If you’re confined in an area with few opportunities for outdoor activities, the winter months can be a challenge. What’s the point of taking time off work if you’re stuck at home because there’s nothing to do in your neighborhood?
If skiing is your thing, you might want to consider visiting one of the world’s most gorgeous ski resorts for your next vacation.
These resorts ensure an amazing holiday experience for the entire family, whether you’re a dedicated climber, an eager snowboarder, or a glutton for all things wellness.
Take a peek at these luxurious resorts if you’re looking for ideas for your next winter trip and want to be surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
1. Avoriaz, France
Avoriaz is so much more than a ski resort. Given that it includes activities other than skiing and other winter sports, the appropriate title may be “leisure resort.” Tourists travel to Avoriaz and the Morzine community during the summer months to hike, mountain bike, or play golf while taking in the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountain range.
The Aquarian, a gorgeous water park that first opened its doors in 2012, has quickly become a popular destination, boasting a huge range of tropical plants and trees that provide a unique experience all year.
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2. Cortina d’Ampezo, Italy
The picturesque town of Cortina d’Ampezzo has quickly become one of the most popular locations for international jet setters, and it’s easy to see why. This ski resort provides a well-rounded holiday experience for the entire family.
Ski trips in the Dolomites take you past freezing waterfalls, charming mountain farms, and breathtaking views of the Lagazuoi. Ice-karting down a track specifically constructed for this new winter sports trend will be a pleasure for kids who desire a little extra excitement.
Evenings are ideal for leisurely strolls through Cortina, where you may browse the many stores and museums before getting ready for the next après-ski party.
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3. Lake Louise, Canada
The Lake Louise Ski Resort, located in Alberta’s Banff National Park, has one of the largest terrain parks in Western Canada, as well as a major learning area for adults and children.
If you aren’t sure about your skiing abilities just yet, you can arrange private lessons or join a group while the kids enjoy a day of fun and games at the resort’s daycare center.
Summer and winter packages are available, as well as a variety of interesting activities, such as a scenic gondola ride into the Canadian Rockies — keep a lookout for grizzly bears!
4. Meribel, France
The large slopes of the Meribel ski resort appeal to skiers of all levels of skill, making it a family-friendly winter recreation destination. The Olympic Centre is open all year and has all of the amenities you’ll need to make your vacation memorable and, most importantly, pleasant.
It’s all imaginable here, whether you want to try a new activity like rock climbing or ice skating, indulge yourself in the spa, or simply keep the kids entertained on the water slide. To catch the homey spirit of the French Alps, book one of the many historic wooden chalets.
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5. Wengen, Switzerland
Book your break to Wengen now if you’ve always imagined yourself spending the frigid winter months in a delightful, tiny mountain community.
This is a car-free resort, accessible only by train or gondola. It’s known for its “Swiss Snow Kids Village,” where children (over the age of three) may spend the day playing games, learning to ski, and riding the snow carousel while their parents tackle the adult slopes.
6. Morzine, France
If you’re seeking a unique ski resort, Morzine is the place to go. Around 650 kilometers (400 miles) of ski slopes ensure an active winter vacation, and after the snow melts, the gorgeous environment transforms into a natural paradise for people who like to spend their summers trekking through its lush forests and along the river gorge.
You’ll feel rested and invigorated after settling into one of the magnificent chalets with views of Lake Geneva to the north and the Mont Blanc alpine range to the south.
7. Val D’isere, France
You know a winter ski resort is hot and happening when even the absolutely un-sporty but Absolutely Fabulous Edina and Patsy visit it – and that is most definitely the case with Val D’Isére. It has been dubbed the “Most Beautiful Ski Area in the World” since it is within five kilometers (3 miles) from the Italian border and the Vanoise National Park.
The resort is primarily made up of chalet-style houses and hotels, all of which are adorned with captivating light fixtures that cast a warm, welcome glow over the icy streets.
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8. Zermatt, Switzerland
Winter sports are available all year in Zermatt, Europe’s highest ski resort. Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most popular winter sports locations, surrounded by the Pennine Alps and boasting 360km (approximately 220 miles) of skiing and snowboarding, along with the Klein Matterhorn, Schwarzsee, Gornergrat, and Sunnega.
To ensure a smog-free view of the Matterhorn, Zermatt, like some of the other ski resorts on this list, prohibits the use of combustion-engine cars and relies almost entirely on battery-powered transportation.
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9. Niseko, Japan
When we think of countries with well-known ski resorts, Japan isn’t the first country that comes to mind. Nonetheless, the Abuta District in Hokkaido attracts skiers from all over the world.
Niseko ensures an entertaining holiday stay with its four resorts, a variety of groomed slopes, tree runs, obstacle parks, and the largest lit area for night-skiing in Japan. To complete the experience, stay in one of the site’s lovely lodges, which are designed in Japanese or Western styles.
10. Alpbach, Austria
During the winter months, the Tyrolean Mountains and their historic farms and guesthouses are wonderfully lovely. It’s tough not to feel as if you’ve stumbled into a romantic Christmas movie when the entire neighborhood is blanketed in crunchy, white snow.
Alpbach is one of the smaller ski resorts on this list, but it has a lot to offer, including at least 18 kilometers (11 miles) of black runs, wonderful hiking trails that lead past beautiful waterfalls, and traditional mountain restaurants where you can relax with a beer and a delicious helping of Käiserschmarn.