Dan Lever
Dec, 28 - 2023 - 13 mins
The 10 Most Beautiful Ski Resorts in the World
For the avid skier and snowboarder, the world is brimming with breathtaking destinations where fresh powder and stunning landscapes combine for an unforgettable experience. These ski resorts, scattered across different continents, offer not only fantastic slopes but also jaw-dropping beauty that will have you returning season after season. Here's a list of the top 10 most beautiful ski resorts from around the globe.
Chamonix, France
Beauty Highlight: Mont Blanc. Known as the "capital of extreme skiing", Chamonix provides awe-inspiring views of Western Europe’s highest peak. Mont Blanc is an undeniable jewel of Chamonix. Its snow-capped summit, often bathed in alpenglow, is a sight to behold and serves as a backdrop to the entire valley.
Unique Charm: Alpine Mountaineering Capital. Chamonix's unique skiing charm stems from its rich mountaineering heritage. This history translates to its ski slopes, offering some of the most challenging and thrilling off-piste runs in the world. This includes the famed, spectacular and breathtaking Vallée Blanche, a 20km glacial descent weaving through stunning snowscapes dotted with deep crevasses, seracs, and awe-inspiring alpine features.. With a blend of rustic mountain huts, historic town ambiance, and unparalleled rugged terrains, Chamonix offers a raw and authentic skiing experience that's deeply intertwined with its mountaineering legacy.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 20% beginner, 30% intermediate, 50% advanced. Chamonix offers a varied terrain that caters to all skill levels, but it's particularly renowned for its challenging slopes and off-piste adventures. Chamonix is a paradise for advanced skiers and snowboarders. With its iconic off-piste routes, like the Vallée Blanche, and challenging slopes in areas such as Les Grands Montets, the valley truly shines for those seeking thrills. Chamonix Valley is home to several distinct ski areas, each offering its own unique skiing experience including Les Grands Montets, Brevant-Flegere, Le Tour, Les Houches amongst others. You can also jump in the car and drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to visit Courmayeur in under an hour. From Courmayeur, you can reach Pointe Helbroner via the Funivie Monte Bianco to access some of the most iconic and exhilarating off-piste skiing in the Alps (be sure to take a certified mountain guide!)
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: Chamonix's nightlife exudes a cosmopolitan vibe, influenced by its rich mountaineering history and diverse international visitors. The town offers a varied mix of venues, from sophisticated wine bars and cosy pubs with mountain views to energetic clubs, catering to both young adventurers and mature alpine enthusiasts. The ambiance strikes a balance between refined relaxation and alpine town bustle, appealing to a broad age spectrum.
Annual Snowfall: An annual average of around 180 - 250 inches annually depending on the ski area. Les Grands Montets typically receives an average of approximately 250 inches of snowfall annually, benefiting from its higher altitude and north-facing orientation. In contrast, the sunnier and slightly lower Flégère averages around 180 inches, offering its own unique ski conditions.
Lift Ticket Prices: Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass is € 74.00 for 1 day.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Beauty Highlight: The Matterhorn - Zermatt boasts of one of the most iconic mountains in the world - the Matterhorn. Skiing here means gliding past this majestic peak, while also indulging in the Swiss charm of the village below.
Unique Charm: The Car-free Village. Beyond the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the few places where cars are prohibited, ensuring the air remains as crisp as the snow underfoot. Horse-drawn sleighs and electric taxis are the norm here!
Ski Terrain Breakdown: 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, 30% advanced. Zermatt offers a mix of groomed trails, challenging moguls, expansive off-piste areas, and steep descents. It’s got it all!
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: Quaint bars, live music spots, and an energetic apr ès-ski vibe. From rustic taverns playing Swiss folk music to contemporary bars spinning the latest hits, Zermatt caters to both the tranquil seeker and the night owl. With an array of après-ski spots, cozy wine cellars, and late-night clubs, this alpine retreat ensures that the fun doesn't stop once you step off the slopes.
Annual Snowfall: Around 300 inches - This is a snow-sure resort and the glacier, the 21km pistes of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, stays open 365 days a year.
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $85.
Aspen, USA
Beauty Highlight: White-blanketed Aspen trees. Located in Colorado, Aspen offers a mix of challenging slopes and scenic beauty. The sight of snow-covered Aspen trees is truly poetic.
Unique Charm: Cultural Hub. Beyond its slopes, Aspen is renowned for its arts and culture scene with music festivals, art galleries, and luxury shopping, making it an all-season destination.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced. Aspen offers a diverse ski landscape with groomed trails, tree runs, moguls, off-piste areas, steep challenges, and modern terrain parks, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels amidst its stunning mountainous backdrop.
