It’s always a debate among skiers and snowboarders, what are the best countries for skiing? Whether you’re looking for the best countries for skiing in Europe or North America, we have all the info you need to pick a destination this winter. Take a look at why you should pick Austria, Andorra, Canada, France, Italy, Switzerland or the USA.
1. France
France is home to some of the largest and most visited ski resorts in Europe. Its popularity is for good reason as there is an incredible amount of choice. The ease of travel for Brits makes it one of the best countries for skiing in Europe. Whether you’re flying, driving or taking the train, the French Alps are an easy journey.
French ski areas are very well-linked, which means you can clock up those ski miles very easily. The Portes du Soleil has an incredible 12 ski resorts interconnected in a beautiful area of the Alps. Val d’Isere and Tignes are must-visits for their amazing terrain and off-piste activities. Val Thorens is a party hot spot whereas Flaine is a perfect ski-in-ski-out destination. If you want traditional alpine skiing, head to La Clusaz.
French ski resorts more than any other country on this list have incredible restaurants. There are countless Michelin-star restaurants to have a unique culinary experience. It’s not just high end eating too, there’s a vast amount of choice in each resort. The eating experience is perfect for different ski holiday budgets.
2. Italy
Stunning views and delicious food are in abundance in Italian ski resorts. You can enjoy lunch, dinner as well as an aperitive on the mountain, with excellent service. The skiing is fantastic too with many ski resorts to choose from for all levels of skiers. No wonder Italy is considered one of the best countries for skiing in Europe.
The Dolomiti Superski area has 12 ski resorts connected to the Milky Way, one of the largest linked ski areas. The views are unrivalled too with the spectacular Dolomites dominating a lot of resorts landscape. Whether you are enjoying the gentle blue runs of Corvara or the challenging off-piste Cervinia.
There are many Michelin-star restaurants in Italian ski resorts, so you’re in for a treat when you’re dining out in the evening. You don’t have to go high end to taste delicious food, the local bars and restaurants are guaranteed to have fantastic cuisine wherever you go.
3. Austria
It’s the homeland of winter sport. Snowsports are the national sports of Austria and each ski resort does take a lot of pride in its pistes and villages. The slope preparation and lift systems are state-of-the-art, so you’re guaranteed the best on the mountain experience. There are plenty of choices depending on your budget too. Food, on the whole, isn’t expensive, but you can treat yourself to fine dining if you need.
Austrian ski resorts have kept their traditional alpine charm, which makes for a more authentic travel experience. The scenery is breath-taking wherever you decide to stay and seems to never end. The connections between ski resorts are fantastic too if you’re looking to adventure far and wide.
The larger ski areas of the Arlberg, Saalbach-Hinterglemm and the Ski Welt have something for everyone and are perfect for mixed ability groups. There are also great hidden gems if you want a relaxing ski experience in places like Alpbach and Kühtai. Austria is one of the best countries for skiing in Europe.
4. Switzerland
Expect top-class service and beautiful scenery when you ski in Switzerland. Each Swiss ski resort still has an Alpine charm and the skiing itself is fantastic. The choice is fantastic and is great if you have mixed ability families or groups on your winter getaway.
Zermatt is an iconic ski resort mostly because of the view of the beautiful Matterhorn. Verbier is a very popular ski resort too and is part of the massive Four Valleys ski area. There are also hidden gems such as Grindelwald which have a great charm. The choice of ski resorts makes Switzerland one of the best countries for skiing in Europe.
As for the food, Switzerland has some of the best mountain restaurants. The local Swiss cuisine is a real treat and is often served in cosy mountain restaurants. Expect to indulge in fondues, röstis and local cheese. Of course, don’t forget about the incredible Swiss chocolate too!
5. Canada
Canada is on most skier’s bucket lists, which is no wonder it’s considered one of the best countries for skiing. The snow record and choice of ski resorts make Canada very appealing. Powder hounds rush to the country for the best off-piste opportunities. It’s also suitable for families and mixed ability groups because of the choice of pistes in each resort.
The most well-known ski resorts are Whistler, Lake Louise and Banff, all of which have incredible skiing and off-slope activities. There are also hidden gems in British Columbia: Revelstoke and Panorama. The atmosphere in each ski resort is always welcoming which is standard with Canadian communities.
The typical après night in Canada is a bar with live music with the best local bands. There’s also a good selection of restaurants in each ski resort if you’re looking for a bite to eat. You can stay in some stunning accommodation too, the hotel quality in Canada is second to none with incredible service.
6. USA
US skiing is incredible and the level of service is off the charts. Ski resorts are typically owned by businesses so each ski destination truly aims to please visitors. Expect big mountain terrain and big snowfalls, perfect for those chasing powder ski runs. The lift systems and slope maintenance are state-of-the-art too! The USA is for sure one of the best countries for skiing.
There’s a diverse choice of skiing in America. Whether you’re visiting the star-studded ski resort of Aspen or the cowboy town of Jackson Hole, there’s something for everyone. If you want fantastic off-piste head over to snow-sure skiing in Utah. If you want a bit of luxury then Beaver Creek is your destination.
Each ski resort has something special when it comes to eating out. Experience 5-star cuisine at hotels in Beaver Creek or Aspen. In Jackson Hole, there are wild west theme bars and restaurants to enjoy. Expect huge portions and excellent service whatever ski resort you’re visiting.
7. Andorra
Andorra is a truly unique experience and is one of the best countries for skiing in Europe. It sets itself apart from most ski destinations because of its landscape and culture. Each ski resort has its charm and the local mountain villages have maintained not being too commercialised.
One of the main draws to the country is the amazing food. The Catalan influenced cuisine is different to the traditional alpine meals. You can enjoy a glass of sangria and tasty assorted tapas for lunch. A special culinary experience on the mountain.
The skiing is awesome too! There are more than 60 peaks to choose from with varied terrain to explore. If you’re a beginner there are nursery areas and lovely tree-lined blues. For more advanced skiers there is plenty of off-piste opportunities and powder pockets to drop into. There are two main ski areas Ordino-Arcalis and Grandvalira. Arinsal and Soldeu are must-visit ski resorts when visiting the country.
8. Norway
Norway has some of the most unique ski experiences in the world and sets itself apart from classic European ski destinations. All the Norwegian ski resorts have their own unique charm. It’s an ideal destination for families with small terrain and fantastic ski schools.
In addition to skiing, there are wonderful off-slope activities to enjoy. Seeing the marvellous wonders of the Northern Lights and the iconic Fjords can make your trip one to remember. You can also enjoy dog sled rides, cross-country skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and night skiing.
Kvitfjell caters for all abilities with its World Cup ski run for advanced skiers and excellent beginner nursery slopes. Voss is one of the largest ski resorts in Western Norway and has the perfect set-up for families. Trysil offers many activities for those not skiing in the family or group. It is also a great place to be able to view the Northern Lights on good weather days.
To find out more about the best countries for skiing in Europe and North America, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
