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Best Ski Resorts
Top European Ski Resorts
We are well and truly in the ski season but there’ still time to plan your next adventure on the slopes. Whether you’re looking for breath-taking alpine scenery, powdery trails, or vibrant après-ski scenes, our curated list of top ski resorts has something for everyone. From the Canadian Rockies to the Italian Dolomites and the powdery peaks of Japan, here are the best ski destinations worldwide (in our opinion).
Val d’Isere, France
France, which is arguably the birthplace of modern skiing, hosts a fantastic selection of resorts, boasting some of the highest levels of snow in the Alps.
Why This Resort?
Val d'Isère is a notorious ski resort that connects to Tignes and neighbours the Italian border. With more than 300km of piste to ski there are plenty of off-piste runs, but most crucially 60% of the skiing sits above 2,500 metres, meaning the ski season lasts longer than most other European resorts and frequently extends into mid-May. Even during the busiest seasons of the year, queuing is rarely a problem at the ski resort thanks to one of the most effective lift systems in Europe.
What Else Can You Do?
But the slopes aren't the only draw here. Val d'Isere offers several marvellous options for dining out including two world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, this resort really is skiing in style.
We can't not mention the notorious après at La Folie Douce hosts the world’s highest open-air performances, featuring DJs, saxophonists, cabaret acts, and dancers—a paradise for the youthful and young-at-heart.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Fly into Geneva Airport, approximately a 3-hour drive from Val d’Isère. Relax before or after your flight in a Priority Pass lounge in Geneva.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Why This Resort?
At the base of the magnificent Matterhorn that sits on the border of Italy and Switzerland is Zermatt, a charming mountain village. Zermatt is just one of the two ski resorts in the world that offers skiing all year round, with the glacier providing more than 21 kilometres of intermediate slopes throughout the ‘summer’ months. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest ski resort in Switzerland, located between Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia at an altitude of just under 3,900 metres.
What Else Can You Do?
Aside from the glacial skiing, this resort is a must-see destination due to the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn, otherwise known as the Toblerone Mountain. Overlooking Switzerland and Italy, the Matterhorn’s peak reaches 4,478 metres, making it one of Europe's highest summits. Start your day with a few runs in Switzerland and then ski down into Italy for lunch—this resort truly brings a new meaning to cross-country skiing. The Zermatt village is renowned for its lively après-ski atmosphere, where skiers and snowboarders gather at mountain huts at the base of the Matterhorn for drinks and entertainment.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Geneva and Zurich are the most popular airports to fly to for skiing in Europe, both are gateways to the alps, and of course Priority Pass has you covered. After a long week skiing, relax and refuel in our comfortable Priority Pass lounges in Zurich and Geneva.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Why This Resort?
Cortina d'Ampezzo, also known as the Queen of the Dolomites, is a glamorous bucket-list destination. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feature glacier-carved cliffs and rocky pinnacles, and the town itself hosted the first Winter Games in 1956, highlighting its perfect skiing conditions. We advise travelling in the spring – the snowfall in this region of the Alps isn't as consistent as other resorts, but the great snowmaking more than makes up for it.
What Else Can You Do?
Cortina d'Ampezzo offers the highest concentration of downhill ski resorts in the Dolomites but also boasts incredible cross-country ski trails through breath-taking mountain scenery. Despite its reputation, the slopes are often uncrowded, as many Italian visitors come for the social scene rather than skiing. On slushy days, explore the town’s art gallery, movie theatre, climbing wall, ice hockey games, or indoor ice skating.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport, approximately a 2-hour drive from Cortina. Take a moment to unwind in a Priority Pass lounge before your flight.
St Anton, Austria
Why This Resort?
St. Anton is recognised for being a powder skier's paradise, receiving an impressive 7m of snow on average each year. There is plenty of skiing here for beginners, but the resort is best suited for intermediate and expert skiers. This resort suits a range of budgets and variety of ski levels as there are a variety of slopes and accommodations to choose from, the only downfall is that this is a well-known location and can often be very busy.
What Else Can You Do?
The iconic mountain side bars placed the St. Anton ski resort back on the party map in the 1960s. But fear not, for visitors seeking alternative off-slope entertainment or for those looking to ease the effects of an après hangover, the towns Wellness Center offers swimming, skating, fitness, and pampering facilities.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
We recommend flying into Zurich or Innsbruck Airport. Zurich is a more connected airport, with a wider range of flights, and is located about a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from St. Anton. Alternatively, if you fly into Innsbruck, it’s just over an hour’s drive away.
Top North American Ski Resorts
Vail, Colorado
Why This Resort?
One of the most well-known ski resorts in the world, Vail offers outstanding natural beauty and a vast expanse of slopes. With 5,289 skiable acres, seven back bowls, and three world-class villages, there’s something for everyone.
What Else Can You Do?
If skiing isn’t enough, Eagle's Nest Mountain offers tubing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and even an indoor roller coaster. Lionshead, Golden Peak and Vail Village are the three villages, that connect the resort. All three offer free shuttle buses that run late into the night giving you the opportunity to explore the wide selection of restaurants, stores, and après-ski attractions in each.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Fly into Denver International Airport, a key hub for the Rockies. Before your flight, recharge in a Priority Pass lounge.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Why This Resort?
Mammoth Mountain, a lava dome complex in the Inyo National Forest, is renowned for its exceptional snow reliability. Its location makes it exceptionally snow-reliable, and with over 3,500 acres or more of skiable runs, everyone can enjoy it. The lifts open as soon as the first snowstorm hits the Sierras, which can happen as early as October and he season typically lasts through May and occasionally even into June.
What Else Can You Do?
