Top Ski Destinations Around the World
1. January – Salt Lake City, USA
Instagram | skiutah | Salt Lake City is a popular spot for January skiing, with its 550 inches of annual snowfall and four nearby ski resorts.
When it comes to January skiing, Salt Lake City is often a top choice. Known for its massive snowfalls—around 550 inches per season—this location boasts four impressive ski resorts clustered around the city. The dry, buoyant snow in this region offers ideal conditions for skiers and snowboarders alike.
Skiers will love the breathtaking views at Alta, a haven of picturesque slopes, while snowboarders may prefer Snowbird, a resort famous for its vast terrain. Solitude, known for its more challenging black runs, offers exciting slopes that can engage even the most advanced skiers.
2. February – Hokkaidō, Japan
February in Hokkaidō, Japan, offers not just incredible snow but an otherworldly atmosphere. As part of the Sapporo Snow Festival, awe-inspiring ice sculptures are put on display in the city, adding to the magical winter scenery. On the mountains, nature creates its own art with juhyō—”snow monsters” that form when trees are coated in snow and ice.
Skiers flock to Sapporo Kokusai, a well-loved resort just an hour from Sapporo city. However, those seeking more thrilling, advanced terrain may head southwest to Niseko, where some of the best powder skiing in the world awaits.
3. March – Whistler, Canada
While many ski resorts around the globe begin to thaw in March, Whistler in British Columbia remains a snowy paradise. As one of the largest ski resorts in North America, Whistler-Blackcomb covers 8,000 acres of terrain with over 200 ski runs, ensuring that even in the late season, skiers and snowboarders can still find fresh snow.
What makes Whistler especially attractive this time of year is the opportunity for backcountry skiing. For those equipped with avalanche gear and guided by locals, the snowfields of Garibaldi Provincial Park offer unforgettable off-piste experiences.
4. April – Obertauern, Austria
By April, many winter sports enthusiasts are still looking for destinations to enjoy spring skiing, and Obertauern in Austria delivers. Nestled in the Alps south of Salzburg, this resort offers around 100 kilometers of pistes with stunning views of the towering mountains. Its higher elevation makes it a great spot for those seeking consistent snow conditions late in the season.
The combination of spectacular landscapes and challenging terrain will keep adrenaline seekers satisfied throughout the month, while Obertauern’s connection to the film “Help!” adds a unique cultural note for fans of “The Beatles.”
5. May – Riksgränsen, Sweden
As the northernmost ski resort in Sweden, Riksgränsen offers skiing above the Arctic Circle, making it a surreal place to hit the slopes in May. The vertical drop may be modest, but the wide, open trails, cloud-like snowdrifts, and pristine wilderness make this a unique skiing experience.
Besides skiing, the surrounding region provides opportunities for snowshoe trekking, sled dog adventures, and even spectating at the Scandinavian Big Mountain Championships. With the midnight sun approaching, skiing in near-endless daylight adds an extra thrill.
6. June – Cardrona, New Zealand
As the northern hemisphere begins to heat up in June, skiers can head down to New Zealand’s Cardrona resort for the start of the winter season. This family-friendly resort, located in the Southern Alps, offers excellent slopes for beginners and intermediates but also caters to more advanced snow lovers with its half-pipe and freestyle park.
A visit to the nearby Cardrona Distillery offers a perfect end to a day on the slopes, where you can sample local whiskies and reflect on the day’s ski adventures.
7. July – Las Leñas, Argentina
For those looking for luxury skiing in July, Las Leñas in Argentina is an ideal choice. Set in the Andes mountains, this resort offers both challenging runs and plush accommodations. The altitude—ranging from 2,200 to 3,400 meters—ensures excellent snow conditions, though visitors should take care to adjust to the high elevations slowly.
After a day on the slopes, the proximity to Argentina’s Mendoza wine region provides a perfect opportunity to relax with a glass of Malbec and enjoy world-class dining.
8. August – Perisher Valley, Australia
Australia may not be the first place that comes to mind for skiing, but Perisher Valley in New South Wales is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere. August is the peak of the season here, with 12 square kilometers of slopes providing plenty of room for skiers and snowboarders.
Perisher’s snowmaking capabilities ensure consistent conditions throughout the month, making it a favorite destination for those looking for a unique ski experience down under.
9. September – Corralco, Chile
September in Chile offers blue skies and uncrowded slopes, particularly at the Corralco resort, located on the southern slopes of the Lonquimay volcano. The resort’s 18 square kilometers of terrain is perfect for both beginners and intermediates, with stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.
For a post-ski recovery, a visit to the nearby natural hot springs in Malalcahuello offers a soothing experience, letting you unwind after a day of skiing.
10. October – Whakapapa, New Zealand
Instagram | opo_col_oed | New Zealand’s Whakapapa resort offers thrilling skiing on an active volcano.
New Zealand’s Whakapapa resort is an exciting option for those seeking to ski on an active volcano. Located on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, this resort is one of the country’s largest ski areas. Whakapapa is known for its wide range of runs, from beginner areas to challenging black-diamond slopes. With its distinctive volcanic landscape, skiing here offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
For adventurous skiers, Whakapapa also offers backcountry trails that lead into secluded areas of the mountain, making it a top choice for those seeking something different.
11. November – Ruka, Finland
November can be a tricky time for skiers as many resorts in the northern hemisphere are still waiting for significant snowfall. However, Ruka in Finland offers reliable skiing conditions with its snowmaking capabilities and naturally long winters.
Cross-country skiing is a particular highlight here, with hundreds of kilometers of trails weaving through frozen forests and across icy lakes, making it a dream destination for those who love the great outdoors.
12. December – Val Thorens, France
To wrap up the year, Val Thorens in the French Alps offers a fantastic skiing experience. As the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens guarantees early-season snow, making December a great time to visit. With access to the Three Valleys, the world’s largest ski area, there’s no shortage of slopes to explore.
Whether you’re skiing down the 600 kilometers of interconnected runs or relaxing with a hot chocolate in a cozy village, this French resort is the perfect way to end your year of skiing adventures.
When deciding where to ski this year, the world is your oyster. Whether you want to explore the icy peaks of Sweden in May or ski the volcanic slopes of New Zealand in October, there’s no shortage of incredible destinations. From the snowy mountains of the northern hemisphere to the powder-filled resorts of the southern hemisphere, there’s always a perfect place to ski, no matter what time of year it is.