Across the globe, we are spoilt with the best places to ski and some of the best ski resorts in the world. 

One thing we know for sure is that the best powder skiing isn’t everyone’s highest priority when choosing the best ski resorts to travel to. For some people, it’s about the quality of cruising runs and how family-friendly the resort is, for others, it’s about the nightlife, the restaurants or a combination of all. 

We know first-hand that everyone has different priorities, so let us help you decide based on your dream ski holiday. Let’s get into it!

Perisher, Australia

Perisher is the largest snow resort in the Southern Hemisphere and is situated in The Snowy Mountains on the east coast of Australia. The resort occupies over 1,200 hectares (2,965 acres) of skiable terrain across four resort areas – Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega. With the greatest number of lifts and the most reliable snow in the country, you’re sure to enjoy yourself.

Perisher is 5.5 hrs drive from Sydney or 6.5 hrs from Melbourne. Or if you’re looking to fly, the nearest airport is Canberra. For more info on travelling to Perisher, check out our Perisher FAQs.

With 4 resorts on offer, Perisher is perfect for families and skiing enthusiasts of all levels. Perisher Valley and Blue Cow offer a good amount of beginner to advanced runs, Guthega is most loved by the locals and offers panoramic views of the Kosciuszko mountain range, while Smiggens is the go-to ski spot for families and beginners.

If you love waking up on the snow, Eiger Chalet is your slice of mountainside paradise. It offers chalet-style accommodation perfect for singles, couples, and families, and a well renowned on-snow experience to wine, dine and unwind. Guests and locals can enjoy live music, and après-ski style at The White Spider Restaurant and Bar daily from 4 pm.

Many snow revellers will be pleased to know that Perisher has recently joined Epic Pass giving you one-pass access to the mountains you love worldwide.

Falls Creek, Australia

Another member of the Epic Pass is Falls Creek, a picturesque ski resort in Victoria. The resort is regarded as the home of cross country skiing, with one of the most expansive trail networks of any resort in the country. 

Located in North-East Victoria, Falls Creek is 4.5 hours drive from Melbourne, less than 2 hours drive from Albury-Wodonga or an easy day’s drive from Sydney. Transport options are in abundance, including self-driving, coach buses, public transport, private transfers, and air travel. 

Falls Creek has more than 92 runs, so if you are a beginner or an advanced skier there is plenty to keep you challenged. The mountain is great for families who want to get the kids on the slopes for skiing or snowboarding. 

There are many beautiful places to stay on the mountain in one of Falls Creek’s beautiful lodges, hotels or apartments. Some favourites include Alpine Boutique Apartments or the Diana Alpine Lodge

If you’re looking to party, Falls Creek may not be for you. There are certainly some fine, cosy restaurants, a café and a bar that can be found in the village. However, the nightlife is pretty much non-existent at Falls. 

Coronet Peak, New Zealand

Coronet Peak is one of New Zealand’s most popular ski resorts due to its proximity to Queenstown. It has varied terrain, quality facilities and the most picturesque view of Lake Wakatipu. 

Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, it is one of the most accessible ski resorts in the country. If you’re looking for nightlife, we recommend that you book accommodation in Queenstown which is close by and easy to get in and out of. 

One activity that is most loved in Coronet Peak is night skiing, where skiers and snowboarders can experience the slopes with a whole new perspective on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Coronet Peak is a great vacation for everyone. Bring your family, your mates, or your race face and ride from sunrise to after sunset and enjoy New Zealand’s longest ski day.

Hakuba, Japan

Located at the base of the Japanese Alps, the Hakuba Valley hosts ten charming ski resorts. From December to March Hakuba offers some of Japan’s best skiing and snowboarding, which attracts visitors and Epic Pass holders from all over the world. 

Hakuba has been renowned for its powder snow and with 11 meters of snow falling annually, you’ll be able to get the very best experience here. But like many Japanese ski villages, there’s no nightlife, so make note that you’re travelling to Hakuba for the snow, not the soiree. 

You can fly into Tokyo international airport and drive four hours or catch the bullet train from Tokyo which takes just over three and a half hours.

In Hakuba, there are over 200 hotels and resorts, ski lodges, traditional inns, ski in ski out, and luxury accommodation. Some favourites are:

Hakuba Yamano Hotel is a lovely, family-run stay that offers both traditional Japanese and Western-style accommodation. 

The Ridge Hotel and Apartments has ultra-chic rooms and self-catering apartments with plenty of space. 

Rusutsu, Japan

The Rusutsu Ski Resort in Hokkaido is absolute heaven for beginners to experienced snow seekers. With an average annual snowfall of 13 meters, the Rusutsu Resort has some of the most incredible powder and tree skiing to be found anywhere in the world.

