The 20 best ski resorts in the world

Trying to decide where to go on your next trip? How about one of the best ski resorts in the world? That’s no exaggeration – these 20 ski resorts are the crème de la crème, the elite, and the top dogs. 

But how did we decide what makes a ski resort the best on Earth? We looked at factors such as terrain and snow quality (music to any rider’s ears). But we also considered off-mountain activities. après-ski and nightlife, beginner and family friendliness, terrain for advanced riders, and resort infrastructure. The result? 20 ski resorts that’ll knock your ski socks off! 

Oh, and speaking of ski clothing – you can’t visit the world’s best resorts without donning the best snow gear. So, launch into our new collection of ski bibs and ski jackets, and dive into our list of the top ski resorts in the world. 

The 20 best ski resorts in the world

Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada

Whistler-Blackcomb needs little introduction. It’s North America’s largest ski area and undoubtedly one of the best ski resorts in the world. After all, this place delivers, with over 8,000 acres and 200 trails to rip between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Oh, and you’ll also experience a thigh-shaking 5,279 feet of vertical drop and a snorkel-worthy 37.5 feet of snow per year!

Every type of rider will find their stoke here. And your time off the mountain will be downright epic, too, with some of the best après you’ll ever experience (head to Dusty’s Bar & BBQ ASAP) alongside mind-blowing gourmet cuisine. Dine at Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar for a taste of what we mean. We think it’s fair to say Whistler Blackcomb is as close to perfection as you can get.

Top tip: 

More into off-piste than oysters? Rip Cowboy Ridge for wide, long pow runs that make you question if you’ve died and gone to heaven.  

Courchevel, France

You might associate Courchevel with its Gucci gondolas. But this luxury resort is so much more than designer touches and 5-star hotels. For starters, the off-piste is iconic and features Les Avals and Les Creux Noirs, whose steep, couloirs-and-cliff-covered, east-facing slopes are more Alaskan than European. It’s also part of the Three Valleys/Les 3 Vallées region, one of the largest Alpine ski domains. Prep for thigh burn with over 372 miles of interconnected trails across 10 peaks. Woah.

If you’re staying local, Courchevel offers 93 miles of rideable terrain. And, when it’s time for a break, how about trying one of Courchevel’s seven Michelin-starred restaurants across its six villages? Or its popping après-ski scene with champagne on Chalet de Pierres’s terrace in Courchevel 1850? Okay, your wallet might need to brace itself, but there’s no doubt Courchevel is 100% worth experiencing at least once in your life. 

Top tip:

You can’t visit Courchevel without taking on Eclipse, built for the 2023 World Ski Championships. It’s gnarly, with some mind-boggling steep sections and an average overall gradient of 30%. However, this legendary run should be on any experienced rider’s list. 

Zermatt, Switzerland

Which four stats would secure a resort a place on this list? How about hosting the Alps’ highest ski area at almost 4,000 meters/over 11,000 feet (the Matterhorn Ski Paradise), the world’s highest 3S lift, Switzerland’s greatest vertical drop (7,477 feet), and 224 miles of trails with the stunning Matterhorn peak in the background? Yep, Zermatt claims all those – so it’s no surprise it’s one of our best ski resorts in the world.

Riders will fall to the floor in Zermatt – in awe, not because of zero skills! And it also holds more impressive record-breaking stats. For example, Zermatt is home to Europe’s longest downhill run (over 15.5 miles!) and some insane off-piste, including the Haute Route, a 111-mile mountaineering route from Zermatt to Chamonix. 

Top tip:

Want to steady your nerves after a day at the Matterhorn’s base? Head to Hennu Stall for some serious après-ski. This Zermatt institution is on the bottom section of the Furi-Zermatt run, serving homemade Glühwein alongside DJs and live bands. 

Aspen Snowmass, USA

Colorado doesn’t mess around with ski resorts. It offers mega heights, mega snowfall, and Aspen Snowmass, a legendary ski resort with four ski areas – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. You’ll also find 5,517 acres of terrain around Aspen and Snowmass Village. 

Each village serves up something different. For example, watch the iconic Winter X Games at Buttermilk and test your mettle on Aspen Mountain’s three ridge lines rated black or double-black (advanced riders only). Then, throw yourself into Aspen Highlands’ killer backcountry and expert terrain, including the Highland Bowl. And Snowmass? Bring the family! It’s ace for little ones, non-riders, and complete beginners. Each mountain also has incredible restaurants, hotels, bars, and customer service. Trust us: there’s nowhere on earth like it.

