When the mountains call, skiers and snowboarders heed the invitation. From Japan’s light, dry powder to Utah’s fluff, powderhounds chase fresh lines around the world, and for good reason: Ski resorts are built in beautiful locations, and the culture of food, drink, and fun that surrounds the sport makes for an excellent vacation.
We’ve handpicked 13 of the best places to ski and snowboard around the world — areas that showcase a diversity of terrain and world-class amenities so beginners and advanced schussers alike can find their perfect snowy match. After a day on the slopes, it’s smart to indulge in a little relaxation, so we’ve paired each destination with a cozy, well-designed hotel perfectly suited to an alpine adventure.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Enjoy a day of fresh powder and the ultimate après-ski at the W Verbier. (Photo: Marriott International)
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is a bucket-list destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The Swiss mountain resort area — one of a quartet that make up the 4 Vallées — delivers some of the most challenging and off-piste skiing in Europe. Certain runs, known as “itineraries” on the trail map, are ungroomed and unpatrolled terrain, so a guide can be helpful. Intermediate skiers will find some fun lines, too, but beginners may be out of their league.
The hectic and surprisingly large village is just as much of a draw as the slopes, particularly the après-ski scene. (Don’t be surprised to see people dancing in their ski boots at the end of the day.) Amid the excitement sits the five-star W Verbier, which offers prime access to the slopes — as in, the lifts are steps away — and airy, modern rooms with fireplaces, private balconies, and gorgeous views.
Hokkaido, Japan
Ever heard of “Japow”? It’s a clever term (a portmanteau of “Japan” and “powder”) for the island nation’s exceptionally light, dry, and deep powder, revered by both skiers and snowboarders. Japan claims more than 500 ski resorts, but Hokkaido, in the north, is the best area for making turns thanks to 600 inches of average annual snowfall.
Among the area’s most popular ski areas is Rusutsu, where 37 runs are spread across three peaks and connected via gondolas. The resort is known for its lift-accessed tree skiing (snowboarders, rejoice), but less advanced riders can enjoy gentle slopes and groomed intermediate runs. Families are welcome, and there’s a dedicated ski and snowboard school for kids.
Make The Westin Rusutsu Resort your ski-in/ski-out home base for epic views framed by large windows, spacious rooms, and an on-site onsen that includes an outdoor hot spring bath, a dry sauna, and indoor aromatic whirlpool.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
The Canadian Rockies are something truly special — tall, imposing and seemingly endless. That’s also an appropriate way to describe Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America with just north of 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and more than 200 runs, plus three terrain parks. The resort also boasts one of the longest runs in North America; the intermediate Peak to Creek trail is nearly seven miles long.
With all that space, there’s something for every skier and snowboarder: The terrain is relatively evenly split between green, blue, black, and double black runs, and the resort’s location benefits from an extra-long season and deep snow. Bonus cool points: The ski school has an upgraded option to ski or ride with an Olympian.
After covering all that ground, rest your legs at Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites. The pet-friendly accommodations are about a half-mile walk from the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, and many suites come outfitted with full kitchens. Some even have fireplaces and washer/dryers. No more putting on chilly, wet gear in the morning.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe Mountain Resort has long reigned as one of the top ski resorts on the East Coast. Spread across two peaks — Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, the highest in Vermont — the mountain is known for its varied terrain, which spans from wide groomers to powder-flush tree runs. There’s a lot of vertical (2,360 feet, to be exact) and a good amount of sidecountry to access, too, but a little over half of the runs qualify as intermediate.
Stowe isn’t the only resort around, though. Plan to stay at the comfortable Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Waterbury Stowe, and you’ll have access to two other ski resorts (Sugarbush and Bolton Valley) plus two cross-country ski centers within a 30-minute drive. Fuel up with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast buffet before you hit the slopes.
Deer Valley, Utah
Snowboarders, a word of warning: Deer Valley Ski Resort takes its name seriously and is skier-only. The swanky resort is a mid-level-skier’s paradise known for its smooth, blue groomers on “the greatest snow on Earth” (a Utah trademark), though beginners will find plenty to ply and can benefit from one of the largest ski schools in the country.
Deer Valley is all about delivering on experience, and the high level of service is evident at The St. Regis Deer Valley, a chic slopeside retreat that offers ski-in/ski-out access, a private ski valet, and multiple après-ski outposts. The on-site spa has an extensive menu of wellness treatments, including the 90-minute poultice massage that incorporates traditional Thai practices and poultices to tension-melting effect.
Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
The best part about booking a ski trip to Aspen, Colorado — besides the ample sunshine, exceptional dining options, and top-notch people-watching — is that you aren’t stuck skiing or snowboarding the same lines at the same resort day after day.
Aspen Snowmass encompasses four distinct mountains: Buttermilk, which is geared toward beginners and those seeking terrain-park fun (it’s hosted the X Games since 2001); Aspen Mountain, for steep lines that go right into town; Aspen Highlands, a dreamy setting for those willing to hike for their powder shots; and the largest option, Snowmass, which offers a little bit of everything.
The slopeside Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection pairs a contemporary aesthetic and dazzling mountain or valley views with ski-in/ski-out access in the heart of Snowmass Village. When you’re ready to switch things up, free shuttles take riders in and around Snowmass Village and to Aspen.
