While many people dream about the coming of summer, looking sadly at the snow outside the window, skiers and snowboarders are looking forward to an exciting vacation. On the eve of the winter season, the famous American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler published the results of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. More than 800,000 readers participated in it, who for several months shared their opinions on the offers and services of the tourism market. Based on the survey results, a rating of best ski resorts in the world was compiled that are worth visiting for all lovers of active winter recreation.
Les Arcs La Plagne, France
In the heart of the French Alps, the Haute-Tarentaise Valley, is the famous ski resort of Les Arcs. Together with Peisey-Vallandry and la Plagne it forms the single Paradiski ski area. Les Arcs-la-Plagne includes four mountain stations, named according to their altitude and having a common network of lifts – Arc-Pierre-Blanche (1600 m), Arc-1800, Arc-1950 and Arc-2000. The resort also includes the town of Bourg Saint-Maurice, which lies at the foot of the mountain.
The ski complex offers guests 425 km of slopes of varying difficulty levels, located at altitudes from 1200 to 3225 m. Both beginners and experienced skiers will enjoy skiing here. Novice athletes usually choose the Arc 1800 area, while professionals highly appreciate the Launched Kilometer track on the slope of the Aiguille Rouge mountain. Each level has at least one descent, illuminated at night.
Les Arcs offers many active holiday options for those who do not like skiing. In the Ark-1800 zone there is a snow park with figures, a halfpipe and boarder cross tracks. Several slopes are suitable for freeride. The Launched Kilometer trail offers ziplining. In the Ark-2000 zone, dog sled rides are organized.
Chambery airport is 127 km from Les Arcs, Lyon is 145 km, Geneva is 156 km. You can get there by regular buses and taxis or using a transfer. Bourg Saint-Maurice, which is located 15 km from Les Arcs, has direct trains from Paris, Lille, Amsterdam, Brussels and London.
Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France
At the foot of Mont Blanc in Haute-Savoie is the small town of Chamonix – the center of the oldest French ski resort, Chamonix-Mont Blanc. It also includes the villages of Les Houches, Servoz, Vallorcine and Argentiere.
The excellent infrastructure of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc allows skiing from the end of November to April. On the slopes of the mountain at an altitude of 2000 m there are 100 trails, of which 13 are suitable for beginners, 66 for experienced skiers, and 21 for professionals. A special place is occupied by the famous White Valley – the longest glacier descent in Europe, ranging from 16 to 24 km.
All slopes and pistes are divided into several ski areas – Grands Montets, Flegere-Brevent, Balme-Vallorcine and les Houches-St-Gervais. There is no general network of lifts connecting them all – you need to travel between zones by bus.
The easiest way to get to Chamonix is from Geneva, which is 88 km away. There are buses and transfers from the airport. You can also get there by train, but with transfers – the journey will take about 3 hours.
The fashion for skiing in Chamonix-Mont Blanc appeared at the end of the 19th century. In 1906, a big season was opened here for the first time. And from January 25 to February 5, 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games took place in Chamonix.
Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl is a fashionable and quite expensive ski resort, one of the best in Austria. It attracts with its magnificent nature, beautiful mountain panorama and perfect snow. Ischgl is located in the Silvretta Valley and is connected to its neighbor, the Swiss city of Samnaun, by a network of cable cars and ski lifts. Therefore, with one ski pass you can ski in two countries at once.
The ski area common to both resorts is called Silvretta Arena. This is 239 km of ideal pistes, of which 20 are blue, 40 are red and 25 are black. You can quickly get to any place thanks to 45 modern cable cars.
The ski areas located on the Idalp and Alp Trida plateaus are almost at the level of the glacial horizons – at an altitude of 2400-2800 m. There are no extreme slopes here, wide slopes up to 11 km long alternate with chutes and untouched virgin soil.
Snowboarders will appreciate one of the world’s largest snow parks – PlayStation Vita Snowpark Ischgl. It is divided into three zones: for beginners (Beginner Park), intermediate-level athletes (Public) and professionals (Kingsize). Ischgl is one of the best places in the world for snowboarding.
The closest international airport to Ischgl is Innsbruck (99 km). From there you need to take a train or bus to the city of Landeck. There are bus services from the train station to the resort.
