Photo Credit: Philip Larson
Ponder this list of the top 10 ski slopes in the world and you’ll want to pack your bags. True ski aficionados salivate over each and every one, ranked below in descending order. Which one appeals most to you?
- Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia – Unquestionably, this ski resort area offers North America’s best skiing on 8,100 acres of terrain on the two mountains, and with the biggest vertical drop of one mile. Whistler Blackcomb has been consistently voted “Best North American Ski Resort” for the past 10 years. Besides skiing, there are more than 100 restaurants, plus cafes and international shops for apres ski. Lodging top choices include Crystal Lodge and Summit Lodge and Spa.
- Kitzbuhel, Austria – Host of the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976, Kitzbuhel is often described as the “Pearl of the Alps.” The most famous holiday resort in the Austrian Tyrol, as skiing began in this alpine area in 1892. Check out Apartment-Hotel Almhof and Best Western Premier Kaiserhof.
- Zermatt, Switzerland – There are no cars in the village of Zermatt, and it has the second largest lift-served vertical drop and huge annual snowfalls due to the altitude. Zermatt is regarded as Switzerland’s top ski resort. Lodging gems include Riffelalp Resort and Grand Hotel Zermatterhoff.
- Vail, Colorado – Self-marketed as America’s favorite resort, Vail is among the top 5 all-around ski resorts. It has the largest ski area in the U.S. with about 5,300 acres of skiiable terrain, the fastest high-speed detachable quad on one mountain. Vail has plenty of other activites as well: dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, hockey, ballooning, museums, galleries, restaurants and shops. Key lodging choices: Lion Square Lodge and Vail Cascade Resort & Spa.
- Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta – Smack in the middle of Canada’s Banff National Park, Lake Louise is truly one of the most scenic ski resorts. Three different ski areas, 31 miles apart, are Mount Norquay/Mystic Ridge, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Banff Aspen Lodge and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise are two excellent choices for lodging.
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France – Host of the world’s first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, Chamonix ranks among the world’s most famous ski resorts. Situated at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the Alps’ highest peak and Europe’s second largest with an elevation of 15,771 feet. Boasting the world’s biggest vertical drop of 9,209 feet and one of the longest runs in the world, Vallee Blanche, at 13.7 miles, Chamonix deserves its reputation. Check out Auberge du Bois Prin and La Vallee Blanche.
- Stowe, Vermont – Picturesque, full of New England charm, Stowe has the East Coast’s biggest vertical drop, two ski mountains (Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak), 90+ shops and 60 restaurants for apres ski fun. For lodging, top choices include Stowe Mountain Lodge and Inn at the Mountain.
- Mont-Tremblant, Quebec – Famed as a skier’s paradise since 1938, Mont Tremblant in eastern Canada was the first Canadian ski resort and the second in North America. It’s also only one hour from Montreal. Top lodging: Fairmont Tremblant and Club Intrawest.
- Cortina, Italy – Host of the 1956 Olympic Games, Cortina’s ski resorts match any in Europe. It benefits from a car-free environment. Check out Rosa Alpina and Dolomiti Wellness Hotel Fanes.
- Aspen, Colorado – Last, but not least, is the legendary Aspen. With four mountains, excellent terrain for levels of skiing ability, Aspen boasts steeps, bumps and meticulously groomed intermediate terrain. Top choices to stay: Sky Hotel and Hyatt Grand Aspen.
With so many excellent ski slopes to choose from, why not try them all? You’ll have memories to last a lifetime. You should also consider vacation rentals over hotels to increase value and lodging space!
