It’s never too early (nor too late) to start planning your next winter break, and lovers of all things white and wonderful are in for a treat when they visit any of these top worldwide winter sports destinations.
North America
Park City Mountain Resort
According to ZRankings, the authority on such things in the United States, Park City Mountain Resort in Utah topped the list of desirable ski destinations for 2016. This winter favorite is nestled in 7300 acres of prime snow-sports real estate with opportunities for both slope and cross-country skiing. Add to this, wonderful scenic beauty, easy accessibility from Salt Lake City International airport and thrilling off-piste activities and you have a winning formula for your next winter vacation.
Apart from skiing, activities include a unique zip line, sleigh rides, cross-country snowshoe trails and thrilling coaster rides through the snow.
Revelstoke
Across the border in Canada, you can’t go wrong at rustic Revelstoke, where steep and open powder faces beckon to the skiing enthusiast. The pistes are long and well maintained and you can even try out over 500 000 acres of pristine heli-skiing terrain, or some awesome tree skiing.
Revelstoke town is a laid-back place to relax after a thrilling day on the slopes where you can choose from a small selection of friendly bars and restaurants to while away the evenings.
This resort is remote and exclusive, perfect for those who dislike queues and crowds.
Europe
This chilly continent is well known for winter-sports destinations par excellence, and it is difficult to choose just a few from the many wonderful Meribel ski resorts available.
Meribel, France
Located in the famous Three Valleys ski domain, this area is a delight for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with a fantastic range of terrain, and great opportunities for après-ski adventures.
Several bars and restaurants dotted along the slopes offer refreshment and amusement for those who want to tag along on foot, or by means of the gondolas, with their skiing-buddies. Nearby, the Olympic district of Chaudanne also offers a full-size ice rink, spa, indoor climbing wall and swimming pool for non-skiing days. You will find no shortage of places to sample fine French cuisine or enjoy a night on the town here either.
Zermatt, Switzerland
What better way to spend your winter vacation than in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn, which lends its silhouette to Toblerone chocolates? Zermatt is awash with winter sporting adventures from advanced skiing to sightseeing from thrilling lookout points high up on the slopes.
Staying at this exclusive ski-resort can be expensive, but it is well worth saving your pennies to partake in the ultra-luxurious in-house facilities such as shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, spas, swimming pools, squash, indoor tennis courts, ice rinks, bowling alleys, and gyms.
St Anton, Austria
St Anton is famous as a party paradise for winter-sports lovers. Here you can let your hair down to the tune of local oompah bands, DJ’s and live acts, dine in jovial restaurants and shop until you drop in quaint tourist stores.
When you take to the slopes however, this resort means business. Try out the challenging routes on the slopes of the well-known Gampen and Kapall Mountains or the notorious peaks of Galzig and the Valluga for some of the world’s most exciting skiing challenges.
These are just a few of our best options for a winter vacation beyond compare, what are your favorites?