6 Best Ski Resorts in the World (2023)

FAQs

What is the fanciest ski resort in the world? ›

Utah (ABC4) – It might not seem like it this year, but Utah is known for having the “greatest snow on earth.” Why? “It's no doubt we have the 'Greatest Snow on Earth' in the state of Utah.

Cannonball Express – Cannon Mountain, NH, USA

Anyone who's ever ridden the Cannonball Quad chairlift at Cannon Mountain in Franconia, N.H. could argue it's a great place to ski and ride but also the coldest place on Earth.

Les 3 Vallees, France

The titanic 3 Vallees is the top dog, the world's biggest ski area with 600 kilometers of runs spread between the three main resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens.

What is the snow capital of the world? ›

Aomori City, Japan

By many accounts, Aomori City is the snowiest place on the planet, receiving around 312 inches of snowfall per year. In general, Japan receives more snowfall than anywhere else, so if you love snow, this is the place to be in the winter.

Mount Baker, Washington

Moving across the pond you'll quickly see just how much more snow American resorts get. Little known Mount Baker in Washington has an annual snowfall of roughly 16.8 metres, blowing everything in Europe out of the water. Furthermore, this is the snowiest resort in the world!

Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche, Zermatt-Cervina, Switzerland and Italy. The route from the Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche is the longest red ski run in the world. It is 22km long and goes across the Swiss-Italian border from Zermatt to Cervina.

Stowe, VT. With 485 skiable acres, 116 trails and roughly 300 inches of annual snowfall, it's no surprise that Stowe is dubbed the "Ski Capital of the East." Nestled between two mountains, Stowe Mountain Resort boasts long ski runs and is lauded for its cross-country trails.

#1 Park City Mountain — 7,300 acres

The biggest ski area in the United States, Park City is located in the American Rockies overlooking Salt Lake City.

The Streif – Kitzbühel, Austria – Max Gradient 85%

Arguably the most famous ski run in the world, let alone the steepest ski runs in the world, the Streif is a truly extreme slope. Ski racers around the world each year head to Kitzbühel to compete in the Hahnenkamm ski weekend.

Where is the coldest place to ski? ›

DENALI (ALASKA)

Also in the running for coldest mountain on earth, Denali (pictured above) regularly sees temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.

The choice of ski resorts makes Switzerland one of the best countries for skiing in Europe. As for the food, Switzerland has some of the best mountain restaurants.

Taking the top spot is the medieval, vibrant city of Tallinn in Estonia. With 20.5 days of snow per month, the cultural centre is your best bet for a snowy getaway.

Eating out, lift passes, and accommodation is all considerably cheaper in Italy than anywhere else in Europe. This really makes a huge difference for anyone wanting to take a family ski trip in Europe. In fact, Italy actually has some of the most affordable skiing in the world.

Tucked away high in the Alps of eastern France along the Aravis Mountain Range lies the ski resort of La Clusaz, the world's oldest operating ski resort.

The popularity of skiing with the general public has been trending downwards over the years, after reaching a peak in the season of 2010-2011 — well over a decade ago now. However, the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the population have perhaps given way to an era of resurgence for the sport.

Aspen, Colorado

The glamorous ski town of Aspen is no stranger to billionaires and celebrities and now, many wealthy denizens are considering a primary residence in the glitzy town.

Aspen's billionaires came to their fortunes in many ways. They are tech wizards, oil and gas tycoons, real estate moguls, financiers, and producers of everyday stuff. Their collective net worth totals more than $335 billion, and the value of their real estate in the Aspen area is at least $750 million.

Paradiski, France

The three ski areas of Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry together form Paradiski, the world's second-largest ski resort. But that's not Paradiski's only claim to fame. The resort is home to double-decker Vanoise Express, the world's largest cable car which links La Plagne with Les Arcs.

Which country invented ski? ›

The very first skis date back to 8000 years BC and were found in Northern China. They were made of 2-metre-long pieces of wood and were covered in horsehair (could you imagine skiing on those today!?).

Thank the snow gods for the Hintertux Glacier in Austria for being open 365 days a year with more than 60 kilometres of groomed slopes.

1. Syracuse, New York: 127.8 inches. Syracuse takes home the crown as the snowiest city in America, averaging 127.8 inches each winter.

Bangalore is a bustling IT hub with lots of gardens and parks to laze around, but the city also has its share of super cool attractions. And some of these attractions are literally cool, like the Snow City where you can experience -5° Celsius temperatures even during scorching summers.

Is there any state where it has never snowed? There is not. Obviously, snowfall is a given in all of the northern states, and the nation's southern states also get snow, at least in mountainous terrains. Snow falls in 49 of the 50 states in most winters, Florida being the lone exception.

All fifty states, including Hawaii and Florida, have recorded snow. Most states get snowfall every winter as part of their normal cold-season weather.

Alyeska, Alaska

Ah, those cold dark winters usually pay off, and they did once again this season with Alaska's biggest ski resort counting nearly 500 inches of snow for the season. It was a solid winter up north, capped by a stellar April, with the snowpack late in the month ranging from 125 to 150 percent of average.

Mount Baker Ski Area, located in Washington state, about 16 kilometres south of the Canadian border, is officially the snowiest place on earth. It currently holds the world record for the most snowfall in a single season.

Where is the most expensive ski resort? ›

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is one of the most upscale ski resorts in the world, and offers a wealth of luxury accommodations and services. Whether you're looking for a rustic alpine cabin or a five-star hotel, you'll find what you're looking for in Zermatt.

Val d'Isère, France

This luxury ski resort has maintained its architecture over the years with its wood stone and metal constructions. Val d'Isère forms the 'Espace Killy' with its neighbouring resort Tignes. Espace Killy is a world-famous ski area with 300km of pistes.

The Streif – Kitzbühel, Austria – Max Gradient 85%

Arguably the most famous ski run in the world, let alone the steepest ski runs in the world, the Streif is a truly extreme slope. Ski racers around the world each year head to Kitzbühel to compete in the Hahnenkamm ski weekend.

Les 3 Vallees, France

The titanic 3 Vallees is the top dog, the world's biggest ski area with 600 kilometers of runs spread between the three main resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens.

La Sarenne, Alpe d'Huez, France

To get ultimate bragging rights, La Sarenne – the longest black run in the world – is a must-ski. Stretching a whopping 16km in length, this slope starts off steep, icy and full of moguls, so get ready to put your technique to the test.

The ski resort Gulmarg Resort (Kongdoori-Aferwat) is the highest ski resort worldwide. With 3,985 m , it has the highest slope/ski slope or the highest ski lift/lift worldwide.

But France can't beat Italy's champion on sheer size – the Dolomiti Superski is the world's largest ski area, with 1,220km of piste. The slopes are quieter and more spread out, and the dramatic Dolomites are some of the most beautiful peaks on earth.

Value for money, typically everything is cheaper than in the high popular French ski resorts, ski passes, food and drink can be up to 20% cheaper in Austria. Perhaps the major choice is the stunning scenery of Austrian skiing that tips the balance for devotees of Austrian skiing.

Rambo, Crested Butte Mountain, Colorado, USA

With a max gradient of 55 degrees, Rambo has the record of "the steepest ski run in the United States." Rambo is a 200-meter-long-straight, allow the skiers to ski down the magnificent slope at full speed.