Top tip:

Dive into Aspen’s world-famous après scene! Our top pick is the WET Deck, the rooftop at the W Hotel. Sip on Always Sunny in Aspen (their signature cocktail) surrounded by 360-degree views of the Colorado Rockies, a heated pool, fire pits, and a hot tub. That’s a core memory right there. Well, depending on how many cocktails you have, of course…

Val d'Isère, France

Ah, Val d'Isère. Go once and it imprints in your memory – thanks to the rad riding and killer après-ski. Both are no joke here, with altitudes reaching 11,319 feet/3,450 meters, insane expert terrain – with over 20 hella-tricky black runs and steep couloirs – and Dick’s Tea Bar, a legend of après with Jägerbombs available until sunrise. 

Val d'Isère also neighbors with Tignes to make the renowned Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area (formerly Espace Killy). This means you’ll never have to ride the same run twice with over 186 miles of terrain served by more than 150 smooth-running lifts. And when your legs tire from all that terrain, there’s only one thing to do. Head to La Folie Douce, jump on a table, and dance – the perfect way to shake out those ski legs, right? 

Top tip:

Take on La Face, a former Olympic run, and Val d'Isère’s signature slope. Okay, it’s graded black, nearly two miles long, and there’s a good chance of huge moguls at the top. However, the sense of achievement is 100% worth it – as is a crepe from Crêperie Bar ô rendez-vous at the base.

St. Anton, Austria

St. Anton is home to some of the trickiest runs in the Alps, mega, mega moguls, and insane off-piste. Oh, it’s also one of the Alps’ snowiest resorts, with 23 feet of snow per year. It certainly isn’t for the novice or nervous rider. However, St. Anton still delivers if you’re more intermediate. Buy an Arlberg lift ticket to access 187 miles of trails (plenty of which are intermediate), including those at neighbouring Zürs and Lech. 

You can even do the Run of Fame, a 53-mile circuit of the entire Ski Arlberg region. You’ll start from St. Anton, ride through Zürs and Lech, and back to St. Anton. Off the hill, you’ll have your phone out non-stop to snap the sights. That’s all thanks to St. Anton’s cute village full of Alpine restaurants, shops, and more. 

Top tip:

Ride hard but après harder. Our top pick is the legendary MooserWirt, with live music, singing at the top of your lungs, and enough Glühwein to swim in (ten times over!).  

Niseko, Japan

Riders pilgrimage to Japan for one thing and one thing only: Japow. Yep, it’s the light, dry, floatable, dream-worthy powder you can only find in Japan – and Niseko has it in spades (50 feet a year to be exact)! And you won’t shred just one resort here. Niseko United is actually four connected ski resorts on Niseko Annupuri, a volcanic mountain. The four ski resorts are Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Hanazono Resort, Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU, and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area. That’s four times as much Japow to claim, baby! 

When you’re not floating through eyeball-deep Japow in the backcountry (which makes up one-half of the mountain), check out the other side. Discover a terrain park, groomers, and Japan’s famous low-angled glades – perfect for those slow-mo face shots.

Top tip:

What do you do when it’s time to rest those aching muscles? Head straight into the onsens! These are Niseko’s geothermal hot springs, heated by Mount Annupuri itself. 

Kitzbühel, Austria

So, some resorts on our list so far have been pretty hardcore. And you want somewhere tip-top you can take the whole family to, right? Then set your sights on Kitzbühel, a charming, chocolate-box resort with enough to entertain every rider. Okay, it has eye-bulging descents (thanks to the iconic 85% vertical!). But you’ll also find plenty of wide, mellow cruisers and beginner slopes throughout its 134 miles of slopes. Want even more terrain? Get yourself the Kitzbühel Alps SuperSkiCard. That’ll give you access to over 1,709 miles of slopes across 21 ski areas! Well, it is the world’s largest ski network! 

Kitzbühel’s decadence doesn’t stop when the lifts do, however. Venture into its glamorous village with luxurious hotels, designer boutiques, and fine-dining restaurants. Or, if you fancy more reasonably priced food, head to Bergrestaurant Pengelstein, a self-service restaurant. You can’t stop here without sampling the strudel! 

Top tip:

Watch pros take on the Streif downhill ski race course on the Hahnenkamm, one of the gnarliest Word Cup races ever. Want to give it a go yourself? The flatter, safer sections open to the public once the race ends. Just prepare yourself – we’re talking about conquering sheet ice! 

Verbier, Switzerland

Ask most expert riders their favorite resort, and they’ll often say Verbier, thanks to its awesome layout, fast-running lifts, and, of course, its famous technical off-piste routes, including Col des Mines, Croix de Coeur, and Bec des Étagnes. Just tackle one of Verbier’s world-renowned routes, and you’ll quickly get why it hosts the world’s top freeriding events, such as Verbier Xtreme, part of the Freeride World Tour (FWT). 

