The most popular ski slopes in the world enthrall adventurous travelers with stunning alpine views and a variety of runs. The Visited travel app has named the top 25 ski slope destinations in the world based on over 1.75 million travelers worldwide. The app allows you to mark off places you’ve been and get a personalized travel map. See more top travel lists and create your own dream itinerary with Visited.
These are the most popular ski destinations in the world, according to Visited users:
1. Dolomites
The Dolomites is the number one ski destination in the world. The Alpine wonderland in Italy includes 12 interconnected ski resorts, offering 1,200 kilometers (745.6 miles) of pistes for all ability levels. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning scenery, with the jagged peaks of the Dolomites as a backdrop. Skiers of all levels can enjoy plenty of runs in the region.
2. Chamonix
The Chamonix Valley is a world-renowned ski destination in the French Alps that is the second most visited ski location according to Visited travelers. Chamonix includes five ski resorts in the heart of the French Alps, close to Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. The area offers stunning views of the Alps and a wide range of ski runs to suit different levels of skiers. Chamonix has a mix of sunny slopes, challenging off-piste terrain, and the legendary 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) Vallée Blanche glacier run.
3. Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the third most visited ski destination worldwide. The beautiful ski and snowboard area includes 13 resorts in western Austria, between the scenic Karwendel and Stubai Alps. Skiers can choose from a variety of slopes, from the family-friendly slopes of Oberperfuss Rangger Köpfl to the challenging terrain of Axamer Lizum and the year-round skiing on the Stubai Glacier. The lively city of Innsbruck also offers plenty of amenities, with Christmas markets, historic buildings, coffee shops, and more.
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4. Zermatt
Zermatt, located in the Swiss Alps, is the fourth most visited ski destination worldwide. Zermatt offers stunning skiing in the Alps at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Europe’s highest ski paradise. With almost 4,000 meters (2.5 miles) of altitude and over 360 kilometers (223.7 miles) of pistes accessible year-round thanks to its glaciers, Zermatt caters to all levels of skiers.
5. Sudtirol
Sudtirol, or South Tyrol, is part of a sprawling ski region in the Alps in northern Italy. Suditrol’s breathtaking alpine views are the perfect backdrop for ski adventures ranging from beginner-level to advanced. Visitors can enjoy gentle slopes, charming mountain villages, and challenging descents with panoramic views of the dramatic Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Val Thorens
Val Thorens is a pristine ski area in the French Alps. The ski haven offers reliable snow due to its high altitude and extensive glacier coverage. Part of the massive 3 Valleys ski area, Val Thorens offers over 600 kilometers (373 miles) of pistes, catering to all levels. Slopes range from mild beginner-friendly runs to thrilling black runs.
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7. Les Trois Vallées
Les Trois Vallées, also known as the Three Valleys, is a vast ski area in the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie department of Southeastern France. Les Trois Vallées is the largest connected ski area in the world, with 600 kilometers (370 miles) of ski slopes. The valley initially had three ski resorts, inspiring the name Three Valleys. The scenic ski region now includes eight resorts with runs for all different levels. Les Trois Vallees also offers incredible alpine views of the surrounding French Alps.
8. Val D’Isère
Val D’Isère ski area in southeastern France offers pristine skiing in the Alps near Italy. The ski d’Isère has over 300 kilometers (186 miles) of ski trails catering to a range of abilities. The snow-heavy region includes challenging terrain, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of après-ski activities, with a variety of bars and restaurants. Val d’Isère and the neighboring Tignes ski area have one of the world’s best lift systems, making skiing a smooth, enjoyable experience for all levels.
9. Zell Am See
Zell Am See (also called Schmittenhöhe) offers scenic, family-friendly skiing by Lake Zell in the Salzburger Land region of Austria. The Alps provide a stunning backdrop for skiing, and the resort area is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Salzburg and Innsbruck. The slopes cater to all abilities, with wide beginner runs, challenging descents like the “Trass” for experts, and even a snow park.
10. Vail
Vail, Colorado, is the world’s tenth most visited ski area and the most popular U.S. ski destination. Nestled in the rugged Rocky Mountains, Vail caters to all levels of skiers, with varied terrain and some beginner-friendly slopes. For thrill-seeking advanced skiers, Vail offers heart-pounding black diamond runs and expansive gladed terrain.
11. Courchevel
Courchevel is a luxury ski destination in the Alps, located in the Tarentaise Valley in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. Whether you’re a beginner mastering gentle slopes in Courchevel Le Praz or a seasoned skier carving down the legendary black run, the Grand Couloir, the Courchevel resorts include perfectly groomed pistes and spectacular scenery. Courchevel 1850 is the highest and most well-known resort village of the six that make up the Courchevel ski area. Courchevel 1850 attracts celebrities and those seeking an upscale experience from around the world. The resort town includes 19 five-star hotels and six Michelin-starred restaurants.
12. Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Colorado, offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the Rock Mountains in North America. The scenic alpine area includes five peaks and nearly 3,000 acres for skiing adventures. Breckenridge features a mix of wide-open groomers, challenging steeps, and terrain parks. Breckenridge is a prime beginner-friendly ski destination, with plenty of beginner runs and close connections from the peaks to the historic mountain town.
