In a previous article, we identified several of the top destinations for skiing and snowboarding in the United States. For those with a zest for international travel, however, there are ski destinations spanning the globe that claim similar, if not superior, amenities. If your appetite for winter sports is far-reaching, failing to be adequately gratified by any domestic options, we’ll identify several options that may be amenable to you. In this article, we’ll examine several of the best ski resorts in the world, ranging from options in South America to Europe.
Niseko United
Location: Niseko Annupuri Kokusai, Japan
Price:
- Day Pass: $10,500 Yen
- 7 Day Pass: 70,5000 Yen
The Low-Down: Regarded as the most renowned ski destination in Japan and one of the best ski resorts in the world, especially for international skiiers, Niseko United is located on the island of Hokkaido. Constantly receiving fresh dumps of snow throughout the winter, Niseko serves as a winter wonderland of powdery delight. Receiving approximately 50-60 feet of snow each season, Niskeo is known for its expansive terrain, inclusive of a wide array of runs for skiiers of all abilities. For cross-country skiiers, sidecountry riding is permitted, allowing visitors access to extensive backcountry within the larger grounds of Niseko. Heli-outfits are available for particularly adventurous winter enthusiasts. Though accommodations are plentiful near Niseko, they can be exorbitantly expensive, due to the international reputation of the resort. Concomitantly, it is wise to expect to pay a premium for additional amenities during your stay, including food, ski school, and other desired amenities.
Whistler Blackcomb – Best Ski Resorts in the World
Location: Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Prices:
- Unrestricted 1-Day Pass: $146.00 (CAD)
- Season Pass: $1,461.00 (CAD)
The Low-Down: Over the past several years, ever since it was a significant component of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, Whistler has increasingly expanded, becoming one of the largest Winter ski resorts in North America. With 8,371 acres of skiable terrain, including 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers, Whistler fully encompasses the word “grandiose.” The mountain offers slopes that are amenable to experts, intermediate skiiers, as well as beginners. To further facilitate access across the mountain, a new high-speed eight-person chairlift, the Fitsimmons Express Chairlift, has been introduced to the resort, furthering convenience throughout the nearby village. For adrenaline junkies, high-alpine descents are offered, either through a heli-drop via the Whistler Heli or through the “steeps clinic” organized by Extremely Canadian. Whatever your fancy as a winter sportsmen, it is far likelier than not that Blackcomb offers it.
Courchevel
Location: Les Trois Vallee, France
Prices:
- Day Pass: $79 Euros
- 6 Day Pass: $395.00 Euros
The Low-Down: Located in the French Alps, part of the phenomenal Les Troil Vallees, Courchevel is one of the most glamorous ski resorts in France. Offering access to the world’s most expansive interlinked ski area, Courchevel has long attracted the world’s most affluent and famous winter sports enthusiasts. If you’re of more humble origins, however, do not be dissuaded – The skiing at Courchevel is so extensive it is stilly worthy of a visit, even for the plebians among us. The price of a lift ticket is still relatively modest, actually lower than most US ski resorts.
Once you’re on the mountain, you’ll encounter a modern and efficient lift system, minimal wait times, long skiable verticals, considerable and surprisingly unfrequented backcountry terrain, and a wide range of fun piste trails. 57% of the piste trails on the mountain are rated “easy,” facilitating an agreeable experience for beginning and intermediate skiiers. For advanced skiiers, more challenging runs are similarly available at Courchevel, or at the other resorts linked to the Three Valleys network.
Lodging and dining options at the base of Courchevel can be prohibitively expensive, but more cost-effective options exist the further down the mountain one goes. During high season, the pricing of accommodations peak, as supply becomes increasingly circumscribed. Though Courchevel offers a more patrician experience, there are ways of mitigating the cost effectively. Given the totality of the experience, the overall value is still worthwhile, and Courchevel remains one of the best ski resorts in the world.
Ski Portillo – Best Ski Resorts in the World
Location: Portillo, Chile
Price:
- Day Pass (Adult): $62.00 (USD)
- Day Pass (Child): $43.00 (USD)
The Low-Down: Located in the heavens of the capacious Andes Mountains in Chile, Portillo Ski Resort affords challenging ski slopes, extensive backcountry terrain, and extravagant views of nearby Aconcagua mountain. Access to Portillo is convenient, being situated closely to the nearby Santiago airport. Portillo is regarded as being a particularly family-friendly environment, if your skiing plans include your children. Though lodging is limited, consisting primarily of three resorts, less expensive options are available off-mountain. There are trails for skiiers and snowboarders of every ability, though Portillo tends to cater more toward advanced winter skiiers, offering an ample amount of steep slopes. The average amount of snowfall at the resort is roughly 20 feet, usually arriving in short and intense bursts. Most of the season, outside of these few tenacious storms, is thus replete with sunshine and blue skies, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. Portillo is owned by a family from the US, and thus predominantly caters to tourists visiting from North America. As there is no formal town or village of Portillo, visitors have likened their stay at the nearby on-mountain resorts as being very “cruise-like,” as most recreational activities are confined to their hotels.
St. Moritz Ski Resort
Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland
Price:
- Day Pass (Adult): $60.00 Swiss Franc
- Day Pass (Youth): $40.00 Swiss Franc
- Day Pass (Child) $16.00 Swiss Franc
The Low-Down: St. Moritz, comfortably located in the Swiss Alps, consists of three separate ski areas: Corviglia, Corvatsch and Diavolezza Lagalb. All three are connected by bus and train, with unfortunately no lift or piste trail interlinking them.
Corviglia is a paradise for piste skiiers, featuring vast terrain including chutes, alpine bowls, and perilously steep slopes on the sunnier south side of the mountain. Corvatsch is north-facing, receiving less sunlight, offering 120 kilometers of piste trails and even a glacier in its terrain. It offers a more diverse array of runs than Corviglia and features excellent powder. Diavolezza Laglab is more spacious than its counterparts, generally receiving less visitors than its neighboring facilities.
St. Moritz is easily accessible from either Zurich or Milan. Both airports are linked to St. Moritz via train, making the necessity of investing in a rental car superfluous. Though visitors have complained that St. Moritz village has lost much of its traditional architecture due to more modern developments, it is still a hub of energy, including numerous 5 star accommodations. Cheaper options are, of course, available, outside of the immediate St. Moritz area. The infrastructure of the mountain is so seamlessly connected that even if one does stay at another local village, the consequent commute to the resort will not be too off-putting.
