Global Ski Destinations – Mountain Towns We’ve Visited

Carve through legendary "Champagne Powder" at Big White, Canada’s premier family ski destination. Boasting 2,765 acres of diverse terrain and a vibrant ski-in/ski-out village, it’s a winter wonderland where "snow ghosts" haunt the treeline and world-class slopes meet Okanagan charm. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, Big White delivers an unforgettable alpine escape.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a legendary destination for those who crave vertical drop and deep, dry powder. Known as the "Champagne Powder Capital of Canada," this BC gem offers some of the most challenging in-bounds terrain in North America. Kicking Horse delivers a raw, big-mountain experience that stays with you long after the snow melts.

Lake Louise is more than just a postcard-perfect destination; it is a shimmering emerald jewel framed by the rugged majesty of the Canadian Rockies. From the world-class terrain of its renowned ski resort to the tranquil shores overlooked by the historic Fairmont Chateau, this iconic location offers a rare blend of high-octane adventure and serene alpine luxury.

Since 1926, Mt. Norquay has served as the legendary "backyard" of Banff, offering a more intimate, local-feeling mountain experience just minutes from the townsite. Whether you’re looking to carve down some of the steepest terrain in North America, enjoy the only night skiing in the park, or conquer the breathtaking heights of the summer Via Ferrata, Norquay delivers year-round thrills.

Experience the magic of SilverStar Mountain Resort, a vibrant, mid-mountain fairy tale in the heart of British Columbia. Famous for its colorful Victorian-inspired village and world-class "champagne powder," this all-season destination offers 3,282 acres of diverse terrain. From steep chutes to enchanting Nordic trails, SilverStar delivers a quintessential Canadian alpine adventure for every skill level.

Escape to Canada’s second-largest ski area, where a charming European-style pedestrian village meets 4,270 acres of pristine powder. Sun Peaks offers a unique three-mountain experience, allowing you to follow the sun across the slopes all day long. Whether you're chasing winter glades or summer wildflowers, this British Columbia gem delivers high-altitude adventure with a cozy, intimate soul.

Perched high on the Continental Divide, Sunshine Village isn’t just a ski resort—it’s an "Island in the Sky." With a staggering seven-month season and 100% natural snow, this Banff icon offers a pure alpine experience that few places on Earth can match. Sunshine delivers breathtaking 360-degree views and Champagne powder that lingers long after the crowds have gone home.

Experience the legendary "Japow" at Furano Ski Resort, where ultra-dry inland powder meets breathtaking views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Boasting over 950 meters of vertical drop and a charming authentic Japanese town at its base, Furano offers a premier alpine escape that perfectly balances world-class groomed runs with thrilling backcountry gates and family-friendly adventures.

Hidden in the shadow of its busier neighbors, Kiroro Ski Resort is Hokkaido’s best-kept secret for deep, "Champagne Powder." Receiving some of the highest annual snowfalls in Japan - often exceeding 20 meters - Kiroro offers a boutique, luxury experience without the frantic crowds of Niseko. Kiroro delivers a premium alpine escape. It’s a quiet, snowy sanctuary where the lines are short and the powder is bottomless.

Escape the crowded lift lines of Hokkaido’s major resorts for the untouched powder of Minamifurano. This hidden gem offers a nostalgic, "old-school" Japanese skiing experience overlooking the frozen beauty of Lake Kanayama. With affordable night skiing, challenging 35-degree slopes, and a tranquil atmosphere, it is the ultimate sanctuary for powder hounds seeking authentic alpine charm without the premium price.

Sahoro Ski Resort offers a unique blend of natural beauty, world-class skiing, and authentic Japanese hospitality. This lesser-known gem, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts in Niseko and Furano, boasts a charm that's truly unforgettable.

Carve your way through Japan’s largest ski destination. Boasting 18 interconnected resorts and the highest lift-served terrain in the country, Shiga Kogen offers an endless playground of powdery glades and Olympic-standard runs. Whether you're chasing "Japow" or relaxing in natural hot springs, this alpine paradise delivers a world-class skiing experience unlike any other.

Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, the Shintokuyama Ski Area may not boast the international renown of Niseko or Furano, Shintokuyama, however, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and those seeking a more intimate and authentic Japanese ski experience.

Tomamu Ski Resort in Hokkaido is the most extravagant of the Hokkaido ski resorts, with a 50 metre wave pool, glamorous restaurants and peculiar looking sky-scraper hotel towers. When you see the size of the hotel towers at the base, you’d think that the Tomamu ski area must be the size of Whistler Blackcomb.

Renowned for its "Not Exactly Over the Top" hospitality, this Colorado gem offers impeccably groomed trails, legendary fresh-baked cookies, and a sophisticated village atmosphere. Whether you’re tackling the Birds of Prey downhill or enjoying slopeside après-ski, Beaver Creek delivers an unparalleled alpine experience for discerning travelers.

Experience the "Last Great Ski Town" at Mt. Crested Butte, a high-altitude sanctuary where rugged mining history meets world-class extreme terrain. Whether you’re carving down the steepest lift-served runs in North America or wandering through a National Historic District splashed in Victorian colors, this destination defies the ordinary.

Experience the magic of "Bike Town USA" turned winter wonderland. From the legendary glades of Pioneer Ridge to the world-famous Champagne Powder®, Steamboat Springs offers an authentic Western vibe paired with elite terrain. Whether you’re chasing elite tree skiing or soaking in natural hot springs, Steamboat delivers an unforgettable Colorado mountain escape.