Many ski adventurers seek not just the thrill of the slopes but also the allure of destinations that redefine the entire skiing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice looking for a memorable escapade, the distinctiveness of certain ski resorts make for unparalleled getaways.
To find the most unique places, you’ll want to explore destinations that offer something beyond the ordinary. When it comes to choosing a ski resort, there are numerous factors to consider, including terrain, snow conditions, amenities, and accessibility.
In this guide, we’ll help you discover ten unique ski resorts around the world.
Niseko, Japan
Niseko, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, is renowned for its consistent and abundant powder snow, often referred to as ‘Japow’. The interconnected ski resorts of Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, Niseko Village, and Hanazono collectively form the Niseko United ski area.
Niseko’s high-quality snow often exceeds 15 metres annually. The unique blend of deep snow, tree runs, and accessible backcountry makes it a haven for powder hounds. The cultural experience is distinctive, with traditional Japanese architecture, cuisine, and the opportunity to relax in onsens.
Here’s how to get to Niseko:
Flight: Fly from the UK to New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
Transfer: Take a domestic flight or use ground transportation to reach Niseko. Alternatively, some resorts offer direct transfers from the airport. Taxis and rental cars are also available.
In terms of accommodation, numerous hotels, chalets, and traditional ryokans are available in Niseko Village and the surrounding areas.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Home to the iconic Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a beguiling village with breathtaking Alpine scenery. Its car-free status adds to its charm, allowing only electric taxis and horse-drawn carriages.
Zermatt is beloved for its upscale accommodations, vibrant après-ski scene, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The resort provides access to the highest cable car in Europe, the Klein Matterhorn, promising extensive and challenging slopes.
Here’s how to arrive:
Flight: Fly to Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland.
Transfer: Take a train from Zurich Airport to Zermatt. Once you’re in Zermatt, you’ll have the choice of either an electric taxi or horse and carriage.
Zermatt accommodation offers a range of hotels and chalets, many with stunning views of the Matterhorn.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Famous for hosting the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix is a historic resort nestled in the French Alps, near the borders of France, Switzerland, and Italy. Its steep, challenging terrain and stunning glacial landscapes attract advanced skiers and mountaineers.
The Aiguille du Midi cable car provides access to the Vallée Blanche, a famous off-piste route with stunning glacial scenery. The town itself offers a lively atmosphere with numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural events. The fact that this was the location of the first Winter Olympics adds to its historical significance.
Here’s how to get there:
Flight: Fly to Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland.
Transfer: Use a shuttle, private transfer, or rental car to reach Chamonix, approximately 1.5 hours away. Local buses and taxis are available for transportation once you reach Chamonix.
Chamonix accommodation is made up of hotels, chalets, and apartments of different styles.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a picturesque destination with a vibrant town centre that’s popular all year round. While not traditionally associated with skiing, Queenstown is compelling because it combines winter sports with the stunning landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere.
Skiing with a backdrop of lakes and mountains is a truly unique experience. Ski resorts like Coronet Peak and The Remarkables provide excellent skiing against the backdrop of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The proximity to Fiordland National Park is also appealing.
Here’s how to get to Queenstown ski resorts:
Flight: Fly to Queenstown Airport (ZQN) via connecting flights, often with layovers in Australia or Asia.
Transfer: Transport options to the ski resorts, such as shuttle buses or taxis, are available at the airport.
Accommodation in Queenstown and nearby ski resorts gives you a variety of options, including hotels and lodges.
Gulmarg, India
Tucked away in the Himalayas in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is famed for its deep snow and the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. The resort provides a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Beyond skiing, visitors can explore the local cuisine and the historic Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.
This is how to arrive in Gulmarg:
Flight: Fly to Srinagar International Airport (SXR) in Kashmir, India.
Transfer: Gulmarg is approximately a two-hour drive from the airport. Private transfers can be arranged, while auto-rickshaws and taxis are also common modes of transportation.
In terms of where to stay, Gulmarg has hotels and guesthouses catering to different budgets.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
As one of the largest ski resorts in North America, British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb boasts a vast variety of land and consistently excellent snow conditions. It has the continent’s largest skiable terrain, with a vibrant village at its base and a mix of alpine and coastal climates.
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola add to its uniqueness, with the latter connecting the two mountains and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
How to get there:
Flight: Fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada.
Transfer: Whistler is approximately a two-hour drive from Vancouver. Shuttle services, private transfers, and rental cars are available. Taxis are usually most convenient for getting around Whistler.
Whistler offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to chalets and condos.
Portillo, Chile
Portillo is nestled in the Andes Mountains of Chile and is renowned for its sunny weather and vibrant yellow hotel, Hotel Portillo. The resort provides an exclusive atmosphere, and its challenging slopes attract both international skiers and professional athletes.
The Inca Lake and the surrounding mountains contribute to its breathtaking scenery.
Travel guidance to Portillo:
Flight: Fly to Santiago International Airport (SCL) in Chile.
Transfer: Portillo is approximately a two-hour drive from Santiago. Shuttle services and private transfers can be booked.
There’s no deliberating over accommodation, as Portillo has a single iconic yellow hotel with various room options.
Hakuba Valley, Japan
Hakuba Valley, located in the Japanese Alps, hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Comprising multiple ski resorts, including Happo-One and Cortina, Hakuba has a mix of terrain, including deep powder and tree runs.
The region provides a rich cultural experience with traditional ryokans and onsens.
Travelling to Hakuba Valley:
Flight: Fly to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT).
Transfer: Take a bullet train (Shinkansen) or bus to Hakuba, which takes approximately three hours. Local buses or taxis are readily available within Hakuba.
Hakuba has a range of lodgings you can stay in, including hotels, pensions, and traditional ryokans.
Andermatt, Switzerland
Andermatt is a historically quaint Swiss destination that has gained attention for its recent upscale resort development, Andermatt Swiss Alps. This has served the purpose of bringing luxury to a traditionally charming village locale, with appealing modern amenities. The village lovingly holds onto its heritage with wooden chalets and a picturesque setting.
Andermatt gives you access to the Gemsstock and Nätschen mountains, for a mix of challenging slopes and off-piste terrain.
Here’s how to get there:
Flight: Fly to Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland.
Transfer: Take a train from Zurich to Andermatt, which takes around two hours. As Andermatt is a small village, many accommodations are within walking distance of the train station.
You can choose from either end of the scale when it comes to where to stay, as Andermatt has a mix of traditional Alpine inns and upscale resorts.
La Grave, France
La Grave, located in the French Alps, is not a typical resort with groomed slopes. It’s renowned for its off-piste and challenging terrain; unlike traditional ski resorts, it lacks groomed slopes. This makes it a haven for expert skiers seeking untouched, wild descents.
The town is small, emphasising its unspoiled appeal and the raw beauty of the surrounding alpine landscape. The absence of traditional resort infrastructure adds to the backcountry experience.
How to get to La Grave:
Flight: Fly to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) in France.
Transfer: La Grave is approximately a two-hour drive from Lyon, with your best bet being a rental car or private transfer. Once there, you’ll find limited public transportation, so again, taxis or rental cars are recommended for getting to your accommodation.
You can book to stay in one of La Grave’s relatively smaller lodgings, which include guesthouses and mountain refuges.
How do I choose a ski destination?
When choosing a ski destination, it will help to take these factors into account:
Skill level: Choose a destination that matches your skiing ability.
Terrain diversity: Look for resorts with a variety of slopes to keep the experience interesting.
Cultural experience: Explore destinations that offer a unique blend of skiing and local culture.
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This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.