Val Thorens, France
The highest resort in Europe, Val Thorens, is the highest point of one of the world’s largest ski areas, the Three Valleys. It’s great for skiers and snowboarders, but those who don’t ski or can’t imagine their holiday without nightlife are better off choosing another place. Since the village is located high in the mountains, it will also take time for acclimatization.
Val Thorens is connected to the neighboring resorts of the Three Valleys (Courchevel, Meribel, La Tania, Les Menuires) by a network of lifts and a ski pass. The “ski-to-ski-out” concept has been successfully implemented here – the village is located at the intersection of all ski slopes. The season lasts about 175 days – from mid-November to early May.
The total length of the slopes is 150 km. Of the 88 pistes in Val Thorens, 11 are green, 39 are blue, 30 are red and 8 are black. The snow cover is of very high quality and lasts throughout the entire season. In addition, there are 5 km of cross-country ski trails and a snowpark with a quarterpipe, halfpipe and pyramids.
Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées), France
The world’s largest ski area, the Three Valleys, unites several French ski resorts located at different altitudes. Among them are the famous Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens, Menuires, La Tanya. All of them are connected by a network of lifts. The 3 Vallees ski pass allows you to use all the ski areas of the Three Valleys, but even a whole month is not enough to explore its many slopes.
Les Trois Vallées’ 600 km of ski slopes, of which 17 percent are green, 39 percent blue, 33 red and 11 black, attract skiers from all over the world. Athletes with any level of training can ride here – from beginners to professionals. There are 120 km of trails for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. 183 lifts transport 260,000 people per hour. Thanks to the variety of terrain and ski slopes, you can ski in any weather. 8 snow parks and 28 entertainment areas will provide excellent leisure time – no one will be bored.
Altibus shuttles run from the airports of Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon to the resorts of Les Trois Vallées. You can check the schedule and book tickets on the carrier’s website www.altibus.com. Trains run from Paris, Brest, Nantes, Lille, Le Havre, Poitiers and other cities to the Moutiers railway station, built for the 1992 Olympic Games. There is a bus service between the station and the resorts.
In order to popularize skiing, Les Trois Vallées often holds promotions. For example, at the beginning of the season (December) and at the end (mid-April) there are reduced prices for ski passes. And on the opening day of the season (in 2021 it is December 4), discounts reach 50%. More details can be found at www.les3vallees.com/en.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
The resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo was the capital of the Winter Olympics in 1956 and will again be in 2026. World championships in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and bobsleigh are constantly held here. But wealthy Europeans come here not only for the sake of skiing, but also to, as they say, “show themselves.” The local public demonstrates all the latest sports fashion, and prefers to spend their leisure time in expensive restaurants and boutiques of famous brands located on the main street of the city. Cortina d’Ampezzo is the only ski resort in Italy that is part of the elite ski organization The Best of the Alps.
Even in winter, the sun shines at least 7 hours a day in this region, guaranteeing the best skiing experience. At the disposal of athletes there are 146 km of perfectly prepared slopes, located at altitudes from 1224 to 2828 m. They are served by 36 ski lifts and cable cars.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is part of the Dolomiti Superski ski area, which unites 16 resorts. On the website www.dolomitisuperski.com you can order a ski pass valid throughout its territory.
The closest to Cortina d’Ampezzo is Venice Airport (162 km), from where you can get there in 3-3.5 hours by ATVO bus or book a transfer. There are no direct trains. With transfers you can travel from Venice to the cities of Dobbiaco and Calalzo di Cadore, from where SAD and Dolomiti Buses run to Cortina.
Cervinia, Italy
The highest ski resort in Italy, Cervinia attracts winter holiday enthusiasts with beautiful scenery, guaranteed snow and a long season. The large ski area is equipped with a well-thought-out system of various types of lifts. Ski passes allow you to ski not only on the southern slopes, which belong to Italy, but also on the northern ones, which are the area of the Swiss resort of Zermatt.
The town of Breuil-Cervinia is located at an altitude of 2050 m and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of Monte Rosa (4637 m), Matterhorn (4478 m), Breithorn (4165 m) and Castore (4228 m). The highest point is at an altitude of 3488 m. Here you can take a cable car above the clouds and then ski through them.
