10 Best Ski Resorts Around the World, According to Forbes
Ready to hit the slopes this winter? Whether you’re a pro or just getting started, Forbes put together a ranking of the world’s best ski resort destinations.
Slippery Slopes
There are over 6,000 ski resorts worldwide, so it’s safe to say the competition for the top ten best options was stiff. Forbes looked at several key categories, including length and variety of slopes, average costs and accessibility, après-ski scene, and even Instagram worthiness, to narrow things down.
Keeping Score
Forbes used a min-max normalization formula to score each resort on relative performance in each category. They gave each resort a score out of 100.
1: Les Trois Vallées, Savoie, France
As the world’s largest linked ski area, it’s no wonder Forbes ranked Les Trois Vallées the best ski resort in the world. It has over 600 kilometers (km) of slopes spanning eight resorts in the Northern French Alps. It’s home to one of the most challenging ski runs in Europe but also offers a variety of slopes for skiers of all abilities. For £59 ($66), skiers can access all resorts in the area.
2: Les Portes du Soleil, Haute-Savoie/Valais, France/Switzerland
Stretching from Lake Geneva in Switzerland to Mont Blanc in France, you can seamlessly ski between resorts without repeating the same run. Encompassing 13 resorts with stunning slopes, delicious après-ski options, and affordable passes, it’s a fantastic place for a winter getaway.
3: Les Quatre Vallées, Savoie, France
While Les Quatre Vallées is home to some of the most challenging skiing in the Alps, it has over 400 km of slopes that cater to all abilities. Forbes gave a shout-out to its freestyle scene, which attracts adrenaline junkies from all over the world, and its phenomenal bars and restaurants for a post-ski refreshment.
4: Ski Arlberg, Austria
With 302 km of slopes, Austria’s largest ski resort is nothing short of a winter wonderland. Known as a legendary location for alpine skiing, Ski Arlberg has a wealth of natural snow and exciting slopes for all kinds of winter sports and activities. A day pass will run you about $59 for a full day on the slopes.
5: Zermatt, Switzerland
Whether you’re looking to shred the slopes all day, explore an igloo village, or enjoy a fascinating snowshoe excursion, Zermatt is an ideal winter destination. You’ll see the Matterhorn there, one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland. It has 322 km of slopes, plus plenty of spots to put your feet up after a long day out.
6: Silvretta Arena Samnaun/Ischgl, Austria
Both seasoned and rookie skiers will have nonstop fun at this thrilling Austrian resort. With 239 km of perfectly groomed slopes, you’ll find guaranteed snow there from November through the beginning of May, thanks to the resort’s high elevation. True thrill-seekers will love the freeride options at this resort.
7: Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Fieberbrunn, Austria
As one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, the Skicircus offers something for everybody. There are 270 km of slopes, with numerous parks and runs scattered throughout the region. After a long day of snow adventures, you can take a breather at one of more than 60 ski huts, full of local delicacies to indulge in.
8: Skiwelt, Austria
With over nine villages connecting you to more than 270 km of snowy ski runs and 20 downhills, Skiwelt is a world-class destination. One of the most incredible things about this spot is its night skiing area, where you can hit the slopes even after the sun goes down. Then, at the end of your day, cap it off by going to their mountain hut to listen to live music.
9: Vail, Colorado
Vail is the only resort outside of Europe to make it on Forbes’ list of top ten best ski resorts. Located in Colorado, it’s one of the largest and best-known resorts in the US. Its legendary wide bowl-shaped slopes are a fan favorite for skiers worldwide. More than 1.3 million people have used a Vail-related hashtag to rave about its views on Instagram.
10: Val d’Isère, Savoie, France
While this resort is traditionally geared toward intermediate and advanced skiers, Val d’Isère’s Solaise sector offers plenty of terrain suited for beginners and families. Not only will you find exciting slopes for an ideal ski vacation, but you can also participate in unique winter activities like floating in an ice-cold lake or getting pulled by a dog sled.
Best of the Best
As you may have guessed from its high number of resorts in the top ten, Austria is the world’s number one country for skiing. It’s home to 28% of Forbes’ top 50 ski resorts and one of the world’s most popular skiing destinations for beginners and experts alike.
Advanced Options
Forbes dubbed Big Sky, Montana, the number one ski resort for skiers with a few years of experience. It has over 126 km of black slopes and one of the biggest vertical drops in North America. They note that the aprés ski scene isn’t the most lively, but you can enjoy fewer crowds in the evening.
For Beginners
If you’re embarking on your first ski trip or aren’t as confident in your skills, Forbes recommends Les Trois Vallées in Savoie, France. Across its eight resorts, more than half of the slopes are suited for novice skiers.
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