Not sure where to head out on the slopes this winter? Look no further, whether you’re a snow park daredevil or the whole family is hitting the pistes, there’s a perfect resort for you.
The First Time Skier: The Badger Pass Ski Area, Yosemite Mariposa County
The Badger Pass Ski Area, established in 1935 as California’s first ski resort, is the Sierra’s best-kept secret. With a base elevation of 7,200 feet and 10 runs, Badger Pass is perfect for first time skiers looking to give the winter sport a go. Cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails and rentals and snow tubing are also available for visitors to enjoy with the ski season typically runs from January through to March.
The Family Skier: Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Aspen Snowmass prides itself on being a family-friendly, inclusive ski destination with facilities to cater to every age and skiing ability. Across the four mountains within the resort, there is everything you need for the perfect family getaway this winter, from kid-friendly activities and dining to world-class ski schools and childcare options. Aspen Snowmass boasts a variety of off-mountain activities such as an exhilarating alpine coaster, tubing and Ullr Nights, the ultimate winter woodland party.
The Après Skier: Méribel, France
Méribel offers an unforgettable apres-ski experience that perfectly complements its world-class slopes. After an exhilarating day on the mountains, this charming French ski resort truly comes alive. Skiers and snowboarders gather at cosy alpine bars and restaurants, where the atmosphere is both relaxed and vibrant. Find a mix of locals and visitors sharing stories of their day on the slopes over a glass of mulled wine or ‘chocolat chaud’. Live music, DJ sets and themed parties often set the tone for the evening, making Méribel a hub for socialising and unwinding. Whether savouring traditional Savoyard cuisine or dancing the night away, Méribel’s après-ski scene is the perfect way to complete a day of alpine adventure.
The Hungry Skier: Deer Valley Resort, Utah
Foodies need look no further than luxury ski-only resort Deer Valley, located to the east of Utah’s Salt Lake City, to have their appetite satiated. Offering an elevated experience, the resort continues to set the standard for dining and guest service in the ski industry, offering a wide array of culinary opportunities, from fine dining restaurants to farm-to-table cuisine and its Michelin-starred chef series, Taste of Luxury. Deer Valley is currently undergoing expansion due for completion ahead of the 25/26 season, doubling the resort’s skiable terrain and making Deer Valley one of the largest ski resorts in North America. With it will come more mountainside eateries to indulge in its renowned culinary offerings. Deer Valley Resort is available on the Ikon Pass, offering 7 days of skiing, along with access to more than 50 other ski resorts worldwide.
The Fearless Skier: Mammoth Lakes & Mountain, California
The fearless skier’s dream is made reality at Mammoth Lakes and Mountain resort, with 10 Unbound Terrain Parks to choose from, two halfpipes, over 100 jibs, and up to 40 jumps of varying heights, the parks across the resort suit all levels from beginner to professional. Skiers and boarders will also face no shortage of snow or time to perfect their tricks here either, the resort has one of the longest seasons in North America with the 2022/23 season running from November to August.
The Scenic Skier: Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido, Japan
Known for its light and dry “Champagne Powder” and magnificent views of Mt. Yotei and Lake Toya, Rusutsu Resort is a top ski destination for winter travellers. Spanning three mountains, Rusutsu is one of the largest single ski resorts in Hokkaido. Featuring 18 chair lifts, 4 gondolas and 37 courses that extend over the West, East, and Isola Mountains, the resort offers the ultimate ski experience for all, regardless of proficiency.
The Budget Skier: Montenegro
For those wanting to venture to a lesser travelled ski slope, Kolašin in Montenegro is the perfect location. With ski pass prices being as low as £21, there’s all the more reason to travel to this beautiful Balkan island. The ski resort now extends to an altitude of over 2,000 metres, which helps to ensure reliable snow conditions. With 45 km of slopes available and seven lifts for guests, it is now the largest and most modern winter sports resort in Montenegro. The slopes for skiing and snowboarding are mainly easy and intermediate.
The Bouji Skier: Vail, Colorado
Vail is widely considered to be one of the most luxurious and exclusive ski resorts in the states. The resort is famous for its luxurious accommodations with a long list of high-end amenities that keep visitors relaxed during their trip, including fine dining restaurants, luxury spas and designer shopping outlets. Its ski area measures an impressive 5,289 acres and has 195 runs serviced by over 30 ski lifts. It’s also a great location for backcountry skiing and snowboarding with 1,300 acres to explore. Find out more about skiing in Colorado and visit the Colorado Tourism Office at this year’s London Snow Show at the ExCel Centre on the 21-22 October.
The Skier and Surfer: Big Bear Mountain Resort, California
There are few places in the world where you can ski and surf on the same day. But travellers to California can do just that and experience the ‘California double’ in various locations across the state, encompassing surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon. Situated less than 100 miles from the coast, Big Bear Mountain Resort in the San Bernardino Mountains is the ideal resort for travellers who want to hit the waves on one of LA’s scenic beaches before taking to the slopes at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit for an afternoon exploring the impressive park features, backcountry and canyon terrain, as well as the largest beginner area in Southern California.
The All Mountain Skier: Ikon Pass
Planning multiple trips this year? Save on your daily lift ticket prices by purchasing an annual Ikon Pass for the 23/24 season, offering lift access to 56 unique ski and snowboard destinations worldwide. Powder fiends will love the iconic ski resorts of Colorado, or Mont-Tremblant, a colourful ski village where Canadian charm meets French flair. Alternatively, why not push the boundaries and try a bucket list trip to Niseko United in Japan, or Mt. Hutt in New Zealand? Closer to home the Ikon Pass offers access to Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Zermatt Matterhorn, Dolomiti Superski, Kitzbühel, and Grandvalira Resorts Andorra.