Cervinia is divided into four ski areas: Plan Maison, Laghi Cime Bianche, Plateau Rosa and Valtournenche Valley Slope. In total, in the Breuil-Cervinia-Valtournenche-Zermatt area there are 69 slopes, the total length of which is about 360 km. In addition, there is a snow park called Indian Park.
The airports closest to Cervinia are Milan and Turin. The journey from Milan by bus takes 3.5 hours. You can take the train to Chatillon, after which you can take a bus. From Turin you also need to take a bus with a transfer in Chatillon.
Zermatt, Switzerland
The unique ski resort of Zermatt in Switzerland offers skiing and snowboarding all year round. There is constant snow on the Theodul glacier – the snow park here operates both in winter and summer. In 2020, Zermatt was voted the best resort in the Alps for the third time.
Zermatt-Matterhorn and the neighboring Italian resort of Breuil-Cervinia share a ski area with 54 lifts. Of the 360 km of trails, 74 km are blue, 227 km are red and 20 km are black. There are also 36 km of yellow freeride slopes. Children under 9 years old can use the lifts free of charge.
Those who don’t like skiing should come to Zermatt if only to admire the Matterhorn, the most photographed peak in Europe. But there is plenty of other entertainment here. You can go sledding or go on a snowshoe tour, and relax in the spa in the evening. The city is famous for its cafes and restaurants, two of which, After Seven and Le Capri, have been awarded a Michelin star.
In 2018, the world’s highest cable car, the Matterhorn Glacier Ride, opened at the resort of Zermatt, connecting the peaks of Trockener Steg (2939 m) and Klein Matterhorn (3883 m). The lift is equipped with 25 gondolas, including four luxury cabins. They are decorated with 280,000 Swarovski crystals laid out in the shape of mountain peaks, and the lighting on the ceiling imitates the starry sky.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is part of the largest Swiss ski area, the 4 Vallees (Four Valleys), which also includes the ski resorts of Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzouma and Thion. The city is located in the Bagnes valley, offering a magnificent panorama of the Alpine massifs and the Mont Blanc mountain.
The season in Verbier lasts from late November to April. The resort is preferred mainly by experienced skiers and freeride enthusiasts. The total length of its routes is about 200 km. There are slopes for beginners here, but they are few. For those who lack adrenaline, there are the famous black slopes in the Snowy Riviera – Mont Fort, Mont Gelle and Tortin.
There are two types of ski passes in Verbier: for skiing only in the Verbier area or for the entire Four Valleys region, which includes about 400 km of slopes connected by lifts. At an altitude of 2260 m there is a snowpark 1936 Neipark.
The closest airport to Verbier is in Geneva – from here there are daily shuttles to the resort. You can take a train from Geneva to Martigny, where you will have to change to a bus or taxi.
Courchevel, France
Courchevel is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, which has long become a symbol of luxury winter holidays. But luxury hotels, branded boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants are only a worthy setting for its main assets: luxurious landscapes and excellent pistes. Here you can find all the best that ski lovers could wish for.
Courchevel is part of the joint ski area Les Trois Vallées. The resort includes six villages located at different altitudes: Saint-Bon, Le Praz, La Tania, Village, Moriond, Courchevel 1850 ( Courchevel 1850). Skiers are offered 150 km of excellent trails of varying difficulty levels, including special Easy Rider areas for beginners and theme parks for children. By purchasing an unlimited ski pass, you can ski on the slopes of the entire Three Valleys zone, which is more than 600 km.
In addition, the Courchevel Valley has illuminated slopes for night skiing, 65 cross-country ski routes and a snowpark. Fans of freeride will be able to enjoy untouched virgin soil.
Courchevel has its own small airfield and helipad. Air transfer from Lyon and Geneva airports takes just minutes. But this is an option for wealthy guests. It is much cheaper to travel by Altibus buses. You can take the train to Moutiers Salins station, from where buses go to the resort.
Megève, France
Megève was recently awarded membership in the Best of the Alps ski club. Representatives of French bohemia regularly vacation here and one of the branches of the Rothschild dynasty permanently resides here. The ancient Alpine town is famous for its high level of service, Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury boutiques.