But, if you’re not quite expert level, don’t worry. Verbier is also part of the Four Valleys/Les 4 Vallées ski domain which includes Chamonix, allowing you to ride intermediate and mellower runs across 256 miles of slopes. And all with just one pass. Nice. With non-riders or keen to mix things up? Try your hand at Verbier’s multitude of off-mountain activities, including horseback riding, ice climbing, paragliding, dog sledding, mountaintop zipline, and more. 

Top tip:

Après, baby! Yep, freeriders swap their avi-bags and probes for live music and pitchers as part of Verbier’s world-famous après-ski scene. Home in on legendary spots like Farinet and Farm Club before sending it off cliffs, chutes, and steeps the next morning. 

Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy

What else makes a ski resort the best in the world? Views! And nowhere does it better than Italy’s Cortina D’Ampezzo with the UNESCO-listed Cinque Torri: five incredible peaks looming over you. But it’s not just a pretty face. Cortina’s slopes are rad for riding with 10 feet of snow a year. Grab yourself a Dolomiti Superski Pass, too, and soak up over 750 miles of slopes across a dozen resorts. 

Not so keen on spreading your wings? Stay close to Corso Italia, Cortinia’s center, with 34 lifts that whizz you from town to the high-altitude snowfields. Spend the day up there (over half of Cortina’s trails are marked as intermediate) or rip into town on a single run before doing it all over. Try the off-piste, too. Our top pick is the Bus de Tofana, said to be the Dolomites’ most beautiful off-piste route. Stunning is an understatement. 

Top tip:

More into shopping than shredding? Indulge in Cortina, with locals taking their passigare (lunch with afternoon shopping) super seriously. 

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, USA

Jackson Hole in Teton Village is nothing short of legendary, with nearly 40 feet of snowfall a year (woah, right?), 2,500 acres of terrain, and a white-knuckle 4,139 feet of vertical. Expert riders looking for gnarly trails can fill their boots. Just tackle the likes of Expert Chutes, Tower 3, and Corbet’s Couloir – the world-famous extreme double-black diamond and a J-Hole rite of passage. 

More intermediate? When the snow gods have delivered, rip up J-Hole’s groomers. Our faves are Sundance and Gros Ventre, Jackson Hole’s longest continuous trails. And then, there’s après-ski. Check out Mangy Moose, one of our fave après bars in the world, with two levels, live bands every afternoon, and killer nachos. 

Top tip:

Tackle Rendezvous Bowl, one of J-Hole’s most iconic all-natural, ungroomed black diamond runs – and the mountain’s widest open slope. Sound too scary? Take the Tram anyway and hang at Corbet’s Cabin instead. Just don’t leave without ordering a waffle. 

Lake Louise Ski Resort, Canada

Your jaw will plummet to the floor when you get to Lake Louise; its scenery is out of this world. Even AI couldn’t dream up something this good, thanks to Lake Louise’s unreal vistas of the Canadian Rockies, majestic emerald lake, and ancient glaciers. Stay in the legendary, luxurious Fairmont Chateau Hotel to open your curtains to the stunning view every morning. Want to make things even more decadent? Order their pancakes and a Mimosa – and enjoy from your sumptuous bed! 

Once you’ve managed to emerge from your cocoon, it’s time to head up the hill. And, darn, does Lake Louise deliver on that front. It’s all down to its variety-packed 4,275 acres, including thigh-burning groomers, challenging couloirs, and larch-laden glades. Our fave run? Jerry’s Jungle! You’ll shred through well-spaced trees and get creative on the side hits. 

Top tip:

Eat at Whitehorn Bistro for a solid serving of scenery alongside your gourmet food. We hope the chairs are nailed to the floor – the mind-boggling views over the 11,375-foot Mt. Victoria will have you falling backward for sure. 

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is the stuff of legends. Don’t believe us? Check this out: it lies in the shadows of Mont Blanc (Europe’s loftiest peak at 15,771 feet/4,807 meters), is one of the Alp’s most snow-sure resorts, and offers some of the world’s most challenging terrain for riders. Yep, experts flock here for the sublime off-piste riding. Our fave? Grands Montets. Tackle this and experience the world’s greatest differential height difference as you drop from 3,300m (10,827 feet) to 1,235m (4,052 feet) in a couple of turns. Just beware that this is in Argentière, which doesn’t directly connect to Cham. You’ll have to take a bus as it’s five miles away, on the opposite side of the valley. 

