When the mountains call, skiers and snowboarders heed the invitation. Whether they offer easy access to Japan’s light, dry powder to Utah’s fluff, ski resorts are built in beautiful locations with stunning snow. The culture of food, drinks, and fun surrounding these outdoor sports also makes for an excellent vacation. We’ve handpicked 13 of the best places to ski and snowboard around the world.
After a day on the slopes, it’s best to indulge in some relaxation, so we’ve paired each ski resort destination with a cozy, well-designed stay apt for an alpine adventure. And these idyllic places to ski and snowboard showcase a variety of terrain and world-class amenities, so beginners and experts alike can find their perfect snowy match.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Enjoy a day of fresh powder and the ultimate après-ski at W Verbier. (Photo: Marriott International)
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is a bucket-list destination for longtime skiers and snowboarders. The Swiss mountain resort area — one of a quartet that makes 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 challenges, too.
The buzzing 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 luxury ski resort hotel 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 nation’s exceptionally light, dry, and deep powder revered by both skiers and snowboarders. Japan is home to around 500 ski resorts, and Hokkaido, in the north, is one of Japan’s best places make some serious turns thanks to an average of 300 to 600 inches of 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 with an outdoor hot spring bath, a dry sauna, and an indoor aromatic whirlpool.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Tall, imposing, and seemingly endless, the Canadian Rockies are something truly special. 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 among 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, washers, and dryers. No more putting on chilly, wet gear in the morning.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe Mountain Resort has long reigned as one of the top places to ski on the East Coast. Spread across two peaks, — Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, the highest in Vermont — the ski resort is known for its varied terrain, which spans from wide groomed trails 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 more than 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) and 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 an intermediate skier’s paradise known for its smooth, blue groomers on “the greatest snow on Earth” (a Utah trademark). 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 offering ski-in, ski-out access, a private ski valet, and multiple après-ski drinking and dining outposts. The on-site spa offers an extensive menu of wellness treatments to melt away tension after a day on the slopes.
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 2002); 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 cozy Snowmass Village. When you’re ready to switch things up, free shuttles take riders to Aspen.
Big Sky, Montana
With plenty of space to spread out, Big Sky Ski Resort lives up to its name with big dramatic views. It also has nearly 6,000 acres of skiable terrain and 320 named runs, so 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, Big Sky makes it 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 hold plenty of space for all your ski gear and include full kitchens. A complimentary shuttle will get everyone to and from the mountain, which sits just a few miles away.
Park City, Utah
The megamountain that is Park City Mountain Resort encompasses more than 7,300 skiable acres, more than 330 named trails and runs (including one that leads right into town), and three base villages. Smooth runs, 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 a posh ski lodge aesthetic 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 after your time on the slopes, unwind in the hotel’s 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 via Aerial Tram for views of the Tetons and the enchanting Western town of Jackson.
Down in that valley, in Teton Village, 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 frequent outdoor live music.
The 763-acre ski area is a bit smaller than other ski resorts on this list, but it 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 nearby mountain access, ski lockers for storing your gear, an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, on-site treatments at Amerispa, and proximity 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 here. It’ll also appeal to anyone interested in night skiing.
Spitzingsee-Tegernsee delivers 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 within a national park’s boundaries and within 50 miles of three ski resorts (collectively known 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. 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-inspired 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.
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.
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