Determining the best ski resorts in the world is no simple feat, and at SpoliaMag, we’ve delved into lengthy discussions on the matter. Beyond expansive terrains and delightful slope-side eateries, the best family ski resorts stand out in various ways, making the selection process challenging.
Comparing Italy’s ski havens to Canada’s offerings or pitting a French mega-resort against a quaint Colorado operation raises questions about scale and charm.
Factors like ski-in, ski-out convenience, picturesque aesthetics, après-ski culture, and the rise of fine dining establishments further complicate the assessment.
Acknowledging the subjectivity inherent in preferences, we recognize this list won’t settle all debates but reflects the collective insights of our editorial team, boasting decades of skiing and snowboarding experience.
So, pack your ski goggles, ski poles, and other ski essentials, and let the adventure begin.
Top 10 Ski Resorts in the World 2024
1. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, USA
Nestled among Colorado’s premier ski destinations, Aspen Snowmass encompasses four expansive ski areas around Aspen and Snowmass Village, boasting a combined terrain exceeding 5,500 acres.
Buttermilk, the smallest, has hosted the Winter X-Games since 2002, with the 2024 event set for January 26-28. Aspen Mountain caters to intermediate and expert skiers, featuring challenging black and double-black runs.
Aspen Highlands, renowned for expert terrain and the Highland Bowl, attracts backcountry enthusiasts. The resort’s three-year glade project at Aspen Highlands, notably the Lucky Find area, adds new lines.
Aspen’s allure extends beyond skiing, drawing Hollywood and sports stars who own property, contributing to its glamorous reputation.
Aspen remains the best family ski resort in USA, offering backcountry options for both experienced and novice skiers, with Aspen Powder Tours venturing into untouched powder stashes unreachable by lifts.
Also Read: Fun Snow Activities
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
One of the best ski resorts in Europe stands as a skier’s paradise, boasting the highest winter sports area in the Alps and Switzerland’s greatest vertical drop.
The iconic Matterhorn graces its 350 kilometers of trails, and the newly inaugurated 3S Lift, the world’s highest, transports 2,000 skiers hourly to the Matterhorn Glacier at 3,883 meters, allowing year-round skiing.
Notably, Zermatt offers a unique skiing experience crossing international borders, skiing over Italy’s Theodul Pass into the Breuil-Cervinia trail system.
The region also features Europe’s longest downhill run at over 25 kilometers on the Theodul Glacier caters to snowboarders and freeride skiers.
For off-piste enthusiasts, Zermatt serves as the gateway to the exhilarating 178-kilometer Haute Route to Chamonix, demanding expert skills, high-altitude stamina, and eight days to complete, traversing mountain huts, inns, and lodges.
3. Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
Madonna di Campiglio epitomizes the essence of Italian skiing, contrasting sharply with the archetypal Canadian mountain resort like Kicking Horse.
Nestled in the Trentino region, Italians here defy stereotypes, with their proximity to the Tyrolean border, dismissing comparisons to Austrians.
Madonna charms with fashionable skiers, from fur-clad women to Europe’s best-dressed snowboarders. Despite Crystal Ski Holidays featuring the resort, encountering fellow Brits is rare.
Madonna’s allure extends beyond its chic atmosphere; surrounded by the stunning Dolomiti di Brenta peaks, the resort offers the fifth-largest ski area in Italy, boasting 150km of marked piste and the acclaimed Ursus Snowpark.
While Madonna’s off-piste isn’t elite, the nearby Passo Tonale delivers top-notch accessible backcountry.
Factor in exquisite on-and-off-hill cuisine and relative affordability compared to French counterparts, making it a standout choice amid the current cost-of-living concerns.
4. Mürren, Switzerland
This place emerges as a top contender for the world’s most picturesque ski resort, boasting unparalleled views of two 4,000-meter peaks, the Mönch and the Jungfrau, along with the iconic Eiger.
Nestled in the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage site, this resort offers a hat trick of high-altitude splendor.
Accessible via an impressive alpine railway, culminating at Europe’s highest station, Jungfraujoch, at 3,454 meters, the resort is a haven for both skiing enthusiasts and families.
With fast lifts and slopes catering to all skill levels, Mürren is also home to the historic Kandahar Ski Club and the challenging Inferno Race since 1928.
While its nightlife may not rival the best ski mountains in the world, Mürren captivates visitors with a taste of traditional Swiss charm and alpine culture.
5. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Whistler offers an immense ski and snowboard experience that transcends expectations. As the largest ski resort in North America, it features expansive and diverse terrain.
Approximately 20 percent of trails cater to beginners, yet Whistler truly shines as a haven for seasoned skiers, boasting 50 percent intermediate and a remarkable 30 percent advanced terrain.
Scaling the peak demands preparation, with an astounding elevation reaching 7,497 feet. For optimal morning mountain views, secure a room at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, an esteemed member of the World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame.
This destination promises an extraordinary winter adventure, blending challenging slopes with breathtaking landscapes.
6. Niseko United, Japan
Venturing a bit beyond the usual ski spots, this Japanese winter retreat proves worth the journey.
Nestled on Hokkaido Island, Niseko United amalgamates the four best ski resorts in the world on a single peak, elevating winter sports with mesmerizing panoramas and some of the planet’s driest, fluffiest snowpowder.
Diverse terrain ensures myriad slope choices, all ensuring a seamless ride. Opt for a snowshoe trek or guided snowmobile jaunt amid pristine snow, then savor diverse culinary delights, ranging from local Japanese to Scandinavian, adding a unique flavor to your snowbound escapade.
7. St. Anton, Austria
One of the best places to ski in the world, St. Anton boasts 280 kilometers of challenging terrain and is the birthplace of the first Alps ski club in 1901.
Catering to advanced skiers, its legendary moguls, and superb off-piste skiing make it a snowy paradise. The regional Arlberg pass expands the adventure to 340 kilometers, connecting to nearby resorts like Lech and Zürs.
A shuttle bus and Flexenbahn cable car link these areas seamlessly. For an unforgettable experience, explore the Run of Fame, an 85-kilometer circuit through stunning landscapes.
St. Anton village, one of the best ski towns in the world with its Alpine charm, serves as a perfect base, offering direct access to ski lifts.
8. Courchevel, France
Courchevel exudes a distinct atmosphere—one of opulence, extravagance, and Western allure. Frequented by notable figures such as the Waleses, the Beckhams, and the Clooneys, it stands as a premier winter destination.
Renowned for its exceptional skiing in France, the resort, nestled in the French Alps, consistently ranks among the world’s finest, forming part of Les Trois Vallées – the globe’s largest interconnected skiing domain encompassing 370 miles of slopes.
Owned by LVMH, Cheval Blanc offers lavishly appointed rooms adorned with a playful blend of sheep sculptures, cashmere, and citrus-infused fragrances.
For those seeking exclusivity, securing a spot at the three-Michelin-starred Le 1947 restaurant is a challenge, given its mere five tables.
9. Big Sky, Montana
The vastness of the sky in southwestern Montana is mirrored by its towering mountains.
Located 45 miles from Bozeman, Big Sky Resort offers 5,850 skiable acres, reaching a summit of 11,166 feet, accommodating skiers of all levels, making it an ideal spot for families.
Notably, it features triple black diamond runs, including the notorious Big Couloir, a steep 40- to 50-degree pitch spanning over 1,000 feet.
Adventurers must be well-prepared, securing a sign-out time, bringing a companion, and carrying avalanche gear.
Montage Big Sky unveiled in 2021, provides a warm, luxurious, Zen-like retreat amid the Madison mountains.
A must-try is the underground bowling alley after indulging in s’mores beneath the expansive starlit sky.
10. Valle Nevado, Chile
Situated in the Chilean Andes, within 40 miles of Santiago, Valle Nevado is part of the trio of resorts known as “Tres Valles,” alongside El Colorado and La Parva.
Connected lifts and trails seamlessly link them. With 2,200 skiable acres and 14 lifts, the allure for international skiers lies in the expansive terrain and premier heli-skiing.
At 10,000 feet, boasting southern exposure and robust snowmaking, the resort ensures reliable Andean snow conditions, offering breathtaking views from every angle.
Much of the challenging backcountry is lift-accessed, complemented by a well-equipped base housing multiple hotels, restaurants, condos, and a spa.
Future plans envision transforming the base into a complete Alpine-style village. Valle Nevado participates in the IKON Pass system.
Wrapping up
Wow! After reading that, is anyone else inspired to plan a global adventure and visit all the best ski resorts in the world? It seems like the ultimate way to assess and rank them, doesn’t it? Undoubtedly, our planet is home to some incredible ski destinations, each deserving a coveted spot on your bucket list.
If you’re heading to one this season, be sure to share your thrilling skiing exploits and experiences afterward.
