The 8 highest ski resorts in the world

Dizzying altitudes and big mountains are something we riders crave. They’re elements that guarantee rad snow, awesome views, and epic adventures. So, when you’re looking to aim really high, where should you go, and which resort is the loftiest? 

You probably already know the world’s highest mountain (Mt. Everest *cough*). However, you might struggle to name the highest ski resort in the world. We’ll give you a hint: it’s not where you think…Don’t Google the answer, though. We’ve got you with our list of the 8 highest ski resorts in the world (alongside a special mention).

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The 8 highest ski resorts in the world

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, China 

Breaking the elusive 4,000-meter (13,120 feet!) barrier stands Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in China (surprised, right?). In fact, just this resort’s base would secure it the title of the highest ski resort in the world, sitting at a crazy 14,764 feet/4,500 meters. That’s higher than most ski resorts’ peak! And then there’s the summit, towering at a dizzying 15,420 feet/4,700 meters. Maybe only attempt this one if you’re cool with acclimatizing to high altitudes, okay?

As for riding, two gondolas whisk you to the good stuff (well, viewing platforms). Once you’re at the top, hop the chain and take on the treacherous, ungroomed, unpatrolled terrain! Have doubts? Think about how many people can say they’ve laid tracks at over 15,420 feet/4,700 meters. It’s a rare thing to announce – and an awesome thing to experience.

Okay, calling Jade Dragon Snow Mountain a ski resort might be a stretch. That’s because it’s more of a snowfield measuring 3,281 feet/1,000 meters long and 1,968.5 feet/600 meters wide. And while shredding the groomed stuff isn’t always possible (snow tubing is available instead), riders have slayed Jade Dragon’s off-piste and lived to tell the tale. So, we’re 100% letting it claim the top spot on our list.  

Top tip:

Being up high means you have a killer vantage point, so don’t forget to check out the stunning scenery, alpine lakes, glaciers, rivers, and peaks. You’ll also spot Shanzidou Peak, looming at a crazy 18,700 feet/5,700 meters above sea level – and still unconquered. Those views will take your breath away – and that’s not to do with the lack of oxygen up there! 

Gulmarg Ski Resort, India 

Ever tried Himalayan pow? Head to Kashmir in the Himalayas, and you’ll find it in Gulmarg on the gigantic Apharwat Peak (13,530 feet/4,124 meters). Yep, Gulmarg is the world’s second-highest ski resort, in operation since 1927. Today, it allows you to ride in the presence of the world’s highest peaks alongside 4,363 feet/1,330 meters of vertical and the world’s highest lift-accessible terrain. 

The lift is the Gulmarg Gondola, Asia’s longest cable car. It takes you to 13,054 feet/3,979 meters, where you can drop off and explore tons of epic off-piste through the trees, along river beds, and off natural features. Oh, and it’s 99.9% likely you’ll be riding in untouched pow. This is the type of terrain usually only experienced via heli-skiing – but you get to do it for a fraction of the price and straight off the gondola! Gulmarg is undoubtedly an adventure … and one you’d be crazy to miss! 

Don’t worry if you’re more groomer-focused, as Gulmarg offers over three acres of groomed slopes up to 9,990 feet/3,045 meters. You can also learn to ski or snowboard here with Gulmarg’s awesome range of beginner packages. And, much like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you’ll have guaranteed snow coverage with 45 feet of snow per year (thanks, high altitude!). However, buckets of white stuff mean plenty of avalanche risk outside the resort boundaries. So, be careful and take the right equipment when venturing into the backcountry. 

Top tip:

Just be aware that riding in India might differ from what you’re used to. For example, there are regular power cuts, no hotel heating at night, and zero alcohol in most restaurants and hotel bars. There’s 100% an après scene, though, with parties almost every night of the week, complete with DJs and good vibes. 

Breckenridge Ski Resort, USA

Next, we’re moving to Breckenridge, the highest ski resort in the US. What an accolade! Oh, and it’s also one of the most expansive, covering a whopping 3,000 acres. You’ll never have to lap the same trail twice!  

Expert and backcountry riders love this snow paradise with five peaks to explore, over 180 trails to rip (over 25% of which are ranked expert level), and a vertical drop of 3,398 feet/1,035 meters. And, of course, you’ll be charging at lofty heights. How does the highest lift height of 12,840 feet/3,914 meters sound alongside a summit elevation of 12,998 feet/3,961 meters? 