What makes Rusutsu so much fun is the resort’s 3 peaks – West Mt., East Mt., and Mt. Isola – each with their own unique terrain that increases the ways you can enjoy the snow. The skifield is home to 37 runs ranging from gentle slopes where everyone can safely ski and snowboard right up to challenging runs that will satisfy the advanced skiers.

Rusutsu Resort is located 90 minutes southwest of Sapporo or a quick 90-minute drive from the New Chitose International Airport. There are consistent shuttle buses between Rusutsu and both locations that are relatively simple to organise. 

The main Rusutsu accommodation consists of two large hotels and serviced apartments. The Rusutsu Resort Hotel is a popular stay and is conveniently ski-in and ski-out. The hotel has a huge number of facilities and is incredibly family-friendly.

If you’re looking to travel to Rusutsu, take a look at Epic Pass which the resort is a member of. 

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

In a class of its own, Whistler Blackcomb is considered one of the hottest ski destinations in the world. The Whistler ski resort is huge and offers amazing terrain diversity and a very efficient lift system. The resort is also a member of Epic Pass so worth a visit if you’ve already got your hands on a pass.  

The European-inspired, pedestrian-only alpine village is made for fun. The nightlife is electric with restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and plenty of shops all within walking distance. 

To get there, the closest major airport is Vancouver International (YVR), which is approximately a two and a half hours drive to Whistler, or five hours drive from Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). 

No matter your budget or taste, you will be certain to find the right accommodation. From luxury hotel suites, spacious studios, and family-friendly townhomes with full kitchens. There are six distinct areas in which to stay, each with a unique personality and advantages. A favourite is Blackcomb Spring Suites

Heavenly California, USA

High above the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe is the largest of the Californian ski resorts that spread across both California and Nevada. Heavenly is a hotspot for Epic Pass holders and those who love a stunning backdrop while skiing.  

The Resort is great for all abilities, but in particular, it’s an intermediates’ paradise and a mecca for advanced tree skiing. However, if you’re looking for extreme terrain, Heavenly may not be the resort for you.

To get there, you can fly into either Reno-Tahoe or Sacramento. Reno-Tahoe is a 75-minute drive and Sacramento is a two-hour drive into Heavenly. 

All skied out? Save your energy for the electric après ski scene, local brewpubs, diverse dining, and Vegas-style nightlife.

Skirama Dolomiti, Italy

Skirama Dolomiti is a collection of eight ski resorts found in the Italian Alps. With 150 lift facilities and 380 km of slopes, it’s no wonder it is a  bucket list destination for many skiers and Epic Pass holders. 

Skirama Dolomiti is centrally located, and within 3 hours drive of 15 different airports. Including Ancona, Bergamo, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Firenze, Forlì, Milan Linate, Parma, Pisa, Rimini, Treviso, Trieste, Venice and Verona.

Out of all 8 ski resorts, Monte Bondone is the most family-focused ski resort, that is known for its wide pistes and purpose-built village. It has a fantastic range of hotels, childcare and restaurants/bars on offer.  Staying in Marilleva is another great option for those who would like direct access to the slopes with ski-in and ski-out apartments available. 

Les 3 Vallées, France

Les Trois Vallèes is the world’s largest ski area it is made up of eight resorts linked via modern ski lifts & features fantastic terrain for all ski abilities. The 3 Vallees can provide a sensational French Alps ski experience for keen skiers and snowboarders.

The most common way to get to the Alps is to fly into either Grenoble or Chambéry which are both a little over an hour’s drive to the resorts.  Geneva and Lyon are also popular airports to fly into and are just over 2 hours drive to Les Trois Vallèes. 

Choosing the best location to stay depends on budget, ski ability, expectations & personal preferences. If you wish to explore the entire resort, we recommend staying in the middle valley near Meribel. 

St Anton, Austria

St. Anton am Arlberg is a legendary Austrian ski village in the Tyrolean Alps. It’s the gateway to the Arlberg ski region and is best known for its role in inventing Alpine skiing.  The famous resort attracts die-hard snow enthusiasts from around the world and is the largest resort in the Arlberg ski area.

While St Anton is best known for Apline Skiing, it is also great for beginners and those with little experience. It is home to the biggest ski school in Austria with approximately 300-400 ski instructors for all ages and abilities. 

If you are looking to party you are in the right place. St Anton is famous for all-night entertainment. Whilst there are enough bars and nightclubs to satisfy even the fussiest of partygoers, Piccadillys and Bar Kandahar are the most popular.

St Anton is only about a 75-minute drive away from Innsbruck airport, and the most common way to travel to and from the airport is by private transfer or hire car. Accommodation is plentiful, but the Hotel Schweiger is a great ski in ski out location. Quietly situated above the village, it offers contemporary but cosy rooms, suites and an apartment for five that are well-priced.

If you’re tempted to pack your bags and get on your way to one of the best places to ski in the world we don’t blame you. Pack those bags and your first stop could be Eiger Chalet in Perisher.