Trade the sun for the snow. Trade the swimsuits for the ski gear. Trade the trivial for unforgettable memories. It’s time to plan your winter vacation! In no particular order, these are the best ski resorts to visit this winter season.
Top Worldwide Ski Resorts
1. Whistler Blackcomb
British Columbia, Canada
For many reasons, Whistler Blackcomb is largely regarded as the best ski resort in Canada. Named after the two mountains that produce the area’s famously epic skiing and snowboarding conditions, Whistler Blackcomb remains unmatched in quality, terrain, and atmosphere. There’s plenty to enjoy off the mountain, too, like their world-class ski-in/ski-out lodging, five-star dining, legendary apres-ski, spas, shopping, nightlife, and so much more.
2. Deer Valley Resort
Park City, Utah
Located in the charming alpine town of Park City, Deer Valley Resort boasts an undeniable charm and dedication to tradition that continues to attract skiers season after season. It should be noted that Deer Valley is a ski-only resort. Its 2,000 acres of skiable terrain are impeccably groomed with an uphill capacity of more than 50,000 skiers! As with any world-class ski resort, you’ll enjoy tastefully appointed accommodations, delicious dining, and more. If you happen to be skiing with the family, Deer Valley not only offers a family-friendly atmosphere, but they boast an excellent instruction program, too, for the novice skiers in your group.
3. Vail Ski Resort
Vail, Colorado
Some ski resorts have an indescribable magic. An ambiance that lingers over the slopes and drifts through the streets. Heated streets, that is, at Vail Ski Resort. This luxurious ski town is most known for its incredible skiing and snowboarding conditions, of course. But, it’s their pedestrian-friendly village that truly gives it its charm. With European alpine architecture and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for shopping, dining, and of course some apres-ski.
4. Big Sky Resort
Big Sky, Montana
Everything is big(ger) at Big Sky Resort. Like its nearly 6,000 acres of skiable terrain, 4,350 vertical feet, and 40 lifts to access it all. It’s one of the best ski resorts for all levels of riders with plenty of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. The resort sees an average of 400 inches of snow annually, so you’re guaranteed to enjoy some epic powder.
5. Courchevel
Courchevel, France
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Courchevel is actually nicknamed the “World’s Ski Captial.” Courchevel truly dominates the luxury and elegant skiing market, but don’t be deterred. Courchevel is part of the Les Trois Vallèes (3 Valleys) offering a wide range of accommodations, dining, and level of difficulty on the slopes.
6. Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Beautiful Cortina d’Ampezzo, also known as the Queen of the Dolomites, is the premier winter destination of the Italian Alps. The resort boasts six different ski areas with 86 slopes. Of those, 95% are equipped with artificial snowmakers to guarantee an epic day on the slopes. Be sure to visit this ski resort while you can as it’ll be the host of the Olympic Games Milano-Cortina in 2026!
7. Snowbird Ski Resort
Snowbird, Utah
Home of the “longest ski season in Utah,” Snowbird Ski Resort is known for its deep powder making it one of the best ski resorts in Utah. That’s why the resort offers so many different winter activities like heli-skiing, snowcat skiing, backcountry skiing, mountain tours, scenic tram rides, and so much more. Winter at “the Bird” also means a stay at the area’s world-class lodging or dining at any of the resort’s nearly 20 restaurants.
8. Telluride Ski Resort
Telluride, Colorado
Known for some of the steepest and most challenging terrain in the world, Telluride Ski Resort is the real deal and one of the best ski resorts in Colorado. There are plenty of slopes for beginning skiers, too, but it’s the upper mountain of Telluride that attracts the most experienced riders. In fact, 41% of the slopes are rated for advanced or expert skiers. The resort boasts 2,000 skiable acres in the scenic San Juan Mountains with a total of 148 trails. Dining options are just as abundant with restaurants located on-mountain, in the mountain village, and in the historic town of Telluride.
9. Zermatt-Matterhorn
Zermatt, Switzerland
Not only is Zermatt-Matterhorn home to the best ski resorts in the world, but it’s also one of the very few places where you can ski 365 days a year. It’s located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, making for a unique melting pot of Swiss hospitality and Italian flare. With more than 13,000 feet of altitude, it’s the highest winter sports area in the Alps.
10. Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère, France
50. That’s how many different peaks there are in the Val d’Isère ski area. Yes, 50! And they range in altitude from 8,500 to 12,500 feet. State-of-the-art snowmakers ensure impeccable skiing and snowboarding conditions are guaranteed. Other winter sports offered in the area include dog sledding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, ice skating, and more.
11. Heavenly Ski Resort
Lake Tahoe, California
There are so many things to love about Heavenly Ski Resort. But one of the biggest draws to the resort is the epic views of Lake Tahoe’s crystal blue waters from the slopes. Picture this: you’re flying down one of Heavenly’s 97 trails with the reflection of the surrounding peaks glistening in Lake Tahoe. It’s a truly stunning visual. The resort also offers 4,800 acres of skiable terrain which is the most in the Lake Tahoe area.
12. Niseko Ski Resort
Hokkaido Japan
Niseko Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Japan. And it’s great for all levels of riders with 30% beginner, 40% Intermediate, and 30% expert-rated slopes. The resort is most known for its expansive powder bowls, exciting tree runs, and jaw-dropping views of Mount Yōtei – an active stratovolcano.
13. Chamonix
Haute Savoie Region, France
The skiing and snowboarding are truly endless at Chamonix. The area is home to a whopping five different ski resorts: Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere, and Le Brevent. With so much terrain to enjoy, the winter activities are just as endless. Enjoy heli-skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and more.
14. Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort
Wilmington, New York
Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is home to some of the biggest skiing in the Northeast. In fact, it even hosted six alpine ski events during the 1980 Winter Olympics. The resort offers more than 20 miles of rides across 90 different trails along with 3,430 feet of vertical – the greatest east of the Rocky Mountains!
15. Saint Anton am Arlberg
Arlberg Region, Austria
Saint Anton am Arlberg is one of the most well-known ski resorts in Austria. This is partly because it was the site of the first ski club in the Alps created in 1901. It’s also partly because of the terrain which includes some of the most challenging runs in the Austrian Alps. Off-piste skiing is also big here, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the untouched powder of the Alps. And a charming car-free village of cafes, inns, restaurants, and hotels is nestled at the bottom of the mountain.
16. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Teton Village, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has consistently been voted one of the best ski resorts in the USA. It’s great for all levels of skiers and snowboarders with 50% of the terrain dedicated to beginner and intermediate riders. It’s also known for its “cowboy powder,” uncrowded slopes, and relaxed atmosphere. Nearby Teton Village is great for shopping, dining, nightlife, and all the apres-ski you could ask for!
17. Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel, Austria
Ski season is a long one at Kitzbühel spanning 200 days from mid-October to early May. And because skiing dates back 125 years in Kitzbühel, they certainly know how to make the most of the winter season. Tons of other winter sports, outside of skiing and snowboarding, are available along with legendary apres-ski.
18. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Aspen, Colorado
Luxury, unforgettable, limitless possibilities – these are just a few words to describe Aspen Snowmass, the premier ski destination of the United States. Aspen Snowmass is home to four different mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Of the four mountains, the Snowmass ski area is the largest at 3,300 acres of skiable terrain. Each of the four ski areas is unique in its own right and all offer the winter vacation of your dreams! Downtown Aspen is equally as impressive with delicious dining, world-class apres, and five-star dining.
19. Stowe
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe has long been recognized as one of the best ski towns in America. From the postcard-worthy Main Street to the impeccable slopes and every experience in between, a winter getaway to Stowe is sure to please. Fat biking, ice fishing, sleigh rides, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, and so many more winter activities are all available.
20. Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge, Colorado
The beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado has a rich history in mining. It’s what originally brought settlers to the area! Now, it’s the incredible powder that draws skiers and snowboarders to the Rocky Mountains. Breckenridge boasts five different peaks towering over the village below home to 180 trails and nearly 3,000 skiable acres.
These premier ski resorts are calling! So, where will you be heading this winter? No matter the destination, count on Ship Skis to safely ship your skis, snowboard, and luggage to wherever you’ll be staying or skiing!