When it comes to an active winter holiday, skiing is a default choice for many. It can be as relaxing or high-octane as you like, and you’ll have the benefit of stunning surroundings and cool, clean mountain air to make the experience even more pleasant.
The factor that might really make the difference, however, is the resort you’re visiting. Let’s consider several of the most compelling options that the world of skiing has to offer.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
This incredible Italian resort offers a challenge for expert skiers, as well as a pleasing blend of luxury facilities. The resort’s location, nestled within the Dolomites, makes it incredibly beautiful. You’ll also get access to the wider region, thanks to the Dolomiti Superski Pass.
Perhaps the most uniquely appealing thing about Cortina d’Ampezzo is the town itself, which boasts a glitzy, chic aesthetic. You can tour the various churches and museums, when you aren’t exploring the ski runs themselves. Small wonder this resort is known as the Queen of the Dolomites!
Beaver Creek, Colorado, USA
This resort, in Colorado, is best known for the quality of the grooming on the piste. On the so-called ‘cruising’ runs, you’ll find immaculately even slopes when you head out every morning, which can make a big difference to the quality of ski you enjoy. The powder here tends to be slightly thicker than elsewhere in the state, and there are plenty of black and double-black runs, complete with plenty of bumps, that will provide a challenge even to expert skiers.
Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens holds the distinction of being Europe’s highest ski resort, which means that visitors can rely on a certain level of snow cover, even if they’re arriving at the very start (or end) of the ski season. There’s an amazing apres-ski scene, and modern facilities that will afford you access to a truly enormous multi-valley ski area. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the chances are good that you’ll find a slope here that matches your abilities. As such, it’s a natural fit for those looking for great European ski holidays.
Niseko, Japan
Japanese slopes might not be as accessible as those in Europe or the United States, but they offer a quality of powder that attracts skiers from around the world. Plus, during your visit, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of uniquely Japanese apres-ski experiences, making a trip to Niseko a great match for skiers who’ve already spent plenty of time in the more accessible ski resorts. The resort itself is the most popular and famous in the country, with a compelling mixture of slopes that will appeal to skiers of all abilities – from complete beginners right up to vastly experienced professionals.
Great post! What are people’s thoughts on which resorts have the best après-ski scene? It’s a big part of what makes or breaks a trip for me.