For some travellers, the ultimate winter getaway means conquering nerve-racking black runs before retreating to a luxurious chalet. Others prioritise dependable snowfall, excellent family facilities or a buzzing après-ski scene that continues well after the lifts shut.
From glamorous Alpine resorts serving champagne beside the slopes to snow-covered American mountains favoured by celebrities, the world’s top ski destinations offer much more than exhilarating descents.
With so many resorts competing for winter visitors, however, deciding where to spend a ski holiday can be far from straightforward.
Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards has now highlighted the world’s best ski resorts, from dramatic Swiss peaks and stylish French Alpine villages to expansive mountain playgrounds across the United States and Canada.
Whether your priorities are thrilling skiing, five-star comfort or spectacular mountain views, these destinations deserve a place on your winter travel wish list and could provide inspiration for your next ski escape.
1. Zermatt, Switzerland
Switzerland’s much-loved Zermatt claimed the top European spot
At glamorous Zermatt in Switzerland, skiers can take on impressive—and frequently demanding—runs beneath the unmistakable Matterhorn.
The fashionable resort is considered a bucket-list destination for serious skiers, making its position at the top of the rankings little surprise.
Zermatt is also the highest ski resort in the Alps. Its highest ski point reaches 3,899 metres, with 14 glaciers nearby and views across Switzerland, Italy and France.
2. Deer Valley, Utah, US
Utah’s Deer Valley took second place and collected the silver award
Deer Valley attracted renewed attention in recent years after Gwyneth Paltrow became involved in a lawsuit concerning a 2016 collision at the resort. Even so, its exceptional reputation continues to make it a favourite among skiers in the United States.
The luxury resort operates a ski-only policy, so snowboarders are not permitted on its slopes. The result is less congestion and a more streamlined experience for skiers.
Visitors can also expect a distinctly high-end stay, with everything from gourmet dining in the mountains to upscale accommodation.
3. Sun Valley, Idaho, US
Sun Valley in Idaho, US, secured the bronze medal in third place
Idaho’s Sun Valley offers 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, combining a solid selection of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs.
Opened in 1936, it was the first destination ski resort in the United States. Over the 90 years since, it has earned the grand nickname of “the Alps of America”.
Sun Valley’s tourism organisation says: “Two mountains, 3,400 vertical feet, over 2,000 acres of terrain, cold dry snow and the largest automated fleet of snow-making machines in the US are the big picture stats, but they don’t convey what it’s like to tear down manicured wind-free crowdless slopes in the winter sunshine.”
4. Verbier, Switzerland
The famously luxurious Verbier in Switzerland ranked fourth
As the traditional heartland of skiing, the Alps often evoke images of après-ski gatherings, expensive wine and lavish chalets, where private chefs prepare extravagant meals for wealthy guests.
Verbier, the next resort on the list, fits that glamorous Alpine image. The exclusive Swiss destination is popular with aristocrats and royalty: Danish royals visited in 2024, while Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his former wife, Fergie, are regular visitors.
Sir Richard Branson even has a mountain retreat here, the Lodge, which can be hired out.
5. Vail, Colorado, US
Rounding out the top five in the world is Vail, Colorado, US
Famously ritzy Vail in Colorado, home to less than 5,000 residents, typically welcomes about 2.8 million people during the winter months, including celebrity guests such as The Kardashians.
Olympic ski racer Lindsey Vonn and Metallica front man James Hetfield also both have houses in the area.
However, its top five ranking comes at a time when the town struggled to attract economic boosts from tourists due to historically low snowfall last winter.
6. Méribel, France
Méribel in France has a reputation for top-notch skiing
Younger royals have, in recent years, been placing the stunning Meribel resort at the top of their ski lists.
It is located in Les Trois Vallees – Europe’s largest connected ski area with 380 miles of runs.
Traditional wooden alpine lodges, combined with an increasingly upscale food and drink scene (thanks to spillover from nearby Courchevel), make it one of the best places to ski not just in Europe, but on the planet.
7. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada is 7th
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is one of the biggest ski resorts in North America.
Here, you can expect endless runs for all levels – including plenty of options in the 8,100-acre area for anyone seeking off-piste adventures.
As for the pedestrian-only village, there are masses of entertainment on offer. Think patios for dining in the sunshine, a legendary après nightlife and family-friendly playgrounds to enjoy with the little ones.
nightlife and family-friendly playgrounds to enjoy with the little ones.
8. Silver Star Mountain, British Columbia, Canada
In eighth place is Silver Star Mountain in British Columbia, Canada
A total of 133 runs across 3,300 acres of terrain are accessible for skiers at Silver Star Mountain.
Cross-country trails are top, with 55km (34 miles) of daily groomed trails, punctuated with warming huts for lunch stops.
Cosy accommodation is available in an abundance here, from luxury condos with glamorous furnishings to holiday suites, cheaper lodges and apartments.
9. Solitude, Utah, US
Coming in ninth place in Conde Nast Traveller’s list is Solitude in Utah
Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just 30 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, Solitude is a ski haven in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.
It offers eight chairlifts, 82 runs, and 500 annual inches of snow spread over 1,200 acres – in addition to 20km (12 miles) of groomed Nordic track and 10km (six miles) of snowshoe trails.
Slopeside lodging and excellent bars and restaurants will ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is skiable!
10. Telluride, Colorado, US
In 10th place is Telluride, Colorado
Telluride in south-west Colorado is filled with old-fashioned bars, independent fashion shops, excellent skiing and free mountain-to-village gondolas.
The former mining town located in a box canyon gets an average of 300 inches of snow a year, and 300 days of annual sunshine.
A mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing and snowboarding are on offer, providing options for every skier.
11. Whiteface Lake Placid, New York, US
Whiteface Lake Placid, New York, US takes 11th place
Skiing in New York – what could possibly make winter a more wonderful time of the year?
Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, near Lake Placid, is a less busy, challenging resort with steep slopes, mogul runs and extreme off-piste terrain.
It’s near the 1980 Olympic village of Lake Placid, where you can partake in non-ski activities, dining and nightlife.
12. Mount Washington, British Columbia, Canada
Up next is Mount Washington, located in British Columbia, Canada
Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island in British Columbia is a year-round mountain playground – although naturally, in the winter months skiing and snowboarding is what it’s all about.
And with more than nine metres of annual snow, it’s one of the best skiing locations in Canada (and in the world).
‘Great place to have winter fun with family!’ one visitor commented, with another adding: ‘From the lodge to the runs to the tube park, everything just worked. Busy, but well organised. Lots of energy, lots of families, and a really fun atmosphere without feeling chaotic.’
13. Val Gardena, Italy
Val Gardena is the highest-ranked spot in Italy
Italy’s Val Gardena, part of the Dolomiti Superski network, has 175km (109 miles) of local slopes – as well as links to other parts in the valley.
‘Val Gardena is the perfect destination for skiers who love variety and want to explore a ski resort offering slopes suitable for both families with children and World Cup champions seeking new challenges,’ says the resort website.
The most traditional resort in the region, you can also explore the three main villages: Selva, Santa Cristina and Ortisei.
14. Obergurgl, Austria
Taking 14th place on the best ski resort list is Obergurgl, Austria
With 112km (70 miles) of slopes, the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort boasts zero waiting time, according to Gurgl.com.
That’s pretty perfect if you’re looking for uninterrupted ski – plus, Obergurgl is renowned for good snow all the way until April.
The village is small and typically Austrian, making it an authentic experience too.
15. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US
Rounding out the top 15 is Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US
Jackson Hole has long been known as a great place to ski, one of the premier – and most challenging – spots in the States.
Better for more experienced skiers, the resort is home to a 4,139-foot vertical drop, the largest in the US – and 50 per cent of the slopes here are advanced or expert level.
Beyond the slopes, enjoy local trails on bikes, take a sleigh ride or join a wildlife tour to see wolves, bison and elk.
