When skiing is your passion, only the best will do. Who wants to spend their precious holiday time at a boring resort? Hit the slopes in style at the best resorts in the world. Here are our picks for the best ski resorts you can choose. Give one of these a try on your next winter get away.
St. Anton, Arlberg, Austria
This area is consistently in the top five for best ski areas in the world. The area has an excellent reputation thanks to its natural beauty, the reliable snow throughout the area, and the excellent slope conditions. There are 88 state of the art cable cars which move guests safely and comfortably. Visitors can opt for a reusable ski pass which will automatically open the ski lift entrances. The slopes offer marked ski runs for all ability levels. Other areas offer challenging deep snow ski runs, carving areas, and snowboard fun parks.
Chamonix, France
The site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix offers a variety of experiences and challenges for all types of visitors. Advanced skiers looking for a real challenge will be delighted. Novice skiers and families will appreciate the ready availability of top notch instructors and beginner courses. In addition to the skiing, the local area offers exquisite dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Morzine, France
This Alpine community located in Morzine offers a bit of France and a bit of Switzerland to visitors. In addition to top notch skiing conditions, the resort offers unique opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. Try ice diving beneath a frozen lake, go tobogganing, or give snowshoeing a try. There is even a world class ice rink to enjoy here.
Verbier offers Switzerland’s largest ski area with 410 kilometers of pistes. There is never a dull moment thanks to the ample activities available to visitors, which include ski touring, hell-skiing, and off piste skiing on marked routes. Guests can also immerse themselves in nature when they take advantage of snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails. Gather your friends and family to enjoy the longest sledge run in French-speaking Switzerland, in La Tzoumaz.
Cervinia, Italy
This ski area is so massive that visitors have the ability to ski all day without ever repeating the same run twice. Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche Zermatt area is one of the largest in the Alps, stretching between Italy and Switzerland. Staying on the Italian side offers travelers the opportunity to visit one of the best ski regions in the world at a fraction of the higher priced Swiss side. The area is noted for being snow sure and is a sure bet for great skiing conditions.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Slightly off the beaten path, Bansko offers less crowded but still high quality skiing for those seeking something new. A flurry of new constructions has revitalized the area, and visitors will find new, modern lifts as well as new lodgings, many near the base of the new gondola area. Situated at the foot of the Pirin mountain in south western Bulgaria, the resort and surrounding area offer both long ski runs and rich cultural history.
Mayrhofen, Austria
Located on Mount Penken, Mayrhofen offers one of the largest and most diverse ski areas in all of Austria. The steepest slope in Austria is the Harakiri Piste, with its 78% gradient. This piste offers a unique challenge for the most daring skiers. Vans Penken Park offers fun for snow boarders and free skiers. There are also amply opportunities for novice skiers to hit the slopes as well, as the area offers a wide choice of terrain to visitors.
What is your “go to” ski resort? Do you have a favorite place that you keep returning to? For more of our top winter weather vacation picks, see our suggestions for the five best American towns to visit during the holidays.