The resort combines two ski areas: Evasion Mont-Blanc and Les Portes du Mont-Blanc. More than 200 ski slopes in Megève with a total length of about 400 km are created for relaxing and comfortable skiing. The gentle slopes here are ideal for beginners. But there are also interesting places for thrill-seekers, for example, the steep descent of Emile Allais in the Alpet Valley. Those who want to go off the beaten path will be able to get an unforgettable experience of skiing on virgin soil and the glacial descent of Vallée Blanche. In the Evasion Mont-Blanc area there are 7 parks for snowboarders and freestylers, as well as several toboggan areas.
The easiest way to get to Megève is from Geneva airport (86 km). Transfer by bus or helicopter is provided. There is a direct train to Sallanches Station, 12 km away. From the station you can get to the city by bus or taxi.
Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isere and the neighboring resort of Tignes are part of the combined ski area Espace Killy, named after the French Olympic champion Jean Claude Killy. There are more than 300 km of ski slopes, served by 90 ski lifts and funiculars. 20 green, 67 blue, 41 red and 26 black slopes make Val d’Isere attractive to skiers of all skill levels.
It includes three ski areas: Le Solaise, Bellevarde and Le Fornet. Their altitude and climatic features of the region provide excellent snow cover, allowing the season to extend until the end of May. You can ski on the slopes of the Grande Motte glacier in Tignes even in summer. Freeride lovers will find 10,000 hectares of virgin snow at an altitude of 1550-3500 m. Val d’Isere also offers other winter recreation options – trekking, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding. Snowboard lovers should pay attention to Valpark – there is a halfpipe, big air, jumps and all kinds of jibbing figures.
Val d’Isere’s 15 ski schools are considered among the best in France. For children from 18 months to 13 years old, the Village des Enfants club operates and there are separate toboggan runs.
From Geneva and Lyon airports you can get to the resort by Altibus buses. Trains go to Bourg-St.Maurice station, where you need to change to a bus.
Lech, Austria
In 2004, Lech received the title of the most beautiful European village (Prettiest Village in Europe). This is one of the most prestigious and expensive Austrian resorts. It, together with the neighboring villages of Zürs and Oberlech, is part of the Arlberg ski region – the largest in Austria and the fifth largest in the world.
Winter holidays in the Lech resort will appeal to both professionals who prefer difficult virgin slopes and beginners who have recently started skiing. The ski areas begin at an altitude of 1450 m, and the highest point is 2450 m. There are a total of 55 slopes, almost half of which are red, that is, aimed at trained skiers. Blue slopes for beginners make up 27 percent of the total, and extreme black slopes make up 24. In addition, there are two snow parks, a halfpipe, cross-country skiing routes and a toboggan run. The Lech-Zürs area is served by 47 high-speed lifts.
The easiest way to get to Lech is from Innsbruck and Munich airports. By train you need to get to the town of Langen am Arlberg, where you change to bus number 91. Buses from Zurich Airport run regularly from Arlberg Express ( arlbergexpress.com ).
The legend of the Lech-Zürs resort has become the circular ski slope “White Ring” (Der Weisse Ring). It includes several descents, the total length of which is almost 22 km, and the elevation difference exceeds 5500 m. Anyone can overcome it, but beginners are recommended to use the services of a guide. A cross-country ski race is held annually and is one of the longest and most exciting in the world.
Flims Laax Falera, Switzerland
The cities of Flims, Laax and Falera form a single ski area, the Weisse Arena, one of the largest in Switzerland. Each resort is designed for a specific audience. Experienced skiers go to Flims, snowboarders prefer Laax, and families with children relax in Falera.
The ski area is located at an altitude of 1020 to 3018 m. Of the 60 slopes with a length of 224 km, green makes up 28 percent, blue – 32, and red – 22. The remaining slopes are classified as black and have increased difficulty. There are 40 km of virgin slopes for off-piste skiing. The ski area is served by 28 lifts of various systems. At an altitude of 755-1552 m there are 56 km of cross-country ski routes, 6 km of which are illuminated in the evening. The highest point is the Vorab glacier (3018 m). You can ride here until the end of May.