However, if you’re looking for epic off-piste closer to Chamonix, tackle the Vallée Blanche, an unmarked, unpatrolled, and unmaintained off-piste area with four ‘classic’ routes down. You’ll start at the top of Aiguille du Midi (3,812m/12,506 feet) and charge down the glacier. With good snow, you’ll finish in the center of Cham. Make sure you have a guide if you don’t know the area, though – this terrain is not for the faint-hearted or jelly-legged! If that sounds too gnarly, all riders can secure their shred fix in mellower spots like Les Houches and Le Tour. And, when your legs are done, jump into Chamonix’s insane après-ski scene. You’ll go crazy for Chambre Neuf with live bands six nights a week and a DJ to see you through to 1 am. Worried about feeling fragile the next day? Early-morning freshies are the ultimate hangover cure! 

Top tip:

Experience life at the top of the world by hopping on the Aiguille du Midi cable car (the highest in France). At the top, take an elevator to the summit terrace at 3,842m (12,605 feet). There, insane 360-degree views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps will blow you away. And why not Step Into the Void, a glass room with a glass floor? Just don’t look down…Or do to test your vertigo! 

Telluride Ski Resort, USA

When a ski resort’s base is at 8,725 feet, you know it means business. So, say hello to Telluride, a true rider’s destination that whisks you up to 12,515 feet (prepare for the ear pop!). There, you’ll have 2,000 acres to tear up with a whopping vertical (4,425 feet!) and swathes of hike-to terrain. There are also endless pow laps and hella-fun routes that take you directly into Telluride’s charming town.

And while expert riders answer Telluride’s call, it’s an awesome place for beginners and intermediates. If you’re super green, start at the beginner zone off the Prospect Bowl Express lift. There, you’ll master green circle runs that border double black diamonds! When the lifts stop spinning, catch an ice hockey game at the Hanley Rink. The atmosphere is insane! 

Top tip:

After challenging terrain? Take the plunge with the Plunge Express and tackle one of the gnarly descents with over 2,000 vertical feet in elevation. We’re talking about Kant-Mak-M for mega moguls and Bushwacker, a black diamond with gob-smacking views. 

Ski Portillo, Chile

Portillo is an absolute gem, tucked away in the Chilean Andes and surrounded by the stunning 19,000-foot Los Tres Hermanos peaks and views over the emerald Laguna del Inca. Warren Miller labeled Portillo as one of his top 10 ski resorts in the world – so you know it must be pretty incredible! 

Portillo is the destination for mind-blowing steeps and epic slackcountry and backcountry – without the hordes. However, you’ll also find long groomers for all abilities within its 1,235 acres of inbound terrain. And when you’re done riding, the après activities are mega different (in the best way!). Head to Tio Bob’s, a mountain refuge, for views ‘n’ vibes (and its famous Chilean BBQ), or lower into the freezing Laguna del Inca waters as part of the Portillo Ice Plunge. Believe it or not, it’s a popular après pastime! 

Top tip:

Stay in Hotel Portillo. It’s ski-in, ski-out, and acts as Portillo’s base (there’s no main village or town), with a bar, cinema, outdoor pools and jacuzzis, and a gym. The experience is said to be like staying on a cruise ship – i.e., you’ll have everything you could need. We think it’s way better than a cruise, though, as you often have pow on your doorstep! 

Vail Ski Resort, USA

Is it any wonder one of the world’s – and Colorado’s – biggest resorts is also one of the best ski resorts on Earth? Vail Mountain Resort reaps all the titles and awards. And it’s easy to see why with its winding, meticulously groomed slopes that unravel over 5,289 acres and several mountains (bonkers, right?). You’ll also discover a high-tech lift system, luxury accommodation, family-friendly slopes and amenities, out-of-this-world restaurants, and more. 

But this manicured resort has a gnarly side with its seven Back Bowls that attract the world’s best riders. Plus, nearly 30 feet of snow per year means powder hounds and freeriders can leave with huge smiles. More into freestyle? Vail’s got you covered with two epic terrain parks. Jib to your heart’s content on rails, jibs, and boxes, kickers for all abilities, beginner-focused rollers, and a 13-foot mini pipe. 

Top tip:

Discover more incredible après-spots than practically anywhere else. Our top pick? Pepi’s. Expect giant orange umbrellas, a sun-trap terrace, and awesome vibes. 

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Say ‘St.Moritz’ to someone, and they’ll probably think of glitz and glamor. However, St. Moritz offers epic riding with its  numerous beginner slopes, ample intermediate trails, and host of black runs (which make up 30% of its trail map!). And all this is over 217 miles of rideable terrain. 

