Although the winter brings cold weather and shorter evenings, it also brings snow and with that comes one of the best sports of the season: skiing! Winter sports are huge, and what’s better than enjoying incredible natural surroundings, breathtaking views, and getting some exercise that’s actually fun?
Then, after an epic day on the slopes, you can unwind in the best saunas and indulge in fantastic local food and beer at some of the best ski resorts in the world.
Skiing is a sport like no other so here are some of the best skiing destinations around the world for your winter break. From backcountry skiing in Colorado to relaxing in a hot spring town at the end of the day in Hokkaido, are you ready for your next ski trip?
Where should you go on your next ski trip?
1) Enjoy the après-ski scene of Austria
There are so many places to enjoy the incredible ski scene in Austria but one thing they all have in common is the après-ski bars flowing with booze, oompah bands, Europop, and happy hours. Of course, there’s also roaring fires, wooden chalets, and small villages to wander. It’s also much cheaper to enjoy skiing in Austria than in Switzerland or France.
Some of the best resorts in Austria include Obergurgl which is a quieter and often overlooked destination that suits families and anyone looking for a quieter ski scene (this also means fewer queues!). There is alslo Arlberg which is Austria’s biggest ski resort and features seven villages, backcountry skiing, luxury shopping, boutique chalets, and a party on every corner. Perfect for an action-packed ski trip.
2) Go backcountry skiing in Colorado
Colorado offers some of the best skiing in the United States due to a combination of heavy snowfall and world-class resorts. Did you know it is also a haven for people who love backcountry skiing and splitboarding! Discover locations from Red Mountain Pass, where you can spend a week skiing and enjoying the wooden mountain huts, or Vail pass where the summit reaches 10,662’ and 55,000 acres of recreational areas to enjoy.
Here, you will also find some of the best backcountry skiing Colorado has to offer.
Read More: Destinations for Backcountry Skiing in California
3) Delve into 186-miles of trails and eat at a Michelin star restaurant in France
The Val d’Isere is one of the most famous resorts in the world, this is where you’ll find the most reliable snow year to year in a location that promises you’ll never be bored. To make things easy, they offer a one pass option that grants you access to a dizzying amount of recreational activities with the main town situated at the base of the slopes for ease of access.
While up there, you can enjoy 186-miles of trails serviced by 78 lifts which is an insane amount of skiing for a $70 pass (pricey by European standards but not so much by US standards). Finally, there’s the food, you’ll find a host of restaurants not least one of the only Michelin 2-star restaurants at a ski resort called L’Atelier d’Edmond.
This is amazing ski resort for beginners who don’t want to be confused with multiple passes or advanced skiers who want to enjoy everything this resort has to offer.
4) Enjoy ‘champagne powder’ snow in Hokkaido, Japan
Yes, Japan is hosting the 2020 Olympics but did you also know it’s one of the hottest ski destinations right now? Heading up to the northern part of the country in Hokkaido will provide you with stunning views and the most powdery white snow you’ll find anywhere.
There’s over five hundred resorts in Japan and considering the country is 70% mountainous terrain it is hardly surprising. Skiing here is great fun and has something to offer everyone while also enjoying a fascinating and rich culture.
Some of the more popular resorts include: Sahoro Ski Resort which offers two styles of accommodation, one for people looking for a party and another looking to relax Japanese style — there are also lots of beginner slopes — and Niseko, one of the most famous Japanese resorts where you enjoy all of the nearby hot spring towns at the end of the day.
Read more: A guide to the Japanese language for travellers.
5) Take your pick of the resorts in Canada
Canada is certainly somewhere that springs to mind when it comes to choosing a ski trip and with good reason heavy and reliable snowfall, locations that push even the most adept skiers because you can go off-piste without a guide, and you’ll also find a diverse range of resorts.
Whether you want to pretty much ski from your doorstep at Big White on 2,765 acres of terrain or want to enjoy the quaint towns, shops, and bars of Banff National Park while enjoying world-class skiing with three resorts to choose from. A ski trip in Canada is ridiculously fun and you won’t be forgetting those views in a hurry.
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