6 Must Visit Ski Resorts in The World

Guaranteed snow, check. Reliable lifts, check. A variety of natural terrain, check. Accommodation and entertainment, check. These playgrounds for snows port aficionados have everything you need for a fun ski vacation. Most of them have a variety of natural terrains perfect for both novice and experienced skiers. Hobby skiers and those who just picked up the sport can take level-specific lessons and have a fun family vacation with their top-notch accommodations, restaurants, and other amenities.

Here are a few of the must-visit ski resorts around the world.

# Chamonix, France

The host of the first-ever Winter Olympics held in 1924 has become famous throughout the years among professional skiers and mountain climbing enthusiasts. This ski resort town nestled at the foot of Mount-Blanc is as charming as it is exciting. Although its ski areas with its steep piste, extreme weather conditions, and challenging slopes are more suited for advanced skiers.

# Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is an idyllic mountain village located in Valais and is considered the highest ski resort in Switzerland. It's famous for its majestic view of the Matterhorn and year-round skiing. Zermatt’s ski region also known as the “Matterhorn glacier paradise” features four ski areas–Sunnegga, Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee—connected by 63 lifts.

It’s the only year-round ski resort in Switzerland and one of the two remaining glaciers in the Alps to open 365 days a year. Aside from skiing, people also visit Zermatt to see the glacier trail, climb up the mountain, or enjoy a tub of Cheese fondue inside a gondola with a view of the splendid Matterhorn.

# St. Anton, Austria

This village cum ski resort located at the western border of Tyrol in the Arlberg region of Austria has been attracting ski enthusiasts for 100 years. Considered one of the top ski destinations in the Alps, St. Anton is the biggest connected ski area in Austria. It features 305km of slopes, an efficient lift system, and a town that boasts a varied selection of chalets, hotels, and restaurants.

# Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Known locally simply as Cortina, this ski town located a few hours from Venice, ­­­ features over 50 miles of cross-country pistes and 140 ski runs. But there’s more to Cortina than its challenging slopes and seemingly endless ski fields. This picturesque little town with its charming Italian architecture pressed against a beautiful backdrop is also steep in history.

When you’re not busy skiing, you can explore the charming town and learn about its role in the first world war or you can go around and find areas used for the Bond movie For Your Eyes Only. Others come here to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Dolomiti on the Italian Alps.

# Alpe d’Huez, France

This modern ski resort located in southeastern France was awarded the Best Ski Resort in Europe by EDEN, the European Destinations of Excellence Network twice, in 2017 and again in 2019. It’s also been chosen as the Best Ski Resort For Guaranteed Snow.

# Gstaad, Switzerland

Many tourists come to Gstaad to ski and stay to enjoy its charming chalet village. Aside from the 200 kilometers of ski slopes, the place also features a laid-out resort system composed of six areas that are interconnected by 53 lifts including 10 gondolas, four trams, 17 chairlifts, and 22 surface lifts.

Gstaad has plenty of downhill runs, as well as plenty of terrain for beginners and other vacation amenities for the entire family. There’s also a seemingly endless selection of boutiques, pastry shops, and cafes in and around this rustic Swiss town located in Southwestern Switzerland.