When the snow blankets the slopes and the chairlifts come to life, there’s an undeniable craving among skiers and snowboarders for the thrill of gliding down breathtaking mountains. All around the world, top-notch winter sports destinations beckon adventure enthusiasts with heart-thumping vertical drops, piles of featherweight powder, and picture-perfect scenery. 

As you map out your ski trip for this year, consider carving a new path down the iconic slopes of these world-renowned skiing havens. 

Salt Lake City USA  

Snuggled up close to the majestic Wasatch Mountains with seven renowned ski resorts just 30-45 minutes away, Utah’s capital city - Salt Lake City, offers incredible accessibility and simply amazing snow conditions. Each year, places like Alta and Snowbird receive over 500 inches of snowfall. From the vast 8,000+ acre skiable area in Park City to the meticulously groomed boulevards of the ultra-luxurious Deer Valley, there’s a diverse range of terrains to suit every skiing preference. 

Hokkaido Japan  

Niseko Grand Hirafu is famous for its super fluffy and dry snow in Japan. It gets more than 500 inches of snow each year, covering a range of slopes suitable for all skill levels. The lively village is packed with restaurants, bars, and shops, making sure there’s plenty of excitement even after the sun sets. Furano Ski Resort provides another breathtaking experience, with stunning views of Mount Asahi and Mount Tokachi in the distance as you glide down slopes through white birch forests. 

Whistler Canada 

Photo by Benjamin Hayward 

Explore the magic of Whistler Blackcomb, the largest top-rated ski resort in North America! With its impressive stats of 8,171 acres, 16 alpine bowls, and an incredible one-mile vertical drop, the numbers tell an impressive tale.  The resort’s legendary terrain provides something for everyone whether navigating challenging black diamond couloirs or cruising through open powder bowls that seem to last forever. Immerse yourself in the delightful alpine village and soak up the lively mountain culture of Vancouver during your stay. 

Obertauern Austria 

If you’re into skiing on high-altitude slopes with guaranteed snow in the Austrian Alps, Obertauern is the place to be. They’ve got 100 kilometers of meticulously maintained ski trails, offering everything from easy slopes to more challenging ones. You can access these slopes using their 38 top-notch cable cars and lifts. If you’re a freerider, you’ll love the opportunity to explore endless off-piste powder turns in wide open bowls and tree runs, making it a real winter wonderland. 

Telluride USA 

Tucked away in the majestic San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the internationally acclaimed Telluride Ski Resort beckons with over 2,000 skiable acres and breathtaking terrain that’s truly North American in its splendor. For the seasoned skiers, the legendary off-piste runs cascading down from Palmyra Peak is a dream come true, while beginners can explore an entire peak and long groomers perfect for building skills. After a day on the slopes, soak in the ambiance of the village with its charming Victorian-era buildings and the twinkle of festival lights. 

Ruka Finland 

Discover Ruka, a winter sports haven nestled just below the Arctic Circle, making it one of Europe’s northernmost destinations. From October to May, adventure seekers can revel in skiing across 54 slopes, served by 29 lifts and catering to all skill levels. The backdrop includes breathtaking views of neighboring fells and Lake Oulujärvi. After exhilarating days on the slopes or exploring the endless Finnish backcountry, visitors can unwind in charming log cottage accommodations and indulge in the relaxation of traditional smoke saunas. 

Val Thorens France 

Perched at a lofty 7,546 feet in the heart of Les 3 Vallee’s, Val Thorens stands as Europe’s highest ski resort. This elevated location guarantees consistent snow conditions on an extensive network of trails spanning over 370 miles. From impeccably groomed corduroy runs and seemingly limitless off-piste powder stashes, all set against the backdrop of the majestic French Alps, it’s a skier’s paradise. Base yourself in Val Thorens’ charming car-free village, loaded with ski-in/ski-out lodges and stylish mountain shopping. 

Zermatt, Switzerland 

Photograph: © Pascal Gertschen 

Zermatt, nestled in the Swiss Alps, is a skier's paradise renowned for its world-class slopes and breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn peak. With a vast network of well-groomed trails, powdery off-piste runs, and reliable snow conditions, skiers and snowboarders can indulge in a multitude of adventures. The interconnected ski area of Zermatt and Cervinia in Italy provides access to over 360 kilometers of pistes, ensuring endless opportunities to explore varied terrain. Advanced skiers relish challenging descents like the famous Triftji and the moguls on the Stockhorn run. Zermatt's modern lift system includes cable cars, gondolas, chairlifts, and surface lifts, with over 50 lifts efficiently transporting skiers and snowboarders to various points across the mountain. 

Gather your ski buddies and go to Ellipsis to help you plan and organize your next ski vacation in just a few easy steps.