Skiing has quickly evolved from its roots as a sport for daring mountaineers to a common winter activity for the entire family. Ski resorts have responded by adding hotels, restaurants, après-ski entertainment, and various indoor and outdoor activities to meet the demand. But for skiers, it’s all about the snow, as well as the terrain of the mountainsides where it falls. Here are some of the world’s best ski resorts in the world.
The best ski resorts in Europe
The best ski resorts in Europe include Courchevel for serious skiers looking for once-in-a-lifetime snow thrills. Courchevel is part of the Les 3 Vallées region, the world’s largest Alpine ski domain, boasting 600 km of interconnected ski runs across ten summits above 2,500 metres and 150 kilometres of Alpine ski terrain served by 60 lifts.
Zermatt, Switzerland’s ski resort, would be a dream destination for skiers even if it didn’t have one of the world’s most stunning mountains as a backdrop. This is the highest winter sports area in the Alps, with the highest vertical drop in Switzerland, and views of the Matterhorn’s majestic peak can be had from almost anywhere on its 350 kilometres of trails and slopes.
The best ski resorts in the Middle East
Lebanon’s Mzaar Kfardebian, despite being smaller than Connecticut, has some of the best ski resorts in the Middle East. The snow-capped peaks of Mount Lebanon, where the slopes of Mzaar Kfardebian, the region’s largest resort, climb over 8,000 feet, are just under an hour’s drive from the Mediterranean coast. Every winter, trendy locals and jet-setters conquer the area’s impressive snowpack, partake in a rowdy après-ski scene, and visit nearby ancient Roman ruins. Although Beirut’s day trips are popular, alpine lodging options abound–we recommend staying at one of the Swiss-style chalets or the prestigious Intercontinental Mzaar Resort & Spa, which has its ski lift.
The best ski resorts in Australia and New Zealand
Perisher and South Island’s Coronet Peak are two of the best ski resorts in Australia and New Zealand. Perisher is a full-service alpine resort with many events and amenities to keep you occupied away from the slopes. There’s no doubt something for all to discover in the 3,076 acres of skiable terrain. When the sun goes down at Perisher, the fun doesn’t stop because the Front Valley slope is lit up for night skiing every Tuesday and Saturday. Although, we must point out that Perisher has many T-bars, so if you don’t like them, stay away.
South Island’s Coronet Peak – This epic South Island ski resort is right in the thick of things, close to Queenstown but not too far from the picturesque Wanaka. During the early morning to late into the evening, the facilities are available, with various pistes and slopes for all abilities. There are a variety of practice spots along the base and a plethora of trails in between. Beginners will enjoy the Big Easy, while experienced riders will enjoy the Exchange Drop.
The best ski resorts in Asia
Japan was firmly established on the ski map during the 1998 Winter Olympics, becoming one of the best ski resorts in Asia. The Andes have gotten more coverage as a result of keen enthusiasts’ hunt for year-round snow. There are factors to think about when choosing the best ski resort for your holiday. Still, for this list, the ski experience itself — the variety and difficulty of the terrain, the snow conditions, and lift access — is the most critical factor.
The best ski resorts in America and Canada
Vail is the largest ski resort in Colorado and one of the world’s largest, with enough scenery to keep an avid skier of any skill level occupied. Long, well-kept runs run alongside luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, and boutiques in Vail’s equally well-kept area.
Experts go to the seven back bowls for bumps and glades, which are kept in top shape by the predicted 350 inches of annual snowfall. Vail is known for its range and size (over 5,289 acres of skiing supported by 31 lifts). Riders will enjoy three different terrain parks, and backcountry skiers will find powder heaven here.
The best ski resorts in America and Canada have made the cut. Whistler Blackcomb blends the best of two mountains’ terrain to create Canada’s finest ski resort and North America’s largest winter sports venue. More than 200 runs are accessible through 37 lifts on the combined skiable terrain. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which spans three kilometres and is the world’s longest unsupported lift span, connects the two mountaintops.
