Skiing away from mainland Europe is a unique experience and has a different atmosphere from the alps. Whether it’s the cuisine, type of accommodation or the mountain terrain, each ski resort has its own charm. Our ski experts have created a guide for the best ski resorts outside of Europe.
Aspen Snowmass, USA
Aspen Snowmass combines incredible ski terrain with a superb off-slope experience. You can ski an impressive 461km of slopes with a full lift pass. There are slopes suitable for any ability of skier. This is ideal for mixed-level groups or families. A visit to Aspen Snowmass is worth it for the views alone, because of the amazing Rocky Mountains. In particular, you can see the Maroon Bells which are the most photographed mountains in the US.
Off the slopes, expect excellent service and stylish accommodation, shops and eateries. The restaurant scene is very popular with many fantastic chefs around the US coming to Aspen to cook. The cuisine choices change very fast because it keeps up with the latest culinary delights. In addition, there’s an incredible number of bars and clubs to visit too. Whether you want a relaxed social drink or you want to dance the night away, there’s something for everyone.
Banff, Canada
Banff is one of the best ski resorts outside of Europe because of its incredible natural scenery and amazing luxury ski accommodation options. You can get a Ski Big 3 lift pass which allows you to access ski resorts Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay and Lake Louise. Located in the National Park you can admire stunning views on and off the slopes. There is 264km of slopes in the area you can enjoy, which has something for all abilities.
In the village, there’s plenty to do after you’ve enjoyed yourself on the slopes. There is a great choice of restaurants, ranging from fine dining at Banff Springs or excellent value meals at Old Spaghetti Factory. The nightlife is relaxed and low-key with a classy touch. Most of the bars serve great food too and are excellent for civilised drinks in the evening. In addition, there are fantastic spas to unwind in and you can also visit the world-famous hot springs.
Beaver Creek, USA
Beaver Creek is one of the more exclusive ski resorts in the US with its brilliant luxury ski accommodation options and excellent service. The scenery is some of the best in the US with incredible mountain range backdrops. You can ski 54km of slopes in the area, which has something for any ability of skier. This is great for mixed-level groups and families heading on a winter getaway.
When you’re in the village you’ll notice the attention to detail. There are heated pavements and escalators to the slopes. The top-class accommodation options have superb facilities and will have you truly relaxed after a day on the mountain. If you fancy a bite to eat away from your hotel there are brilliant restaurants to enjoy with different cuisines. The nightlife is low-key but the bars have a great relaxed ambience.
Breckenridge, USA
As one of the highest ski resorts in North America, Breckenridge is one of the best ski resorts outside of Europe. It has an incredible altitude of 2,925m-3,915m, which means conditions are consistently great throughout the ski season. There is 139km of slopes that appeal to any level of skier. In particular, advanced skiers will enjoy skiing in the area because 55% of the pistes are graded as black.
There are 140 bars and restaurants in the area, with something for different tastes and price points. Whether you want a classic American burger or Thai cuisine the choice is fantastic. There’s great nightlife in the area with relaxed and lively bars depending on what atmosphere you’d like. On top of this, the ski accommodation options are excellent too.
Jackson Hole, USA
If you like challenging terrain, then Jackson Hole is the place to be. It has some of the most difficult terrain in North America. You can ski 116km of slopes and there are excellent snow conditions because of its altitude and location. It has one of the most iconic off-piste routes in the world with the 4-metre drop-in of the Corbet’s Couloir. In addition, the views are truly remarkable of the surrounding mountain area.
The mountain town still has its wild west roots with its clapboard buildings, wooden sidewalks and saloon bars. It keeps its traditional side with a modern twist. There’s a big ‘farm to table’ movement amongst the restaurants in the area. Only bringing you the best ingredients from local farms. It has also been named in America’s top five new foodie cities. The après scene is a good mixture of family-friendly establishments and lively bars.
Panorama, Canada
Built as a purpose-made ski resort, Panorama has some of the best access to the slopes in Canada. Most of the ski accommodation is close to the lifts and has top-class facilities. There are 100km of varied level slopes and superb off-piste opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time skier or a powder hound there’s something for everyone. Panorama is known for its heli-skiing with many mountain guides and companies offering packages to find the best terrain.
The town itself is in a beautiful location with the stunning Rockies available to view wherever you’re staying. We highly recommend going to the award-winning Earl Grey Lodge for a delicious fine-dining experience. Despite being known as a family-friendly ski resort, Panorama also has a lively nightlife scene with great bars and clubs to visit.
Vail, USA
Vail is probably one of the most famous ski resorts in North America. This is because of its amazing luxury reputation and the many politicians and celebrities that visit. It has an impressive amount of diverse terrain with 234km of slopes to enjoy. It doesn’t matter what level skier you are there are plenty of pistes suitable for anyone. In addition, the powder skiing is fantastic because of its great snow record.
You will struggle to find better top-class ski accommodation in the world than in Vail. It takes luxury to the next level. In the village, there are excellent restaurants to enjoy if you fancy a night away from the hotel. There are also brilliant bars and clubs to let your hair down after a day on the slopes. If you want some retail therapy there are also great designer shops to browse through in the area. It is certainly one of the best ski resorts outside of Europe.
Whistler, Canada
There’s a reason why Whistler is on many skiers’ bucket lists. It delivers on and off the slopes. The terrain is unique and perfect for any level of skier. Its snow record is incredible with deep powder regularly a fixture throughout the season. There is an impressive 200km of slopes to enjoy with a full lift pass and superb off-piste opportunities that are accessible by lift. A winter wonderland.
Off the slopes, there’s plenty to enjoy. The luxury ski accommodation options are excellent and deliver top-class service and facilities. Its restaurant scene is brilliant with different cuisines available depending on your appetite. The nightlife is fantastic too, whether you want to enjoy live music or have a relaxed sociable drink there’s something for different atmospheres.
To find out more about the best ski resorts outside of Europe, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