When you’re ready to come down to earth, Breckenridge’s town is rad, with more breweries, restaurants, galleries, and shops than you count – all with a touch of the Wild West. And how about checking out the world’s highest distillery, too? Yep, Breck is home to Breckenridge Distillery, serving its famous blended bourbon whiskey at 9,600 feet‌/2,926 meters – the perfect medicine after high-altitude riding. 

Top tip:

Hop on the world’s highest quad chair (12,480 feet/3,804 meters) at one of the world’s highest ski resorts. We hope you’re a fan of heights with that double whammy …

Zermatt, Switzerland

Europe doesn’t do too badly with high-altitude resorts, either. Just look at Zermatt in Switzerland, the Alps’ highest ski resort with altitudes between 8,202 and 12,795 feet (2,500-3,899 meters). If that wasn’t enough, it also has over 7,400 feet/2,270 meters of vertical! And, of course, it’s home to the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks on this planet – and the perfect backdrop for all your social content!

Most riders aim for the Theodul Glacier, sitting 9,353 feet/2,851 meters above sea level on the Klein Matterhorn with 13 miles of pistes. And the Theodul Glacier is open 365 days a year, meaning you can unlock those high-altitude summer shreds…and always have awesome snow coverage! Yew! Plus, you don’t have to be expert level to ride these heights. That’s because there are plenty of blue and red trails for intermediates to cruise ‘n’ carve. 

Why not tackle the world’s longest run while you’re there? It’s a thigh-burning 15.5 miles (if your legs can handle it). Start at 12,739.5 feet/3,883 meters from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, wind down into the village of Zermatt, and prepare for your ears to pop as you descend 7,424 feet/2,263 meters! 

Top tip:

Pack in those heights by jumping on the 3S Matterhorn Glacier Ride Cable Car, the world’s highest aerial cable car. It takes you to 12,739.5 feet/3,883 meters, where you’ll find the Alps’ highest viewing platform on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. And on a clear day, you can see as far as the Med! Maybe don’t look down, though …

Loveland Ski Area, USA 

Next, we’re heading for Loveland, Colorado’s second-oldest ski area. Here, you can shred at an elevation of up to 12,700 feet/3,871 meters. And when we say shred, we mean tear up sweet, sweet pow. 

Yep, thanks to Loveland’s altitude, it’s one of Colorado’s top resorts for yearly snowfall averages (an impressive 35 feet of snow per year!). So, freshies are a regular occurrence on the riding menu – especially if you’re up for hiking to the good stuff. 

If you’re a beginner wanting to taste high altitude, Loveland is the place. Aim for Loveland Valley, the newbies’ and ski racers’ area. Are you after something more advanced (we’re talking double black diamonds)? Aim for Loveland Basin. It’s here you’ll find expert terrain in the iconic northern bowls. And Loveland provides free snowcat shuttles if hiking isn’t your jam. 

Top tip:

Set your sights on Loveland when you get the itch to shred in October – it’s usually one of the first ski resorts to open in the US! Plus, all that snow means you can keep riding into early May, too. Yew! 

Tochal Ski Resort, Iran

Ever thought about riding in Iran? Book a trip to Tochal – one of the world’s highest ski resorts at 3,850 meters – and discover what you’ve been missing. 

Mount Tochal is based just above Teheran, Iran’s capital. Jump on a gondola from the city to Tochal Resort, covering 5 miles in just 30 minutes. Oh, and a height change of 6,233 feet/1,900 meters to 12,270 feet/3,740 meters! At the top, you’ll find a seven-mile ridgeline with tons of scope for off-piste and backcountry adventure. 

If you’re not into venturing off-piste, there are two groomed blue slopes accessible via two chairlifts and one T-bar (so facilities are limited). However, people don’t just come here for the riding. Locals escape the city and soak up mountain air, eat at the restaurant, or even zip line. Adventurers make the trip for Tochal’s unique mix of high altitude and Middle Eastern culture that’s hard to find elsewhere! Plus, it makes one hell of a story when you’re back in the office. 

