Searching for the best ski resorts in the world for 2025? This guide ranks top ski and snowboard destinations across the globe, highlighting their key features and unique offerings. From challenging slopes to luxurious amenities, find the perfect resort for your next skiing holiday.

Kitzbühel, Austria: A Timeless Classic

Kitzbühel, often hailed as the “World’s Best Ski Resort,” has secured this prestigious title 11 times, most recently in 2023. With a stellar rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, it’s clear why skiers from around the globe flock to this Austrian gem. The resort boasts 233 kilometers of meticulously maintained slopes, catering to everyone from beginners to expert skiers. It is undoubtedly one of the best ski resorts in the world and among the best resorts in the world.

One of Kitzbühel’s standout features is the legendary Streif, the most challenging ski run in the world, with inclines as steep as 85%. If that’s not enough to entice you, the annual Hahnenkamm race adds an extra dash of excitement to this already exceptional skiing destination.

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada: Ultimate Ski Experience

Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, offers a staggering 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers, providing an incredible array of skiable terrain. With the longest run stretching 11 kilometers, skiers can revel in diverse experiences, from challenging slopes to leisurely trails. The resort’s highest lift-served elevation at 7,497 feet promises breathtaking views and exhilarating descents.

For those who love the social aspect of skiing, Whistler Blackcomb’s après ski scenes is one of the best in the world. The village buzzes with life, offering vibrant nightlife, dining, and shopping experiences that perfectly complement a day on the slopes.

Advanced snowboarders will find plenty of challenges here, with 25% of the trails marked as advanced and a significant portion dedicated to more difficult terrains. Whether you’re an intermediate skier or an experienced powder hound, Whistler Blackcomb provides an ultimate ski/ snowboard vacation experience, blending exceptional skiing with world-class amenities.

Verbier, Switzerland: Premier Alpine Destination

Verbier, nestled in the Swiss Alps, offers an expansive ski area with 410 kilometers of ski/ snowboard runs, ensuring skiers and snowboarders have plenty of terrain to explore. The resort’s elevation ranges from 821 meters to 3,330 meters, providing diverse conditions and stunning alpine views.

Advanced skiers/ snowboarders will find Verbier particularly appealing, with 28% of its runs classified as advanced. The resort’s average snowfall of 310 inches guarantees excellent snow conditions throughout the season, which typically runs from late November to late April.

With its extensive terrain and reliable snow, Verbier stands out as a premier destination for the best skiing/ snowboarding.

Niseko United, Japan: Powder Paradise

Niseko United is renowned for its powder snow, averaging an impressive 590 inches each season! The light, dry snow, characterized by low water content, creates ideal skiing conditions that attract skiers/ snowboarders from all corners of the globe. Niseko’s off-piste and side-country are legendary, making it a haven for expert skiers/ snowboarders seeking thrilling adventures.

Beyond the slopes, Niseko offers a unique blend of cultural experiences. Visitors can soak in traditional hot springs (onsens) and savor a diverse dining scene that features both Japanese and Western cuisine. Conveniently accessible within a 2.5-hour drive from New Chitose Airport, Niseko United is a powder paradise waiting to be explored.

Courchevel, France: Luxury in the French Alps

Courchevel stands out as one of the most luxurious ski destinations in the French Alps. The resort is home to numerous five-star hotels, many of which offer ski-in/ski-out access, providing unparalleled convenience for skiers/ snowboarders.

Courchevel’s dining scene is nothing short of exceptional, featuring several Michelin-starred restaurants that cater to the most discerning palates. The vibrant après-ski scene, complete with high-end shops and nightlife options, ensures that your evenings are just as exciting as your days on the slopes.

St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria: Adventurous Terrain

St. Anton am Arlberg is famed for its adventurous terrain, featuring 141 runs that promise a diverse and challenging experience. The Eisfall racecourse, known for its steepness, is a notable highlight for thrill-seekers.

With an average snowfall of 160 inches, St. Anton offers excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. This resort primarily caters to advanced snowboarders, making it a top destination for those seeking thrilling challenges on the slopes.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Wild West Adventure

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a true wild west adventure, boasting 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and 131 runs at the heavenly mountain resort. The impressive elevation change of 4,139 feet adds to the thrill, making it a favorite among skiing/ snowboarding enthusiasts.

Known for its deep powder, Jackson Hole receives an average of 460 inches of snow annually, ensuring prime snowboarding conditions. Iconic runs like Corbet’s Couloir offer legendary terrain that attracts skiers/ snowboarders from around the world.

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah: Diverse Skiing Options

Park City Mountain Resort, the only ski resort, offers extensive and varied trails, with over 330 runs catering to all skill levels. The resort includes numerous family-friendly features, such as children’s areas in ski schools and fun slopes with waves and tunnels.

Additionally, the area has 70 kilometers of cross-country trails, appealing to a wide range of winter sports enthusiasts. With its strategic connection to Deer Valley Resort, Park City enhances skiing options, making it a top destination for diverse skiing experiences.

Zermatt, Switzerland: Scenic Splendor

Zermatt is renowned for its picturesque landscape dominated by the iconic Matterhorn mountain. The resort offers over 360 kilometers of ski slopes, providing a vast range of skiing/ snowboarding options for all levels.

The charming village of Zermatt features car-free streets, enhancing the tranquil alpine atmosphere. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy chalets, catering to diverse preferences.