In five snow parks, athletes will find the largest halfpipe in the world, a professional kicker course and more than 90 obstacles. In 2010, the Freestyle Academy opened here, where snowboarders, both experienced and beginners, can practice their tricks.
The winter resort transfer service delivers guests from the airports of Friedrichshafen, Zurich and Munich – it is better to order transport in advance. You can take the train to Chur station, from where there are buses to all three cities.
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
On the site of the high-altitude year-round resort of Crans-Montana there were once two small alpine villages. Nowadays, international congresses and prestigious sports competitions are held here, and all conditions for a comfortable ski holiday have been created.
140 km of marked slopes are located at altitudes from 1500 to 3000 m. Athletes, depending on their level of training, can choose one of three ski areas – Bella Lui, Petit Bonvin or Plaine Morte. There are 40 km of easy (blue) slopes for beginners, and 80 km of red slopes for advanced skiers. Professionals will appreciate the steep black pistes with a total length of 20 km. The 3,670 m long Piste Nationale slope hosts the World Alpine Ski Championships. There are 45 km of trails for cross-country skiing, including 6 km on the Plaine Morte glacier. The resort is served by 35 ski lifts. There are also unmarked freeride routes, which are recommended to be ridden with a guide.
The main snowpark of Crans-Montana, intended for professionals, has an Olympic-grade halfpipe and several jumps. Beginner freestylers practice tricks in the Minipark.
From Geneva and Zurich airports you can take the train to Sierre or Sion stations, from where buses run to Montana. A funicular runs between Sierra and the resort.
Kitzbuhel, Austria
The pearl of East Tyrol is the ski resort Kitzbühel, part of the prestigious Best of the Alps club. The legendary Austrian skier Toni Sailer, who became world champion 7 times, was born here. The region is known not only for its first-class tracks, but also for its prestigious restaurants, expensive boutiques and respectable public.
The season in Kitzbühel begins in October and lasts until the end of May. The resort guarantees snow for 200 days. Of the 233 km of trails, 188 are marked, the rest is virgin land for freeride lovers. Skiers of any skill level can ski here – there are 46 blue runs, 32 red runs and 18 black runs. 57 modern lifts ensure fast travel on the slopes. Bus travel within the resort area is free.
Cross-country skiing, trekking, snowboarding, ice skating and sledding, curling, hockey – there is plenty to do in Kitzbühel besides skiing. And many high-quality restaurants, bars and clubs guarantee a pleasant leisure time.
The easiest way to get to Kitzbühel from the airports of Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich is by taxi or book a transfer. You can also get there by train. There are direct flights from the stations of Salzburg and Innsbruck; from Munich you need to get transfers – via Wörgl, Kufstein, Rosenheim.
St. Anton, Austria
St. Anton is Austria’s No. 1 resort, which can safely be called the birthplace of alpine skiing. Skating here became popular at the beginning of the 20th century, and the first club opened in 1901. Now St. Anton, together with the resorts of St. Christoph, Lech, Stuben, Warth, Zürs and Schrecken, is part of the large ski area Ski Arlberg and is a member of the prestigious Best of the Alps club. All ski areas in the region are connected by a single ski pass.
Those who vacation in St. Anton have access to 300 km of marked trails and 200 km of virgin soil. Not far from the city center there are 6 ski lifts that allow access to the main slopes. The highest point is Mount Valluga (2811 m), from the top of which there is the longest descent in the region (10.2 km). There are 132 km of blue slopes for beginner skiers, and 122 km of red ones for experienced skiers. The length of difficult (black) descents is 51 km. There are also cross-country ski trails (83.5 km) and a toboggan run. 88 modern lifts are capable of serving up to 87,000 people per hour. St. Anton is one of the top ten European resorts for off-piste skiing (freeride).
There is a major railway line near St. Anton, so the most convenient way to get there is by train. The schedule can be checked on the websites www.oebb.at (Austria), www.sbb.ch/de (Switzerland), www.bahn.de (Germany).
St. Moritz, Switzerland
The city of St. Moritz has hosted five world championships and twice became the capital of the Winter Olympic Games. This is the most glamorous and expensive winter resort in Switzerland – a holiday destination for the rich and famous.
