13 of the best snow destinations in the world
From the classic resorts in the Alps and North America to budget-friendly options in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, and even more far-flung choices in South America and East Asia, here’s our list of 13 of the best snow destinations in the world!
Is there anything more typical for folks coming from a country where it doesn’t snow than being overly excited about visiting a place where you can play, tumble, throw and sculpt those little ice crystals? It’s like a nostalgic trip back to childhood, but in surroundings and settings that were never part of our growing up!
However, a fantastic snow destination isn’t just about chilly temperatures! Especially for the bold ones ready to take on the steep, icy slopes, it’s crucial to consider the quality of facilities, accessibility and – why not – budgeting. That being said, if you’re on the lookout for the world’s best places for winter sports, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, you’ve come to the right place!
From the classic resorts in the Alps and North America to budget-friendly options in the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, and even more far-flung choices in South America and East Asia, here’s our list of 13 of the best snow destinations in the world!
NOTE: Keeping up with the usual predicament in these articles, we’ve kept it to one destination per country – enjoy the read!
13 snow destinations you cannot miss
Zermatt, Switzerland
Let’s kick things off with a classic! Arguably one of the most famous snow destinations on the planet, you’ll find some of the highest peaks in the Alps while visiting the city of Zermatt, with the iconic Matterhorn taking center stage. In total, we’re talking about over 350 km of slopes, spread across 4 massive skiing areas, caters to all levels of expertise.
Extreme sports aside, the village itself is quite picturesque, with most of its streets closed to road traffic. However, keep in mind you’re visiting a tourist hotspot in Switzerland, which happens to be one of the most expensive countries in the world, meaning this kind of experience is bound to leave an inevitable dent in your wallet. Well, at least you’ll get your money’s worth! If you’re looking for alternatives in Switzerland, consider exploring Verbier or St. Moritz.
Bansko, Bulgaria
From an extremely expensive destination to a much more affordable alternative, Bansko, in Bulgaria, is probably the best value-for-money option on this list. Located in the heart of the Pirin National Park, Bansko is an extremely pretty village, boasting plenty of classic Bulgarian architecture that you can explore while wandering down the always bustling Pirin Street.
As for the skiing, there are almost two dozen courses descending the slopes of Mount Toborka. Access to the snow sports area is made easy through the Bansko Gondola, a cable car that spares you from a challenging 10 km uphill trek (plus, the ride is quite pleasant). Alternatively, you can also set up base in Sofia and head up to Mount Vitosha. After all, this happens to be the third highest capital in all of Europe, and the only one where you can actually engage in winter sports.
Innsbruck, Austria
A country that could very well fill this list on its own, Austria is definitely a top choice for snow enthusiasts. Among the many options available, we’ve chosen to highlight Innsbruck, mainly for its unique blend of winter sports opportunities and a rich mix of cultural activities and tourist attractions to visit. Definitely a great choice for people who want to throw a little sightseeing into the mix!
Recognized as the capital of the Tyrol region, Innsbruck boasts no less than 13 different ski resorts, with a single ticket granting you the possibility to visit any of them, whether you feel like skiing, snowboarding or giving it a go at tobogganing or luge. Once you’re ready for a break from all the adrenaline, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the amazing Old Town. On a side note, other excellent snow destinations in Austria include the resorts of Kitzbühel and Saalbach.
South Tyrol, Italy
Staying in Tyrol, but this time venturing south of the Austrian border, it’s time to head to Italy and to the amazing ski resort of Val Gardena, a haven for travelers who already have some experience heading down the slopes. No wonder – as several of its 160 km of slopes are regularly used in World Championship competitions, featuring sections with inclination ranges that reach an almost staggering 60%!
Be that as it may, there are still plenty of safer alternatives catering to beginners and mid-level skiers, as well as the longest continuous slope in the entire region, descending for nearly 10 km. Besides, you can expect smaller crowds and budget-friendlier admission prices, restaurants and hotels, especially when compared to other popular snow destinations in Italy, like Cortina d’Ampezzo or Bormio.
The French Alps, France
While there are countless ski resorts spread across the famous French Alps, we’ll stick to Courchevel – undeniably one of the most popular and exclusive spots on this list. As part of the Les Trois Vallées region, the largest ski area in the world spanning hundreds of kilometers of slopes across 10 different mountain peaks, in Courchevel alone you can find about 25% of these courses.
Beyond the impressive skiing options, Courchevel is composed of half-dozen bustling villages, where you can find a lively and dynamic atmosphere with lots of restaurants and shops, as well as the inescapable hordes of other tourists. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something lighter on the wallet in France (though it will still be pretty expensive), it’s worth checking out alternative destinations like Val d’Isere, Chamonix or Méribel.
Zakopane, Poland
Another great destination on this list for more budget-conscious travelers, the picturesque town of Zakopane is located in the stunning natural landscape of the Tatra Mountains, just a 2-hour drive from Krakow. For skiing and other winter sports enthusiasts, the peak of Kasprowy Wierch, accessible via a fabulous cable car journey, is the perfect spot to showcase your skills, with Nosal Mountain and Gubałówka Hill standing as very respectable alternatives.
