Ski Destinations Around the World

by Mike Bringhurst, Designer Travel

We get asked all the time, where is your favorite place to ski? Our answer is always, “our last trip was amazing!” There are so many options and so many places to go. We know where to go and when for what you want in a ski vacation and we can get you there. For more info on the top ranked ski resorts check out Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 25.

If you’re a skier you have probably been on a ski trip or a vacation where you went skiing, OR you have a destination in mind that you have been dying to go and ski. No matter the type of vacation you are looking for, we can make it happen for you! Whether it is skiing deep powder every day, enjoying an amazing cultural experience on the same trip, seeing an amazing World Cup ski race or enjoying the incredible apres ski on tap at some iconic resort.

We love smaller “hidden gem” ski resorts and have a lot of ideas of where to experience those and we also love sending people to those iconic, bucket – list type resorts. Reach out if you want, we love talking about ski vacations!

Here are some of our favorites of what some consider the top ski destinations worldwide, with details on the best time to visit, snow conditions, what else to do off the slopes, and some top resorts to stay for the ultimate ski experience.

1. Chamonix, France

Why we love: Chamonix is iconic for those that want the ultimate European Free-Ride experience. Made famous in the US in the 90’s when the classic free-ride movie, Blizzard of Ahhs was filmed there. The town is an iconic French mountain town steeped in tradition and history. Chamonix is amazing and every skier should go here before they hang up their skis.
Best time to go: December to April
Snow conditions: Reliable snowfall with deep powder at high altitudes near Mont Blanc.
Top resorts: Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix for luxury stays and Résidence & Spa Vallorcine for family-friendly options.
Other activities: Try ice climbing, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, or savor fondue in a cozy chalet.

2. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Why we love: Whistler is a massive North American resort famous for deep and plentiful snow, a fantastic Pacific Northwest vibe and a great ski mountain town.
Best time to go: Late November to May
Snow conditions: A mix of fluffy powder and packed snow over 8,000 acres of terrain.
Top resorts: Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers alpine elegance, while the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside is great for slopeside access.
Other activities: Go dog sledding, relax in the Scandinave Spa, or explore Whistler Village’s vibrant nightlife.

3. Zermatt, Switzerland

Why we love: The Matterhorn!! This amazing car-free village is surrounded by the prettiest Alps ever and around every street corner and every ski run is a view of the majestic Matterhorn. Amazing restaurants and accommodations make this iconic ski destination at the top of many ski bucket lists! You should go!
Besttime to go: December to April
Snow conditions: Powdery, well-groomed slopes and year-round skiing on Theodul Glacier.
Top resorts: The Omnia provides unbeatable mountain views, while Grand Hotel Zermatterhof delivers luxury and history.
Other activities: Marvel at the iconic Matterhorn, take a scenic train ride, or stroll Zermatt’s charming car-free streets.

4. Nagano, Japan

Why we love: JAPAN! We love skiing in Japan and you can’t go wrong skiing at any of their amazing resorts. Hokkaido has more famous resorts, but we love the main island (Honshu) for the more traditional Japanese experience and the snow is just as amazing. They call it Japanuary for a reason! You need to ski in Japan and we can make it happen for you.
Best time to go: January to February (prime for powder lovers)
Snow conditions: Known for its dry, deep powder on endless tree-lined paths.
Top resorts: Shiga Kogen for Japanese cultural vibes and Nozawa Onsen for a blend of comfort and convenience in the many Onsen (hot springs) hotels and resorts.
Other activities: Take a dip in a hot spring (onsen) or visit the snow monkeys in nearby Jigokudani, and don’t forget to add a day or two in Tokyo before or after the skiing!

5. Aspen, USA

Why we love: Aspen can be crowded and expensive, but for good reason. This town and mountain are iconic and amazing and the snow and skiing can’t be beat and we can help navigate the best times and places to avoid the crowds. They host the X-Games for good reason, the mountain is legitimate and you should ski go and Aspen!
Best time to go: Late November to April
Snow conditions: Varied terrain with powder, piste, and parks for freestyle enthusiasts.
Top resorts: The Little Nell for chic luxury and Limelight Hotel Aspen for a laid-back modern vibe.
Other activities: Shop designer boutiques, enjoy gourmet dining, or catch a live music show.

