One of the best activities in winter is skiing on snow–covered slopes. There are many ski slopes in the world. But only some of them stand out for their size, complexity or entourage.
The best ski resorts abroad
1. Zermatt, Switzerland (Zermatt)
The ranking of the ten world’s top skiers, of course, should start with Switzerland. In Europe, it is the Alps that are particularly popular among skiers. And Zermatt is the pearl of Swiss winter resorts.
The total length of the trails is more than 360 kilometers, including the region of neighboring Italian Cervinia. The slopes are suitable for experienced riders, professionals and extreme athletes. It may seem a bit difficult for beginners here, because even the blue tracks are very dangerous. If you want a real extreme experience, climb the northern slope of the Stockhorn Trifty mountain. One of the most difficult trails in the whole of Europe: many winding paths, bends, slopes.
In addition to all the delights of a mountain holiday, the service in Switzerland is at a high level. Everything is made as much as possible for your holiday: a large selection of hotels, apartments and chalets, as well as an abundance of cafes and restaurants, many of which are awarded Michelin stars. Zermatt has an excellent après ski with cozy bars, live music and an atmosphere that perfectly complements a day on the slopes. In April, the annual Zermatt Unplugged Festival takes place, 5 days of live music with an unparalleled view of the Matterhorn Mountain.
Interestingly, Zermatt is not just a resort, but a whole small town in Switzerland. The administration cares about the local environment, so cars with internal combustion engines are completely prohibited in the settlement. The only means of transport are lifts and electric cars, sleighs in winter, and carriages in summer.
2. St. Anton, Austria (St. Anton)
Austria continues Switzerland’s popularity in terms of ski resorts. The technique of skiing “Alpine style” originated in this country for the first time. Austria is sometimes called the “cradle of winter sports.” Saint Anton is located in the very center of the Alps, boasts picturesque views. The length is slightly lower than Zermatt – about 300 kilometers. But the interest and beauty are at the same high level. There are also 200 km of freeride zones, including descents from Wallooga and Rendle.
What to do besides skiing:
- snowmobiling;
- sledding – the 4-kilometer Rodelbahn trail will bring a lot of fun;
- hiking on the slopes (with a guide required);
- visit the places of worship après-ski MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh.
Despite its popularity, St. Anton has retained the charm of a traditional Alpine village, with cozy chalets, delicious cuisine and Austrian hospitality. The perfect combination of outdoor activities and Austrian charm.
3. Aspen, USA (Aspen)
There are high mountains not only in Europe. The United States also boasts world-class resorts. For example, Aspen in Colorado is a luxurious, expensive and picturesque tourist complex. The entire territory is divided into four districts:
- Aspen Mountain (Ajax): suitable for experienced skiers, there are no green trails, only challenging blue and black ones.
- Aspen Highlands: known for its steep trails and iconic freeride at the Highland Bowl, a paradise for professionals.
- Buttermilk: a great place for beginners and those who want to try snowpark skiing. By the way, the X Games are held here every year.
- Snowmass: the largest area that is suitable for all levels, from beginners to professionals, with a variety of terrain.
The division into districts is conditional. They all offer the same set of services and opportunities: private ski schools, the opportunity to rent or buy skis, snowboards, special overalls, etc.
Aspen has a rich cultural program, in addition to activities in the mountains. Festivals, concerts, and exhibitions are held periodically. Main topics: winter sports, mountain nature, animals, northern culture of the USA.
This place combines first-class skiing conditions, luxurious atmosphere, rich history and plenty of entertainment.
4. Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada (Whistler-Blackcomb)
The name of the resort in Canada refers to the names of two mountains: Blackcomb and Whistler. This recreation area extends over the territory of both hills connected by the Peak 2 Peak cable car.
The total area of Whistler-Blackcomb is more than 32 square kilometers, with 200+ slopes and 37 modern lifts – the largest ski center in North America. The place attracts professionals and athletes because some of the tracks are black, with increased difficulty, and there are areas for freeride.
It’s generally cold in North America. But in the Wisler and Blackcomb Mountains, the snow season lasts until the summer.
5. Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France (Chamonix-Mont Blanc)
French resorts are distinguished by some special picturesqueness. To match the majestic mountains, they strive to make hotels and various recreation centers as luxurious. Chamonix-Mont Blanc is adjacent to Geneva, so the mountainous atmosphere of Switzerland and France is similar.
The total length of the slopes is about 150 kilometers. There are both prepared trails and famous freeride routes. The place that all visitors of this resort like is the White Valley (Vallée Blanche). It’s a long descent down the glacier.
If you don’t know how to stand and ski yet, enroll in a local ski school. The instructors will clearly show and explain everything. You will train on the simplest, safest slopes.
Experienced skiers may get bored of skiing. In this case, Chamonix-Mont Blanc offers several more entertainment options:
- ice skating;
- excursions to snow-capped hills and natural attractions, such as the Mer de Glace glacier. It is located within the boundaries of the resort, which can be reached by the colorful Montenvers railway;
- thermal springs.
Expensive hotels offer plenty more entertainment: French cuisine, concerts, indoor pools, Jacuzzis, spa services, etc. If you don’t want to overpay, book a room in three- or four-star hotels a little further from the foot of the mountains.
6. Courchevel, France
Courchevel, a resort that everyone has heard of, is located in the Savoy region of France. And all because this is the first French ski race. Officially, it belongs to the “Three Valleys” zone with shared lifts and recreation areas. “The largest ski resort in the world” is just about Les 3 Vallees, where the trails are 600 km long.
The total length of the trails in this region is more than 150 kilometers. Artificial snow cover is used in Courchevel. The territory is divided into four conditional zones depending on the height. The higher you go, the more difficult, black descents there are. The lower the temperature, the more suitable the conditions are for children or beginners. But even from the minimum height (about 1300 meters) It offers stunning views of the snow-capped hills of France.
Other activities:
- atmosphericcinemas;
- helicopter rides over mountain slopes;
- dog sled rides;
- snowmobiling;
- gastronomic features of France in Michelin-starred restaurants.
7. Ischgl, Austria (Ischgl)
Let’s return to the Austrian mountain sections. The strange name “Ischgl” hides a premium resort in Tyrol, known throughout Europe for its nightlife and high-class trails. Like everything else in Austria, it is distinguished by its service, discipline and pedantry. Ischgl includes more than 230 kilometers of trails. If you wish, you can cross the border with the neighboring Samnaun campsite (Switzerland). This makes the recreation area even wider.
Local instructors offer to learn how to ski to everyone. There are several schools on the territory at once. In addition to skiing, you can learn the basics of snowboarding or even freeriding.
For a more relaxing stay, thermal spas, saunas and swimming pools are available, as well as shopping with designer clothes, accessories and ski equipment.
Apres-ski in Ischgl is a legend among ski resorts, known for its rich atmosphere and fun parties. Iconic bars and clubs:
- Kuhstall: one of the most famous bars. Here you can drink traditional Tyrolean drinks and dance late into the night.
- Trofana Alm: alpine style, live music and festive atmosphere. Parties here start right after the lifts close.
- Schatzi Bar: known for its themed parties and colorful dancing waitresses.
- Pacha Ischgl: a world-class club in the Madlein Hotel, where famous DJs perform.
Important! It is best to go to Ischgl at the end of the season. International celebrities (Elton John, Rihanna, The Killers, etc.) are always invited to the closing and a lavish music festival is held. A ticket for it is included in the general ski pass.
Ischgl is the choice of those who want to combine active recreation on the mountain slopes with a fun evening leisure.
8. Sundance Mountain, USA (Sundance Mountain Resort)
Timpanogos is a high mountain located in Utah, USA. The Sundance Mountain Resort was opened on it back in 1969. The name is not for nothing similar to the famous Sundance Film Festival. It’s really being held here. And the founder of the resort is actor Robert Redford. You may know him from the movies “The Great Gatsby” or “The Horse Charmer.”
In addition to the fame of the film festival, the resort is equipped with trails of all levels of difficulty. Their percentage ratio is:
- for beginners – 20% of the slopes;
- for experienced skiers – 40%;
- for professionals and extreme athletes – 40%.
