Skiing is one of the most beautiful, heart-pumping activities you can do. There are few things that can match the thrill of flying down a mountain on a pair of skinny skis followed by an equally exciting dash back to the lift. Skiing is loved all over the world and has an extensive global following. However, choosing the best ski resorts in the world from all the choices can be a challenge.
Most ski resorts are designed for beginners, intermediates, and experts. This makes them ideal for multi-generational ski vacations with families and friends. Even large cities have ski destinations that cater to city slickers who want the outdoor experience without having to drive too far away.
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This article will take you on a journey through the best ski resorts in the world, carefully selected from numerous candidates. Enjoy!
The top 10 best ski resorts in the world in 2021
- Hakuba, Japan
- Baqueira Beret, Spain
- Les Menuires, France
- Kicking Horse, Canada
- Cervinia, Italy
- Deer Valley, Utah
- Zermatt, Switzerland
- St. Anton, Austria
- Aspen Highlands, Colorado
- Verbier, Switzerland
Skiing is one of the best sports in the world. The adrenaline, the fun and the experience are great. Not to mention, it helps you stay in shape.
You may wonder why skiing is so much fun. Is it the adventure? Or maybe because you are out in nature while doing this activity. Whatever it is, skiing will make a great outdoor activity that families can enjoy on weekends or friends can get together for a long weekend getaway.
But where to go? Below are some of the best ski resorts in the world to consider.
Hakuba, Japan
Hakuba, Japan, is an ideal destination for skiers of all types, from beginner skiers to professionals. Skiers love to choose their own runs at Hakuba, a ski resort known for its groomed long cruisers, backcountry descents, and exceptional snowfall.
It’s the largest Japanese ski area accessible by public transportation. Here, you can explore more than 100 runs and 37 lifts via the Skyline Skibase gondola in the Happo and Nozawa Onsen areas or the Campuses access road in the Ohmachi area.
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Baqueira Beret, Spain
Baqueira Beret Ski Resort is nestled in the west end of the Pyrenees Mountains in northeastern Spain. This ski resort is one of the best in Spain, with skiing on both sides of the mountain peaks, Pyrenean ibex grazing at high elevation (in summer), and various activities for people of all skill levels.
The largest and most luxurious resort in the Pyrenees, with 25 miles of winding trails and breathtaking views of Mont Perdu, Beret makes a good destination even for people who do not plan to ski. Don’t forget to take your camera!
Les Menuires, France
The Ski Channel has named Les Menuires among the top places to ski and ride. This mountain resort features 2,500 acres of varied terrain for every type of skier making it one of the best place to learn to ski. It’s known as the “home of freestyle” due to its selection of terrain parks and snow park activities.
Located in the heart of the Trois Vallées, Les Menuires is a charming village with alpine chalets. It’s very close to two major cities (Grenoble and Lyon); it makes an excellent getaway after a stressful week at the office.
From the numerous slopes to the beautiful views, Les Menuires has everything that avid skiers and beginners alike could possibly look for in a ski retreat. What’s even better is the picturesque village itself – an ideal place to socialise in the evenings over a glass or two of local wine.
Kicking Horse, Canada
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is located in Golden, British Columbia, Canada and was the first North American ski resort to break the four-million-skier mark. Kicking Horse is renowned for its spectacular scenery, accessible bowls and steeps, and family friendliness.
Each season Kicking Horse receives more snowfall than any other resort in North America and is often rated one of the top 10 ski resorts in North America.
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Cervinia, Italy
A ski resort is one of the most essential parts of a ski holiday, and Cervinia is one of the best you can choose for your next skiing trip.
It’s in the Italian Alps at an altitude of 2,380 metres above sea level, amongst magnificent and rugged mountains. Skiing has been one of the major attractions here since 1928, and it’s easy to see why.
Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley is nestled in the San Juan Mountains between Park City and Salt Lake City, offering spectacular views of the Wasatch Mountain Range and the Great Salt Lake.
Deer Valley has earned more top ski resort awards than any other resort, including Best Skiing Experience (2002-2003), Top 10 Best Family Ski Resort (2005-2006), Top 10 Resort to Avoid the Crowds (2006-2007) and Best Ski Resort in North America (2007-2008).
The resort is known for its advanced tree skiing and was named “the mecca for powder hounds.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Voted the #1 Ski Resort in the World and Europe’s undisputed King, Zermatt has been a travel destination for lovers of great skiing since the first cable car conquered its towering peaks over 100 years ago.
This magnificent resort offers skiers and snowboarders an unrivalled variety of runs over six lift systems, including the romantic Sunnegga Face.
St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton is the premier ski resort in Tirol, in fact, in all of Austria. The village was established at the dawn of skiing, with trails and paths cut through the mountains thanks to its location through which monks used to herd cattle.
Based around what once was a working farm that later welcomed holidaying soldiers from World War II and today attracts skiing enthusiasts from near and far, St. Anton makes for an unforgettable winter holiday.
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Aspen Highlands, Colorado
The Rocky Mountains are a skier’s paradise. The crisp, clean air, combined with the spectacular alpine scenery and the most extensive winter snowfall in North America, create the ultimate skier’s dream.
Aspen Highlands is a small ski resort with a lot of heart, and for some of us, it’s the most fun place to ski on earth.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier, Switzerland. That’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “ski resort.” From its perfectly manicured slopes to its glitzy après-ski scene, it’s all about Verbier. With a quintessentially European ski town at your fingertips, nearby Lake Geneva is the place for luxurious relaxation between runs.
Beautiful Verbier, the most famous ski resort in Switzerland, is just far enough to escape the crowds and just close enough to be convenient. High above the town, skiers will find powdery snow that makes it one of the best place to ski for beginners.
Cabins are for rent, and there are a wide variety of off-camp activities, including paragliding, rock climbing, ice skating and more.
Visit one of the best ski resorts in the world on your next holiday
Once a sport only frequented by mountaineers and professional skiers, skiing has grown to become a loved family activity on any vacation. Which of these skiing destinations will you go to?