Top 10: Best Ski Resorts in the World

Winter is here! Snow lovers and thrill-seekers alike are flocking to freshly snow-covered mountains for a chance at new skiing and snowboarding adventures. With dozens of top skiing destinations, each ski resort boasts a different draw for each traveler. Keep reading to discover the 10 best ski resorts in the world, and plan your perfect snowy getaway!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or planning your first ski trip, no worries—we’ve got you covered. Our list includes destinations suitable for any traveler. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or jonesing for that perfect aprés-ski lounge, you’ll find the best ski resort here!

1. St. Moritz, Switzerland

Best for: luxury and elegance

Kicking off our list, we’ll start with the ski area of St. Moritz. Located on the far eastern side of the country, bordering Italy, travelers can explore any of the three main mountains; Corviglia, Corvatsch, or Diavolezza. On Corviglia in particular, you’ll find over 26 miles (41.8 km) of beginner runs and 21 miles (33.7 km) of expert terrain making this destination ideal for all levels.

But skiing is just part of the charm. What sets St. Moritz apart is its iconic reputation as a hub of luxury and glamour, offering upscale resorts, world-class dining, and a vibrant après-ski scene. For decades, it’s attracted celebrities from Hollywood legends and fashion icons like Charlie Chaplin and Coco Chanel to everybody’s favorite 90s heartthrobs like George Clooney, Hugh Grant, and even Kylie Minogue.

Don’t take our word for it, head over to St. Moritz and experience it for yourself! There are plenty of ways to arrive at this luxe destination, but one of our favorites is this day trip to St. Moritz by train from nearby Milan. Not only do you get to visit one of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world, but the 2.5-hour train journey along the Bernina Express promises incredible views of the Brusio Viaduct, the Bernina Pass, and Engadina. The perfect experience from start to finish!

Bonus: If you happen to be visiting the Swiss capital of Zurich, you can still get in on the winter sports fun! Check out this day trip to Grindelwald that includes a beginner’s ski class and make the most of your visit.

2. Aspen, Colorado

Best for: the complete package

Located 3.5 hours from Denver, the Aspen Snowmass ski resort is one of Colorado’s most famous ski areas. For many, it offers the best skiing conditions and facilities in all of North America. In fact, in 1950 it hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships, the first time in history that the United States hosted this sporting event.

The resort, made up of four different areas, offers ski runs for all levels. Over 300 slopes run along 316 miles (508 km), available to all visitors via a network of 42 lifts. This resort offers loads of other winter activities too, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and snow biking—you can even ride a roller coaster! Without a doubt, a visit to Aspen guarantees a well-rounded ski resort experience, one you won’t ever forget.

3. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Best for: ski-in ski-out runs

Whistler Blackcomb is a skier’s paradise, offering a hassle-free ski-in, ski-out experience that many ski resorts lack. At Whistler Blackcomb, enjoy a wide range of accommodations, all found right along the ski trails and lifts. No need to pack up the car or shuttle over the lift from the hotel, Whistler Blackcomb allows visitors to maximize their time on the mountain.

Located in the “Big White North,” Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. With 8,171 acres (3,308 hectares) of skiable terrain, skiers of all levels can have fun here. For the best skiers, the resort offers plenty of off-piste trails that challenge you with some of the steepest slopes, deep powder bowls, and extensive backcountry zones where you can truly get lost in the thrill of adventure.

What’s more, Whistler is also home to plenty of other thrilling outdoor winter adventures. Join a helicopter ride over the valley that offers breathtaking views of Canada’s rugged wilderness and create memories that will last a lifetime.

4. Baqueira-Beret, Spain

Best for: being a hidden gem ski destination

The natural border between Spain and France, known as the Pyrenees mountain range, is often overlooked as a skiing destination. It’s hard to believe, with so many ski resorts in the area, and consistent weather that creates perfect powder beds. Our top choice is the Baquiera-Beret resort, which happens to also be the Spanish Royal family’s favorite spot, and it’s easy to understand why.

Split into four different areas, with 99 miles (159 km) of ski runs spread out over 100 slopes, this resort boasts runs ranging from bunny slopes to black diamond trails. The best part? Thanks to its under-the-radar status, there’s often way fewer crowds at Baquiera-Beret, which means less time waiting for that ski lift, and more time on the mountain.

At Baquiera-Beret the gifts just keep on giving! Tucked away on the northern side of the Pyrenees, visitors can indulge in fresh powder beds of snow and rich local gastronomy that blends Spanish, French, Catalan, Basque and Aranes influences. Whether you’re drawn by the slopes or the flavors, there’s no better way to begin your journey than with a beginner’s ski or snowboarding class.

5. Valle Nevado, Chile

Best for: off-piste skiing

Let’s head south, into the heart of the Andes Mountains, the Valle Nevado ski resort has become a real haven for winter sports lovers. Perhaps one of the reasons is that it has one of the longest ski seasons in the Americas. It’s also easy to get to, being just 31 miles (49 km) away from the capital of Chile.

The draw of Valle Nevado has to be its runs. Just like any other ski resort, there are plenty of options for beginners and experts. But, it’s got to be the 23 miles (37 km) of pisted-trails above the tree line, that offer breathtaking views of the Andes, the Chilean capital, and even the Pacific Ocean, that bring skiers from around the world to this resort. Not to mention, expert skiers can get their adrenaline fix on the abundant amount of off-piste runs, some of which reach up to an epic 6,561 feet (2,000 m) high!

