Despite there being so few options for doing so at home, the UK is very much a nation of skiers.
According to Statista, 6.3 million Britons ski, seeing us rank third when it comes to the number of people who ski in Europe.
As skiing is such a popular holiday choice, especially in the winter months, read on to discover six of the top ski holiday destinations to enjoy at this time of year. From the best of Europe to resorts located around the world, there is something for skiers of all experience levels on this list.
1. Norefjell, Norway
Thanks to its location on the globe, Norway enjoys a longer snow season than many other areas of the world. Additionally, snowfall can last from October until April or even May, and the cold, dry air means snow is less likely to melt and refreeze.
The Norefjell ski resort, which lies just a couple of hours north of Oslo, is one of the biggest beneficiaries of these conditions. In fact, it enjoyed its earliest-ever opening in November 2023, following record-breaking snowfall in October.
The resort boasts 30 ski slopes and 14 ski lifts across a total 25 kilometres of skiing area. December is often seen as a great time for a trip to Norefjell, potentially making it an option for a Christmas getaway.
2. Whistler-Blackcomb, Canada
The Whistler-Blackcomb resort is based around Whistler Mountain, part of the Fitzsimmons Range of the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains in Canada.
Across a remarkable 8,171 acres, the resort has more than 200 marked runs, including 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers. There are 37 lifts, including the longest continuous lift system in the world.
To get to Whistler from the UK, it is usually most straightforward to fly to Vancouver. From there, it is roughly a two-hour transfer to get to the resort.
The ski and snowboarding season at Whistler can last all the way from November to May, although the period between December to March is often preferable. Going at this time ensures there has been sufficient snowfall before the season ends.
3. Niseko, Japan
Japan might not be the first place your mind goes to for high-quality skiing. But actually, the country receives some of the highest amounts of snow in the world, thanks in large part to cold winds coming over from the Sea of Japan.
Niseko is best known for its world-famous powder snow that falls from November to March. Indeed, the tourism board even claims that no other resort in the world can match the quality, consistency, and quantity of the powder snow at Niseko.
That said, the period between mid-December to March is usually the snowiest, offering a wide window for you to enjoy a skiing break in.
There are four interlinked ski resorts in the vicinity of Niseko:
- Annupuri
- Niseko Village
- Grand Hirafu
- Hanazono
To get to Niseko, you would need to fly to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, before then travelling a further two hours to Niseko itself.
A flight to Sapporo from the UK takes around 16 hours, so it is likely to be best treated as a longer trip. But, the world-famous snow powder could well make it worth it.
4. Verbier, Switzerland
If you are an avid skier, you may well know of the slightly more challenging Verbier in Switzerland.
As part of the 4 Vallées ski area, choosing Verbier means having access to more than 400 kilometres of runs. It is also well-known for its off-piste skiing and challenging black runs, which is why this option is more suited to intermediate and advanced skiers.
The ski season in Verbier usually kicks off around November, lasting until April or early May. However, as this is one of the most popular resorts, it can be sensible to travel in January to enjoy the best of the weather while avoiding the school holiday crowds.
5. Lech, Austria
Opting for Lech in Austria for a ski holiday would put you in good company, as it is famously the ski resort of choice for several royal families.
Lech has around 305 kilometres of skiable terrain and a further 200 kilometres of off-piste area for experienced skiers to explore. It is also part of the Ski Arlberg area, with access to other notable Austrian runs such as St. Anton.
From mid-December to the end of March, you will find suitable conditions for skiing in Lech. But, if you want the best months for snow conditions, January and February tend to be the most suitable.
This can make Lech ideal if you are looking to avoid the busiest periods with a trip in the new year.
6. Aspen, USA
As the final pick on this list, Aspen is one of the best-known ski resorts in the world. As the largest ski area in the USA, there are 461 kilometres of manicured slopes to explore across four different mountains:
- Aspen Mountain
- Snowmass
- Aspen Highlands
- Buttermilk
The immense variety across these peaks ensures that skiers of all levels will be able to find a slope that suits their abilities.
Perhaps the most appealing part of a trip to Aspen is the retail offering. There are various high-end retailers with stores in Aspen, from Gucci to Prada, so it can be perfect for a spot of shopping after a long day on the slopes.
The most popular time to visit Aspen is from December to February, making it ideal for either a Christmas or new year getaway.
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Please note
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
