Want to plan a winter trip full of mountains, beautiful snow, and enchanting towns? Check out some of the best destinations for a ski vacation here!
There’s something so enchanting about heading out to a vacation in the mountains. The glorious, fresh-powdered snow; the festive feel even after the holidays have passed—all of it makes for a relaxing winter trip. Ski vacations are one of the best ways to experience the mountain air and a new travel spot. We’ve compiled a list of what we consider the best destinations for a ski vacation—start planning now!
Telluride, Colorado
Colorado is home to a myriad of ski vacation destinations, and Telluride is the place to go if you’re looking for a cozier spot with high-class ski options. Promising consistent snow, the San Juan Mountains provide more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. A great location for both professionals and beginners, this small town offers a lot to love. Better yet, plenty of vacation rentals in the area offer ski-in, ski-out options!
Chamonix, France
The site of the first Winter Olympics, Chamonix is one of the best and most well-known ski resorts in France. Mont Blanc—Europe’s tallest peak—provides some of the longest-lasting snow conditions. Although it’s more of a location for expert skiers, Chamonix still has plenty of options for all levels as well as some cross-country skiing options. There’s something for all vacationers here—fine dining, cozy gastropubs, shopping, museums, and more!
Whistler, British Columbia
Another region with tons of beautiful ski options, Whistler is our place to go in BC. Open to skiers nearly half of the year, Whistler provides winter enthusiasts with endless terrain, no matter their skill level. The town’s après-ski scenes are actually some of the best in the world, so you’ll have that to look forward to as well. The charming Whistler Village will have you feeling so at home that you’ll never want to leave.
Park City, Utah
On average, the winter wonderland of Park City is blanketed with 300 to 400 inches of snowfall a year, so you’re sure to have excellent ski conditions. The city is home to two world-class ski resorts—Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort—both of which offer majestic skiing opportunities. You’ll find plenty to do here after a day on the slopes, from scrumptious restaurants to films.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Switzerland is a ravishing place to visit, but when it comes to skiing, it somehow becomes even more bewitching. St. Moritz is often considered Europe’s first winter resort, and it’s one of the most glamorous spots you can travel to. It’s strong in intermediate terrain, but there are various black trails for skiers who want a challenge. After you’ve tested your strengths on the slopes, the après-ski selection is true Swiss chic, but if you aren’t feeling fancy, you still have tons of options to choose from.
Arlberg, Austria
A fantastic ski getaway, Alberg isn’t just historic, breathtaking, and great on paper (88 lifts, 210 miles of trails, 400 inches of annual snowfall)—it’ll provide you with a vacation you’ll never forget. You’ll ski past centuries-old farming villages, mountain huts, and party after party. If you’re more of a low-key traveler, you can find peace here; if you’re a flashy traveler, Arlberg also offers plenty of five-star options.
Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy
The last spot on our list is the location for the 2021 Alpine Ski World Championships. Cortina D’Ampezzo is quite different from what you’d typically expect of a modern ski town. Here you’ll find cobblestone streets, historic churches, and a charming small-town atmosphere, along with the challenging slopes of the Dolomites. All of this combines to make the quaint town a dreamy ski destination. It’s like a place out of a storybook.
