The Best Countries to Ski According To Seasoned Skiers

The ocean waves are not for everyone. Speeding down the snowy mountains has become a hobby for many, both the affluent and ski enthusiasts around the world. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you will always find great options are lower costs as well for your ski adventure. The dip in temperature, mountaintop chills, and heavy snow, is what a skier's dreams are made of.

What started as a sport exclusive to adventure enthusiasts has now become a pastime available to all. With plenty of classes and courses to take in, skiing is now an exciting sport. That is not to say that the added influx of novice skiers has dulled the thrill and adrenaline, as many trails are only available to people of advanced skill. The rating system that goes from green for beginners to black for experts is a great way to determine which slopes are ideal for one’s level of expertise. With plenty of activities available at local resorts when one is not cruising down the slopes, skiing is a great activity to enjoy in winter. Here are some of the best countries to ski

From the cold slopes of Hokkaido to the well-preened pistes in Canada, here are the best countries to ski in according to the most seasoned and well-traveled skiers. 

Val Thorens, France

let's move from the core and outwards. Centre of the frigid zone lies the French snow delight Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski village. It is perched at a height of 7546 feet on the French Alps and is built specifically as a sports retreat, covering the largest linked ski zone on this planet. Ski down 373mi and schuss over 300 cross-country trails. Take pit stops at quaint villages like Méribel and Le Praz for some smoking hot cuppa cocoa.

Val d’Isere and Tignes form the Tignes – Val d’Isere ski area (formerly known as Espace Killy), arguably one of the best ski areas in the world. More than 300 km of a wide variety of ski terrain is available to explore. The high altitude means slopes are open through most of the spring and even partly into summer. This is an excellent area for advanced and expert skiers. However, the number of independent guides and instructors available means plenty of tuition for novices, too, especially for off-piste terrain. It is also one of the most accessible places, with more than 150 ski lifts servicing the area.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Snow for many means the northern frigid Scandinavian zone of Europe. While France doesn’t fail to surprise you, Switzerland doesn’t fall far behind either. The majestic Matterhorn slopes are a skiers bucket list activity. The pistes and slopes abound in a 360 km area and can easily be broadened if we count in the lift pass to Cernivia-Valtournenche in Italy. Zermatt is a fabulous ski resort in Europe and its trails are some of the highest in the continent. The Swiss Alps are home to 25 km ski runs and are dotted with multiple options for accommodation, gourmet food and shopping opportunities.

Skiing down a slope with the majestic Matterhorn in the background would be on any skier’s bucket list. Slopes and pistes abound in this 360 km area, and that can be broadened even more with the addition of a lift pass to Cervinia-Valtournenche in Italy. The Zermatt ski resort is the highest in Europe, and the trails are among the highest in the Alps. The mountain is also home to Europe’s longest downhill run, at 25 km long. There are plenty of options for accommodation along with gourmet delights and shopping opportunities to be enjoyed here

Perisher Valley, Australia

While the entire world celebrates summer in the months of August and September, it snows heavily in this gorgeous southern hemisphere country of Australia. Foaming snow and gorgeous views attract annual ski pilgrims to this land of Perisher Valley, the biggest ski resort below the equator. Ski across nearly 3000 acres of snow, or clamp on your snowshoes to visit the Rock Creek track.  

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Home to the largest winter sports arena in North America, this lovely town in British Columbia boasts the biggest thrills every winter. This year, you must begin your skiing journey here. It affords 200 ski runs with opportunities to ski freestyle, and 99 acres dedicated to the different levels of expertise. Experts love the summer opportunities here extended due to the Horstman Glacier.

Whistler is a town in British Columbia and is home to the largest winter sports area in North America – Whistler Blackcomb. Historically, Whistler and Blackcomb were two separate resorts, Whistler being older and having more space and Blackcomb boasting more elevation. Only in 1997 did the two merge to become one of the biggest and most thrilling ski resorts in the world. The now unified resort offers more than 200 ski runs. There is plenty of opportunity for freestyle skiing, too, with 99 acres dedicated to all experience levels. An added bonus is the Horstman Glacier which can be accessed even during the summer (advanced to expert only). The resort village at the base provides a great place to rest and relax between trails and offers ski lessons and entertainment opportunities.

Hokkaido, Japan

No amount of sake can induce hallucinations of the ice and snowy beasts that are put up for the show at the Sapporo Snow Festival. Head to the powder capital Niseko to face plant in the fluffy snow and legendary ski runs. While reaching this location, one can zoom past battalions of juhyo at Sapporo Kokysai resort or thunder past the backcountry if you are an expert skier. The most impressive time to go skiing in this Asian paradise is in the month of February, which affords you gorgeous views, a vibe of celebrations, and snow.

Japan is a hidden gem for ski enthusiasts, and Niseko sits on the crown. Niseko United combines four interlinked ski resorts to provide 2192 skiable acres of terrain. Many of the trails feature the beautiful backdrop of Mt. Yotei, and wooden glades offer opportunities to go tree-skiing. Niseko also boasts outstanding ski instruction programs and various activities for children, which has led it to be voted Japan’s best family ski resort. There is much to take between trails, with award-winning hotels, spas, Japanese hot springs, or Onsen

Cerro Catedral, Argentina

Closer to home, although in the southern hemisphere, are the Andes, decking up the mesmerizing vista of Argentina. Cerro Catedral affords a massive 3000 acres of skiing area, the largest in South America that comes with lift access. Freestyle skiers will be delighted to find a dedicated ski park for their way of the art. Gawk at the snowcapped peaks and the lovely views while you prep for some exciting ski runs in the South American country.

With the tallest mountains on Earth outside of the Himalayas, the Andes provide some beautiful vistas of snowcapped peaks. Named after the mountain ridges resembling a Gothic church’s spires, Cerro Catedral in Argentina offers over 3000 acres of skiable area. It is the largest ski terrain in South America with lift access. It also has a dedicated park for freestyle skiers. The village at the base is as close as one could come to an Alpine chalet in Argentina

The art of skiing is both majestic and beautiful, but equally difficult to master. In recent years, it has transformed from a specialty sport for adrenaline junkies into a mainstream hobby for the masses. In the United States, skiing is one of the most popular winter sports, raking in millions of avid skiers to some of the most beautiful spots across the world, most popularly in European countries like Italy and France and of course, Aspen in the U.S. We’ve listed some of the most breathtaking resorts for both skiers and keen winter vacationers to see, as these locations are perfect for those looking for the ideal terrains to slide through and others who simply want to relax by some of the most picturesque mountain views in the world.

Aspen Meadows Resort, Aspen, USA



Situated in the core of the French Alps, L'Alpe d'Huez has gained notoriety for attracting travelers throughout the entire year. The interesting blend of daylight radiating down on their cold slants has permitted regulars to make its epithet, 'L'Isle de Soleil', or Island of the Sun. With the expansion of its popular French cooking and comfortable suites to get back to following a day loaded up with skiing, this retreat has won the 'Famille In addition to's grant, turning into an optimal area for families to spend their winters (and summers) in.

L’Alpe d’Huez, South East France

Many have said that the genuine soul of Italy flourishes in this ski resort. Maybe Italy isn't principally known among the overall population for its blanketed attractions, yet Madonna de Campilgio consolidates the quintessence of Italian culture and cooking (all things considered, this is Italy) with totally shocking slants, beautified by obvious white snow and flawless emerald pine woodlands. As a little something extra, it's viewed as only a dab more reasonable than its French partner.