If you’re staying in Santiago de Chile, why not book a snow tour of Farellones and Valle Nevado and explore the area yourself? Alternatively, check out a day trip to the Portillo ski resort nearby and see how the two compare.

6. Niseko, Japan

Best for: fresh snow, a powder hound’s paradise

With all those mountains, of course Japan makes it onto our list as a top skiing destination. Our top choice has to be the Niseko area, just a 2-hour drive from Sapporo, on Hokkaido island. The resort is divided into four interlinked resorts, Annapuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu, and Hanazono, all with incredible views of Mount Yōtei, a volcano that reaches 6,227 feet (1,898 m) high.

The appeal of Niseko ski resort lies in the amount of fresh snow it receives during the winter. Thanks to cold currents from Siberia that facilitate consistent snowfall, Niseko ski resort has become synonymous with high-quality snow, and is the place to be for avid powder hounds. With an average snowfall of at least 40 feet (12 m) every year, it’s no wonder why. If skiing in Japan hasn’t crossed your mind before, it has now!

7. Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France

Best for: taking it to the next level

No list of the best ski resorts in the world would be complete without including Chamonix-Mont Blanc, located on the border between France, Switzerland, and Italy. The most famous alpine ski resort, and also one of the oldest, in the world, has hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships twice, the first time being in 1937, and even the first Winter Olympics in 1924.

Chamonix has a reputation for being a more extreme destination, with the major draw for advanced skiers being the rugged off-piste trails. Many skiers come to Chamonix to take on the challenging Vallée Blanche descent, aiming to push their limits and elevate their skiing to the next level.

Whether you’re trying to level up your skiing expertise, or enjoy a wintery getaway, be sure to ride the Aiguille du Midi, the world’s highest vertical ascent cable car, and soak up the views at the lookout point. Not only is it a pleasant ride up, but it conveniently drops you off at the start of the Vallée Blanche where you can begin the dizzying 8,588-foot (2,700 m) descent. Not ready for the challenge just yet? No problem! Take the cable car up and glide your way back down with this paragliding experience. Excellent views guaranteed.

8. Pyhä, Finland

Best for: a unique skiing experience

What about skiing in Lapland? One of the most popular ski resorts in Finland is Pyhä (pronounced “poo-ha“), located just on the edge of the Arctic Circle, 80 miles (129 km) away. While it may not be one of the biggest resorts, with 8 miles (13 km) of pisted-runs, advanced skiers will enjoy the pisted runs with plenty of gradient changes and steep descents.

Another major draw here is the Northern Lights. Being so close to the Arctic Circle, combined with fewer sunshine hours in the winter, increases your chances of catching a glimpse during your visit. Imagine taking on the slopes and ending the day with a thrilling natural light show like the epic Aurora Borealis.

The resort also happens to be located next to the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, another popular site where you can participate in other classic winter activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Buckle into your own pair when you join this snowshoeing tour through Pyhä-Luosto National Park.

While downhill skiing is a staple of Finnish ski culture, it’s not the only way to enjoy the snow. In the Finnish Lapland, visitors have the perfect opportunity to try their hand at cross-country skiing. Embrace the tranquility of a winter wonderland and reserve your spot on this cross-country skiing trip!

9. Sierra Nevada, Spain

Best for: sunshine-and-snow skiing

That’s right, another Spanish location, and this time, with a plot twist: in the south of Spain. One of the best ski resorts in the world, Sierra Nevada is right outside of the Andalusian city of Granada. With a total of 131 slopes and 68 skiable miles (109 km), it’s an ideal destination for ski lovers who want sun and snow, and Sierra Nevada has 320 days of sunshine per year.

On top of being one of the sunniest ski resorts in the world, the Sierra Nevada ski resort is also a part of one of the highest ski villages in Europe, the Pradollano, perched at a whopping 6,869 feet (2,093 m) above sea level. Beginner and intermediate skiers can soak up the beautiful Mediterranean sun as they tear down the slopes. More advanced skiers can try their hand at the run used for the World Alpine Championship in 1996.

10. Cerro Catedral, Argentina

Cerro Catedral offers one of the best ski resorts in the world and is considered the largest winter sports center in the southern hemisphere, making it a very popular place for tourists visiting Bariloche. With 34 lifts and more than 60 slopes and trails, both beginners and experts can enjoy this resort with incredible views of the stunning Lago Nahuel Huapi.

Take advantage of your visit and try a ski lesson at Cerro Catedral! If you’re a more seasoned skier, purchase your Cerro Catedral ski lift pass here, and soak up that brilliant mountain time. Cerro Catedral counts with one of the best lift systems in South America, boasting a fast six-seater chair and gondola available. When you’re ready to call it a day, head back into town in Bariloche for lively nightlife.

All in all, whether you’re chasing adrenaline on the slopes, soaking in breathtaking mountain views, or savoring the après-ski culture, there’s a destination on this list perfect for you. From the luxury of St. Moritz to the untouched powder of Niseko, these best ski resorts in the world offer unforgettable experiences for skiers and adventurers alike. So why wait? Start planning your dream ski trip today and make memories that will last a lifetime.