above 2000m it offers high altitude skiing and is as snow sure as ski areas get. The pistes vary from wide, cruisey blues to steep challenging blacks, there is plenty of ...

Megève has been running since 1916 and has been a hub of luxury skiing almost as long. There is a traditional air about this place, from the medieval centre to the alpine-chic hotels and Michelin-starred eating establishments, to the churches and galleries that punctuate the city with history and ...

Meribel is one of the prettiest resorts in the Alps, with a traditional and friendly village atmosphere. Sitting in the heart of the vast Three Valleys ski area and linked to Courchevel, La Tania and Val Thorens, there are more than 600km of pistes to explore, with 150km in Meribel alone. ...

With its chalet-style buildings and mountain village feel, Morzine has managed to maintain a traditional atmosphere. It’s also the largest resort of the 650km Portes du Soleil ski area, which combines 14 villages on the French/Swiss border, including Les Gets, Chatel and Avoriaz. ...

This valley, with its string of villages and ample skiing terrain, is an attractive spot for those whose focus is primarily on the slopes.  Popular with families, those who can overlook the busy central road and some of the less-attractive buildings, will enjoy the cobbled streets and friendly ...

Good snow cover and an excellent choice of terrain make Tignes one of France’s most dependable ski resorts. And, combined with neighbouring Val d’Isere, it forms the immense Espace Killy ski area. Unlike some ski areas, the two villages are closely linked with a good selection of runs and ...

With runs used World Cup and Olympic downhill, a large number of green slopes plus everything between, Val d’Isere caters for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. A world-class resort with a global reputation for partying, it’s linked to neighbouring Tignes to form the mighty Espace Killy ski ...

Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, which means a very long season, and very reliable snow. It sits in the middle ground between family resort and party town, with enough of each to suit a wide range of ski holidays. It’s also part of Les Trois Vallées ski area, the largest linked ...

Alta, USA opened in 1939, making it one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States. It is a resort known for its extreme terrain and experts will love the unbeatable on-and-off-piste powder as well as having a nearby sister resort to explore (Snowbird). Beginners will enjoy their increasing ...

Aspen is a name synonymous with skiing in the United States. The area consists of four main skiing resorts (Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Mountain and Highlands) known collectively as Aspen Snowmass. Visitors can fly into the more major centre of Denver, a four-hour drive away, or into Aspen itself. ...

Beaver Creek offers visitors an unparalleled, posh skiing experience. This top notch luxury resort is not for the budget-minded traveller. Well known for its spectacular views and minute attention to detail, Beaver Creek allows its affluent guests to experience the ultimate in a skiing ...

Amid the wide-open spaces of Montana in the western United States, Big Sky Resort lives up to its name with gorgeous views of the Madison Mountain range and Yellowstone National Park. Located an hour’s drive from Yellowstone, Big Sky has been serving winter enthusiasts since 1973. Part of the Big ...

Often described as the perfect ski resort town, Breckenridge’s charming Victorian façade disguises one of the biggest après ski scenes in the US. The main street is lined with bars and restaurants, and the party continues long into the night. But don’t forget about the skiing. With a couple ...

Located next to the Grand Teton National Park and just over an hour from Yellowstone, Jackson Hole enjoys a stunning natural location. Consisting of two mountains, Apres Vous and Rendezvous, expect to some of the steepest slopes in the US, all backed by majestic scenery. With a huge vertical and ...

Located between Eden and Paradise, Powder Mountain is undergoing expansion and development and is set to be the new skiing playground of the billionaire elite in the USA – and for those who would like to join them for a ski. ...

With an average snowfall of at least 500 inches, Snowbird USA is well known for its excellent and reliable powder. There is a full-service pedestrian village here offering several restaurants, accommodation and a little bit of shopping. ...

For world-class glade skiing, surrounded by stunning scenery and a super-friendly atmosphere, few choices beat Steamboat. Well known for its famous Champagne Powder and geothermal hot springs, Steamboat ski resort has been in business for 57 years and offers excellent skiing for all levels of ...

Imagine surrounding yourself amongst the dramatic 14,000m high San Juan mountains in southwestern Colorado with 2,000 skiable acres of snow packed runs with a charming historic town. The name “telluride” may have been adapted from a mumbled “to hell you ride”, but with its spectacular ...

Vail is legendary, and with good reason. Any type of skier will find something interesting and challenging – or relaxing – here, and the après-ski options are plentiful and of good quality. It’s a bit of a drive from Denver, but well worth it, both for the scenery on the way and the quality ...

