The best ski resorts in the world often give visitors something in common; a fine mix of competitiveness and relation. This is because they are the places where professional skiers like to go to test their skills against one another, and where some of the most prestigious ski tournaments are held.
Of course when people gather for tournaments they need to have comfortable accommodations, as well as other attractions to make their stay pleasant. Even when it is not ski season, there is always something happening at these places.
Skiing can only be done in the snow, and so this can also be interpreted as the best snow landscapes in the world.
Top 100 Best Ski Resorts In The World
1. Verbier
Location: Switzerland
Verbier is the most famous resort in the 4 valleys ski area; it is located in the village of Verbier; which is at an elevation of 1500 meters. The area is famously sunny; which is great because it is somewhat warmer, and then the sunlight lasts till evening.
This is a very well developed ski area; it boasts more than 80 lifts; and enables visitors to explore more than 400km of ski runs. This is one of the most thrilling ski resorts; some of its slopes start at 3,300 meters.
This is also a wonderful place to have fun with loved ones; the scenery is breathtaking, and photos taken at this location just cannot go wrong. This is also a noted get away location for celebrities and royalty.
There are plenty of festivities to enjoy, and there are plenty of competitions to watch or partake in. there is also a thriving art community in area; there are galleries and exhibitions to see. Perhaps the most beautiful thing to see in Verbier is the town itself; this is a very beautiful, authentic European community.
2. APPI Kogen
Location: Japan
APPI Kogen is one of the biggest and best ski resorts in Japan; it’s beauty is enhanced by the presence of the Towada Hachimantai National Park which is visible from the peaks of this resort. It is an exquisite ski location; the ski slopes here are famous around the world, and ski lovers come in from every corner of the world to test their skills.
The ski resort faces two mountains which together offer one of the best ski experiences one could ever have. There are 21 runs, and a total trail length of 45.1 km of ground to be covered by skiers and snow boarders.
This is a complete resorts; there are also other activities which could interest skiers; such as golf courses, tennis courts, soccer fields, and most interestingly the hot springs. The resort is operated by Iwate Hotel & Resort; and has several beautiful hotels in the area which offer the most comforts.
3. Åre
Location: Sweden
Åre is located in the Jämtland County area of Sweden; it is one of the leading Scandinavian ski resorts situated in Åre Municipality, which has around 3,200 residents. Interestingly, this ski resort was established in 1909; making it one of the oldest ski resorts in the world.
Its age is met by grace; it has seen much development which has made it continue to be one of the most popular tourist resorts. The resort has several ski lifts; which makes the areas reachable. However, some of the areas are not served by the lifts; but rather by snowmobiles.
There is much to see and enjoy in this resort; there are many hotels and lodges in the village of Are; which makes visits to this area very enjoyable. Biking is another major attraction to the area; there are very few cars on the roads which makes it good for biking.
4. Bansko
Location: Bulgaria
Bansko is a town in Bulgaria which has become a very attractive ski destination because the costs are a lot less than other ski resorts, especially those in France and Sweden. But what does Bansko have to offer?
There are 75km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding; and most of the area is covered by lifts to make access easy. The area is very beautiful; the snow peaked mountains overlooking the resort and town make excellent photography props.
Bansko also has several hotels and lodges, as well as restaurants and cafes; all of which have been set up because of the rising popularity of the town as a ski destination.
5. Candanchú
Location: Spain
Candanchú ski resort is a place of breathtaking beauty; it is located in the heart of the Pyrenees, at an altitude of between 1,560 and 2,400 meters. This means snow covered mountains and landscapes, and in some areas a good view of the Huesca area which can be even more beautiful in the evenings.
Candanchu offers about 50km of runs; great for skiing and snowboarding. That is quite a lot of ground to cover; there are 27 lifts installed in the area to make getting around easier. This is one of the oldest ski resorts in Spain; it was established in 1928, and is very well designed and managed.
There are many different runs; separated by skill levels. There are very good hotels and accommodations in the area, as well as fine restaurants to enjoy local delicacies. There is a ski school, and many shops to hire ski equipment, and any other thing that one may need.
6. Chapelco Ski Resort
Location: Argentina
Chapelco Ski Resort is located in the southwest of Argentina; on the mountainous region of Neuquén Province. Since 1946 this has been a very popular destination; it is equally popular as a ski resort, and for the snowboarding competitions held there.