Plus, you’ll also find out-of-this-world off-piste. Don’t believe us? Head for the western side of the Piz Nair and Diavolezza/Lagalb for untouched pow and white-knuckle, steep ‘n’ deep terrain. Yep, the gnarly extreme chutes and wide-open bowls will have powder hounds wagging their tails for more. Speaking of hounds, check out St. Mortiz’s greyhound racing – just one element of its awesome off-mountain activities, including ice skating, a casino, and the Cresta, St. Moritz’s natural ice-bobsled run. 

Top tip:

Ride down the Diavolezza at full moon! This epic experience means you can take on Switzerland’s longest glacier run (just over six miles) under the moons and stars. ‘Unreal’ doesn’t cover it. 

Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, Canada

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Mont Tremblant has it all. Venture to the East Coast, and you’ll find stellar riding, epic après-ski and nightlife, lodging, dining, and more. Okay, you might think you’ve stumbled into the Alps with Tremblant’s touch of Euro, featuring fondue and French-speaking locals. However, the trails are 100% North American with waist-deep pow, iconic off-piste trails, and hella-fun tree lines on The Edge and Sunny Side. 

On the slopes, have fun bossing the ‘bosses’ (French for moguls) – the Vertige and Zig Zag trails are where you’ll find the most. After something super challenging? Try La Dynamite, a double black diamond with the steepest sustained pitch (over 30%) of any inbound trail in the whole of Quebec! Not so much into shredding? Ride a rollercoaster, drive a racecar, or head to a water park. See, we told you it has everything!

Top tip:

Be an early bird and catch the worm – and by the worm, we mean freshies. Yep, Mont Tremblant offers early access passes so you can head up the hill 45 minutes before everyone else. Just remember that Tremblant can be ‘Canada Cold’ – especially first thing. So wear your best insulating layers! 

Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand

Cardrona is 100% worth hitting. After all, NZ’s highest-altitude resort is a perfect all-rounder, with one-fifth of its terrain marked as expert and the rest pretty much evenly divided between beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Its terrain is also spread across multiple bowls above the treeline, making for a super fun experience packed with panoramic mountain views.

There’s also decent off-piste to be had despite the modest snowfall. However, where Cardrona really shines is Cardrona Parks NZ. Yep, Cardrona’s four terrain parks are epic and lure some of the planet’s best riders. Expect a gravity cross, mega XL kickers in Big Bucks Park, and a 22-foot Olympic Superpipe. Oh, and Cardrona is one of the best ski resorts for little ones. In fact, kids under 10 ride free!

Top tip:

Mix things up and spend some time in Queenstown or Wanaka – less than an hour away from Cardrona. Both are ridiculously awesome towns that you need to visit at least once. And don’t worry about needing to drive back to Cardrona – shuttles are available to take you back to the snow. 

Cerro Catedral, Argentina

Need a high altitude fix? Head for the Andes, the highest mountains in the world outside of the Himalayas. There, you’ll find Cerro Catedral, nestled in southern Argentina’s Patagonia region with 3,773 feet of vertical drop and nearly 3,000 rideable acres. The first thing that’ll hit you (hopefully before any altitude sickness) is the mind-blowing scenery. That’s all thanks to the cathedral-spine granite peaks that give Cerro Catedral its name, alongside the views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the Andes’ summits. 

Next, you can’t help but notice the snow! Cerro Catedral receives 20 feet of white stuff per year, meaning its season lasts from June to October. And that equals plenty of freshies to track out across Cerro Catedral’s miles of lift-accessed backcountry and hike-to terrain, full of bowls and palm-sweating chutes. Our top pick is definitely the La Laguna zone, where you can hike to the formidable Catedral towers. Back on the slopes, there’s something for all riders, with 55 slopes split into 15% beginner, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced, and 5% expert. 

Top tip:

With non-riders or taking a day off shredding? Take the tram and have lunch up the mountain at a refugio. Alternatively, stay downtown in Bariloche and explore the central plazas, chocolate shops, and cafes. 

Wrapping up 

Woah! Does anyone else want to book a round-the-world trip after reading that to try and hit all 20 resorts? It’s the best way to truly rank them, right? 

We think it’s fair to say that there are some killer ski resorts on this planet – and each one is a must-add to your bucket list. Planning on going to one this season? Let us know by uploading your pics and adventure tips to the Dope Snow Community Facebook Group. You’ll also see what fellow riders are up to, have a chance to join meetups … and maybe win some new Dope gear via our exclusive giveaways. 

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