Where's your dream destination? From the Matterhorn to Whistler, Norway to South America, every skier dreams of the once-in-a-lifetime visit to a unique and special ski resort. Here are ten of our favourites.
Skiing in Switzerland isn't cheap, but it's worth it for the views of the imposing Matterhorn, which towers over the ski area at 4478m above sea level. For a more budget-friendly way to ski at the most iconic peak in Europe, consider staying at Breuil-Cervinia in Italy. This will grant you access to the Italian ski area as well as the ski area at Zermatt.
Val Gardena is located in the Dolomites, a UNESCO Site known for the beautiful rosy hue the mountains take on at sunset. Val Gardena is a perfect jumping-off point for the Sella Ronda, a famous ski circuit that hits up most of the biggest Italian ski resorts. If you invest in the Dolomiti Superski pass, you'll have access to approximately 1200km of pistes.
With cheaper flight tickets every day and a favourable exchange rate, Canada's ski resorts are within easier reach than ever. The biggest Canadian ski area is the well-known Whistler Blackcomb, which has 252km of pistes spread over the two mountains but easily connected with the Peak 2 Peak gondola. Ski through the trees, down powdery chutes or challenge yourself on the moguls - it's all fair game in this Canadian ski resort.
The Jungfrau Region is chock-full of charming car-free villages such as Murren and Wengen. From here you'll have easy reach to the Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top of Europe. With an altitude of 3454m above sea levle, this is the highest train station in Europe and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Ischgl is a favourite with the British skiing and snowboarding public so if you haven't skied here yet, you're missing out! Unbeatable après-ski, delicious restaurants and the Smuggler's ski circuit are just a few reasons for the popularity of this ski resort. The linked Ischgl - Samnaun - Silvretta Arena ski area boasts modern lifts and a wide variety of pistes.
A trip to Finland, Norway or Sweden is a bucket-list item in itself, if only for the magical experience of seeing the Northern Lights. The ski areas here are generally smaller and more intimate, and you'll have plenty of activities to do off the slopes like go dogsledding or explore the fjords. Scandinavia will be even easier to reach this winter thanks to the new Scandinavian Mountain Airport.
The mythical Chamonix has retained its authentic feel despite being one of the most popular ski resorts in France. The ski area is a mecca for experienced skiers and snowboarders and especially off-piste enthusiasts, who can hire a guide to help them explore the Vallée Blanche. This 3842m long route is a must-do for any expert skier or snowboarder.
Chamonix ligt aan de voet van de Mont Blanc (Foto: © MaximeCoquard)
Chile and Argentina are great options for a ski holiday during the long summer months in the UK. Both countries have a number of large ski areas, such as Alta Patagonia in Argentina. At 120km of pistes, this is the biggest ski area in the region. How does swapping your wiener schnitzel for a nice Argentinian steak sound?
The Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is perfectly set up for day trips, with each village offering a different vibe for the day. Families and friend groups alike will have a blast visiting this huge Austrian linked ski area. Hit the powder in Fieberbrunn, unwind in Leogang and head to the bars in Saalbach and Hinterglemm for après-ski into the evening.
Les 4 Vallées is one of the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland, with more than 400km of pistes. Don't forget to snap a selfie at the stunning Mont Fort viewpoint - you can download it later with your Skiline pass.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
