Still looking for that ideal pow that will make this alpine season one to remember?
These spectacular ski and snowboard destinations offer a combination of stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and exceptional snow conditions!
Whistler Blackcomb
British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America, offering more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, diverse alpine bowls, and breathtaking views. With an average annual snowfall of around 33 feet, the powder conditions are exceptional, attracting both beginners and experts.
The resort hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics — make sure to check out the Roundhouse Lodge Olympic Legacy Display, showcasing the achievements of local athletes and highlights form the games. The display includes athlete stories, photos, and a wood carved replica of the medals podium for your own Olympic photo opp.
Best time to go: Mid-December to mid-April, with peak conditions from January to March.
Zermatt and Verbier
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for its picturesque Alpine landscapes (umm, who doesn’t want to go skiing in the Swiss Alps?!), and Zermatt and Verbier are among the top destinations.
Zermatt boasts the iconic Matterhorn (yes, the real-life mountain that the Disneyland ride is named after), and Verbier offers challenging slopes and vibrant après-ski scenes.
Both destinations provide extensive interconnected ski areas, creating a paradise for skiers and snowboarders seeking variety and stunning views.
Best time to go: December to April, with peak conditions from January to March
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
French Alps, France
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a legendary destination for extreme skiing and snowboarding, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the French Alps.
Home to the iconic Aiguille du Midi cable car (at 3,842 meters, it’s the highest cable car in France!), Chamonix offers access to challenging descents, including the Vallée Blanche. The charming town combines alpine charm with a vibrant après-ski culture, attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
Best times to go: December to April, with peak conditions from January to March.
Aspen Snowmass
Colorado, USA
Aspen Snowmass is a premier destination in the Rocky Mountains, known for its four diverse ski areas: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk.
Renowned for its high-quality powder and extensive gladed terrain, Aspen caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The resort town of Aspen offers luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and a vibrant scene if you are taking a break from the slopes to mingle and explore on-foot.
Best times to go: Late November to mid-April, with peak conditions from December to March.
Niseko
Hokkaido, Japan
Niseko has gained international acclaim for its abundant and consistently light powder, often referred to as "Japow."
Located in the snowy region of Hokkaido, Niseko offers world-class skiing and snowboarding with a unique blend of Japanese culture. The resort consists of four interconnected ski areas, providing varied terrain for all skill levels.
Visitors can enjoy the renowned hot springs (onsen) after a day on the slopes.
Best times to go: December to March, with peak conditions from January to February.
Photos in this post by Jaxon Castellan, Joris Eschalier, by Mykhailo Volkov from Pexels.
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
Tourists make the perfect mark for a scam artist. We are disoriented, don't know the language, are wide eyed, and are distracted by the new world that we have found ourselves in.
I have been approached by people all over the world who, while they seem kind, are actually out to relieve me of my wallet or other valuables.