As winter approaches, many people eagerly anticipate more than just Christmas: they look forward to the thrill of winter sports in the snow.
There are plenty of winter activities, from ice skating and sledding to ice fishing, but none can compare to the “queen of winter sports”—skiing. We introduce three top ski destinations in the Northern Hemisphere for skiers looking to experience new ski resorts or plan a winter trip abroad.
1. Europe – Zermatt, Switzerland
At Zermatt, you can encounter the iconic Matterhorn, which rises to 14,692 feet (4,478 meters). This charming mountain village, where only electric vehicles operate, is bustling with people eager to ski year-round. The entire town consists of wooden buildings, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
The Zermatt ski area borders Italy and is divided into three zones: Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
At 7,477 feet (2,288 meters), Sunnegga-Rothorn features Wolli’s Park, where beginners can learn to ski. Families often flock to this area.
The Gornergrat area features the Gornergrat viewpoint, which sits at 10,135 feet (3,089 meters), and the highest hotel in Europe, the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat. The world’s first cogwheel train, powered by electricity, has operated here since 1898. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, which rises to 15,203 feet (4,634 meters), the highest peak in Switzerland.
Unlike Sunnegga-Rothorn and Gornergrat, which do not operate year-round, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise remains open for skiing throughout the year. It’s a popular summer training ground for skiers worldwide who want to enjoy snow even in warmer months.
If you plan a ski trip to Zermatt this winter, don’t forget to grab the Zermatt Ski Pass Winter. This pass grants you access to all ski slopes in the Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise areas, totaling 124 miles (200 kilometers) of slopes. With an additional fee, you can also board the shuttle train that connects Täsch station and Zermatt, allowing you to enjoy the nearby Italian ski resorts of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche.
2. Asia – Niseko, Japan
Hokkaido’s Sapporo often comes to mind when people think of winter landscapes in Japan. The Niseko area is located in the southwest and is one of Japan’s premier ski destinations. Visitors can enjoy winter sports while taking in the breathtaking views of Mount Yotei, often referred to as “Little Fuji.” This region is famous for its unique dry and light powder snow, making it a favorite among skiers yearly. The ski season in Japan runs from December to April, with January and February being the peak months.
Niseko features four main ski resorts: Hanazono Resort, Grand Hirafu Resort, Niseko Village, and Annupuri International Ski Area, collectively known as “Niseko United.” Although these resorts operate independently, they share the same mountain peak, effectively treating them as one large ski area. Niseko offers diverse terrains suitable for skiers of all levels and various ski and snowboard lesson programs, making it accessible for beginners.
3. North America – Whistler, Canada
Whistler, Canada, located about an hour and a half from Vancouver, is renowned for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. This area offers various winter sports and boasts the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb, which ranks among the top three ski resorts globally. Whistler Blackcomb served as the official venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the region still retains memories and traces of that event.
Spanning approximately 33 million square meters (about 10 million acres), it consists of three main areas: Whistler Base, Blackcomb Base, and Creekside. The Whistler and Blackcomb bases connect via the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, providing access to summer skiing. For the adventurous, Whistler also offers heli-skiing, where skiers can take a helicopter to reach higher, untouched slopes.
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