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: Aspen's après-ski scene is a luxurious blend of elegance and energy. After skiing, visitors can unwind in chic lounges, enjoy live jazz, or dance at lively nightclubs, encapsulating the town's upscale yet relaxed mountain vibe.
Annual Snowfall: Approximately 200 inches. Aspen's high elevation and its location in the Colorado Rockies generally mean it has a good snow record, often referred to as "Champagne Powder."
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $160.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Beauty Highlight: The Coastal Range vistas. Nestled in British Columbia, this resort is famed for its vast terrain and panoramic mountain views. The blend of alpine beauty and lush forests is unparalleled.
Unique Charm: Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The world's highest and longest lift connects the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding alpine landscape, including vast forests, shimmering lakes, and the majestic Coast Mountain Range.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 25% advanced. Whistler Blackcomb offers a diverse mix of terrains: expansive alpine bowls, tree-covered glades, challenging moguls, multiple terrain parks, groomed runs for cruising, off-piste areas for powder enthusiasts, beginner-friendly zones, and adrenaline-pumping steeps.
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: Numerous bars, clubs, and late-night eateries, ensuring non-stop entertainment.
Annual Snowfall: Around 400 inches on average. Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, it typically enjoys a long ski season with abundant snowfall. The resort benefits from both coastal and inland weather systems, bringing a combination of heavy snow dumps and colder, clearer periods. Advanced snowmaking capabilities further enhance the conditions during the early and late season or during any intermittent snow lulls.
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $100 USD / $ 139 CAD
Val d'Isère, France
Beauty Highlight: Le Lac de l'Ouillette. Located at 2,500 meters, this lake offers striking views of surrounding peaks, especially the notable Pointe du Montet and Bellevarde. Its beauty is accentuated by seasonal contrasts, from icy winterscapes to reflective summer waters.
Unique Charm: Old Town. Historic stone buildings, cobbled streets, and the iconic Baroque-style church, seamlessly blend alpine tradition with modern skiing amenities.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 15% beginner, 60% intermediate, 25% advanced. Val d'Isère offers a diverse skiing landscape, from well-groomed pistes and challenging moguls to renowned off-piste areas and dedicated beginner zones. Highlighted by iconic steep runs like 'La Face' and complemented by terrain parks and alpine bowls, the resort caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: Chic bars, live music, and a vibrant dance scene.
Annual Snowfall: Roughly 230 inches. Year-round Glacier Skiing. The Espace Killy ski area includes the Grande Motte glacier, allowing for skiing even in the summer months.
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $95.
Niseko, Japan
Beauty Highlight: Snow-covered volcanoes. Located on Hokkaido Island, Niseko is known for its powder-perfect snow and mesmerizing views of Mt. Yotei, an active stratovolcano. Bring you snorkel because this is the shot you see in the ski movies with powder flying everywhere!
Unique Charm: Night Skiing & Onsens. Beyond its famed powder snow, Niseko offers vibrant night skiing and the cultural experience of relaxing in traditional Japanese hot springs, or onsens, after a day on the slopes.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced. Niseko is globally celebrated for its "Japow," the light and abundant powder snow that blankets its slopes. While the resort boasts a diverse mix of terrains, including groomed runs, tree skiing, and off-piste adventures, it's the unparalleled powder skiing experience that truly sets Niseko apart. Whether carving through wide-open bowls or navigating the serene birch and pine tree runs, skiers are treated to some of the world's best powder conditions.
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: The nightlife in Niseko primarily revolves around its array of bars, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and restaurants. It's a mix of local Japanese ambiance with an international flair, thanks to the large number of foreign visitors and residents. While there are some nightclubs and late-night bars, the scene is generally more relaxed and laid-back compared to the more boisterous European resorts.
Annual Snowfall: Astounding 590 inches - JAPOW baby!
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $70.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Beauty Highlight: The Dolomites. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, Cortina offers dramatic rocky vistas that turn pink at sunset, creating a surreal skiing atmosphere.
Unique Charm: Olympic Legacy. This former Winter Olympics host still maintains its racing heritage with world-class competition slopes and a lively après-ski scene.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 23% beginner, 52% intermediate, 25% advanced. Cortina d'Ampezzo, set amidst the stunning Dolomites, offers a blend of groomed pistes for beginners to intermediates, challenging descents for advanced skiers, and scenic off-piste terrains for adventurous souls. With dedicated beginner areas and terrain parks, it's accommodating to families and freestyle enthusiasts alike. Its varied landscape makes it suitable for a broad spectrum of skiers, but its breathtaking views and groomed runs especially appeal to intermediate skiers and those seeking a picturesque ski experience.
