The best ski resorts in the world

Our ranking of the 10 best ski resorts in the world

2. Zermatt, Switzerland: skiing in the shadow of the legendary Matterhorn

At the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the Alps’ most iconic peaks, Zermatt offers a spectacular setting for lovers of skiing and the high mountains. Its international ski area, linked to Cervinia in Italy, allows skiers to cross the border on skis and discover a wide variety of slopes among glaciers and high-altitude panoramas.

Entirely closed to private petrol and diesel vehicles, the village has a distinctive atmosphere, with traditional chalets, prestigious hotels and fine-dining restaurants. Visitors get around mainly on foot or in electric vehicles.

Renowned for its scenery and art of living, Zermatt ranks among the world’s most prestigious ski destinations.

3. Kitzbühel, Austria: Tyrolean elegance and the legend of the Streif

In the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel combines an extensive ski area with one of Alpine skiing’s most prestigious traditions. Its approximately 230 km of slopes offer a wide variety of runs among panoramic peaks, Alpine pastures and forests. The resort is world-famous for the Streif, the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill course, the setting for one of the most spectacular races on the World Cup circuit.

Beyond the skiing, Kitzbühel delights visitors with its historic centre and colourful façades, elegant hotels, restaurants and numerous après-ski venues. It is a destination where Tyrolean charm meets outstanding facilities and a long sporting heritage.

4. Verbier, Switzerland: a world-class freeride destination

Perched on a sunny plateau in the Swiss Alps, Verbier is a favourite destination for fans of challenging skiing and freeriding. Part of the 4 Vallées ski area, which has more than 400 km of slopes, the resort provides access to vast high-altitude terrain and demanding itineraries. From Mont Fort, at 3,329 metres, there are sweeping views of the great Alpine peaks, including the Mont Blanc massif.

Known for hosting the Xtreme Verbier, an iconic competition on the Freeride World Tour, the resort also has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Prestigious chalets, mountain restaurants, lively bars and vibrant après-ski keep the fun going after a day on the slopes.

5. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada: vast slopes in the heart of the Canadian mountains

In British Columbia, around two hours from Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb is home to North America’s largest ski area, with more than 3,200 hectares of skiable terrain. Spread across two mountains connected by the spectacular PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, it offers an impressive variety of runs, from groomed slopes and conifer forests to vast high-altitude terrain.

At the foot of the mountains, the entirely pedestrianised Whistler Village brings together hotels, restaurants, shops and après-ski venues in a lively atmosphere. Host of the Alpine events at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Whistler Blackcomb is an international benchmark for the scale of its ski area, its scenery and its wealth of activities.

6. Courchevel, France: outstanding skiing and the French art of living

In the heart of the French Alps, Courchevel combines a varied ski area with internationally renowned hotels and restaurants. Its slopes, which wind through fir forests and across high-altitude peaks, are suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Connected to the 600 km of slopes in Les 3 Vallées, the resort allows skiers to reach the ski area’s other valleys without taking off their skis.

Made up of several villages, each with its own distinctive atmosphere, Courchevel is known for its chalets, prestigious hotels, palace hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. Blending skiing, gastronomy, wellness and luxury shopping, it embodies a particular vision of the mountain lifestyle without losing sight of the sheer pleasure of skiing.

7. Aspen Snowmass, United States: four mountains and the Colorado lifestyle

In the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen Snowmass brings together four ski areas, each with its own distinct character: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Accessible with a single ski pass, they offer more than 2,300 hectares of skiable terrain, including groomed slopes, technical runs, vast powder areas and family-friendly zones.

A former mining town turned international destination, Aspen has a particularly rich cultural scene, with art galleries, shops, fine-dining restaurants and events. From elegant hotels to mountain residences, the accommodation reflects this diverse range of experiences. It is a destination that combines American skiing, magnificent scenery and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

8. Niseko United, Japan: Japanese powder with views of Mount Yōtei

On the island of Hokkaidō in northern Japan, Niseko United is world-renowned for the abundance and lightness of its powder snow. Bringing together four ski areas on the slopes of Mount Niseko Annupuri, the destination appeals to deep-snow enthusiasts with its birch-lined slopes and ski terrain offering remarkable views of Mount Yōtei, the region’s iconic volcano.

After skiing, the experience continues in the onsen, Japan’s natural hot spring baths, and over Hokkaidō specialities. With contemporary accommodation, traditional inns and restaurants, Niseko combines world-class skiing with an introduction to Japanese culture in surroundings very different from those of the major Alpine resorts.

9. St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria: the birthplace of modern Alpine skiing

In the Austrian Tyrol, St. Anton am Arlberg is a historic Alpine skiing destination, renowned for its challenging slopes and freeride opportunities. Part of the extensive Ski Arlberg area, which has more than 300 km of marked slopes, the resort offers a wide variety of terrain, from technical descents and high-altitude sectors to Alpine landscapes. Its history is closely linked to the development of modern skiing techniques, particularly through the Arlberg ski school.

At the foot of the slopes, St. Anton is known for its particularly lively Austrian atmosphere, with traditional restaurants, hotels and famous après-ski venues such as MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh. Experienced skiers value the destination for its demanding terrain and vibrant atmosphere.

10. Catedral Alta Patagonia, Argentina: skiing amid Patagonia’s magnificent scenery

In the Andes, near San Carlos de Bariloche, Catedral Alta Patagonia is one of South America’s most renowned ski resorts. Set on the slopes of Cerro Catedral, it offers an extensive ski area combining panoramic slopes, technical sectors and forest-lined runs. From higher up the mountain, the view stretches across the Patagonian mountains and the waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

The resort also stands out for its Southern Hemisphere winter season, making it possible to ski during the European summer. Just a few kilometres away, Bariloche adds Alpine-inspired chalets, artisan chocolate shops, restaurants and accommodation to the experience. This destination combines skiing, Argentinian culture and the discovery of Andean landscapes.

What criteria can be used to compare the world’s best ski resorts?

Choosing the world’s best ski resort depends as much on the quality of the skiing as on the overall experience at the destination. Several criteria were taken into account when compiling this selection: