You know that feeling you get when you wake up to a world blanketed with fresh snow? This is the kind of magic the best ski resorts in the world can deliver.
Now, before you say, ‘But skiing is all the same,’ – let me assure you, it isn’t. Some resorts are notorious for spotty snowfall (I’m looking at you, early-season Colorado), others for fluffy late-season powder (thank you, Japan), while others charge a small fortune just for a view (hello, Swiss Alps).
And it’s not all about snowglobe settings and impressive ski slopes. Part of the fun is the accommodation. You’re in for chalet-style, roaring-fireplace ski resorts, modern lodges that pamper you from check-in to check-out, and big-name hotels that know how to impress.
I’m fully aware of the broad theme I’ve undertaken with this article. Let’s be honest; the world is a big place… But when it comes to ski resorts, I’m confident I’ve found the best of the best from around the globe.
Whether you’re a fan of Europe’s legendary apres-ski, Japan’s famous light snow, or America’s massive terrains, this guide has something for every snow lover.
So, let’s get into it.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Staying in a Ski Resort
It’s hard to describe that winter-wonderland feel to someone who hasn’t visited a ski resort before. The best I can do is say that it feels like you’ve stepped into your favourite Hallmark Christmas movie. That, or a snow globe.
You wake up in a warm, rustic room with massive windows framing the snow-covered Alps, ready to hit the slopes. Everything feels warm, fun, and a little magical.
When it comes to accommodation, the range is large across the globe. You could find a luxurious lodge in a U.S. ski resort with hot tub facilities, onsen bed and breakfasts in Japan, and cosy cabin rentals with ski-in/ski-out access in the Alps. And let me tell you, ski-to-door access is the ultimate luxurious convenience.
Amenities are key at these spots. You can expect resort-like amenities like parking, hot tubs, in-house dining, and even wellness centres at lodges and hotels. Cabins feel slightly more off-grid but have all the amenities you could dream of. I’m talking about family-friendly rooms, hot tubs and saunas, ski gear rooms, and usually a crackling fireplace as the centrepiece of the home.
At the other end of the spectrum, high-end resorts pull out all the stops. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet dining and apres-ski, a ski concierge—the works.
There is nothing better than staying in one of the best ski resorts in the world. From budget-friendly cabins to lavish ski-to-door hotels, the resorts on this list cater to all types of ski bums.
Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, U.S.
- > $$
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Fitness centre with indoor pool
- > Daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, room service
Freeride Lodge Niseko Backpackers, Hokkaido Niseko, Japan
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Access to full kitchen
- > Breakfast included
5-Bed Luxury Cabin with Ski Room and Sauna, Verbier, Switzerland
- > $$$$
- > 12 Guests
- > Huge terrace with town and mountain views
- > Ski dry room
Matterhorn Retreat Francois, Cervinia, Italy
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Spa and wellness centre with hot tub
- > Italian breakfast served daily
The 15 Top Ski Resorts in The World
And without further adieu, I present to you the creme de la creme of ski resorts. I’ve tried to include one accommodation option from each of these incredible resorts.
Winter is coming, and I could not be more excited about it.
Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole – Jackson Hole, Wyoming, U.S. | Overall Best Value Ski Resort in The World
Jackson Hole is a bit like the Wild West of skiing. It’s home to steep slopes and challenging terrain, making it a playground for advanced skiers. And if you’ve got the skills to ski these slopes, the Wyoming Inn is the perfect example of a classic ski lodge.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Teton National Park
- Jackson Town Square
- Karns Meadow Park
But Jackson isn’t just epic for top skiers. With stunning views across Teton National Park and some of the deepest powder in the region, it’s an all-rounder winter wonderland for the adventurous.
The Wyoming Inn is one of those classic U.S. resort inns that has been charming guests for decades. The rooms are large and comfortable, with reading nooks, great views, and big showers. With its wooden beams and panelled fireplace, the breakfast area is the best place to start a snow day at this world-famous ski resort.
This is the ULTIMATE place to stay in Jackson Wyoming if you’re down to spend your days shredding the slopes.
Freeride Lodge Niseko Backpackers – Hokkaido Niseko, Japan | Best Budget Ski Resort in The World
If you know anything about skiing in Japan, it should be JaPOW – that powdery perfection that is the stuff of legends. And Hokkaido Niseko has one of the most affordable accommodations on the block.
The Freeride Lodge is a hostel with options of four- to seven-bed mixed dorms. The rooms are comfortable and clean, but the main attraction is the breakfast served each morning. Guests are also allowed to use the kitchen, which is well-equipped to prepare budget-friendly meals.
Ski resorts don’t scream budget-friendly… ever. But if you’re travelling on a budget, this one is pretty damn good.
5-Bed Luxury Cabin with Ski Room and Sauna – Verbier, Switzerland | Most Luxurious Ski Resort in The World
Verbier is famous for its massive terrain, buzzing apres-ski scene, and classically chic alpine vibes. If you’re a thrill seeker with a big budget, this five-bedroom cabin is perfect for a luxe ski experience.
It has five bedrooms, four with a two-guest setup and one with four bunk beds for kids. You’ll have access to the whole place, which includes a warm wooden kitchen and dining area, with an open-concept living space that opens onto a massive deck. With carefully thought-out pieces, the top-quality furniture creates the perfect ambient mountain chalet.
This pad is great for travelling families looking for a deluxe-style lodge to stay!
Matterhorn Retreat Francois – Cervinia, Italy | Perfect The World in Ski Resort for Couples
How many places can you stare at the Matterhorn while carving tracks through pristine slopes? Well, two of the best ski resorts in the world, and I’ll mention the second one further down this list. But the first is Cervinia, an Italian resort that offers consistent high-altitude skiing for both beginners and experts.
The rooms at Matterhorn Retreat Francois are small yet comfortable, with a wooden aesthetic typical of a ski chalet. Start your morning with an Italian breakfast in the dining room, and end it with a soak in the hot tub after a long day on the slopes. This resort is IDEAL for those travelling as a couple.
La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix – Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
Some say Chamonix is the birthplace of alpine skiing, others say it’s where adventure meets history. Whatever they say, it’s where the world’s most fearless skiers come to test themselves against the stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc.
La Folie Douce offers a unique type of accommodation in the Alps. Think of it as a high-end hotel with hostel-style rooms. I would say it’s designed for a group of friends, with options from shared dorms to private suites. It’s just a five-minute stroll from the ski school and lifts but is most famous for its vibey bar and apres scene. If you’re travelling solo, this is a good option for you!
European Style Mountain Lodge with Three Bedrooms – Hokkaido Niseko, Japan
Hokkaido Niseko’s powder is light, deep, and consistent, and this resort offers everything from mellow groomers to off-piste tree lines. It’s also a favourite ski resort in the world for its uniquely Japanese cultural scene – visible from the food to the accommodation. It’s an amazing place to stay while travelling in Japan.
This three-bedroom chalet epitomizes style. It’s relatively affordable for eight guests yet has all the fittings of a five-star cabin. If you can upgrade your experience, you can request an in-house chef or gourmet food delivery service. Add to that an on-call driver and a private massage therapist and babysitter, and you’ve arrived in ski resort heaven.
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Grab an eSIM!Minimalist Modern Cabin with Sauna and Hinoki Bath – Hakuba, Japan
From powder laps to corduroy groomers, Japan’s Hakuba has it all. Tucked high in the Japanese Alps, this resort is epic for all skier levels – but especially for those wanting to get their skis into some untouched powder.
This modern cabin is one of the most spectacular in the area. It’s designed with impeccable style – from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows to the wooden walls and floors to the Japanese-inspired minimalistic furniture and dim lighting. It’s hard to pick a few winning features here, but I would say the wooden Hinoki bath and the private sauna are right up there.
Stylish Slopside 2-Bed Condo – Crested Butte, Colorado, U.S.
Crested Butte is one of the least touristy resorts in Colorado. It’s home to some extreme terrain, which makes it ideal for steep thrills and fewer crowds. And with such laid-back vibes, it’s no surprise so many ski bums come to this top ski resort in the world and never leave…
This remodelled condo is the perfect example. It’s suitable for four guests and is located along the public bus route, which can get you to the ski lifts in minutes. The condo is stylish and minimalist, with unobstructed mountain views from the balcony and plenty of entertainment space.
Modern 3-Bed Cabin in Olympic Valley – Palisades Tahoe, California, U.S.
They say the first lift at Palisades is a sacred experience, and they’re absolutely right. Especially after a snow day, you’ll see happy skiers preparing coffee in the lift lines hours before they start spinning. If you’re looking for a seasonal ski rental, look no further. This cabin in California is set up for a group of eight, with a spacious open-concept living area and a covered deck with views of the resort.
Perfect for a long-term visit, it has a private garage, ski storage area, laundry facilities, and more than one office desk so you can master the art of the ski/work lifestyle. If you’re looking for a top ski resort in California, look no further.