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: Cortina d'Ampezzo offers a refined après-ski scene, characterized by its elegant bars and lounges, complemented by traditional enotecas serving Italian wines, providing a perfect blend of luxury and cultural authenticity.
Annual Snowfall: Around 100 inches. Not always the most snow sure resort compared to others on the list due to its lower elevation with the skiing area ranging from 1,000 meters to 2,930 meters. The lower altitude gives Cortina its charming and mild alpine climate, but it can also impact snow conditions, especially early and late in the ski season.
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $80.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Beauty Highlight: Frozen lakes and luxury. St. Moritz exudes elegance and offers a very Insta-friendly, dreamy landscape with its frozen lakes and snow-capped peaks.
Unique Charm: Winter Polo on the Lake. St. Moritz is not just about skiing. It’s also the venue for the Snow Polo World Cup, where the frozen lake transforms into a dynamic polo ground.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, 30% advanced. St. Moritz offers a diverse skiing terrain, from gentle groomed runs and challenging steeps to expansive off-piste areas. While it caters to all skill levels, its variety of intermediate to advanced slopes and luxury ambience make it especially appealing to experienced skiers seeking a blend of challenge and sophistication.
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: St. Moritz boasts a vibrant and luxurious nightlife, reflecting its status as a premier alpine resort. The town is dotted with upscale bars, exclusive clubs, and sophisticated lounges, where a sophisticated crowd gathers for champagne toasts and live music.
Annual Snowfall: Approximately 120 inches. Located between 1,800 and 3,300 meters, St. Moritz boasts consistent snowfall due to its high-altitude setting. Its advanced snowmaking facilities further solidify its reputation as a snow-sure resort throughout the winter season.
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $90.
Lake Louise, Canada
Beauty Highlight: Turquoise lake and glaciers. Situated in the heart of Banff National Park, skiing in Lake Louise gives you a front-row seat to its namesake lake's turquoise waters set against a backdrop of majestic glaciers.
Unique Charm: Historic Old-West Town. Telluride retains much of its old-world charm with a historic downtown that transports visitors back to the era of the Gold Rush.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 25% beginner, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced. For beginners, the resort offers gentle, wide slopes near the base, perfect for learning. The intermediate skiers enjoy long cruising runs and some tree-lined trails, providing a mix of challenge and fun. Advanced and expert riders can venture into challenging bowls, steep chutes, and mogul fields, as well as some off-piste areas for powder-seeking adventurers.
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: Lake Louise's après-ski scene is more laid-back compared to some larger ski resorts. It offers a cozy atmosphere with a few notable establishments where guests can enjoy live music, local brews, and hearty mountain cuisine. While it might not boast the high-energy nightlife of larger resorts, its charm lies in the intimate, relaxing ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies.
Annual Snowfall: Around 180 inches. Lake Louise is known for its consistent snow conditions from mid-November to early May, thanks to its altitude and cold temperatures. While its annual snowfall isn't the highest, the cold climate ensures prolonged snow quality throughout the season.
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $105.
Telluride, USA
Beauty Highlight: Rocky Mountain scenery. Located in a box canyon, Telluride offers some of the most stunning vistas in the Rocky Mountains, with cascading waterfalls and historic buildings adding to its charm.
Unique Charm: Historic Old-West Town. Telluride retains much of its old-world charm with a historic downtown that transports visitors back to the era of the Gold Rush.
Skill Level Terrain Breakdown: 23% beginner, 36% intermediate, 41% advanced. Telluride provides a spectrum of ski experiences: beginners can glide on the Meadows area, intermediates have diverse blue runs, while advanced enthusiasts can tackle Revelation Bowl, Palmyra Peak's chutes, and mogul fields. Adventurous skiers can also explore hike-to terrains and off-piste options.
Nightlife & Après-Ski Scene: Historic saloons, modern bars, upscale lounges, live music and film festivals! Telluride's après-ski scene combines mountain charm with a vibrant atmosphere, providing an authentic setting for post-ski relaxation and camaraderie.
Annual Snowfall: Approximately 280 inches. Telluride is a pretty snow sure resort with consistent snowfall throughout the ski season. On average, Telluride receives around 280 inches of snow annually. Its high altitude, with a peak elevation of over 4,000 metres, ensures that the snow stays cold and retains its quality, providing good skiing conditions typically from late November through early April.
Lift Ticket Prices: Average daily pass is $150.
Each of these stunning resorts offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exhilarating ski experiences. From the iconic peaks of the Swiss Alps to the volcanic landscapes of Japan, these destinations promise unforgettable memories both on and off the slopes. If you're in search of awe-inspiring views and top-notch skiing, these resorts should undoubtedly be on your bucket list!