Any fan of slopes and fresh powder will want to know where the best places in the world for skiing are. Beyond great skiing, travelers want a good selection of hotels, restaurants, and other things to do. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of places that check all those boxes. All of them are found amidst some of the world’s most stunning mountain scenery.

Whistler (British Columbia, Canada)

An easy trip from Vancouver, Whistler is a year-round world-class destination. Winter storms rolling in from the Pacific and the Arctic mean huge amounts of snow supporting skiing and all manner of Nordic sports. When you’re not on the slopes, there’s plenty to do in town.

Jackson (Wyoming, United States)

Rising like a towering fortress above the Idaho plains, the Teton Range generates its own weather and gets more precipitation than any other range in Wyoming. Jackson is the main base for all the activity, which includes world-class skiing, mountain climbing, and whitewater rafting.

Zermatt (Switzerland)

This Swiss town is most famous for the iconic Matterhorn, but there’s much more to it than that. The ski season is long here, and the local charm and beauty are incentives to visit any time of the year.

Chamonix (France)

Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, dominates the skyline of this region that’s considered one of the most spectacular mountain settings in the world. Countless film scenes have been set here, including for the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough.

Livigno (Italy)

A lot of people think of France and Switzerland when they think of the Alps, but some of the best Alpine skiing and scenery is in Italy. At Livigno, there are challenging slopes for skiers and snowboarders alike, and Olympic gold medalists sometimes practice here.

Trento (Italy)

Northern Italy is home to the stories and spectacular Dolomites. In addition to the skiing, Trento is notable for its architectural and historical attractions such as castles and cathedrals.

Park City (Utah, United States)

The Wasatch Range isn’t Utah’s highest, but it may be the most prominent since it towers above Salt Lake City without intervening foothills. The snow is world-famous, and Park City is both a cultural hub and a year-round destination.

Anchorage (Alaska, United States)

Anchorage’s location as gateways to the Arctic and the fiords of the southern and southeastern parts of the state make it Alaska’s busiest destination city. Winter sports have a uniquely Alaskan flavor here, as you can go dog sledding and skijoring– cross-country skiing while a dog pulls you along.

Lake Tahoe (California, United States)

Once you’ve been to sunny Tahow, you’ll understand the hype. The skiing is superb, but so are the hiking and boating in the summer. If you want a taste of Vegas, you can venture to the casinos on the Nevada side of the lake.

Durango (Colorado, United States)

Durango started life as a frontier mining town and now is a premier recreation destination. The Durango Mountain Resort is a top draw for skiing, but the city is a gateway to numerous other high-quality sites such as Telluride. In the summer, the surrounding San Juan Mountains explode with color as wildflowers bloom, and hikers from all over come to explore the peaks, canyons, and alpine lakes.

Breckenridge (Colorado, United States)

One of the many ski towns easily accessed from I-70 a short drive west of Denver, Breckenridge has all the magic of Vail without the Vail prices. Aside from world-class skiing, Breckenridge has a rich mining history, historic downtown, and recreation opportunities for every season.

Les Belleville (France)

This region offers a respite from the larger and more crowded resorts found to its south without sacrificing any of the quality. Both skiers and snowboarders will find plenty to keep them busy and challenged, and the region’s town centers charm visitors with their architecture, history, and culture. Like all the other mountain regions on this lis, Les Belleville is a destination for all four seasons.

Sapporo (Japan)

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. It also hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, which helped put Japan on the world’s skiing map.

Morzine (France)

Mountains and chalets make this town a paradise for skiers. There’s also an indoor tropical waterpark to relax in after spending a day on the slopes. Morzine isn’t just a ski town; it’s also hosted the Tour de France several times.

Innsbruck (Austria)

Located in the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck has always been one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. When you want to explore the city while you aren’t skiing, trams make getting around quick and easy.

