Our experts have done the hard work of determining the best ski resorts on every continent, taking into account factors such as terrain quality, snow reliability, and accessibility. With over 6,000 ski areas worldwide, narrowing down the top resorts on each continent is no easy feat. From Jackson Hole in Wyoming with its legendary steep terrain to Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia offering endless groomers and backcountry access, we’ve got you covered in North America. In South America, Las Leñas in Argentina boasts high-altitude steeps and powder, while Portillo in Chile caters to skiers of all levels. Over in Europe, Verbier in Switzerland impresses with its massive size and luxurious feel, while Chamonix-Mont Blanc in France offers world-class skiing at the foot of Mont Blanc. Get ready for the ultimate ski adventures across the globe!
Our Experts Determined the Best Ski Resorts on Every Continent
Considering that there are over 6,000 ski areas around the globe, narrowing down the best couple resorts on each continent is no easy feat. After all, there are many factors to consider, as well as the fact that some continents are more geographically and meteorologically blessed than others. To determine the best ski resorts on each continent, first, we considered the characteristics that make a ski area the greatest of all time: quality of terrain, reliability of snow, and accessibility.
So that means setting out to find ski areas with a wide variety of stellar ski terrain, from world-class steeps, and legendary back bowls to slopes geared toward those just learning to ski. For snow conditions, we looked at resorts that consistently have good snow coverage (or, in some cases, the best snowmaking capabilities). And lastly, we looked at accessibility: Is this a place everyone can get to and enjoy equally? That’s just as important as the number of powder days to us.
So, without further delay, here are the best ski resorts, according to our well-traveled editors and contributors, on every continent.
North America
Winner: Jackson Hole, Wyo.
You simply cannot beat Jackson Hole’s legendary terrain, from the steeps off Sublette and Thunder chairs to the tree skiing off the Teton Chair. Go stand atop Alta Chute or the Hobacks or Cheyenne Bowl on a powder day and tell us this isn’t the most impressively sustained ski terrain you’ve ever dropped into. With a massive 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and over 4,000 feet of vertical drop from the top of the tram to the base area, this is a mountain where expert skiers come to get their butts kicked. And that’s just the inbounds skiing—you can hire a guide to take you into some of the expansive surrounding backcountry bowls with views of the Teton Range.
Snow quality is Rocky Mountain cold smoke, with an average of 458 inches of snow a year. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has done a stellar job in recent years of expanding access to intermediate slopes, with the addition of the Sweetwater Gondola, and though flights in and out of Jackson’s remote airport aren’t exactly cheap, you will find 12 direct flights from major hubs around the U.S.
We’d love it if the base area had more of a day-use lodge and if there were more affordable lodging options at the village. But there are plenty of places to stay on every budget in the town of Jackson, 12 miles away from the resort, and a bus that’ll take you to the ski hill. Select Ikon passes come with five or seven days of skiing at Jackson Hole (reservations required), otherwise, get lift tickets ahead of time for the best deal.
Runner Up: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
At Whistler Blackcomb, you get two neighboring resorts with a total of 8,171 acres. You’ll ski Blackcomb for fall line steeps and backcountry access and you’ll head to Whistler for endless groomers and above-treeline bowls. Connect the two via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
For a classic, expert-only line on Blackcomb, hike to Spanky’s Ladder, a couloir that requires a short bootpack to reach. For a gentler option, carve Cloud Nine under the Seventh Heaven chair. At Whistler, don’t miss the Dave Murray Downhill, the site of the 2010 Olympic downhill, a speedy, twisty descent that drops 3,300 vertical feet.
Though Whistler Blackcomb is lower in elevation than some North American resorts—the mountain’s highest lift accessed point is 7,494 feet—the resort boasts an annual average of 448 inches of snow. Sure, you might get some rain, but cold powder days are the norm. Getting to Whistler is a breeze: Fly into Vancouver, then take a shuttle up the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. If you’re staying in the village, you don’t need a car, and lodging ranges from high-end to pod hotels. Epic Pass users can also enjoy unlimited access to both resorts.
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South America
Winner: Las Leñas, Mendoza, Argentina
Skiers come from all over the world for the high-altitude steeps and powder at Las Leñas, and for good reason: When the snow is deep, this resort is among the biggest in the southern hemisphere, with a whopping 40,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort’s highest point is 11,250 feet, and from this sky-scraping, treeless vantage point, you’ll have stellar views of the Andes. The ski season here lasts from June through September and though winters can be hit or miss, if you’re planning a ski trip to South America, Las Leñas is a reliably good bet for snow conditions, thanks to its high elevation base. The Marte double chairlift is famous for its steep chutes and wide-open bowls—expert skiers could just ride this single lift and be content.
