If you’re a fan of skiing or snowboarding, take a look at the top ski destinations in the world.
While experienced skiers and beginners may require different terrain, snow conditions and atmosphere, many ski destinations offer both groups the chance to have a fantastic time on the slopes.
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New Zealand
Great off piste conditions, magnificent scenery and friendly locals make New Zealand an interesting prospect for any skier/snowboarder. Jet lag can easily take multiple days out of your trip so make sure you go for a minimum of 2 weeks to ensure you can visit the areas you wish to see. Mountain resorts are very small compared to European and North American counterparts and can therefore put people off.
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Andorra
Nestled in the Pyrenees, Andorra brings cheap skiing, tasty cuisine and a warmer climate to skiers compared to the nearby Alps resorts. Andorra is starting to increase in popularity amongst skiers however it is still pretty quiet on the slopes and can therefore be great for beginners and families. Soldeu is the most popular resort in the area but smaller resorts do exist if that’s more to your liking. Skiing in Andorra can be good for beginners and early intermediates but advanced skiers may wish for more challenging runs. The resorts can lack atmosphere, plus snow conditions can be poor due to the warm climate having an undesirable effect.
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Bulgaria
Cheap cheap cheap! Bulgaria is one of the cheapest resorts in Europe and is therefore increasing in popularity, especially amongst beginners and younger skiers. Resorts such as Bansko feature a good party/après-ski atmosphere due to cheap beverages and food in the local area. Bulgaria does however have its fair share of drawbacks, the low priced ski resorts have attracted a majority of Brits to the region and can be less diverse than other ski resorts and service definitely falls behind that expected in North America.
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Japan
Well-renowned for its powder snow conditions and night skiing, Japan provides the best opportunity for skiing in the Asian continent. Aside from skiing, the chance to experience a different culture to typical Western styles is not to be missed and can be an interesting alternative to ski resorts in North America and Europe. The distance and expense of the journey is an almighty downside to the trip and therefore interested skiers must be dedicated and have deep pockets to truly experience skiing in Japan.
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Italy
Italian ski resorts feature many similarities to other parts of the Alps such as France and Austria, but with one main advantage… FOOD! Italy has a world-famous passion for cuisine and this can be seen throughout the Italian ski resorts. Spectacular scenery is guaranteed; Cervinia benefits from incredible views of the Matterhorn Mountain and the resort itself is snow-sure at 2,050m. Despite some ski resorts being very eye catching, others are in dire need of investment and have started to look quite dated.
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Switzerland
Swiss resorts are some of the most picturesque in the world; Zermatt even has spectacular views of the nearby Matterhorn Mountain. Resorts are a pleasure to stay in and feature the stereotypical Swiss efficiency, from ski lifts to airport transport you can certainly rely on the infrastructure. The snow conditions are often rivalled by most in the world, the ability to ski on glaciers is an extra added benefit of the country. Typically Switzerland is by no means a cheap place to ski, resorts can be very expensive and everything in the resort comes at a premium cost. For those that like après-ski, Switzerland has a generally quiet après-ski scene but resorts such as Verbier do offer a party atmosphere.
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Austria
No matter what your skill level is, Austria will have the perfect resort for you. From traditional ski towns to adventurous off-piste trails you will be sure to enjoy your trip. St Anton, Ischgl and Mayrhofen provide a true benchmark for a party atmosphere and après-ski. The overall package comes for a reasonable price and although Austrian resorts generally have a low altitude, there are huge glaciers available for times of poor snow conditions.
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Canada
Canada is a powder haven for skiers and snowboarders alike, resorts such as Whistler and Lake Louise offer fantastic skiing in a friendly and well-mannered environment. Scenic forest trails and beautiful snow conditions make Canada a true contender for anyone looking to go skiing, just make sure you wrap up warm as Canada can be extremely cold. Just like in the USA, Europeans will face a long journey to get to the resorts.
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USA
A tough choice between Canada and the USA but we chose this for the sheer variety of ski resorts that are available to suit your needs. Jackson Hole, Park City, Aspen and Lake Tahoe are just some of the popular ski resorts that are in the USA and each brings its own unique qualities. You typically witness great service/friendly locals in most US resorts and the infrastructure is usually very modern. For European skiers the USA can be costly due to flights and transfers, it’s recommended to go for 2 weeks to ensure you get the most from your trip.
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France
The French Alps have been a long-standing favorite for skiers and snowboarders from all over Europe. A wide selection of traditional mountain towns and villages combined with a vast alpine landscape has cemented its place as the most popular European winter destination. Whether you want family friendly resorts such as Avoriaz or are looking for a party atmosphere in the likes of Val d’Isère, France has everything you need for a perfect ski holiday.
Do you like to monitor your progress on the slopes? Many iPhone and Android apps require a data connection to be used. When abroad, this can come with unnecessary high roaming charges and a cheap International Data SIM from Cellhire can dramatically reduce your mobile bill. 4G MiFi devices are also available so that you can browse the web, post to social media and connect with family and friends when abroad.
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