Big Sky, Montana
With plenty of space to spread out, Big Sky Ski Resort lives up to its name with, yes, big dramatic views, but it also has nearly 6,000 acres of skiable terrain and 320 named runs. That means mixed-ability groups can all find fun on the slopes. There are five terrain parks, a plethora of beginner- and intermediate-level runs, and some long, exposed, expert-level lines accessible via the Lone Peak Tram. Because of its ample size, it’s easy to get away from any crowds, a major perk for any resort these days.
Your crew will also be happy to discover the extended-stay lodging at the pet-friendly Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel in Town Center. You’re sure to feel at home in the guest rooms and suites, which have plenty of space for all of your ski gear, plus full kitchens. A complimentary shuttle will get everyone to and from the mountain, which sits just a few miles away.
Park City, Utah
The mega-mountain that is Park City Mountain Resort encompasses more than 7,000 skiable acres, more than 330 trails (including one that leads right into town) and three base villages. Groomers, steep bumps, trees — Park City has it all, along with a mountain coaster, zip line, and group and private lessons.
Just a mile away, Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection has the feel of a posh ski lodge with features like wood-beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces in its suites. Some of the suites even have kitchens, in-suite laundry, and hot tubs. A shuttle will take you directly to the ski resort, and the hotel’s ski valet will take care of your gear while you unwind in the 10,000-square-foot spa.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
With terrain spread across two mountains, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is best enjoyed on skis (though snowboarders are allowed). The ski area is legendary for being steep and deep. In fact, Corbet’s Couloir is considered one of the most difficult ski runs in North America. Just 10 percent of the mountain is appropriate for beginners, but everyone can — and should — take a ride 4,000 feet up on the Aerial Tram for views of the Tetons and the enchanting Western town of Jackson.
Down in that valley, in Town Square, sits The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection. The modern, wilderness-inspired hotel was designed with skiers in mind, from the free shuttle to and from the mountain to the guest pantries on every floor filled with snacks and water to the outdoor heated pool and whirlpool.
Mont-Tremblant, Canada
Just 90 minutes northwest of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant has a distinctly European feel. The pedestrian-only village at the base of the mountain is lined with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets (good boots are a must). It also has a notable après-ski scene that includes regular outdoor live music.
The 763-acre ski area is more modest in size than other ski resorts on this list, but it still offers terrain for all skill levels and four freestyle parks, one of which is designed specifically for beginners, making it a great fit for families.
Stay at Le Westin Tremblant for ski-in/ski-out access, ski lockers for storing your gear, an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, on-site spa treatments, and easy access to the village’s restaurants and shops. Each room and suite at this hotel features its own fireplace for the ultimate cozy vibes, too.
Spitzingsee-Tegernsee, Germany
Located about an hour south of Munich, Spitzingsee-Tegernsee is a modest ski area with sunny slopes that crisscross the Stümpfling and Rosskopf mountains. There are runs for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders, but intermediate-level powderhounds will have the most options to choose from here. It’ll also appeal to anyone interested in night skiing.
Spitzingsee-Tegernsee delivers on an authentic Bavarian experience with cozy Alpine huts, striking mountain backdrops, and views over its namesake Lake Spitzingsee. Those views extend to the lakeside Arabella Alpenhotel am Spitzingsee, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, where rooms are decked out in wood and classic Bavarian accents and the thermal baths and saunas at AlpenSPA call to riders after a long day on the hill.
Banff, Canada
Situated as it is, within the boundaries of a national park and within 50 miles of three ski resorts (known collectively as SkiBig3), Banff is a uniquely positioned home base for those looking to make the most of their ski and snowboard vacation.
Mt. Norquay, a small locals’ hill with epic views over town and the area’s only night skiing (plus a fully lit tubing hill and terrain park) is the closest option. A short drive away, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine are both sizable outposts with varied terrain for all skill levels, including epic back bowls and off-piste routes.
When you’re ready to warm up, the outdoor whirlpool at Moxy Banff is perfect for kicking back. The hotel has a sleek retro design that’s delightfully blended with charming accents like flannel-like wallpaper patterns. Plus, the thoughtfully designed storage options in the rooms come in handy for all the gear you packed.
Lake Tahoe, California
It’s an iconic image: Skiers decked out in highlighter-bright waterproof gear, schussing down a mountain as a cerulean lake glistens in the background. That view is a key reason why people head to Lake Tahoe to ski and snowboard. Another is that the region, near the border of California and Nevada, has one of the largest concentrations of ski resorts in the U.S.
On the south side of Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort calls to powderhounds seeking a backcountry vibe with bowls and chutes, while Heavenly Mountain Resort is aptly named as it easily has some of the best views. In Heavenly Village, stay at Marriott’s Timber Lodge, which has the Heavenly Mountain Gondola right at its doorstep. Its spacious rooms and villas, large heated outdoor pool, and ski valet make it a fabulous option for a winter trip.
To the north, Northstar California Resort appeals to families thanks to its plethora of trails for beginners and intermediates, solid ski school, and off-mountain activities. Palisades Tahoe’s 6,000 skiable acres and varied terrain make it a favorite among expert skiers, though the resort has runs for beginners and intermediates, too.
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