The ski areas of Corviglia, Corvatx and Diavolezza are located on the slopes of five picturesque mountains at an altitude of 1800-32300 m. Skiers and snowboarders have 350 km of slopes. 70 percent of them are red and are designed for trained athletes. There is also room for professionals to ski – for them there are 10 percent of slopes of increased difficulty (black). The remaining trails (blue) are intended for beginners. The region is served by 60 ski lifts.
An integral part of St. Moritz is winter sports. This is not surprising, since their very concept originated here. Many competitions are held on the oldest bobsleigh track in the world, Olympia Bob Run St. Moritz – Celerina 1.6 km long. There is also a luge track and a unique Free Fall downhill run.
The most convenient way to get to St. Moritz is by train from Zurich with a change in Landquart or Chur.
The natural conditions of the resort are unique – the sun shines here 322 days a year. Since 1930 it has officially become the emblem of St. Moritz.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad is another prestigious and respectable Swiss resort, a favorite skiing destination for bohemians and celebrities. Madonna, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana came here. Local five-star hotels are considered among the best in the world.
Gstaad is located in the center of a large ski area, which also includes the Le Diableret glacier, the resorts of Schönried, Rougemont, Zweisimmen and Château d’Eau. The ski areas are connected by bus and train services and are served by 62 ski lifts.
The total length of the region’s trails is 250 km. The largest descent (14 km) goes from the Le Diableret glacier to Reuch. You can ski in the Glacier 3000 glacier area even in summer. There are no difficult black trails with high gradients, but there are many red and blue trails in the areas of Rinderberg, Saanersloh, Lengebrand and Horneggli. The Top4 Pass allows you to ski on all slopes of the ski area.
Gstaad can offer guests other entertainment: cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating, trekking, paragliding, freestyle, and hot air ballooning. On the central street of the city there are boutiques of all world fashion trendsetters, jewelry stores and luxury restaurants.
Most resort guests use a shuttle service. But you can also get to Gstaad by train. From Geneva you need to go with a transfer to Montreux, and there are direct flights from Zurich.
Courmayeur, Italy
Courmayeur is one of the three most expensive and elite ski resorts in Italy. The city, which lies at the foot of Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, is so beautiful that it is often depicted on Christmas cards. Together with Chamonix, it forms a single ski area and is part of the Valle d’Aosta ski region.
The length of the trails here is small – only 100 km, but their quality is excellent. The resort includes two ski areas: Checrouit (northeast slope) and Val Veny (northwest). They are served by 4 funiculars, 2 gondolas, 8 chairlifts and 7 rope tows. Skiing altitude – from 1224 to 2756 m.
Courmayeur will be a little difficult for beginners, as there are few blue pistes here – only 15 km. They begin at the top of Mount Mot Shetif (2343 m). Red slopes predominate in the ski areas, the length of which is 65 km. Advanced skiers will enjoy the Internazionale, Lazey, Checrouit, and Youla slopes. Difficult slopes are located in the Val Veny area. The most popular among professionals are Competizione, Rosse Blanche, Des Eves. Good conditions have also been created for off-piste skiing. At your leisure, you can stroll through the historical center of the city, relax in the spa, or sit in a restaurant or cafe.
There is a bus transfer from Geneva Airport to Courmayeur during the ski season. The schedule can be found on the website www.sat-montblanc.com. By train you need to go along the route Turin – Aoste – Pré Saint Didier, and then by bus or taxi.
Snowbird, Utah
In Little Cottonwood Canyon (Utah, USA), surrounded by picturesque mountain slopes, is the famous Snowbird ski resort. There is a lot of dry snow in this area, which is a pleasure to ski on. The resort is not very suitable for beginner skiers, but professionals rate it highly.
The ski area is located at an altitude of 2365 to 3353 m. There are 89 slopes (103 km) prepared here, which are serviced by 11 lifts. 25 percent of the slopes are suitable for beginners, 38 percent for intermediate skiers, and 35 percent for professionals. Snowbird Terrain Park is located at the bottom of the Big Emma piste for snowboarders. The season at Snowbird begins in mid-November and runs through May.
