What are the best ski resorts in the world?

Verbier was elected best ski resort in the world in 2022 by the World Ski Awards website. With its 400 kilometers of slopes and more than 60 ski lifts, it is also a very popular place for freeriding. There is no shortage of distractions, such as paragliding or numerous après-ski activities (wellness, luxury boutiques...).

Its majestic panorama (viewpoint at Mont-Fort at 3330 meters of altitude), its elegant chalets, but also the dynamism of its city center make the resort famous. Verbier is also a popular place for its gastronomy as well as its nightlife.

Perched at 2300 meters of altitude and offering a ski area culminating at over 3000 meters, Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe. It is part of the 3 Valleys (largest ski area in the world, with 600 kilometers of slopes). 
It's a paradise for alpine skiing or snowboarding. You can also practice ski touring, snowshoeing or even skiing in powder snow. 
Val Thorens resort thinks of families, with children's activities at the Forum, and many family-friendly restaurants. It's a village where party-goers should also find their happiness (open-air clubs, concerts, discotheques, bars galore...).

Nagano is the number 1 reference for Japanese skiers. But its reputation has spread beyond Japan's borders because its ski area is very wide (almost 800 kilometers of slopes in total), as it is actually a regrouping of several resorts and areas. The snow cover is very qualitative and the panoramas are magnificent. The maximum altitude is 2,670 meters. It's also an opportunity to discover less common nature in the mountains.

Ideal for skiing as well as après-ski, the Innsbruck region, in Austria, has a wonderful ski area of 300 kilometers of slopes. Beginners as well as experienced skiers can enjoy their stay thanks to the slopes and fun areas adapted to each level. Après-ski activities are plentiful and the city is very lively.

Whistler Blackcomb boasts a gigantic ski area, breathtaking landscapes alternating forests, mountains and glaciers, but also exceptional snow cover (it is possible to ski there until May).
The resort is suitable for all levels of alpine skiing and of course offers a multitude of other winter activities: ski touring, snow park, helicopter tours, bobsleigh, family entertainment, etc.

It is actually 2 resorts spread over a huge area: Turoa and Whakapapa. The preservation of exceptional nature and the variety of its ski area should enchant all those who visit. 
In total, you can enjoy more than 1000 hectares of snow-covered terrain, with slopes for every level, from beginner to experienced skier. And since the resort is located in the southern hemisphere, this will allow you to ski even when it's not the season in Europe!

With a 167-kilometer ski area with 3 distinct zones, Baqueira Beret is one of the best ski resorts, both in the Pyrenees and in Europe. It is also a higher resort than most Pyrenean resorts, which guarantees excellent snow cover. Skiers and snowboarders find their happiness there, especially mogul field enthusiasts. It is surrounded by villages or architectural sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage and preserved nature, such as the Aigüestortes National Park.

An illustrious resort, it is renowned for both its low temperatures and the great luxury that reigns there. A popular spot for the jet-set and global fortunes, just like Courchevel, Saint-Moritz has a very pleasant ski area. There are also many physical activities : ice skating at the local rink, bobsleigh, horse racing, cricket and ice polo...

Located in Colorado, the sublime Aspen ski area actually brings together 4 ski resorts. Culminating at 3,813 meters of altitude, with perfect snow cover, this ski area satisfies skiers of all levels. It's also a rather elitist place, very popular with celebrities. So plan your budget accordingly if you intend to spend your next winter holidays there.

With its 120 kilometers of slopes, Cerro Catedral is suitable for all ski levels. The pass offers access to 55 slopes, mostly blue, served by 29 ski lifts.
But it is especially the preservation of nature and the breathtaking view that visitors enjoy of Lake Nahuel Napi, which also attract a great many skiers.

Do you prefer to stay in Europe, and even in France, for your winter sports holiday? No worries: snow, sun and quality resorts are also well present in France, whether you wish to ski near Mont Blanc, in the Southern Alps, in the Jura, in the Pyrenees, etc. There are also, of course, resorts near the border in Switzerland (Crans Montana, Zermatt) or in Spain.
Need some advice to choose the authentic village or the modern French resort that will suit you? Discover our guide on the best ski resorts for a family holiday, as well as our selection of the best ski resorts.