On a clear day, the panoramic views from the summit make the journey worthwhile before you even hit the slopes. Beyond skiing, Mammoth offers snowcat tours, tubing, and après-ski at the famous Canyon Lodge. The town has a vibrant dining and entertainment scene, making it a great destination year-round.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport for the quickest access or Los Angeles International Airport for more flight options and Priority Pass experiences.
Park City, Utah
Why This Resort?
One of the biggest ski resorts in the United States, Park City, is a powder nirvana offering 7,300 acres of varied alpine terrain for exploration including 3 glaciers, 4 bowls, 17 peaks and 7 terrain parks. Whether you're after wide-open groomers or challenging backcountry routes, Park City has something for every skier and snowboarder.
What Else Can You Do?
Park City is more than just skiing. For convenient access to the slopes, there are plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodations to choose from in Canyons Village or Mountain Village. There are also many bars, cafes and restaurants to refuel or unwind at any of these two base camps; they offer everything from takeaway coffees, serviced lunches, brunches and après ski lounges. Main Street, which ascends through the middle of the town, is Park City's vibrant centre, at dusk, it comes to life with live music, dancing, and even locally brewed beer.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, and be in Park City in under 45 minutes. Recharge in a Priority Pass lounge before your journey.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Why This Resort?
This ski region, which spans two enormous mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb), provides an unbeatable variety of runs, meaning beginners can feel confidents and experts can be occupied for weeks. With legendary powder, impeccable snow records, and modern lift systems - including a new Blackcomb gondola - Whistler remains a top global ski destination.
What Else Can You Do?
Whistler Blackcomb’s vast expanse offers stunning panoramic views at every turn, with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola providing a breath-taking perspective of its immense scale from 1,400 feet above. The resort’s three main bases - Creekside, Upper Village, and Whistler Village - offer diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment, making for a perfect alpine retreat.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Make your journey through Vancouver a breeze. Escape the crowds in a comfortable and tranquil environment, sit down, stretch out, and enjoy a pre-flight bite or refreshment in our Priority Pass lounges.
Top Asia-Pacific Ski Resorts
Niseko, Japan
Why This Resort?
Niseko, located in Hokkaido, is Japan’s premier ski resort. With an average of 15+ meters of snow per season, Niseko is known for its unbeatable powder conditions and stunning views of Mt. Yotei. It consists of 4 interconnected ski resorts, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and An'npuri, meaning you’re sure to have sore legs at the end of your trip.
What Else Can You Do?
Beyond skiing, Niseko offers a range of activities, from snowmobiling and snowshoeing to cat skiing and heli-skiing. You can also unwind in natural hot springs or visit seasonal ice festivals. Niseko is a great option for international travellers, with English-speaking ski instructors and a welcoming village atmosphere. Other major benefits are Hirafu's wonderful village atmosphere, are the fantastic shopping opportunities, the varied cuisines in the delicious restaurants, and the vibrant nightlife.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Fly into New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, the transfer time from Chitose Airport to Niseko is between 2.5 and 3 hours depending on your choice of transfer.
Hakuba, Japan
Why This Resort?
Hakuba, nestled in the Northern Japan Alps, is a must-visit for powder lovers. The region boasts 10 ski resorts, over 200 runs, and an annual snowfall of more than 11 meters. Hakuba offers ten distinct resorts, 8 km long runs, 135 lifts, and more than 200 runs; so, it is no surprise that visitors come from all over the globe to visit the top tier facilities and it’s even less surprising to know that Hakuba Valley hosted the 1998 Nagano Winter Games.
What Else Can You Do?
The peaceful, serene mountain valley of Hakuba is a favourite for hikers and nature lovers throughout the year. Aside from traditional snow activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling, Hakuba offers relaxing onsen experiences in natural hot springs, cultural activities such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and visits to historic temples like Zenkoji. For a unique adventure, take a day trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the famous snow monkeys.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Fly into Tokyo Narita International Airport for access to Hakuba. Enjoy some downtime in a Priority Pass lounge before your flight.
Treble Cone, New Zealand
Why This Resort?
Treble Cone, located near Lake Wanaka, is the largest ski area on New Zealand’s South Island. Renowned for its long, uncrowded runs and legendary off-piste terrain, it’s a dream destination for skiers who prefer fewer crowds and breathtaking scenery. Unfortunately, Treble Cone, like most ski areas in New Zealand, does not offer mountainside accommodation. However, the resort is close to both the charming village of Wanaka and the bustling metropolis of Queenstown, both of which have daily shared and private shuttle services. Both locations are charming little alpine resorts encircled by the breath-taking beauty of the Southern Alps National Park, which is listed as a World Heritage Site.
What Else Can You Do?
Aside from skiing, Queenstown and Wanaka offer a range of activities, from thrilling adventures like bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating to more relaxed experiences such as wine tasting in Gibbston Valley or cruising on Lake Wakatipu. Nature lovers can explore scenic hiking trails, visit Fiordland National Park, or take a helicopter tour over the Southern Alps. For a cultural touch, explore local art galleries, historic gold mining towns, and enjoy the vibrant food and nightlife scenes.
Nearest Airport & Lounge Access
Fly into Queenstown International Airport for access to Treble Cone and start or end your journey with a visit to a Priority Pass lounge.
As you plan your next ski adventure, these world-class resorts offer an incredible mix of breath-taking scenery, top-tier skiing conditions, and unique extracurricular activities. Whether you're drawn to the pristine powder of the Canadian Rockies, the legendary slopes of the Alps, or the unique charm of Japan’s snow-covered peaks, there’s a perfect destination for every kind of skier. With convenient airport access and Priority Pass lounges to enhance your journey, your next unforgettable ski trip is just a flight away. So, pack your gear, hit the slopes, and make the most of this ski season!