Previously a small and hidden ski resort in the Ursern valley, Andermatt, has doubled in size since 2013 and is now making an exclusive comeback for serious and intermediate skiers with many luxury hotels, apartments and lifts. Known for its reliable snow well into May and off-piste terrain, it has ...

Technically speaking, Crans Montana is actually Crans and Montana. The two towns are nestled less than a mile apart in a quiet Swiss valley.  Developments along the adjoining road has led to the two towns becoming one larger resort with two distinct centres. Mainly overlooked by traditional ...

Gstaad is known for celebrity guests and high-end shopping. The area has all the visual appeal of a quaint alpine village, interwoven with excellent shops, restaurants, and a wide range of off-slope activities to augment your skiing holiday. The resort is an hour and a half (82km) from the ...

Kitzbühel boasts a sizable ski area (including the SkiWelt network), reasonable prices, beautiful town, dynamic party scene, and the world-famous Streif/Hahnenkamm run for those who want to see what the buzz is all about. It’s easy to get to, beautiful once there, and the fun happens round the ...

Saas Fee is a beautiful little resort set in picturesque mountains, with lots to keep skiers busy, on and off the slopes themselves. Excellent for beginners and intermediates, après-ski is solid and there are activities to do and sights to see when not on the slopes. ...

St Moritz is among the best known ski resorts, worldwide, and needs little introduction. Winter destination of the rich and famous, this posh location is more than just a shopping mecca and place to show of designer ski wear; it’s also a great place to ski, especially good for intermediate ...

Verbier is the main resort in the 4 Vallees – Switzerland’s largest ski area. It has a reputation for tough skiing and big nightlife which makes it very popular with a young and adventurous crowd. With 80 lifts serving 410 kilometres of snowsure slopes, intermediate and advanced skiers will ...

This more than 100-year-old resort has been offering excellent skiing and scenery for a long time, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Wengen is more than just a skiing experience. It is an Alpine experience. The ambiance, mountains, friendly locals, and overall feel of the place makes it ...

Lying at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland, Zermatt is everything an Alpine ski resort should be. It’s a car free village, boasts traditional good looks and the old meets the new in the form of a modern lift system and a great choice of accommodation. There’s a huge ...

Winter sports enthusiasts will not want to miss the picturesque and expansive Åre Ski Resort. As Sweden’s largest ski resort, Åre has been home to over a hundred world cup ski events. With its huge selection of accommodations, varied terrain and buzzing nightlife, Åre is the place to come for ...

Riksgränsen is known in Sweden as the country’s most legendary ski area and is found in the Swedish Lapland where the top ten highest mountains in the country can be found. As it is located 125 miles (200km) north of the Arctic Circle it is the ideal place for skiing under the bright midnight ...

In the heart of Banff National Park you’ll find three superb ski resorts, known collectively as the Big 3 and consisting of Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay. With nearly 8,000 acres of ski-able terrain and a ticket that covers all three mountains, there are pistes, bowls, chutes ...

Tucked away in the interior of Canada’s most western province, Big White is the third largest resort in Canada, and one known for great skiing. The views are stunning, ski run variety high, and other activities plentiful. At under an hour from the airport in Kelowna, it’s easy to get to – at ...

Lake Louise is the largest ski resort in Canada, and is set amidst some of the most stunning scenery in the world. You won’t find a better view to accompany some truly excellent skiing. The resort is two hours by road from Calgary International Airport, but you won’t mind. You’ll move from ...

Mont Tremblant is a year-round resort located 80 miles outside of Montreal, Quebec, in the Laurentian Mountains. Open from November to April, this resort is a highly-popular location for skiing in Eastern Canada, as well as a popular resort area through the warmer seasons. ...

For unbeatable powder and super friendly locals, true to typical Canadian style, few choices can compete with Red Mountain. This is one ski resort you will want to keep coming back to again and again. Access the resort from Rossland, a former mining town located two and a half hours from the ...

Over the past decade Revelstoke has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations of any ski resort in the world. In 2010 it was a young, slightly rugged resort where only locals and experienced Heli skiers could be found taking advantage of the quiet mountain and immense quantities of fresh ...

SilverStar mountain resort is known for its great snow and perfect temperatures. There are very few ski resorts in Canada in which any level of skier can find so many slopes tailored to their needs. The town council ensures all of the structures are painted in bright colours giving the whole town a ...

