Lady’s 9 Best Places to Ski Around the World

I’m skiing in Japan today. I’ve wanted to ski here for a long time, and I’m excited to finally experience what everyone says is the best powder in the world. But Japan isn’t the only good spot to ski, and if you’re looking for inspiration for where to hit the slopes, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to the best places to ski around the world.

Best Places to Ski Around the World

Until a few years ago, the only place I had ever skied was California. Yes, believe it, you can ski in California (we’ve even hosted the winter Olympics).

I learned to ski in a blizzard at Badger Pass in Yosemite National Park when I was four, and haven’t stopped since.

But in recent years I’ve branched out from my home state, exploring pistes from Switzerland to Canada and back. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some of the best places to ski around the world.

Today I want to share my favorites with you, and I hope they encourage you to travel to the mountains (and for the mountains). They’re some of the best winter travel destinations.

1. Skiing in California

Starting with California. Most of my childhood skiing was at the resorts around Lake Tahoe.

From Squaw Valley to Sugar Bowl, Northstar to Heavenley, Alpine Meadows to Homewood, and even out to Kirkwood, I couldn’t get enough of the region’s peaks.

But in recent years I’ve done as Southern Californians do and skied at Mammoth. I enjoyed the skiing there just as much, and I’m happy to report that California has good skiing from north to south.

2. Skiing in St Moritz

But now that I live in London, skiing in California isn’t as convenient as it once was. So I’ve looked to the Alps for something closer to home, and I’ve found some of the best places to ski around the world.

St Moritz in Switzerland is one of my favorite places to ski in Europe, not least because it offers the perfect combination of good runs and delicious food.

Add to that a pretty town and lots of activities for the time I’m off the slopes—an Olympic bobsled course to name one—and it’s hard to beat.

3. Skiing in Tignes and Val Thorens

Not far from St Moritz, I’ve also had a great time skiing in France. On one trip I went to Tignes and Val Thorens, where there was more good skiing and great food.

Tignes is also a good place for early season skiing or years when snow isn’t forthcoming, as it opens before most resorts and the glacier means there’s always skiing to be had.

Add to that a spa in town and lots of good nightlife, and I’m set for my time both on and off the snow.

4. Skiing in Banff and Lake Louise

Back in North America, I was thrilled to have a chance to ski in Canada’s Banff and Lake Louise. I had heard they’re some of the best places to ski around the world, and the snow in the Rocky Mountains is legendary.

Both ski resorts offered excellent skiing and great instructors, and the area certainly lived up to its reputation.

Beyond skiing, I had a chance to go dog sledding, sleighing, snowshoeing, and walking around Lake Louise to see the frozen waterfalls.

5. Skiing in Courchevel

Returning to Europe, my first ski experience in the Alps was Courchevel. It was clear from the beginning that it would deserve a place on my list of the best places to ski around the world.

Why? First, it was the largest resort I’ve ever skied in—it’s connected to neighboring resorts as part of Les 3 Vallees, the biggest ski area in the world.

Second, it had a great apres ski scene, from restaurants to bars and beyond. Third, it had a lot to do around the slopes, from chi chi shopping to sledding.

6. Skiing in Whistler

Back out in North America, Canada’s Whistler was where I learned how to ski all over again. I went for a women’s ski camp, and my instructor overhauled my technique for the better.

I had an amazing time improving my skills and discovering new terrain, and even had time for a snowcat ride, fondue dinner, and trip to the frozen vodka bar in Whistler’s Ice Room.

7. Skiing in Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah is another of the best places to ski around the world. Park City Mountain Resort is one of the largest ski areas in North America and has a wide variety of terrain and slopes for all ski levels.

Right next door, Deer Valley Resort is a ski-only resort with great groomed slopes, stunning views across the reservoir, and good restaurants.

There are a lot of things to do in Park City in winter beyond skiing, too. From shopping to spa-going and snowshoeing, this place has a lot to offer.

8. Skiing in Georgia

Out in the Caucasus, Georgia is another great place to ski. With refreshingly inexpensive lift passes and great snow, this under-the-radar destination punches above its weight when it comes to winter sports.

The skiing in the Caucasus Mountains is great, as is everything from the restaurants to the apres ski scene. It’s a fun all-around destination for all experience levels.

If you want to learn more, you can take a look at my itinerary for a ski trip to Georgia. It has all the details for where to go and what to do.

9. Skiing in Japan

And now back to Japan. I arrived in Nozawa yesterday with high expectations and a fear they wouldn’t be met. But after a day on the slopes, I can confirm the rumors about Japan’s powder are true.

The skiing in Nozawa is amazing, as is the fact that afterwards I can soak in an onsen hot spring and eat delicious Japanese food. Japan is definitely one of the best places to ski around the world.

Best Places to Ski in the World

But it’s not the last. I would still love to ski in South America, New Zealand, and even Hawaii.

And maybe that’s what I love most about skiing: it takes me all over the world and gives me something unique to experience every time. But for now I’ll focus on Japan.

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