Austria Haus Hotel – Vail, Colorado, U.S
Vail is one of the largest ski resorts in the world, and while part of a big corporation, it sure doesn’t skimp on quality. Its back bowls are the shining star, extending for miles worth of terrain parks, groomers, and, well, bowls.
Austria Haus Hotel is a boutique option in the Vail Valley. It’s within walking distance of all the shops, restaurants, and main gondola and is inspired by a typical European ski chalet. Wooden beams, neutral tones, and traditional chalet window shutters will make you feel like you’re in the Alps when you’re really in the Rockies.
Studio Apartment with Matterhorn Views – Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt shares the same ski area as Cervinia, with 34 lifts in this Swiss section. This side of the Matterhorn is one of the most luxurious alpine resorts. With year-round snow on its glacier, you’re (almost) guaranteed decent snow throughout the winter months. If you’re travelling to Switzerland, snow bunnies will want to add this to their hit list.
And its accommodation scene is just as impressive. Take this studio apartment, for example. It’s stylishly designed, with a living and dining area, a comfortable bed, and a small yet fully-equipped kitchen. And the best part is its balcony, with stunning views of the most famous peak in the Alps—the Matterhorn.
Victoria Lodge – Val d’Isere, France
France has its fair share of ski resorts, and Val d-Isere is undoubtedly one of the favourites. It’s home to one of the liveliest apres-ski scenes in Europe, which is saying a lot. And while it might not be super beginner-friendly, there is plenty to keep intermediate to advanced skiers happy.
The accommodations at Victoria Lodge are simple yet stylish. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with options for budget travellers. Dining at the hotel is a five-star experience, whether you enjoy a drink at the bar after a day in the mountains or a full meal at the restaurant.
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The Snowpine Lodge – Alta Ski Area, Utah, U.S.
First things first – Alta is a skiers-only world-famous ski resort. Sure, it might sound a bit snooty, but it remains one of the most impressive resorts for deep powder skiing and a low-key vibe. It’s almost a mecca for skiers.
Snowpine Lodge is the place to stay in Alta. It’s a classic North American resort with a twist. And by this, I mean you can choose from standard ‘hotel’ rooms to fully equipped self-catering penthouse apartments. Whatever you pick, you’re guaranteed a modern room with fresh interiors, high-end toiletries, and the perks of resort facilities.
AlpTyrol Apartments – St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
Tucked away in Austria’s biggest ski area, St Anton is one of the best ski resorts in the world for expert skiers and boarders. With over 183 miles of marked trails and even more off-piste terrain, it’s hard to believe this is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for skiing.
AlpTyrol is one of the most affordable accommodations in the area. It offers fully self-catering apartments, with the conveniences of airport shuttles and free parking on site. The rooms are designed like a typical chalet, with down bedding, dim lighting, and wooden walls. Some rooms have even balconies with mountain views.
11-Bed Lakeside Chalet with Spa and Yoga Room – Whistler Blackcomb, British Colombia, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest and most diverse resort. It has thousands of acres of terrain, from bunny slopes to backcountry runs. Since it’s located so far north, you can pretty much guarantee epic conditions from as early as mid-November.
And if you’re visiting in a large group, this eleven-fully ensuite bedroom house is perfect. Although not suitable for parties, the house sleeps over twenty guests. Yup, it’s that big. To accommodate everyone, it has a private spa with a hot tub, steam room, yoga room, and sauna, as well as a movie theatre, huge dining table, and outdoor dining space.
Based in one of the best places to ski in Canada, you can’t go wrong by booking this deluxe stay!
FAQs About Ski Resorts in The World
Right then, I’ve covered a lot of ground here, but if you’ve still got a few questions, then hopefully I’ve answered them in my handy FAQ!
Don’t Forget Your World Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your ski trip. Be sure to check their policy to ensure that you’ll be covered for skiing, as you often have to take out extra cover for adventure activities.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ski Resorts in The World
When life gives you winter snowfall, go skiing.
The best ski resorts in the world offer far more than just powder runs and groomed slopes—they provide an unforgettable winter experience from the moment you sip your first coffee of the day to the cosy apres-ski evenings by the fire. Luckily, there are some excellent options for skiing across the globe.
Whether you’re looking for a high-end chalet with spa facilities in France, a slope-side hotel with ski-in/ski-out access in the Swiss Alps, or budget-friendly hostels in Japan, there are rentals in ski resorts in the world for every budget and personality.
Photo: @amandaadraper
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