Vail, Colorado: Vast and Versatile

Vail Ski Resort is known for its vast skiable area of 5,300 acres, offering something for everyone. The Back Bowls, covering over 2,000 acres, are a major attraction, featuring legendary areas such as Tea Cup, China, and Siberia.

Planning ahead is crucial for snowboarders at Vail, as finalizing travel arrangements well in advance enhances the overall experience. This extensive and versatile resort is a top choice for skiers/ snowboarders seeking a comprehensive skiing adventure.

St. Moritz, Switzerland: Prestige and Performance

St. Moritz is home to 39 current Olympians, underscoring its prestigious status in the skiing world. The resort features 142 miles of cross-country trails available for Nordic skiing, appealing to a wide range of skiing enthusiasts.

With a rich Olympic history, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1928 and 1948, St. Moritz stands out as a destination that combines prestige with top-notch skiing/ snowboarding performance.

Mont-Tremblant, Canada: European Charm in North America

Mont-Tremblant is renowned for its charming European-style village, complete with cobblestone streets. The ski area features 102 ski runs designed to cater to all levels of skiers/ snowboarders, from beginners to advanced.

Off the slopes, Mont-Tremblant offers a variety of activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing, alongside a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and restaurants. The resort ranks #1 in various categories, including dining, guest service, and grooming, according to SKI’s Reader Survey Awards.

Banff Sunshine, Canada: Natural Beauty

Banff Sunshine Village is a natural beauty, offering a variety of runs with approximately 55% designated for intermediate snowboarders. The South Divide run, popular among intermediates, provides stunning vistas of Mt. Assiniboine while offering smooth conditions.

Situated at a base elevation of 7,200 feet, the ski area maintains light and skiable snow throughout the season, making it an ideal destination for skiing/ snowboarding enthusiasts.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France: Historic Excellence

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc gained prominence as a ski destination following the inaugural Winter Olympic Games in 1924. The resort is recognized for its vibrant après-ski culture, featuring cozy chalets and lively bars that create a welcoming atmosphere for skiers/ snowboarders.

With its historic excellence and exceptional skiing terrain, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc continues to be a top choice for winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.

Big Sky, Montana: Expansive Wilderness

Big Sky Resort in Montana is a paradise for those who love expansive wilderness and diverse terrain. Spanning an impressive 5,800 acres of skiable terrain, the resort offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether you’re tackling the rugged slopes or enjoying the serene beauty of the landscape, Big Sky provides a skiing/ snowboarding experience unlike any other.

For those seeking luxury, the Montage Big Sky offers top-notch accommodations alongside more rustic options like cozy lodges and upscale ski-in/ski-out hotels. With its vast spaces and varied terrain, Big Sky promises an unforgettable skiing adventure in the heart of Montana’s wilderness.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Dual-State Delight

Lake Tahoe, straddling the border of California and Nevada, offers a unique dual-state skiing experience with 11 downhill ski resorts. One of the prominent ski areas, Palisades Tahoe, boasts 3,600 skiable acres, providing ample space for all kinds of winter sports.

Runs at Lake Tahoe often offer breathtaking views of the stunning lake itself, making for a picturesque snowboarding experience. After a day on the slopes, visitors can enjoy an après-ski drink or take in the vibrant nightlife at nearby casinos, ensuring an all-around enjoyable snowboard vacation.

Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico: Southwestern Gem

Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is a hidden gem for snowboarders looking for challenging terrain and a unique Southwestern flair. The resort spans 1,294 acres and features a vertical drop of 3,131 feet with 110 trails, 51% of which are classified as difficult, catering to advanced snowboarders.

Taos Ski Valley is also committed to sustainability, having won the Golden Eagle award for environmental excellence. The resort’s ski school is recognized for its quality, offering diverse learning options to help skiers of all levels improve their skills. Its unique geographical location enhances snowfall through orographic lift, guaranteeing excellent skiing conditions.

Mt. Bachelor, Oregon: A Side Hit Euphoria

Mt. Bachelor in Oregon is a haven for skiers/ snowboarders who love a variety of terrain types and a long ski season. The resort boasts 4,300 acres of skiable terrain, all accessible from its summit at 9,065 feet, offering experiences ranging from groomed runs to open bowls and a terrain park.

Snowboarders at Mt. Bachelor can enhance their experience with a mobile app that provides real-time updates on lift and trail conditions. The app also features community leaderboards and challenges, making skiing at Mt. Bachelor both fun and competitive.

Want to get ready for your season or trip?

Before you hit the slopes, it’s essential to prepare your body for the physical demands of skiing. Consider programs like Snoga and Shred 3.0 to build strength and flexibility. These bodyweight strength programs can help you get in shape and reduce the risk of injury, ensuring you make the most out of your ski vacation.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, getting ready for the season with the right training can enhance your performance and enjoyment on the slopes. Start your preparation early and enjoy a fantastic skiing experience.

Summary

From the luxury of Courchevel to the wild west adventure of Jackson Hole, the world offers a myriad of ski/ snowboard resorts that cater to all tastes and skill levels. Whether you’re seeking challenging terrains, exceptional snow quality, or a vibrant après-ski scene, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you. So, gear up, plan your trip, and embark on an unforgettable ski/ snowboard vacation at one of these top resorts.