Chapelco Ski Resort offers 35km of slopes which are good for skiing and snowboarding. All that ground can be covered using the 12 lifts and even the high speed quad and gondola both of which have been recently installed.
This place is good to go from June to early October; there is plenty of snow during those times, and the area is packed with eager people ready to go skiing. All those people need to sleep somewhere.
There are several fine hotels, lodges and accommodations where people can stay in varying degrees of comfort; depending on their budget.
7. Deer Valley Resort
Location: United States of America
Deer Valley Resort is located in Utah; it is one of the most popular ski destinations in the USA. Deer Valley Resort was one of the places that hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics; and has been consistently ranked as one of the best ski resorts in North America.
Deer Valley has 103 runs which are divided according to skill level; and offers visitors around 900 meters of ground to cover. Of course there lift systems to make getting around easier. There are 24 lifts including 1 Gondola, 12 high speed quads, and 4 magic carpets and so on.
This ski location also has several good hotels in the area; the accommodation is quite good, and some of the hotels over services such as free checks on guest’s ski equipment to ensure safety.
8. Dolomites Val Gardena
Location: Italy
Val Gardena is a ski resort in northern Italy; in the Dolomites of south Tyrol. This is an area that is actually noted for several activities such as Skiing, rock climbing, and wood carving. This is one of the most popular ski areas in Italy, and it is famous for its natural beauty.
As a sporting location this is quite an important place; it first hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1970. Every year skiers and snowboarders congregate here to take part in the challenges and events held in this location.
There is also another interesting attraction which has become an important tradition in this locality. It is called the downhill race; and it has been held since 1969. There are many hotels to choose from; good food and drink, and there are also many galleries and collections to visit; where one may acquire paintings and wood carvings.
9. Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Location: Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an Alpine ski town in Bavaria, southern Germany. It is near the border with Austria; and is widely known for its ski resorts and hotels. This is actually two historic towns; one going back to Roman times. They are now united by several factors, including the fact that this is a famous ski town.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been associated with skiing, snowboarding, and hiking for many years; it was the spot of the 1936 Winter Olympics. This is noted as the best ski spot in Germany, and one of the most famous in Europe.
This is more or less a place for professional skiers; there are too many skiing competitions held here every year, and skiers come here to vie for trophies.
10. Geilo
Location: Norway
Geilo is a famous destination for lovers of skiing. This is a town of around 2,500 people that is not too far from Oslo which is the capital city of the country. This is the first ski resort in the country, and is also the largest. How large is Geilo Ski Resort?
Geilo has 39 slopes covering 33 km or 33,000 meters. To get around one can use any of the 20 lifts (14 plate, 6 chair), while snow mobiles are also available.
Aside from the skiing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy; including cross country racing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledging, toboggan, ski orienteering and paragliding.
There are many fine hotels and lodges; this is a place where one can spend quality time with loved ones.
