For many, winter is synonymous with skiing and snowboarding at the best ski resorts, offering a thrilling blend of adventure and breathtaking views. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro, the world has an array of places to ski, catering to every skill level. Let’s check out some of the best ski resorts, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging ones for the pros.
1. Best ski resorts for beginners: Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Located in the Coast Mountains, Whistler Blackcomb is an ideal spot for beginners. It has special areas for learning and a wide variety of easy slopes, making it great for your first experience in the snow. The resort also provides excellent ski schools and instructors to help you get started.
One of the most notable features of Whistler Blackcomb is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which holds the world record for the longest and highest lift. It connects the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, providing stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding area and making it easier for skiers and snowboarders to access both mountains.
The Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is scheduled to open for the 2023/24 winter season on November 23, 2023.
2. Best ski resorts for families: Keystone Resort, Colorado, USA
Keystone is a family paradise with a vast selection of beginner and intermediate slopes. The resort is renowned for its children’s programs, making it ideal for young skiers and snowboarders. Added bonuses include a fantastic après-ski scene and a variety of off-slope activities for the whole family (ice skating, tubing, sleigh rides, spa services, live music and entertainment, and village shopping).
One of Keystone’s most notable features is its extensive night skiing operations. It’s one of the few resorts in Colorado that offers skiing and snowboarding after dark, providing a different perspective on the slopes under the starry sky.
Keystone Resort in Colorado is scheduled to open for the 2023/24 season on November 1, 2023.
3. Best ski resorts for intermediate skiers: Courchevel, France
Part of Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys), the world’s largest connected ski area, Courchevel is known for its high-end hotels, gourmet dining, and upscale shopping. The resort offers a wide range of blue and red runs, perfect for those looking to advance their skills. The resort provides excellent conditions with very well-maintained slopes and breathtaking Alpine views.
Courchevel is home to a unique altiport, a high-altitude airport that’s one of the few in the world located in a ski area. It allows guests to fly directly into the resort, offering stunning aerial views of the French Alps.
The Courchevel ski resort is scheduled to open for the 2023/24 winter season on December 2, 2023.
4. Best ski resorts for advanced skiers: Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is a hotspot for advanced skiers, known for its steep runs, deep snow, and excellent backcountry (off-piste) skiing opportunities. Verbier is part of the Four Valleys (4 Vallées) ski area, one of the largest in the world. This extensive network offers access to many slopes suitable for various skill levels.
Verbier regularly hosts famous skiing competitions and events, including the final of the Freeride World Tour, drawing top freeride skiers from around the globe.
The Verbier ski resort in Switzerland is scheduled to open for the 2023/24 winter season on December 2, 2023.
5. Best ski resorts for experts: Chamonix, France
Chamonix is not for the faint-hearted. Home to the legendary Vallée Blanche and some of the most challenging slopes in the world, it’s a mecca for expert skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and is a hub for mountainous adventure sports.
The town of Chamonix holds a significant place in alpine history, being one of the oldest ski resorts in France and the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
The Chamonix Mont-Blanc ski resort is scheduled to open for the 2023/24 ski season on December 9, 2023.
Choosing the right ski resort can make or break your winter holiday. Whether it’s your first time on the snow or you’re seeking the thrill of advanced slopes, there’s a ski resort out there to meet your needs. Remember, the best ski trip combines great slopes with the right atmosphere, facilities, and scenery. See our ultimate ski trip packing list, pack your gear and head to one of these best ski resorts for an unforgettable experience!
Stay connected on the slopes
To ensure you’re always in touch with your friends and family and can share your skiing adventures in real-time with them, our prepaid eSIM is the perfect companion. It helps you stay connected without the hefty roaming charges, and offers flexibility and easy activation. Ready to embark on your trip? Get your downloadable eSIM card. Wishing you happy skiing!
Skiing Whistler Blackcomb? Download a Canada eSIM with prepaid data.
Skiing Keystone? Download a United States eSIM with prepaid data
Skiing Courchevel or Chamonix? Download a France eSIM with prepaid data
Skiing Verbier? Download a Switzerland eSIM with prepaid data