Do you live for this time of year when the powder is fresh? If you like to travel during this season and traverse different slopes, there are many fun ski resorts all around the world. While most of the locations – Canada, Colorado, Switzerland – make sense, there’s one pretty surprising ski resort on this list.
Whistler Blackcomb
Canada
About two hours from Vancouver, you can find Whistler Blackcomb, part of the Vail Resorts group. It includes not one, but two mountains, earning it the title of the largest winter sports area in North America. There are more than 200 runs with choices for both newbies and expert skiers. If you can’t make it this season, the Horstman Glacier on Blackcomb is open for skiing year round. Fun ski resorts should always have a great place to warm up, so be sure to check out the full-service resort village with a variety of dining options and shopping. For the view of a lifetime, take a ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK, the world’s highest lift of its kind that links the Blackcomb Gondola to the Village Gondola in one system.
Chamonix
France
One of the most popular ski resorts in the country, Chamonix is graced by superior snow conditions thanks to Mont Blanc. This mountain is Europe’s tallest peak. The glaciers are also essential for keeping the temperatures low, so the snow stays nice and dry. There are a few area options for skiers, many of which are for experts. The resort is known for its off-piste (backcountry) skiing. At the Les Houches area, there’s skiing for all levels, so you don’t have to be really good to enjoy this resort. There’s cross-country trails and hiking, as well.
St. Moritz
Switzerland
Switzerland offers some of the best skiing in the world. St. Moritz is actually Europe’s first winter resort and known for its luxury, dining scene, and all-around style. If skiing isn’t your thing, there’s still lots to do. For those going for the powder, St. Moritz has hosted five Alpine World Ski Championships and two Winter Olympics, so you can be sure that the actual skiing is top-notch. Most of the terrain is for intermediate levels, though there are expert runs, as well.
Fun ski resorts should have options for all skill levels
Wolf Creek
Colorado
If you’re looking for snow, Wolf Creek brings it. It averages more snow (38 feet a year) than any other resort in the state. It’s also quite isolated, so if you’re looking to get away from really big crowds, this is a great choice. That remoteness doesn’t mean a lack of amenities, however. There’s a ski school offering beginner lessons, lessons for kids, and private lessons, as well as plenty of dining and shopping. You can find accommodation that fits your budget, too.
Afriski Mountain Resort
South Africa
Yes, one of the most fun ski resorts is in fact found in South Africa, specifically Lesotho. The Afriski Mountain Resort is found high in the northern highlands and continues a legacy of South African skiing that began in 1929. These days, most of the snow is man-made. The resort is designed like a traditional European ski village and offers accommodation for a range of budgets. In addition to skiing, you can try out snowboarding, tubing, and more. If you’re brand new to winter sports, the resort also operates a ski school.
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Not a huge fan of skiing, but interested in winter sports? Snowshoeing is very fun, so here’s what you need to do before trying it out.