13. Kitzbuhel
Kitzbuhel is a popular ski area in the western Austrian province of Tyrol in the Alps. The town comes to life in the winter with bustling cafes and lots of skiing, including the annual Hahnenkamm downhill race. Kitzbuhel has 233 kilometers (145 miles) of well-groomed slopes, an excellent lift system, and pistes to suit all levels. The charming medieval town adds to the appeal of skiing in the beautiful Alps.
14. Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is a ski resort in the French department of Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The stunning slopes in Les Deux Alpes cater to all abilities, from beginners to thrill-seeking advanced skiers. The resort includes the longest ski run in France at 16 kilometers (10 miles). The largest skiable glacier in France keeps the area covered in snow year-round for endless ski adventures.
15. Tignes
Tignes is a prime ski destination nestled in the French Alps. The ski area includes a massive 300 kilometers (186 miles) of pistes with a wide range of difficulties. Beginners can enjoy plenty of slopes at Tignes, with most of the runs for beginners to moderate levels. Advanced slopes include La Sache, which runs down to Brévières below the dam, and Paquerettes on Tovières. Thanks to the high-altitude glacier access, Tignes offers an impressively long ski season from October to May.
16. Meribel
Meribel is a ski resort in the heart of Les 3 Vallées in France. Meribel is a skier’s paradise, with the world’s largest ski area. The resort features 150 kilometers (93 miles) of groomed runs and 600 kilometers (373 miles) across the entire Les 3 Vallées. Meribel has plenty of green and blue runs for beginners to practice their skills. The interconnected resorts offer endless variety in terrain for all levels of skiers.
17. Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb in Whistler, British Columbia, is North America’s largest ski resort. The sprawling Canadian ski destination has an impressive lift system, incredible panoramic views, endless variety in terrain, and runs to suit all levels. With over 8,000 acres, Whistler Blackcomb has gondolas that transport skiers between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb.
18. Park City
Park City, Utah, offers world-class skiing and the largest ski area in the U.S. The expansive ski region spreads across 7,300 acres and three distinct base areas. Park City is known for its family-friendly experience, with 27 beginner-friendly ski trails and the 5.6-kilometer (3.5-mile) long Home Run, one of the longest green runs in the state. For more advanced skiers, there are plenty of thrilling options to explore the stunning slopes of the Rockies.
19. Aspen
Aspen, Colorado, offers ideal skiing conditions in the Rocky Mountains in the western U.S. The idyllic ski area of Aspen includes four peaks – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Each mountain offers unique terrain and runs, and many travelers ski a different mountain each day of their trip. Aspen Mountain, the iconic peak in the heart of town, features challenging terrain and legendary runs. Buttermilk Mountain is a paradise for beginners and families, with gentle slopes and a playful atmosphere. Aspen Highlands caters to experts with its infamous Highland Bowl and vast, untamed slopes. Snowmass, a sprawling resort village, offers everything from beginner areas to terrain parks and stunning back bowls.
20. Alpe D’Huez
Alde D’Huez is an Alps ski resort in the department of Isère in southeastern France. Nicknamed “The Island of the Sun” for its ample sunshine hours, Alpe D’Huez offers scenic, high-altitude, sunny slopes with excellent snow conditions. Visitors can cruise down scenic pistes perfect for beginners, tackle challenging glacier runs reaching over 3,048 meters (10,000 feet), or hit the renowned Sarenne, Europe’s longest black run, for an epic 16-kilometer (10-mile) descent.
21. Interlaken
Interlaken offers incredible views and is a gateway to the Jungfrau skiing region in the Swiss Alps. Nestled between two pristine lakes, Interlaken is just a short train or bus ride away from the Jungfrau Ski Region, which has over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of pistes. The region offers ideal skiing conditions, with plenty of natural snowfall and extensive snow-making abilities. Beginners can find plenty of gentle slopes and uncrowded pistes in the area.
22. La Plagne
La Plagne is a breathtaking ski area in the alpine valley of the Tarentaise, France, known for its expansive size and a wide variety of terrain. Paradiski, the enormous area it forms with Les Arcs, offers a massive 425 kilometers (264 miles) of pistes. La Plagne has many beginner and intermediate runs and a family-friendly atmosphere. About 62% of the runs are rated as blue. Skiers can also take in stunning Vanoise National Park scenery.
23. Les Arcs
Les Arcs is a ski resort with stunning scenery in the Tarentaise Valley in Savoie, France. Les Arcs offers access to the sprawling Paradiski area, a 425-kilometer (264-mile) winter sports playground shared with La Plagne. Beginners can tackle gentle slopes in Arc 1600 or Arc 1950, while intermediate skiers have acres of cruising blues and reds to explore. Advanced skiers can test their skills on challenging blacks or head to the legendary off-piste terrain of La Plagne.
24. Avoriaz
Avoriaz is one of the breathtaking Alps ski areas in the heart of Portes du Soleil, France. The car-free resort offers over 600 kilometers (373 miles) of pristine pistes for beginners and advanced skiers. With slopes ranging from gentle beginner runs to challenging black runs, the scenic ski area offers endless adventure along the French-Swiss border.
25. Banff
Skiing in Banff National Park, Canada, offers three stunning ski hills: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, and the Lake Louise Ski Area. The pristine peaks provide over 8,000 acres to explore, with everything from wide-open groomer runs to challenging chutes and bowls. Banff is known for its long ski season, thanks to abundant snowfall and reliable snow-making, and it has some of the lightest, driest powder snow in the world.
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