The easiest way to get to Snowbird is from the Salt Lake City Airport – a 45-minute bus or taxi ride.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek is a luxury winter resort that will amaze the most experienced skier. The comfort of guests here is thought out to the smallest detail. All paths in the city are heated, and the streets located at different levels are connected by escalators. Alpine skiing World Cup competitions are held regularly.
With 149 stunning trails covering an area of 735 hectares, located at altitudes of 2255-3488 m, Beaver Creek’s conditions are suitable for athletes of all skill levels. 34 percent of the runs are blue, 39 percent are red, and 27 percent are black. For advanced skiers and freeriders, Beaver Creek has The Talons Challenge. It features some of the toughest runs in North America, including Birds of Prey Descent, the toughest run in the world.
There is a complex of snow parks on the mountain slopes. Park 101 is designed for beginners, Zoom Room is for advanced snowboarders, Moonshine is for professionals.
From Denver Airport, which is 193 km from the resort, you can get here using the Colorado Mountain Express transfer service (www.epicmountainexpress.com).
Aspen Highlands, Colorado
The largest and most prestigious ski resort in the United States, Aspen Highlands is located in the picturesque Roaring Fork valley. Its advantages are guaranteed dry snow, no queues at the ski lifts, and a convenient transport system.
Four ski areas are available, united by a ski pass. Beginners and families with children are advised to head to Buttermilk and Snowmass, where there are easy blue runs. There are also trails for intermediate skiers, as well as special routes for children.
Aspen Mountain is the only ski area in America without green slopes. This area, along with Aspen Highlands, is designed for professionals.
In total there are about 200 km of trails, located at altitudes from 2451 to 3559 meters. There are five snow parks, marked cross-country ski routes (65 km), and ski schools for children and adults. The Aspen Mountain area features the world’s only fun park exclusively for skiers.
More than 50 bars and cafes, 120 restaurants, about 10 discos, 4 cinemas and 40 art galleries offer their services to apres-ski lovers in Aspen.
The Colorado Mountain Express shuttle service takes guests from Denver Airport to Aspen Highlands.
Sundance Mountain Resort, Sundance, Utah
Sundance Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in the United States. The local slopes, located on the northeastern slope of Mount Timpanogos, will delight skiers of all skill levels. Of the 42 slopes, 20 percent are suitable for beginners, 40 percent for experienced athletes, and the same amount is intended for professionals. At the highest point of the resort (2515 m) there is a restaurant, from the windows of which an excellent panorama of mountain peaks opens.
By the start of the 2021-2022 season, two new lifts were added to the existing five. In addition, snow cannons have been installed, which guarantees excellent skiing until the end of the season. In addition to cross-country skiing, Sundance offers cross-country ski trails and the Sundance Terrain Snow Park.
Sundance Mountain Resort provides airport transfers from Salt Lake City and Provo airports.
In 1968, the resort, then called Timp Haven, was purchased by Robert Redford. The actor was asked to rename it Sundance in honor of the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” in which he played one of the main roles. At first, Redford thought the title was too pretentious, but later agreed.
Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley is one of the best ski resorts in North America, the site of the Winter Olympic Games and International Ski Federation competitions. It is intended exclusively for skiers – snowboarding is prohibited.
Deer Valley has received numerous awards for service, trail grooming, and guest accommodations. There are 19 lifts here, the total capacity of which is 50 percent greater than at large neighboring resorts. To avoid queues and overcrowding, there are restrictions on ticket sales. Excellent service, as well as high-class hotels and restaurants attract wealthy people here.
The ski slopes are located at altitudes from 2003 to 2917 m. 15 percent of the slopes are indicated in blue, 50 percent in red, and 35 percent in black. The most difficult area is Empire Canyon. The slopes at Anchor Trees, Daly Bowl and Daly Chutes, although short, are very steep. The scenic slopes of Bald Mountain and Bald Eagle Mountain are suitable for intermediate athletes. Beginner skiers should go to Ontario and Mountain Daisy/Banner.
Salt Lake City Airport is 45 minutes’ drive from Deer Valley. To get to Deer Valley, you must use a shuttle.