While we aren’t all fans of trudging through snow, anyone can appreciate stunning snowy mountains with a cozy, cheery village nestled nearby. These ski destinations are admired by travelers all over the world and would make the perfect winter getaway outside of the USA.
Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo’s rich history of craftsmanship is evident in its artisan shops and airy museums. The city’s beautiful basilicas and Medieval architecture are surrounded by dolomites with world-class skiing and adventure trails, making it the ultimate winter destination.
You don’t have to travel too far from Italy to arrive at our second winter wonderland, Avoriaz, France. Avoriaz is more than just a natural beauty, it’s a winter athlete’s dream destination. The best skiers and snowboarders from around the world gather for events in the wintery city nearly every month, making for constant entertainment. You can take a break from the cold at Aquariaz, an indoor water park filled with hundreds of tropical plants. You’ll take a horse drawn sleigh—cars are not allowed in this natural conservancy.
You may recognize the iconic mountain known as Matterhorn, in the quintessential winter haven of Switzerland. Switzerland is known for its staggering snowy mountains, and the Matterhorn is perhaps one of the most impressive. If you’re brave enough to take on these impressive slopes, you’ll stay in the cozy city Zermatt, where families have been gathering since the 1800s for fabulous food, shops, and lodges with awesome wildlife close by.
Japan’s #1 ski resort can be found in the beautiful Niseko, home of the dormant volcano, Mount Yotei. Skiing competitors from around the world come for its groomed slopes, tree runs, obstacle parks, the largest lit area for night-skiing, as well as a perfect holiday stay.
Austria’s Tyrolean Mountains give the city of Alpbach an enchanting feel. Endless, crunchy snow, small cabins and ski lodges, frozen waterfalls, and award-winning restaurants make Alpbach feel like the set of the perfect Christmas romance movie. Ski beginners will feel at home on these more gentle slopes and enjoy the quaint, relaxed atmosphere of this small city.
