Now Is The Time To Plan Your Winter Ski Trip

September has finally arrived, and something about the chilled air has me already dreaming of skiing in the snow. Ski trips can sometimes be intimidating, but I’m convinced that you don’t have to have been skiing black diamonds since you were ten years old in order to have a great time in the mountains.

Some ski towns draw you in with their world class dining or great nightlife, and others with their history and charm. If it feels a little overwhelming, the good news is that I’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed it down for you.

No matter what your preference or skill level, here are eight ski destinations dotted around the world that you’ll be sure to love.

BEST FOR GUARANTEED SNOW

Alta, Utah

Best Time To Travel: November – April

Ski Level: All Levels

Getting There: 40 minutes from Salt Lake City (SLC)

With more than 500 inches of snow on average and a season that stretches into late spring, Alta is counted amongst the snowiest slopes in the world.

Runner Up: Grand Targhee, Wyoming

BEST FOR FOODIES

Megève, France

Best Time To Travel: December – April

Ski Level: Beginners – Intermediate

Getting There: 90 minutes from Geneva (GVA)

With its medieval square, little cobble stoned streets, and timber framed alpine architecture, Megève could not be more charming if it tried. There are an unbelievable three Michelin starred restaurants in the town itself, but pretty much any restaurant you happen to pop into is guaranteed to be delicious here.

Discover the unique world of French Alpine cuisine as you dip into fondue savoyarde, slice into an oven baked tartiflette, and scoop an extra serving of alpine berry preserves onto your morning crepes. On Fridays, the main square transforms into a little farmers market selling all sorts of specialty local produce to bring home.

Runner Up: Courmayeur, Italy & Vail, Colorado

BEST FOR LUXURY

Gstaad, Switzerland

Best Time To Travel: December – March

Ski Level: Beginner – Intermediate

Transfer Time: 2.5 hours from Geneva (GVA)

Gstaad is synonymous with luxury of the highest caliber. The Palace Hotel which sits in the middle of this little alpine town is, indeed, a palace plucked straight out of a fairytale.

It’s one of the places I grew up learning to ski, watching horse drawn carriages clip-clop their way down cobble stoned streets and glamorous women draped in furs sip on cocoa in the early afternoon. Much of its charm lies in that much has changed here over the past century, aside from the prices of course. From accommodations options to dining and shopping, there isn’t a better place to visit for the luxury lover than Gstaad.

Runner Up: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Best Time To Travel: November – February

Ski Level: All Levels

Transfer Time: 90 minutes to Montreal (YUL)

Mont Tremblant is the first mountain I ever skied down as a child, so maybe I’m a little partial here, but I think that this is a terrific place to learn. There’s a good range of beginner slopes and fairly inexpensive lessons and rentals, and it makes a great day trip from Montreal for those who don’t want to commit to an entire holiday.

There are a ton of non-slope activities to enjoy near the resort for those that prefer some down time. There are miles of trails for snowshoeing, an outdoor skating rink, and a lively little village with tons of options to try out great Quebecois cuisine. My favourite indulgence is to sneak away for an day at Scandinave, a Finnish-style spa with outdoor thermal baths, ice plunge pools, and saunas all surrounded by snow capped pines.

Runner Up: Sun Valley, Idaho

BEST FOR APRES

Verbier, Switzerland

Best Time To Travel: December – March

Ski Level: All Levels

Transfer Time: 2 hrs from Geneva (GVA)

Part of the 4 Valèes that span across four valleys and six villages, Verbier has no shortage of fine skiing for every ability. Despite this, the town is known almost as much for its party scene as it is its slopes.

Le Mouton Noir is legendary for its cabaret atmosphere with music and champagne flowing from nearly sun up to sun down. As the evening goes on, the crowd moves to Farm Club for more music, drinks, and dancing late into the night. Verbier also has many excellent spots for quiet drinks with scenic views, such as Macbirch Vins.

Runner Up: Val d’Isere, France & Aspen, Colorado

BEST LOW KEY

Stowe, Vermont

Best Time To Travel: December – March

Ski Level: All Levels

Transfer Time: 45 mins to Burlington (BTV)

Stowe is the birthplace of alpine skiing in Vermont as well as the top destination for skiing on the East Coast, but somehow the little town doesn’t let all of its accolades go to its head. The postcard perfect little town is lined with white steepled churches and clapboard homes puffing chimney smoke.

You’ll see more flannels than furs strolling through colourful Main Street, where you’ll find little bakeries selling hot cross buns and farm-to-table dining with checkered tableclothes. As for the skiing, a little more than half of the resort is comprised of intermediate level runs, with the other half pretty evenly split between beginner and advanced, so there really is a little something for everyone.

Runner Up: Taos, New Mexico

BEST FOR ADVENTURE

Alyeska Resort, Alaska

Best Time To Travel: November – April

Ski Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Transfer Time:

If you’re after somewhere a bit more far flung and adventurous, there’s nowhere better than Alaska. Alyeska has the most snow per year of any ski resort in the world. It is renowned for its amazing views and picturesque powder, with exceptional night skiing opportunities. Notable off-slope activities include dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, and gazing up at the northern lights.

Runner Up: Riksgransen, Sweden & Niseko, Japan