What makes for an amazing ski resort? Besides kilometers of runs for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers, there also needs to be great lodging and après options for those who get tired easily. They have to attract a significant number of skiers, but not more than the slopes can take.

Copious amounts of fresh snowfall are essential to the quality of a ski resort, so it makes sense that the best ski resorts are mostly located in European Alps and the Rocky Mountains. We have prepared a list of the best ski resorts where skiers have a fantastic time and pointed out which five ski resorts are not worth a single penny. When booking your next skiing vacation, strive for luxury and infinite slopes above-all.

20 Val-d'Isère in France: Opulence And Luxury Guaranteed

Every European, skier or non-skier, definitely knows Val d’Isere. This skiing resort has a beautiful pedestrian-only town center, surrounded by more than 150 km of pistes that accommodate both beginners and powder hounds. The views of the French Alps are one of the best in Val d’Isere.

19 Jackson Hole, USA: Wyoming's Piece Of Paradise

Wyoming’s famous ski resort Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has the longest continuous vertical rise in the US. Its well-deserved reputation brought Jackson Hole quite a lot of fame. In January 2020, the resort hosted qualifiers for the IFSA junior free ride. Besides the amazing ski resort, the area offers so many amazing trips in the wilderness.

18 Breckenridge, USA Was First To Allow Snowboarding

Breckenridge is one of many Colorado’s amazing ski resorts. They strive to amaze their guests by upgrading their chairlifts while they already boast having the highest lift in North America. It’s called Imperial Express. This beautiful resort is sunny for 300 days a year – so you can count on the weather to be nice.

17 In St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria Vacationing Feels Like A Fairytale

Every top-notch resort understands that besides skiing, there have to be amazing après-ski options as well. Après-ski relates to the activities after skiing is done. St. Anton am Arlberg definitely delivers: its bars along the piste and a banging nightlife attract youth from all around Europe.

16 No List Is Perfect Without Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Whistler is one of the best and biggest ski resorts in the world and it attracts more than 2 million visitors every year. It’s an easy drive from Vancouver, B.C., it has more than 200 runs to choose from and the quaint village comes alive every night.

15 Chic And Charming: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Also known as the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo has more than 450 lifts and a vertical drop of staggering 1,715 meters. If you are looking for an authentic Italian experience on your skiing vacation, head to Cortina, as most other Italian resorts have a Germanic setup.

14 Beaver Creek, USA For Those Who Seek World-Class Skiing And A Comfortable Stay

Beaver Creek is an adorable town with many shops and restaurants to keep vacationers busy even after the skiing is done. It is popular amongst families with children who can easily enjoy ski runs with them. For those who prefer difficult runs, Beaver Creek might be a bit boring, though.

13 Gstaad, Switzerland is The Country's Tourism Gem

Switzerland’s Gstaad is an upscale ski resort that has been attracting jet setters and celebrities who take up temporary residence. This Alpine wonderland is so desirable because it is the ultimate getaway from the fast-paced technology-saturated world of today. Sadly, it is not for those who want to ski on a budget.

12 Aspen Snowmass, USA Enjoys Excellent Reputation For A Reason

Aspen’s biggest ski area Snowmass is massive: it covers more area than the other three Aspen ski resorts combined. When it comes to skiing, size is truly an important asset. Ski runs at Snowmass are never busy. Skiers enjoy space which allows them to perfect their skiing style and do some tricks while at it.

11 Rusutsu, Japan Is For Powder-Hungry Adventurers

Rusutsu is well-worth visiting for the quality of powder there alone. Off-piste skiing and tree skiing is not banned here which makes this Japanese ski resort quite a special place, especially for powder hounds. But extreme sports are not the only thing encouraged at Rusutsu: there are also child-friendly runs.

10 In Company Of The Highest Summit In Europe: Chamonix, France

Chamonix lies at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in Europe and that alone guarantees glorious views and excellent skiing. The surrounding villages are not just mere ski resorts: those who like to combine their skiing vacation with some authentic cultural experiences will not be disappointed in Chamonix.

9 Diamond Peak Ski Resort, USA Offers Enviable Views

Nevada’s Diamond Peak Ski Resort offers amazing views of Lake Tahoe on its slopes. The terrain is family-friendly and never too busy. Its charm lies in its adorable size: It’s much smaller than the area’s famous Squaw Valley and the slopes won’t drain your energy.

8 Kronplatz, Italy Has Slopes For Everyone

If you love cross-country skiing, you have to go to Kronplatz. It is especially suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers as the runs are wide and not at all scary. As Kronplatz is one of the best in snowmaking, you can always count on good snow there.

7 Telluride, USA: Scenic Views And Space

Telluride is yet another paradise ski resort located in Colorado. Due to its off-the-beaten-track location, it was once a local secret, but it has gained widespread reputation these days and people don’t mind the long ride to get there. Still expanding, it is the ultimate up-and-coming luxurious ski destination.

6 Where World Cup Races Take Place: Soelden, Austria

Soelden ski area covers three mountain peaks that are higher than 3000 meters. This Austrian gem has it all: snowy peaks, glaciers and lively après for all those looking for some fun when thighs start burning. Even beginners enjoy views that are usually reserved just for the brave and experienced skiers.

5 Mountain Creek, USA has poor powder and underwhelming slopes

Almost a fifth of Tripadvisor reviewers are highly disappointed with Mountain Creek. Horrible customer service, unjustified high prices and even reports of theft all show that this ski resort in New Jersey should be avoided all-together. Visitors spend most of the day waiting in lines to do some mediocre skiing.

4 Bansko, Bulgaria Is Overcrowded And Frustrating

Bansko in Bulgaria also doesn’t treat their guests right. The town has poor infrastructure, customer service is outright bad and the costs are expensive compared to the rest of the country. While Bulgaria has so much to offer, ski resorts are definitely not its best asset.

3 Yabuli, China Is Not Worth Your Time

Yabuli is one of the biggest ski resorts in China and if you really want to ski in China, its slopes might suffice. Do not expect a high quality of snow. Besides windy slopes, this resort has nothing else to offer. Those who love good après should definitely avoid it.

2 Skyloft Ski Resort In Ontario, Canada Leaves Most Visitors Disappointed

In a country that has Whistler, standards are pretty high. Sadly, Ontario is a flat province and its ski resorts are consequently pretty disappointing. According to TripAdvisor reviews, most people visit because of Groupons, but even a reduced price does not compensate for the terrible value this ski resort has.

1 When In Michigan, Skip Alpine Valley, USA

Alpine Valley is your typical average and slightly underwhelming ski resort. It is in dire need of some renovations and upgrades. The hill with runs is actually man-made, so you can imagine that it cannot compare to the runs offered in European Alps or the Rocky Mountains.