Though Las Leñas is known for its more advanced terrain and backcountry access, intermediates will find plenty to explore off lifts like Minerva and Caris. If you didn’t get enough ski time during the day, Las Leñas is one of few South American resorts to offer under-the-lights night skiing. Getting here is admittedly a challenge, but we promise it’ll be worth the effort. Fly into Malargüe or Mendoza, then take ground transportation (about a four-hour drive, give or take road conditions) to Las Leñas. You can stay on-site in the village at a range of accommodations.
Runner Up: Portillo, Chile
Portillo has terrain for every type of skier. Experts will lap El Estadio—a wide-open bowl that holds powder long after a storm. Intermediates and experts can enjoy the lines off the Plateau lift that serve up stunning views of Laguna del Inca, the shimmering alpine lake nestled within the ski resort. When conditions allow, experienced backcountry skiers can bootpack the legendary Super C Couloir for a nearly 5,000-vertical-foot descent down a narrow, 50-degree chute. Plus, there’s beginner-friendly terrain as well as high-speed cruisers down to the Juncalillo triple chair.
Most visitors stay for a full week at the all-inclusive Hotel Portillo, the iconic yellow lodge at the base of the ski resort, where four meals a day (including afternoon tea) come included in your stay and revelers disco party until the wee hours. Getting to Portillo is half the fun: You’ll drive up 29 hairpin turns on the Trans-Andean Highway to reach the resort. Arrange for an airport shuttle from Santiago and you’ll be greeted by the hotel’s official welcome wagon—a giant Saint Bernard—within a few hours.
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Europe
Winner: Verbier, Switzerland
The only problem with Verbier? It’s so massive, that there’s no way you could ski it all in a single visit. Made up of four interconnected valleys, Verbier is Switzerland’s largest ski resort, with over 90 lifts ranging from trams to pomas. From the main village base area, it’ll take you four lifts to reach the top of the Mont Fort tram at 10,925 feet, but it’s worth it for the panoramic view of the Alps and the extensive ski terrain down, ranging from high-speed groomers to backcountry steeps. Verbier has a distinctly luxurious feel to it—with high-end slopeside hotels and celebrity sightings—but the terrain here is ski-bum-approved. There’s a reason the Freeride World Tour has its finale here every year: The steeps and cliffs at Verbier are a freeride skier’s dream. But if groomers and mid-mountain chalets are more your style, this resort has that aplenty, too.
Don’t be fooled by Verbier’s average of 215 inches of snow a year—even if a storm hasn’t blown through in a while, most of the skiers here stick to the piste, which means if you’re looking for powder, it’s usually not that hard to find just a quick sidestep or detour off the groomers.
Head into the valley of La Tzoumaz for protected north-facing lines or to Nendaz for more intermediate and family-friendly terrain. There are two lift ticket options: A less expensive one to lower-mountain zones or an all-access pass that gets you up the Mont Fort tram. Those with an Epic Pass get five days at Verbier.
To get to Verbier, fly into Geneva and book an airport transfer for the two-and-a-half-hour drive, or take the train to the nearby village of Le Châble for more affordable lodging options and a gondola that takes you to the base of the ski area). For closer access to skiing, stay in the upscale village of Verbier, which has everything from luxury hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts to DJ-fueled après-ski parties.
Runner Up: Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France
Skiing in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, one of the highest peaks in the Alps, is a rite of passage for hardy skiers and ski mountaineers. Though much of this iconic region’s extreme backcountry terrain is accessible only to the very experienced, there’s plenty of approachable and fun inbounds terrain at the valley’s two best resorts, the north-facing steeps of Les Grand Montet and the famous piste of Le Brévent. For the epitome of a Chamonix experience, hire a mountain guide and ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 12,605 feet to ski one of the most classic lines in the world: the 14-mile-long Vallée Blanche, a glaciated run that is doable for most advanced skiers and ends with a train ride back into the quaint village.
Getting here couldn’t be easier: Fly to Geneva, then hop an hour-and-a-half shuttle or take the rail line directly to Chamonix train station. A free local bus is available to shuttle you around the valley. Chamonix has a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury chalets.
With these top ski resorts on each continent, you can now start planning your next ski adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the legendary terrain of Jackson Hole, the high-altitude steeps of Las Leñas, or the massive ski area of Verbier, there’s something for everyone. So grab your skis or snowboard and get ready for an unforgettable experience on the slopes!
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Source: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/snow-sports/the-best-ski-resort-on-each-continent/
Hi there! I’m the Editor, experienced outdoor development specialist, mountaineer and the mind behind ‘Country Rambler.’ I’m thrilled to welcome you to our website, your go-to destination for all things hill walking and rambling. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or just dipping your toes into the great outdoors, I’ve got you covered. From providing guidance on essential gear, like boots and jackets, to sharing trail tips that range from peaceful paths to challenging peaks, I’ve got everything you need to embark on your next adventure. Stay in the loop with our fresh news updates and trail information. So, lace up those boots and join me as we explore the breathtaking landscapes together. Happy wandering!
