My Top 10 Ski Resorts in the World (Ranked)

Snow-dusted villages, powder-filled mornings, long alpine lunches and runs that make your legs burn… these are the ski resorts that left the biggest mark on me. Not just for the quality of the snow, but for the atmosphere, the scenery, the après magic.

1. Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is the ski resort that ruined all other ski resorts for me, in the best possible way. It’s big-mountain skiing with a luxury village soul. The views stretch impossibly far across the Swiss Alps, the terrain is vast and varied, and every run feels like a dream carved into snow. Après here is unmatched: champagne terraces, sun-soaked DJs, and that stylish Swiss energy that feels both effortless and elite. Verbier has it all, atmosphere, challenge, beauty and that addictive feeling of “I never want to leave.”

Best for: Luxury

2. Park City, Utah, USA

Park City blends the perfect duo, big terrain and a town full of personality. The resort is massive, with runs that weave through forests, bowls and long cruisers that feel straight out of a ski movie. Historic Main Street brings the charm, with boutique shops, fire-warmed bars, and that welcoming wild-west American ski-town spirit. Park City is has high-quality snow with a laid-back vibe. Beware, the restaurants are so expensive for USA standards!

Best for: Terrain

3. Sunshine Village, Canada

Sunshine lives up to its name. Perched high above Banff National Park, the views here are nothing short of spectacular. The snow stays light and dry, the terrain spans three mountains, and the runs feel wide, fast and incredibly scenic. Sunshine has that dreamlike Canadian alpine purity: crisp air, dramatic peaks and long, sunlit days where the snow sparkles like crystal dust. What can I say, it’s Canada! It deserves Top 3.

Best for: Authenticity

4. Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Nozawa Onsen is pure Japanese ski magic. Powder that falls quietly and steadily. Onsens steaming between wooden houses. Lantern-lit streets that feel unchanged for centuries. The skiing is fantastic, if not a little smaller compared to my top 3…. long runs, tree lines, playful terrain, but the real soul of Nozawa is the atmosphere. After skiing, you wander snow-covered lanes to soak in hot springs and dine on ramen or izakaya. It’s skiing with culture and charm.

Best for: Culture

5. Heavenly, Lake Tahoe, USA

Few places live up to their name the way Heavenly does. Skiing above that lake, deep turquoise framed by snowy mountains, is something every skier should experience once. The terrain is wide and diverse, the tree skiing is incredible, and the Californian sunshine adds a golden glow to every run. A ski resort that feels dramatically, breathtakingly beautiful.

Best for: Scenery

6. Avoriaz, France

Part of the giant Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz offers endless terrain, literally. You can ski between France and Switzerland in a single day. The village is entirely ski-in/ski-out and built into the cliffs, giving it a unique architectural charm. The village is serviced by horse drawn sleighs and on every corner is incredible French food. This is a perfect resort for families with smaller children.

Best for: Families

7. Whistler, Canada

Whistler is enormous, one of the largest ski areas in North America. Two mountains. Countless bowls. Iconic peak-to-peak gondola rides. Après with big Canadian energy. On the right day, with fresh snow and low clouds hugging the pines, it feels like skiing in a winter fantasy world. It’s busy, yes, but it’s iconic for a reason.

Best for: Families

8. Myoko, Japan

Myoko is for powder lovers who want something quieter, deeper, more local. It gets some of the biggest snowfalls in Japan. Those dreamy, powder days where the world feels soft, silent and untouched. The villages are very simple and the food is comforting. Plus, the lift tickets are really cheap!

Best for: Value

9. Lake Louise Ski Resort, Canada

Lake Louise is all about scenery, the kind of jaw-dropping views that stop you mid-run. Think turquoise lakes frozen under blankets of snow, giant peaks rising in every direction, and long, peaceful runs that stretch for kilometres. It is calmer and more refined than some Canadian resorts, which only adds to its charm. When I was there it was -18 so was a little bit too cold for my liking!

Best for: Scenery

10. Thredbo, Australia

Thredbo earns its place because it’s the best skiing Australia has to offer. Long runs for Aussie standards, a lively village and that fun, welcoming energy that makes skiing here feel like one big social adventure. Sure, the snow isn’t European or Canadian, but on a good day, Thredbo delivers. Especially with its mix of terrain, nightlife and that distinctly Australian mountain vibe.

Best for: Laid-back Aussie vibes

Final Thoughts

These rankings blend the skiing, the snow, the scenery, the food, the culture, and the feelings each place left with me. Ski resorts are more than mountains, they’re atmospheres, memories, and moments, and each one on this list has something special.