6. Innsbruck, Austria

Why we love: Innsbruck is that amazing city that is steeped in History and Culture, but is also in the middle of Austria’s famed Tyrolean Alps. We have skied Innsbruck and love it so much, you will love it too! Let’s GO.
Best time to go: December to April
Snow conditions: Exceptional access to 12 resorts that are all accessible by a bus from Innsbruck’s train station.
Top resorts: Stubai Glacier is the most snow-sure resort in the area with amazing amenities and fantastic runs, and Kuhtai has great free-ride areas and amazing views and fantastic facilities
Other activities: Indulge in après-ski at bars, attend the many competitions in the area, including freeride and world cup alpine races, and visit castles and museums or attend a soccer match on your off days, or hit the nearby thermal baths.

7. Park City, USA

Why we love: We are biased because Park City is in our back yard! There are many resorts within an hour drive, you can use any of the “mega” passes to ski at the resorts in the area, and a short drive to Powder Mountain will make all your powder dreams come true. Come see us!
Best time to go: December to March
Snow conditions: Light, dry powder and lots of bluebird days.
Top resorts: Stein Eriksen Lodge for ultimate luxury and Hyatt Centric Park City for slopeside convenience.
Other activities: Explore the Utah Olympic Park or catch the legendary Sundance Film Festival nearby.

8. Queenstown, New Zealand

Why we love: Skiing in the Northern Hemisphere’s summer is a favorite, and Queenstown is that iconic adventure capital of New Zealand and maybe the world! With jet boats, bungy jumping and amazing scenery, you won’t regret the long flights! We can help you get there!
Best time to go: June to September (southern hemisphere’s winter)
Snow conditions: A mix of sun and fresh snow on perfectly groomed trails.
Top resorts: Rees Hotel and Apartments for lakeside luxury and Crowne Plaza Queenstown for proximity to nightlife and ski fields.
Other activities: Bungy jump, jet boat, or sip wine in the Central Otago region.

9. The Dolomites, Italy

Why we love: Words don’t do justice (and frankly neither do the pictures) to how beautiful and wonderful a ski vacation to the Dolomites is. So amazing that we have been there multiple times and are planning on going next year during the Olympics in Italy. The food is next level, the ski areas are massive and the runs connect one amazing village to another. There is no question that the Dolomites needs to be on your bucket list, if not at the top of it. We can make it happen!!
Best time to go: December to March
Snow conditions: Crisp, soft snow with plenty of sunny days in the Dolomites.
Top resorts: Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort, offers sophisticated style, while Faloria Mountain Spa Resort is perfect for relaxation.
Other activities: Take in cinematic views, shop for Italian fashion, and enjoy decadent pasta dishes.

10. Valle Nevado, Chile

Why we love: Skiing in Chile is one of our favorite things ever! We have been many times and each time has been amazing. The flights are long, but with little to no time change from the US, jet lag is eliminated. You can leave sunny N. America Friday night and ski in the Andes on Saturday morning! We’ve done it and it’s a blast. Scenic views of the Andes, fantastic Chilean culture and food make this a wonderful ski vacation. Let’s GO!!
Best time to go: June to September
Snow conditions: Cold, dry Andean powder with broad slopes for all levels.
Top resorts: Hotel Valle Nevado is ski-in/ski-out heaven, while Puerta Del Sol is a solid choice for families.
Other activities: Head to Santiago for city culture or tour nearby wineries and go to Valparaiso for seafood in a wonderful artistic city overlooking the Pacific. Great parks and museums will blow you away.

No matter your style or season, we can put together a ski trip that will be your new favorite vacation ever! Whether you want to ski waist deep powder every day, ski in the “summer” mix in skiing with a more cultural vacation or visit one of these iconic locations. With us, you’ll be set for the ultimate ski adventure.

Give us a call at 801-935-8652 or book a 15 min. discovery call and let us answer your questions. Read more about me, Mike Bringhurst, and why I love to ski and travel in my Utah travel advisor bio.

Do you have a favorite ski destination we didn’t mention? Drop it in our contact form—I’m always looking for hidden gems!

Get ready!! Let’s GO!