| Rank | Ski Resort | Location |
| 1 | Verbier | Switzerland |
| 2 | APPI Kogen | Japan |
| 3 | Åre | Sweden |
| 4 | Bansko | Bulgaria |
| 5 | Candanchú | Spain |
| 6 | Chapelco Ski Resort | Argentina |
| 7 | Deer Valley Resort | United States of America |
| 8 | Dolomites Val Gardena | Italy |
| 9 | Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Germany |
| 10 | Geilo, Norway | Norway |
| 11 | Grandvalira | Andorra |
| 12 | Jasná Nízke Tatry | Slovakia |
| 13 | Kitzbühel | Austria |
| 14 | Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, Krasnodar Krai | Russia |
| 15 | Kotelnica Bialczańska | Poland |
| 16 | Krvavec | Slovenia |
| 17 | Mt Hutt | New Zealand |
| 18 | Nevados de Chillán | Chile |
| 19 | Sinaia | Romania |
| 20 | Ski Resort Iso-Syöte | Finland |
| 21 | Skiareál Špindlerův Mlýn | Czech Republic |
| 22 | Tiffindell | South Africa |
| 23 | The Lake Louise Ski Resort | Canada |
| 24 | Thredbo | Australia |
| 25 | Vanke Lake Songhua Resort | China |
| 26 | YongPyong Resort | South Korea |
| 27 | Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort | Russia |
| 28 | Brighton — Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah | America |
| 29 | Eaton Mountain — Skowhegan, Maine | America |
| 30 | Berkshire East Ski Resort — Charlemont, Massachusetts | America |
| 31 | Heavenly Mountain — South Lake Tahoe | California |
| 32 | Mohawk Mountain Ski Area — Cornwall | America |
| 33 | Rosa Khutor Extreme Park | Russia |
| 34 | McIntyre Ski Area — Manchester, New Hampshire | America |
| 35 | Powder Ridge Ski Area — Middlefield | America |
| 36 | Courchevel | France |
| 37 | Wachusett Mountain | Princeton, Massachusetts America |
| 38 | Arctic Valley | Anchorage, Alaska, America |
| 39 | Laura Biathlon & Ski Complex | Russia |
| 40 | Sugarloaf — Carrabassett Valley, Maine | America |
| 41 | Alpine Valley Ski Area — Chesterland, Ohio | America |
| 42 | Morzine | France |
| 43 | Ski Land — Fairbanks, Alaska | America |
| 44 | Mammoth Mountain — Mammoth Lakes, California | America |
| 45 | Igora | Russia |
| 46 | Squaw Valley — Olympic Valley, California | America |
| 47 | Tignes | France |
| 48 | Kirkwood Mountain — Kirkwood, California | America |
| 49 | Donner Ski Ranch — Norden, California | America |
| 50 | Crystal Mountain — near Enumclaw, Washington | America |
| 51 | Bretton Woods — Bretton Woods, New Hampshire | America |
| 52 | The Summit at Snoqualmie — Snoqualmie Pass, Washington | America |
| 53 | Mt. Baker — Glacier, Washington | America |
| 54 | Val d’Isere and Espace Killy | France |
| 55 | Meribel | France |
| 56 | Estosadok | Russia |
| 57 | Adzhigardak | Russia |
| 58 | Messila | Finland |
| 59 | Vuokatti | Finland |
| 60 | Branäs (in Värmland) | Sweden |
| 61 | Great Bear Recreation Park — Sioux Falls, South Dakota | America |
| 62 | Megève | France |
| 63 | Gstaad | Switzerland |
| 64 | Klosters | Switzerland |
| 65 | Saariselka | Finland |
| 66 | Stöten | Sälen, Sweden |
| 67 | Levi | Finland |
| 68 | Idre Fjäll (in Dalarna) | Sweden |
| 69 | Khanty-Mansiysk | Russia |
| 70 | Crans Montana | Switzerland |
| 71 | Cortina D’Ampezzo | Italy |
| 72 | Lech | Austria |
| 73 | Courchevel 1850 | France |
| 74 | Villars-sur-Ollon | Switzerland |
| 75 | Pradollano | Spain |
| 76 | Sheregesh | Russia |
| 77 | Gjeravica | Kosovo |
| 78 | Kitzbühel | Austria |
| 79 | Zermatt | Switzerland |
| 80 | Sunnmøre Alps | Norway |
| 81 | Chamonix | France |
| 82 | Tyumen | Russia |
| 83 | Ounasvaara | Finland |
| 84 | Vemdalen | Sweden |
| 85 | St Moritz | Switzerland |
| 86 | Afriski | Lesotho |
| 87 | Pyha | Finland |
| 88 | Luosto | Finland |
| 89 | Salla | Finland |
| 90 | Tahko | Finland |
| 91 | Yllas | Finland |
| 92 | Furano Ski Resort | Japan |
| 93 | Szczyrk Mountain Resort | Poland |
| 94 | Zieleniec Ski Arena | Poland |
| 95 | Dobrinishte | Bulgaria |
| 96 | Erciyes | Turkey |
| 97 | Saklikent | Turkey |
| 98 | Borovets | Bulgaria |
| 99 | Geto Kogen | Japan |
| 100 | Zakopane | Poland |
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Closing
The best ski resorts in the world are some of the oldest places dedicated to winter activities, and seeing the construction and improvements of amenities for many of years. Some of these locations are open all year round, while others change over into other activities during the summer. However, resorts are never complete without adequate lodging for guests.