Winter is coming up soon, and nothing can match the satisfaction of a great ski trip. It’s a perfect excuse to get a bunch of people together to eat, drink, and explore the outdoors. While most of your trip mates will be sliding down the mountain, there’s lots of options for those that only want to ski one day, or are just there for the vibes. Let’s find your top five ski trip destinations.
There’s definitely a lot of moving parts, so using a trip planning app is definitely recommended. But the hardest part is selecting where to go out of so many great options. Here’s five great options to get started with that are easily accessible worldwide.
Whistler, Aspen, Niseko, Chamonix, and Jackson Hole are five top tier options that have well developed tourism industries alongside great skiing to keep you well entertained, fed, and best of all feeling that post-shred glow.
Between getting an eSIM, deciding to ship or rent your gear, sleeping arrangements, and how you are getting to your accommodation there is a lot to consider. AvoSquado is a great planner for group trips because it can sort that all out for your guests to figure out self-service.
1. Whistler, Canada
Overview:
Whistler Blackcomb, located in British Columbia, is the largest ski resort in North America by skiable terrain, and consistently ranks as one of the top ski destinations in the world.
Why Visit:
- Variety of Terrain: With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, Whistler offers something for everyone, from beginner slopes to challenging backcountry runs.
- Snow Quantity: When it snows, the powder stays pretty good until it gets skied off, so there’s powder stashes for weeks if you get a little creative!
- Village Life: Whistler Village is vibrant and bustling, offering a wide range of restaurants, shops, and après-ski activities. They modeled the village after the bustling après-ski in Europe and thus Whistler probably boasts the best après-ski outside of Europe. One of my personal favorite restaurants in the world is here.
- Invictus Games 2025: Whistler will be hosting the Invictus Games for the first time in 2025, which introduces a new category of adaptive snow sports.
Highlights:
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola: Experience the stunning views with the world’s highest and longest gondola connecting the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb together from peak to peak.
- Heli-Skiing: For the ultimate adventure, try heli-skiing in the surrounding backcountry. Make sure to book early, they usually fill up close to a year in advance.
- Peak Chair: This is probably the best chairlift accessed alpine terrain in the world. When it’s a powder day, this is the place to be for a bounty of steep lines and terrain. If it snows too much to groom, you can also access one of the world’s longest runs that will instead just be a powder highway from the peak to the base.
2. Niseko, Japan
Overview:
Niseko, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, is famous for its incredible powder snow (JaPow) and unique cultural experience.
Why Visit:
- Powder Paradise: Niseko is renowned for its light, fluffy powder snow, with consistent snowfall throughout the season.
- Cultural Experience: Enjoy the blend of Japanese culture with hot springs (onsens), delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. Nothing beats a hot bowl of cheap ramen after skiing followed up with a bath in a natural hot spring.
- Night Skiing: Niseko offers extensive night skiing options, with well-lit slopes for evening adventures.
Highlights:
- Grand Hirafu: The largest of Niseko’s four interconnected resorts, offering diverse terrain and stunning views of Mt. Yotei.
- Onsen Experience: Relax in natural hot springs after a day on the slopes.
- Bo-Yo-So: My favorite hidden slope-side ramen shack. It’s hard to find, nestled in a bunch of trees, but serves up family-run ramen, katsu, and other delicious food. I hesitate sharing it with you, but if you can find it, enjoy! Like most things in Japan, it’s cash only, so don’t forget to bring some bills!
- Sapporo Snow Festival: If you make it out in February, you can also check out the Sapporo snow festival.
3. Aspen, USA
Overview:
Aspen, Colorado, is a world-renowned ski destination known for its glamorous atmosphere, top-notch facilities, and challenging terrain.
Why Visit:
- Diverse Terrain: Aspen Snowmass consists of four ski areas (Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass), catering to all skill levels.
- Luxury and Lifestyle: Aspen is famous for its upscale dining, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
- Rich History: A storied history of skiing with a charming downtown filled with historic buildings.
Highlights:
- Aspen Mountain: Known for its challenging runs and stunning views.
- X Games: Home to the annual Winter X Games, showcasing top athletes in action.
4. Chamonix, France
Overview:
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, located in the French Alps, is a legendary ski destination known for its dramatic scenery and challenging terrain.
Why Visit:
- Iconic Terrain: Chamonix offers some of the most challenging and diverse skiing in the world, including the famous Vallée Blanche.
- Alpine Charm: A picturesque town with charming streets, excellent restaurants, and lively après-ski.
- Historical Significance: Host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
Highlights:
- Vallée Blanche: A 20-kilometer off-piste run that offers an unforgettable experience for advanced skiers.
- Mont Blanc: Ski in the shadow of Western Europe’s highest peak.
5. Jackson Hole, USA
Overview:
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a premier ski destination known for its rugged terrain, abundant snowfall, and Wild West charm.
Why Visit:
- Challenging Terrain: Renowned for its steep slopes and expert terrain, including the infamous Corbet’s Couloir.
- Snowfall: Consistent and abundant snowfall, providing excellent powder conditions.
- Wild West Atmosphere: Experience the unique blend of Western culture and natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Corbet’s Couloir: One of the most famous and challenging ski runs in the world. It’s definitely one to tick off the bucket list
- Jackson Town: A charming town with a lively arts scene, great dining, and iconic cowboy bars.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate powder experience in Niseko, the luxurious lifestyle of Aspen, the rugged adventure of Jackson Hole, the vast terrain of Whistler, or the historic charm of Chamonix, these top five ski destinations offer something for every ski enthusiast.
Start planning your next winter adventure and create core memories on the slopes. Stay organized and download the Avosquado app and take the trip out of the group chat.