Top tip:

Why not stay in one of the world’s highest hotels by booking a room at Tochal Hotel, at 11,631 feet/3,545 meters? Bonus points if you snag a room on the top floor! And if you fail the altitude sickness medical test (it’s mandatory), you’ll get a refund. 

Chamonix, France

Everyone wants to look back on their life and say they shredded Chamonix at least once, right? This ski resort is iconic! And that’s mostly because it takes you to the Aiguille du Midi, boasting trails up to 12,605 feet/3,842 meters high alongside knock-you-sideways views of Mont Blanc. 

This is the closest you can get to Mont Blanc’s summit without climbing or hiking. And man, is it high. Just jump on the two-stage Aiguille du Midi cable car to see what we mean. It takes you all the way from Chamonix’s town center to the iconic towering rock formation, nailing the world record for the highest vertical ascent of 9,209 feet/2,807 meters. 

Then, there’s only one way to get down (well, besides jumping back in the cable car). Yep, if you have a guide and pretty decent riding skills, charge down the infamous, mythical Vallée Blanche. Okay, it’s off-piste, 15 miles long, and covers a massive 9,209 feet/2,807 meters of vertical descent. However, it winds through insane scenery and makes an epic story. Then, what better way to steady the nerves than with a drink at Chambre Neuf – one of our fave bars with live music and awesome vibes?

Top tip:

Switch riding for viewing with Step into the Void®. This viewing platform at Aiguille du Midi’s peak will raise your heart rate – especially as you glance into the 3,281-foot/1,000-meter-deep void. Jelly legs are a common side effect. 

Mount Elbrus, Russia

How does slashing unlimited pow and snowfields on one of world’s seven summits sound? If that’s your idea of heaven, head to Russia’s Mt. Elbrus, a true freeriding mecca. 

Technically, this 18,524-foot/5,646-meter mountain is Europe’s and Russia’s highest point – and Russian athletes and cosmonauts have used it as their training ground. However, the lifts take you as far as 12,598 feet/3,840 meters – so we can’t give it the title of the highest ski resort in the world just yet. However, that won’t be for much longer as organizers plan to break the 16,404 feet/5,000-meter mark with new lifts and slopes. 

You can currently ski tour higher than the lifts, and access Mt. Elbrus’ epic off-piste – think big faces and steep lines in endless pow. But, if backcountry seems too hardcore, there are also 10 miles of groomed runs. Oh, and it’s possible to ride all year round! Then, when you’re ready to recharge, venture to the village of Cheget, about one mile south. Here, you’ll find hotels and chalets alongside restaurants and bars. Okay, it might not be quite what you’re used to, but you’ll have a unique experience to write home about (or post on TikTok). 

Top tip:

Fancy going higher than the lift-accessible 12,598 feet/3,840 meters without earning your turns? Hire a private snowcat! Yep, it’s believed these can take you close to the summit, meaning you’ll ride on the highest point in the entire world! Not a bad claim to fame, right? Just watch out, as you’ll definitely feel the altitude up there! 

Special mention: Chacaltaya, Bolivia

Towering at a phenomenal 17,635 feet/5,375 meters above sea level, Bolivia’s Chacaltaya easily reaped the title of the world’s highest ski resort. It was built in the heart of the Andes in 1939, served year-round riding, and hosted a lift and basic facilities, including a chalet and restaurant. 

This place was a true freerider’s dream! However, in 2009, the glacier disappeared forever through the effects of climate change, taking Bolivia’s only ski resort with it. 

Today, just the Club Andino Boliviano chalet still stands, surrounded by rocks instead of our favorite white gold. If anyone needs a reminder of the fragility and uncertainty of our playgrounds’ future, Chacaltaya might just be it. 

Wrapping up

Okay, Chacaltaya – and other former ski resorts, such as China’s Dagu Glacier (15,889 feet/4,843 meters) – tragically prove that these high playgrounds might not be around forever, so maybe seize them while you can. True, they’re not a ‘quick fix’ destination, and it definitely takes some time and planning to get there. However, each one is wholeheartedly worth the effort. And we know you’ll have an adventure of a lifetime. 

Feeling inspired? Let us know which ski resorts you’ll head to this season by tagging us @dopesnow or joining our Dope Snow Community Facebook Group. We’re stoked to see what you’re up to – and how high you’re willing to ride! 

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