Gulmarg (India)

Some of the best powder in India is found here, but it’s a summer destination, too. Gulmarg’s meadows bloom with wildflowers while the Himalayan Mountains dazzle. Gulmarg also has the world’s highest golf courses and its highest gondola.

Vail (Colorado, United States)

Vail may have a reputation as a playground for the ultra-wealthy and celebrities, but it still has great skiing. As North America’s largest and most popular ski resort, it has slopes for all ability levels.

Bourg Saint Maurice (France)

A quaint town and a winter wonderland draw great numbers of skiers here. When the snow and ice are gone, the area transforms into a destination for hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.

Grindelwald (Switzerland)

This classic Swiss ski resort has slopes for all skill levels. Realizing that not everyone is a fan of skiing, other winter activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, and hiking. You can also just lounge by a fire inside and sip a glass of wine.

Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy)

With 140 ski runs and more than 50 miles of cross-country routes, this is a top ski destination in Italy. It’s also one of the most beautiful. Located high in the spectacular Dolomites, it’s been part of the setting of many films.

Alta (Utah, United States)

Alta is almost at the head of Little Cottonwood Canyon on the other side of the mountains from Park City. Some skiers don’t like sharing slopes with snowboarders, and if you’re in that camp, you’ll like that snowboarding isn’t allowed there.

Mammoth Lakes (California, United States)

Mammoth Lakes in the Sierra Nevada gets mammoth amounts of snow each winter, and the lodges and hotels are almost always full. In the summer, the town is a gateway to Devils Postpile National Monument and the incredible Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Courchevel (France)

Although Courchevel has an upscale reputation, that doesn’t mean its slopes are for spoiled rich people who are there more for society than for skiing. In fact, it’s for serious skiers and has some of the world’s most difficult black runs.

Aspen-Snowmass (Colorado, United States)

Aspen now rivals Vail as a hangout for the fabulously wealthy, but it still attracts a healthy-sized young crowd out for the excellent skiing nearby. In the summer, you can hike into the rugged Elk Range, which includes the Maroon Bells, two of Colorado’s most famous peaks.

Telluride (Colorado, United States)

Some people describe Telluride as “Aspen as it used to be, Vail as it never was.” While it isn’t cheap and there’s still plenty of money around, Telluride has indeed retained a young, hip vibe. Located in a narrow valley with waterfalls all around, it’s also a major ice climbing destination each winter.

Cerro Catedral (Argentina)

Translated, the name means “Cathedral Mountains.” The name is perfect for these Patagonian spires found at the southern end of the Andes. American skiers who can’t wait for winter to return can take heart; since the South American winter is during our summer, they can ski Patagonia from June through October.

Treble Cone (New Zealand)

You’ll find this ski area on the South Island, and it’s also the island’s largest. The mountainsides here see the most snowfall in the country, and their steepness means there are plenty of challenges for the more advanced.

Best Cities to Vacation in That Don’t Require Renting a Car

When planning a vacation, there’s enough to worry about without stressing over renting a car, where to park it, and whether you can afford the extra insurance. What if you simply choose a location designed for people without cars and skip the rental car altogether? You could plan on walking, rent an e-Bike, or Uber when the occasion calls for it. It will still be cheaper than renting a car. Here are some of the absolute best cities for vacationing without getting behind the wheel. 

Best Cities to Vacation in That Don’t Require Renting a Car

Come With Me as I Explore the Scenic Town of Banff in Canada (Hint, It’s Breathtaking!)

Embarking on a trip to Banff was like stepping into a postcard that came alive with its captivating landscapes and cozy town charm. This little town had been on my bucket list for years and it didn’t disappoint. I loved wandering through charming shops, savoring the local cuisine, and marveling at the spectacular mountain views. Honestly, every moment was an adventure that left me wanting to go back for more!

Come With Me as I Explore the Scenic Town of Banff in Canada (Hint, It’s Breathtaking!)

This article was produced by Our Woven Journey.