The View from the Top: 8 of the Best Ski Vacations in the World
Get the Most Out of Winter
When winter rolls around, skiers and snowboarders are the first to emerge, giddy with anticipation to snap on their goggles and ride up a chairlift. While the best winter vacations for some might involve picking a destination made more beautiful by a blanket of snow, winter sport fanatics have one thing on their minds: the best place to hit the slopes.
For some, winter sports are a way of life; for others, they’re an occasional pastime best enjoyed with friends and family. Regardless of where you stand on this spectrum, it’s important to find a destination that meshes well with your expectations and desires for an enjoyable experience.
While we all know there would be nothing quite like heli-skiing at some of the more remote places in the world, adventure luxury travel options aren’t within most of our means. With that said, factoring in location, price, skill level and the type of crowd attracted, these ski/snowboard destinations warrant your attention and are some of the best ski resorts in the world.
1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
A world renowned ski and snowboard destination, Jackson Hole has arguably the best ski lift in North America. Recently replaced in 2008, its panoramic tram boasts breathtaking views of the slopes and surrounding terrain.
With 133 trails, 50% of which are ranked at expert level, experienced skiers will get the most out of their time at Jackson Hole. Snowboarders can ride on 100% of the mountain and also have access to the only Burton Stash parks in the Rocky Mountains. It also caters well to those look for a luxury ski trip as the town of Jackson has a wide selection of culinary delights and cultural happenings.
Don’t want to spend the whole time on the slopes? Jackson Hole is a great winter weekend getaway destination and has plenty of other fun snow-filled activities from wildlife safaris to snowmobiling.
2. Telluride, Colorado, USA
Colorado has some of the best ski resorts in the US and Telluride tops that list. If you’re looking for the charms of an Old West style resort without the crazy crowds and luxury shopping, there’s no better ski trip destination than Telluride. It also makes for a perfectly romantic Christmas getaway for couples.
Although it’s a little less accessible than other resorts in the area, the beautiful mountain and protected forest vistas are worth the extra effort. There’s even a heli-ski company that offers lessons and camps for more adventurous riders.
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3. Wanaka, New Zealand
Wanaka is home to three different ski resorts: Cardrona, Treble Cone and Snow Farm. Each area has a unique amalgamation of beginner to expert runs, ski schools and terrain parks.
Home to only 5,000 people, Wanaka has a hip, small town vibe and attracts skiers/boarders on the younger side of things. It’s also a top destination for those who want to hit the slopes year round as their season runs from June to October.
