The world's best ski resorts REVEALED: From the Swiss playground for the rich loved by royals to the US slopes that are hotspots for celebrities

For some, the perfect winter escape means tackling heart-stopping black runs before unwinding in a luxury chalet. For others, it’s all about reliable snow, family-friendly facilities or a lively après-ski bar where the drinks flow long after the lifts have closed. 

From glitzy Alpine hideaways where champagne flows slopeside to snow-covered American mountains beloved by celebrities, the world’s best ski resorts offer far more than just a good run down the slopes.  

But with so many destinations vying for attention, choosing where to spend your winter holiday can be a challenge.

Now, Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards has revealed the world’s best ski resorts, spanning spectacular Swiss peaks, chic French Alpine villages and vast mountain playgrounds in the US and Canada.

Whether you’re chasing adventure, five-star luxury or breathtaking scenery, these are the destinations to put on your winter wish list – and the perfect inspiration for your next ski getaway.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland

Ski over to glitzy Zermatt in Switzerland, enjoying the brilliant (and often challenging) slopes found beneath the iconic Matterhorn mountain. 

Swanky Zermatt is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime for big skiers, so it's no surprise it ranks at the top of the list.

It is also the highest ski resort in the Alps, with the highest ski point at 3,899m, surrounded by 14 glaciers and overlooking three countries – Switzerland, Italy and France.

2. Deer Valley, Utah, US

Deer Valley hit the headlines in recent years after it emerged that Gwyneth Paltrow was involved in a lawsuit over a 2016 collision at the resort – but regardless, its stellar reputation ranks it as a favourite among skiers in the US.

The luxury resort has a ski-only policy, meaning there are no snowboards in sight, leading to less congested slopes and a smoother sporting experience.

High-end hospitality is easy to find here, from gourmet mountain dining to upscale hotels. 

3. Sun Valley, Idaho, US 

Sun Valley in Idaho boasts 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, with a decent mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced routes.

It was America’s first destination ski resort, having opened in 1936 – and has picked up the prestigious nickname of 'the Alps of America' in the 90 years since.

Visit Sun Valley says: 'Two mountains, 3,400 vertical feet, over 2,000 acres of terrain, cold dry snow and the largest automated fleet of snow-making machines in the US are the big picture stats, but they don’t convey what it’s like to tear down manicured wind-free crowdless slopes in the winter sunshine.' 

4. Verbier, Switzerland 

As the veritable home of skiing, holidays anywhere in the Alps conjure up images of the children of millionaires sipping expensive wine at après-ski, while their parents enjoy the luxury of chalets, private chefs and exorbitant dinners.

One such Alpine destination, Verbier - next up on the list - is even adored by the aristocracy and royalty, with Danish royals visiting the exclusive Swiss resort in 2024, while Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Fergie are regulars.

Sir Richard Branson even has a mountain retreat here, the Lodge, which can be hired out.

5. Vail, Colorado, US

Famously ritzy Vail in Colorado, home to less than 5,000 residents, typically welcomes about 2.8 million people during the winter months, including celebrity guests such as The Kardashians.

Olympic ski racer Lindsey Vonn and Metallica front man James Hetfield also both have houses in the area. 

However, its top five ranking comes at a time when the town struggled to attract economic boosts from tourists due to historically low snowfall last winter. 

6. Méribel, France

Younger royals have, in recent years, been placing the stunning Meribel resort at the top of their ski lists.

It is located in Les Trois Vallees – Europe’s largest connected ski area with 380 miles of runs.

Traditional wooden alpine lodges, combined with an increasingly upscale food and drink scene (thanks to spillover from nearby Courchevel), make it one of the best places to ski not just in Europe, but on the planet.

7. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is one of the biggest ski resorts in North America. 

Here, you can expect endless runs for all levels – including plenty of options in the 8,100-acre area for anyone seeking off-piste adventures. 

As for the pedestrian-only village, there are masses of entertainment on offer. Think patios for dining in the sunshine, a legendary après nightlife and family-friendly playgrounds to enjoy with the little ones. 

 nightlife and family-friendly playgrounds to enjoy with the little ones. 

8. Silver Star Mountain, British Columbia, Canada

A total of 133 runs across 3,300 acres of terrain are accessible for skiers at Silver Star Mountain.

Cross-country trails are top, with 55km (34 miles) of daily groomed trails, punctuated with warming huts for lunch stops.

Cosy accommodation is available in an abundance here, from luxury condos with glamorous furnishings to holiday suites, cheaper lodges and apartments. 

9. Solitude, Utah, US

Located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, just 30 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport, Solitude is a ski haven in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. 

It offers eight chairlifts, 82 runs, and 500 annual inches of snow spread over 1,200 acres – in addition to 20km (12 miles) of groomed Nordic track and 10km (six miles) of snowshoe trails. 

Slopeside lodging and excellent bars and restaurants will ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is skiable!

10. Telluride, Colorado, US

Telluride in south-west Colorado is filled with old-fashioned bars, independent fashion shops, excellent skiing and free mountain-to-village gondolas.

The former mining town located in a box canyon gets an average of 300 inches of snow a year, and 300 days of annual sunshine.

A mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing and snowboarding are on offer, providing options for every skier. 

11. Whiteface Lake Placid, New York, US

Skiing in New York – what could possibly make winter a more wonderful time of the year?

Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, near Lake Placid, is a less busy, challenging resort with steep slopes, mogul runs and extreme off-piste terrain.

It's near the 1980 Olympic village of Lake Placid, where you can partake in non-ski activities, dining and nightlife. 

12. Mount Washington, British Columbia, Canada

Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island in British Columbia is a year-round mountain playground – although naturally, in the winter months skiing and snowboarding is what it's all about.

And with more than nine metres of annual snow, it's one of the best skiing locations in Canada (and in the world). 

'Great place to have winter fun with family!' one visitor commented, with another adding: 'From the lodge to the runs to the tube park, everything just worked. Busy, but well organised. Lots of energy, lots of families, and a really fun atmosphere without feeling chaotic.'

13. Val Gardena, Italy

Italy's Val Gardena, part of the Dolomiti Superski network, has 175km (109 miles) of local slopes – as well as links to other parts in the valley.

'Val Gardena is the perfect destination for skiers who love variety and want to explore a ski resort offering slopes suitable for both families with children and World Cup champions seeking new challenges,' says the resort website.

The most traditional resort in the region, you can also explore the three main villages: Selva, Santa Cristina and Ortisei.

14. Obergurgl, Austria

With 112km (70 miles) of slopes, the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski resort boasts zero waiting time, according to Gurgl.com.

That's pretty perfect if you're looking for uninterrupted ski – plus, Obergurgl is renowned for good snow all the way until April.

The village is small and typically Austrian, making it an authentic experience too.

15. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, US 

Jackson Hole has long been known as a great place to ski, one of the premier – and most challenging – spots in the States.

Better for more experienced skiers, the resort is home to a 4,139-foot vertical drop, the largest in the US – and 50 per cent of the slopes here are advanced or expert level.

Beyond the slopes, enjoy local trails on bikes, take a sleigh ride or join a wildlife tour to see wolves, bison and elk.