For incredible family friendly fun and a cool European-style, ski-through village you can’t beat Sun Peaks. This ski resort offers a variety of terrain for all ability levels, a multitude of accommodation choices for any budget, and even some unique shopping and dining opportunities. Sun Peaks is ...

With more than 8,000 acres of terrain Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski area in North America. The two vast mountains are linked by Peak 2 Peak gondola and are home to more than 200 runs, glaciers, powder bowls, groomed trails, six terrain parks and plenty of back-country to explore. And with a ...

Bansko in Bulgaria provides visitors with a multitude of beginner and intermediate level ski runs and a friendly atmosphere. Skiers that need a bit more challenge will enjoy the red and black runs on offer. Everyone, regardless of expertise level, will appreciate the fresh, reliable snow-cover and ...

Known as Italy’s most ‘snow-sure’ resort, Cervinia is a high-altitude destination that draws skiers to its long season, great conditions, stunning scenery, and its modest, but varied après ski offerings. It’s located 90 minutes by car (or bus) from the airport at Turin, and only 30 minutes ...

This resort is one of the oldest in Europe, and the traditional architecture sits in the midst of craggy and beautiful scenery resulting in one of the most beautiful – and quintessentially Italian – resorts in the alps. At only two hours (150km) by car from Venice, it is easy and relatively ...

Livigno Valley is known for, and probably even named for, the heavy annual snowfall in the area, allowing a reliable ski season from late November to early May. It’s a lively resort, with a high population of young skiers, eager to ski hard – and to play hard afterward. The après-ski scene is ...

Madonna di Campiglio puts the Italy in the alpine experience. The slopes and the local villages are beautiful and are surrounded by excellent mountainous scenery in the heart of the Ademello Brenta National Park. At just 150km, or about two hours’ drive, from Verona Catullo and Villafranca, the ...

Ischgl is known for great snow reliability, a wide range of runs to choose from, and for catering to a certain kind of party crowd – though that is expanding too, thanks to a new and vibrant music scene. The resort is an hour and a half from the international airport at Innsbruck. ...

Lech is known as an exclusive, high-end ski resort. Royalty ranging from Princess Di and Princess Caroline (Monaco) to the Dutch and Jordanian royal families are among Lech’s past and present guests. It isn’t limited to that though, and the community has both feet solidly on the ground. Great ...

Famed for its frighteningly steep Harakiri slope, Europe’s biggest winter festival and a huge choice of red runs, it’s no surprise that Mayrhofen is a fun filled resort. Located at the end of the Zillertal Valley, cruise the massive selection of reds and hit the famous Penken Park to work on ...

For a wealth of beginner-level runs and friendly atmosphere in an intimate resort setting, few choices beat Obergurgl. Experts will have off-piste powder and nearby sister-resorts to explore, and everyone, regardless of expertise level, will appreciate the quaint little village and spectacular ...

Saalbach is a hub of parties and packs a whole lot of choice into your ski holiday. The beautiful local villages are great for wandering around during the day, the ski area is huge (recently knocked down from the largest in Austria to the second-largest), and the party scene is electric! The resort ...

Sölden is an early-opening resort with a lively party scene and excellent skiing. It’s not a family-focused resort, mainly because of the open-air component of the local bars and the early start to the evening festivities. On the slopes, runs are high, long, and reliable. Sölden is not well ...

One of the world’s best-known resorts, this classic Tyrolean village attracts serious skiers from all over the globe. It has hosted the Alpine Skiing World Championships numerous times, and is home to one of the best après ski scene in the Alps. Plus, with access to the wider Arlberg ski area ...

Who wouldn’t want to travel to the happiest country in the world for a ski holiday? Levi, Finland, is located in the Finish Lapland in the village of Sirkka. It is only 15 minutes from the Kittilä airport. With it’s beautiful scenery, unique accommodations and legendary nightlife, a trip to ...

Perhaps the most well-known resort in Australia is Perisher in NSW, it’s also the largest. The ski area is an amalgamation of several smaller resorts connected by the biggest lift network in the southern hemisphere. There’s also a giant 8-person chair lift. The connected resorts of Blue Cow, ...

The Remarkables are exactly that; remarkable. Not only are they the most photographed mountain range in the world due to their outstanding beauty, they also sit just 45 minutes’ drive from downtown Queenstown. Outstanding natural beauty within reach. The ski area sits so close to the city, there ...