Top 10 ski holiday destinations
For those who love white fluffy snow, winter is the best time of year. While others mourn the loss of summer sun, many of us look to the ski season to dust off our skis and make it to fresh untouched pistes and beautiful mountain landscapes. There’s something forever exciting about the approach of a new ski season, and every year brings fresh adventure and a comforting break from the winter bleakness of the U.K.!
1. France
France retains its place in the hearts of most European skiers and remains the most popular European winter destination. The facilities are plentiful, the slopes are beautiful, the resorts are lively and fun, the mountains are stunning, and the whole atmosphere is vibrant and energising. The French Alps have it all, including the family-friendly resorts of Tignes and Chamonix.
2. Canada
Canada regularly tops lists of the best resorts in the world, and Whistler in particular is an exceptional place to ski. We’ve chosen Canada as second because it’s the most beautiful place to ski in the world. The vast forests, towering mountains, and sheer beauty of Canada are divine, and it offers amazing skiing, from off-piste adrenaline rides to beautiful scenic forest trails!
3. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is so high on our list because it’s currently the best cheap destination in the world. The country has been pouring millions of pounds into its skiing and tourist infrastructure, and the results are beyond most skiers’ wildest dreams. Prices remain cheap, and the resorts are excellent, with Bansko offering the very best in skiing and après ski scene.
4. USA
The U.S. has a huge variety of skiing destinations, such as the Rockies, which form the backbone of the country. Top destinations include Aspen, Colorado;Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Snowbird, Utah, but there are literally hundreds of resorts to choose from boasting everything from gentle beginners’ slopes to some of the most extreme and challenging terrain in the world.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland remains one of the most exciting Alpine countries thanks to its huge variety of terrain. Zermatt is one of the most popular destinations, with the towering Matterhorn, but throughout the country you’ll find great skiing and picturesque lakes and towns.
6. Austria
This is a great destination for beginners and experts. Aside from its flashy facade, it gives world-class skiing with incredible powder and many unmarked trails, which are perfect if you want to experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of off-piste skiing. It’s one of the most idyllic skiing destinations in the world and offers beautiful ski towns and traditional villages to explore.
7. Italy
Italy is a beautiful country with incredible cuisine and a culture unlike any other European country. It has some of the most luxurious and opulent resorts in Europe and some of the finest skiing available anywhere in the Alps. Alagna Valsesia is the place to go for advanced skiers, while the largest resort, Sauze d’Oulx, offers something for everyone.
8. Andorra
Andorra has excellent ski schools that are great for beginners. Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, Andorra has the latest lift systems and a wide variety of ski areas to explore. Soldeu is the most popular resort, but there are some great out-of-the-way corners to explore. You won’t have the crowds of the Alps here, making it a great destination.
9. Finland
Finland is one of the most overlooked skiing destinations because large parts of it aren’t mountainous. However, the cross-country skiing opportunities are incredible, and the available mountains offer you some of the most fun and incredible skiing in the world. This is a fantastic family destination and great for all levels of skier.
10. Scotland
Scotland may not have the best skiing in the world, but it makes our list for one simple reason: It’s in the U.K. The season can be sporadic, but there’s usually at least a month when you can get some fantastic snow on beautiful slopes. There’s the Cairngorm, Glencoe, Glenshee, Lecht, and Nevis slopes to explore as well as incredible skiing opportunities.