However, visitors can also have an amazing time in Zakopane while shying away from the slopes. If winter thrills aren’t really your thing but you’d still like to enjoy one of the best day trips from Krakow, take a stroll along the charming streets of Zakopane’s historic center, try Oscypek (a local smoked cheese served with berry jam) and take on the 2-hour trail to Morskie Oko, one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
Hemsedal, Norway
Would it really be a compilation of the best snow destinations in the world without at least one Nordic/Scandinavian entry? In our opinion, that slot is heading straight to Hemsedal, one of the most popular winter resorts in Norway, conveniently located between two of the country’s main tourist hubs: Oslo and Bergen.
Beyond the usual tropes, with plenty of skiing options across the resort’s 50-plus slopes, Hemsedal also offers some other unconventional activities, like mountaineering, ice climbing, yoga classes and dogsledding. For the après-ski time, crowds usually gather at the resort’s countless restaurants, bars, live music venues and even nightclubs, with the village coming together in raucous celebration.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Heading across the Atlantic, it’s time to step onto the ice-covered slopes of the “New World” for the very first time – starting with Whistler Blackcomb, the Canadian resort formed by the largest winter sports area in all of North America. In total, there are over 200 slopes spread across two different mountains, their peaks connected by an innovative cable car. Furthermore, this is one of the very few places where it’s possible to ski all-year-round, since snow never really melts on Horstman Glacier.
Unfortunately, access isn’t exactly easy (or cheap) for those hailing from Europe. Although the resort isn’t remotely isolated, just a mere 2-hour drive from one of Canada’s major cities, turns out that city Vancouver, in the far west of the country and near the Pacific Ocean.
Svaneti, Georgia
Perhaps our most unconventional and off-the-beaten-path entry, it is nonetheless surprising that the Caucasus Mountains, one of the most breathtaking ranges across the globe, hasn’t yet become one of the top snow destinations in the world. To help change the narrative, we’re showcasing the remote and delightfully picturesque region of Svaneti, one of the most popular among the few who visit the nation of Georgia.
Tucked away in the northwest of the country, Svaneti is completely surrounded by several towering (think 3000-5000 meters) peaks, which helps explain why the region’s population was isolated for such a long time, having developed its very own culture, language and ethnic features. As for the winter sports, we definitely recommend first reaching Mestia, the region’s main “town”, and then taking the cable car to Hatsvali, Svaneti’s primary ski resort. Beyond the slopes, trying the criminally underrated Georgian cuisine is an absolute must, as is exploring Ushguli, one of the most scenic small villages you will ever gaze your eyes upon.
Colorado, USA
For our second and final North American addition to the list of the world’s best snow destinations, we’ll visit the State of Colorado, regarded as the ultimate place for skiing and practicing other winter sports in the US. Here, you’ll find literally dozens of resorts for all tastes, experience levels and budgets, none of which is more famous than the massive Vail Mountain Resort.
Be that as it may, its fame also poses its biggest threat, prompting management to limit ticket sales since the 2022/2023 season to help preserve the park. If securing a spot proves too challenging because of the restrictions, you may rely on the competition, such as Aspen Snowmass or Telluride, or you could flip the script entirely and sway Colorado for Utah, the only US state capable of rivaling our first pick.
Bariloche, Argentina
While the best spot for snow sports in all of Patagonia is technically located 20 km away from Bariloche, inside the Nahuel Huapí National Park, this will surely be your main hub should you wish to explore the Argentinian section of this legendary natural region.
Known as Cerro Catedral, due to the presence of several peaks reminiscent of the spirals of ancient churches, this resort boasts over 120 km of ski slopes, standing out as one of the very best snow destinations in the entire southern hemisphere. Unsurprisingly, the area is also perfect for hiking, with many breathtaking trails leading you into the pristine and rugged landscapes of Patagonia.
Japanese Alps, Japan
Scattered across various mountain ranges in the northern part of Honshu, Japan’s main island (home to destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto), the Japanese Alps are nothing short of the perfect snow destination, even though the trend is yet to catch on with Western tourist masses.
Although there are many different snow resorts in the country, if you’re looking out for a cool destination in Japan to practice some skiing that doesn’t require taking the long journey to the more remote island of Hokkaido, we strongly recommend sticking with Hakuba. This is considered the best resort in the Japanese Alps, and is conveniently located between the towns of Nagano and Toyama. Moreover, after enduring the cold and snow for hours, there’s no better way to unwind than by soaking in a traditional onsen!
Valle Nevado, Chile
Since we’ve already mentioned Patagonia with our previous Argentinian entry, we decided to take the road-less-traveled with neighboring Chile and introduce you to the far more obscure Valle Nevado. Located just a mere 65 km away from the capital Santiago, this mountain pass offers the perfect opportunity to ski in the heart of the Andes, boasting nearly 40 open slopes during peak season (from June to October).
While it’s definitely possible to stay at the resort, with several hotels open to guests inside the complex, most visitors just visit on a day trip from Santiago, allowing them to enjoy a pretty unique day trip. It might not be the most conventional choice, but it’s certainly one of the finest options in Latin America – and a fitting way to cap off our compilation of the world’s best snow destinations!
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