What is especially pleasant for those who ride well is that Sundance Mountain has 4 tracks of increased difficulty. There is a panoramic restaurant at the top of the resort (more than 2.5 kilometers). It is worth going up there at least for the sake of the view of the snow-capped mountains, amazing photos are obtained from the observation deck.
In summer, the resort closes its main activities, but continues its cultural program. It will be interesting to visit film festivals, art workshops of famous artists and master classes.
9. Cervinia, Italy
Italian ski resorts are not as popular as Swiss, French or Austrian ones. But Cervinia is a completely different matter. It is located in the northern part of Italy and holds the title of one of the highest mountains in the Alps. Here you can ski at an altitude of almost 3.5 kilometers.
Cervinia is located on the border with Switzerland, at the foot of the Matterhorn, and is connected to Zermatt. The total length of the trails (together with the Swiss ones) is more than 360 kilometers, which makes the resort one of the largest ski regions in Europe.
10. Verbier, Switzerland
I also want to close the world’s Top 10 ski resorts with a Swiss resort. Verbier is located in the valley of the Baths. The place is luxurious, both in terms of the natural scenery and the quality of the infrastructure.
The total length of the trails is more than 400 kilometers. The descents are distributed as follows:
- for beginners – about 100 kilometers;
- for experienced – about 200 kilometers;
- for extreme athletes – about 100 kilometers.
A wide variety is offered for all levels. Judging by the reviews, the most interesting ones are Tortin, Mont-Fot and Mont-Gel. Go there if you are confident in your skills.
If you are lucky, you will be able to meet world celebrities at the resort: European and American actors, businessmen and even members of the royal families of Europe. Verbier often becomes a venue for world winter sports events. For example, this resort hosts the Ski World Cup.
Good skiing in Russia
Although Russian winter resorts are inferior to European and some American ones, they can also impress. Especially if you don’t have that much experience in skiing or if you don’t have a visa. Several decent domestic variants:
- Krasnaya Polyana. Definitely the most famous ski racer in Russia. It is located near Sochi. There are both complex and simple trails for beginners, excellent opportunities for freeride, especially on Rosa Khutor. Due to the geography, the village is well “sprinkled” with snow, so the skiing season lasts until March. But because of its popularity, Krasnaya Polyana is also very expensive.
- Archyz. The Caucasus Mountains are in no way inferior to the Krasnodar Territory. Many even call this place the “Russian Alps.” 25 km of trails for different levels of training: from green for beginners to red for experienced ones. It is suitable for family holidays, with a comfortable atmosphere and reasonable prices. Arkhyz is a cozy resort with excellent prospects, ideal for those who are looking for a comfortable ski vacation in Russia
- Elbrus region. In the Elbrus region, the trails are divided into ski areas on Elbrus and Cheget. Most of the roads on Elbrus belong to the blue level with red sections, it will not be easy for beginners. It is better for them to choose the Azau clearing. Cheget is famous for its steep red and black trails, suitable only for experienced skiers.
- Sheregesh.The resort is located in Western Siberia. Judging by the reviews, it is the best in its region in terms of facilities. Sheregesh will definitely impress with its size. You will literally ride in the snow-covered taiga, like a small country in Europe. There are semi-wild trails for extreme athletes. For beginners and amateurs, there are well–equipped, comfortable slopes. Unlike Krasnaya Polyana in Sochi or the Caucasus Mountains, you can ride much longer here. In the Siberian taiga, snow remains in a dense layer until May.
- Zavyaliha. The famous resort of the Urals, where the Russian national snowboarding team comes to train. The trails are really different in quality, there are 8 of them in total, with a total length of 15 km. It will be interesting not only for professionals and experienced skiers, but also for beginners. The main thing is to choose a green highway. There is a separate clearing for children, so Zavyalikha is quite suitable for family holidays. The season lasts from November to April.
- Mountain air. Sakhalin in winter is an impressive sight. There is a mountain complex on the island. The trails are located on the slopes of the Bolshevik (601m) and Krasnaya (779m) mountains. The resort has everything you need for a ski holiday: 42 kilometers of trails, observation decks on the peaks, restaurants, bars, a tubing park and even a pump room. Proximity to urban amenities makes it easy for guests to combine outdoor activities with urban infrastructure.
