Time to sharpen your skis: Top 10 ski resorts in the world

Zermatt (Switzerland)

One of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world is located in Switzerland, near the border with Italy. The fashionable town is located at the foot of the famous Matterhorn peak. Magnificent alpine landscapes, high-class slopes, well-developed infrastructure and clean mountain air have made it one of the most popular resorts.

Throughout the year, Zermatt attracts fans of outdoor activities, connoisseurs of natural wonders and amazing alpine cuisine, and the tourist board of the region claims that snow is guaranteed 365 days a year.

Around the resort there are more than 350 kilometers of ski slopes with modern and reliable elevators. There is also a well-developed infrastructure of après-ski, i.e. areas where you can indulge yourself after skiing. These are baths, SPA-salons and restaurants. They say that the restaurants here are considered the most delicious among Alpine resorts.

Location: Zermatt, Switzerland

Aspen (USA)

I bet you've seen breathtaking images of this ski resort on the Internet more than once?

Aspen is a picturesque town in the state of Colorado (USA). First of all, it has established itself as one of the most prestigious ski resorts. Hundreds of tourists come here to conquer the steep snow-covered slopes and visit a real winter fairy tale.

The atmosphere of coziness and romance is everywhere here — in cute wooden houses, yellow lights and amazing landscapes. Aspen is the golden mean for active and lazy tourists. After all, from a real extreme to a calm and peaceful vacation in it is one step. Here everyone will find time for long walks and breathtaking entertainment.

Location: Aspen, USA

Cortina (Italy)

No less popular and very exciting vacation can give you Italy. The resort of Cortina is located in the Dolomite Alps. It is famous for its sporting history and attracts tourists with an aristocratic spirit, which was able to preserve through the years.

The famous resort became famous since 1956, when the Olympic Games were held here. And for many years the town has not lost its color and attracts more and more tourists from all over the world.

Location: Cortina, Italy

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Chamonix (France)

The Chamonix Valley is located at the foot of the glaciers of the amazingly beautiful Mont Blanc mountain and stretches for 16 km from the village of Les Houches to the town of Argentiere. In its very center is located the town of Chamonix — the center of tourist and sports activity.

Although the resort of Chamonix is located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, 90% of all ski slopes are spread at an altitude of about 2000 meters, so there is always snow here. For tourists going on a ski vacation in Chamonix, the valley has more than 3000 hectares of specially prepared ski slopes, more than 140 km of slopes for every taste — both beginners and skiers. Here is one of the longest slopes in the Alps — the legendary White Valley, more than 20 km long.

The resort became famous in 1956, when the Olympic Games were held here. And for many years it has not lost its color and attracts more and more tourists from all over the world.

Location: Chamonix, France

St. Moritz (Switzerland)

It is claimed that this town was the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. There are more than 320 km of pistes to check it out. The resort is spread on the shores of the lake of the same name and has a pleasant climate — the sun shines here more than 320 days a year. All this makes the resort one of the most respectable in the world, plus it's one of the oldest.

Skiers, snowboarders and winter vacationers flock to St. Moritz every year because of its stunning slopes, excellent infrastructure and luxurious hotels.

And for the daredevils, St. Moritz has the steepest slope in Switzerland on Mount Corviglia.

Location: St. Moritz, Switzerland

Mont Tremblant (Canada)

The town of Mont Tremblant, nestled among snow-capped peaks in the Canadian province of Quebec, can be deservedly called one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world. The whole point is that the center of the resort partly consists of colorful wooden houses in historical style, and partly of hotel complexes reminiscent of Disneyland.

The hotels here are often sold out months in advance, and the flow of tourists does not stop throughout the year.

Location: Mont Tremblant, Canada

Innsbruck (Austria)

Innsbruck ski resort is one of the most famous and popular vacation destinations in Austria. People come here to see the picturesque Alps, admire the Old Town, as well as to spend active winter vacations.

The resort has long been known for the best slopes in Europe, attracting fans of skiing and snowboarding. Ancient Innsbruck has a rich history, which is reminded by majestic palaces and architectural monuments, museums and exhibition centers. The city, where the advantages of high-class resorts, the refinement of imperial architecture and the freshness of alpine nature combine in an amazing way, has long been one of the most popular with tourists.

Location: Innsbruck, Austria

Val d'Isère (France)

The French resort of Val d'Isère guarantees natural snow all year round. There are slopes for professional athletes and beginners, as well as more than one ski school. For the more adventurous, there are popular freeride spots.

On the slopes of Val d'Isere you can simply lie back on a sun lounger or stand on a panoramic terrace to enjoy the views. There are also activities for the whole family, such as dog sledding, sleigh rides and winter hiking tours.

Location: Val d'Isère, France

Gudauri (Georgia)

Gudauri ski resort is the youngest and most promising ski resort in the Caucasus. It is located in the Kazbegi district of Georgia, 120 km from Tbilisi at an altitude of 2196 meters. The unique natural relief of Gudauri, deep and stable snow cover, absence of stones on and off the slopes, avalanche safety and high altitude accommodation — all these factors once attracted investors here, and now thousands of connoisseurs of active recreation.

They say that wide opportunities for off-piste skiing in Gudauri resort are better than even Alpine ones for many extreme skiing enthusiasts.

Location: Gudauri, Georgia

Bakeira Beret (Spain)

This resort is considered the best in all the Pyrenees. Just 4 hours from Barcelona and you are there. The resort is divided into skiing zones: Bakeira, Beret and Bonaigua. Bakeira is suitable for experienced "racers", and Beret — for beginners (there are a lot of gentle slopes). Bonaigua is famous for its versatility.

Full-fledged and refined ski vacation in Bakeira-Beret is largely possible thanks to the abundance and variety of services offered at the resort. These include slopes of any level of difficulty and ski equipment rental, skiing school and snowboarding popular among local youth. At the foot of the slopes is conveniently located residential area, which can accommodate at the same time almost 7 thousand tourists.

Location: Bakeira-Beret, Spain