While my first morning coffee, I found myself thinking, “which are the best ski resorts in the world“? I might quickly say “any good resort with great backcountries in Europe, such as La Grave in France or Tatry mountains in Slovakia. That is a limited view. I totally forgot Valdez in Alaska, Whistler, Kamchatka and the Caucasus mountains, and even Mount Cook in New Zealand. So I just don’t know enough..

So, where are the best resorts to ski in the world? Which are the TOP 10 ski resorts? Let’s find out. Let’s see what other people say. I searched “top 10 ski resorts” in Google found few sites doing the same ranking. I picked up one I agree pretty much. Let’s go through that list with my personal thoughts.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - #10 Aspen, Colorado

I am surprised. I expected Aspen to get closer to position #1 because so many people enjoy resorts like Aspen. Most of the people don’t go skiing in the backcountries, they prefer easy skiing and good nightlife. I prefer the other extreme but I definitely would like to ski and see Aspen.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - #9 Cortina, Italy

Again I am surprised! Cortina is much like Aspen but less known. I expected it to be closer to position #1. Cortina is a beautiful ski resort with no traffic in the streets. It is really stylish. I strongly recommend Italian ski resorts and Cortina if you’re planning a ski trip during Christmas.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - #8 Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Eastern Canada

Well, I must say this is a ski resort I have ever heard of. You might say I have lived under a rock, but truly I know nothing about this resort. I know something about British Columbia, but the eastern side doesn’t say much to me. If this resort is ranked to position 8, I should know something about it.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - #7 Stowe, Vermont, Eastern United States

I have heard about this resort a little. They say it has been renowned and there is pretty good skiing in there. This is based on word of mouth. I better find out more about this interesting resort.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - #6 Chamonix, France

I went to Chamonix first time 1997. Since those days Chamonix has developed tremendously and the amount of tourists has increased very much. Nowadays Chamonix is absolutely too crowded. I used to spend seasons with my friends in Chamonix and ski the best powder in my life so far. Chamonix offers great backcountry skiing but it requires high mountaineering skills. Chamonix is not just for backcountry skiers, it offers great skiing for families too. I was there last year with my son and we got very good skiing without going to backcountries at all. And yes, there is Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. This is one good reason to see Chamonix at least once in a lifetime.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - #5 Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta, Western Canada

They say this is the most scenic mountain resort in North America. I believe this when looking at the pictures of Banff/Lake Louise! It is absolutely awesome! Banff/Lake Louise is a stunning resort located in the Canadian Rockies. The resort has three different ski areas that are 50 kilometers apart.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - #4 Vail, Colorado, Western United States

The very first time I heard about Vail was when watching those impressive ski early ski movies of Seth Morrison, around 15 years ago (Oh man.. am I that old?). Vail is absolutely a great ski resort with a huge amount of places to ski. Vail is the most popular resort in North America and it is actually much more than just a ski resort. There are art galleries, museum, ice skating, hockey, dog sledding, etc.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - #3 Zermatt, Switzerland

Sounds good, I agree with this. Zermatt is a fabulous ski resort close to Italian border. There are Gstaad and St. Moritz, those “Aspen-like-resorts” close to Zermatt, but still Zermatt seems to be ranked higher. Zermatt offers fantastic skiing with spectacular views. Zermatt is trafficless, meaning all cars are left in a garage few kilometers away from the town. Planning a ski trip on Christmas? Go to Zermatt, you will like it.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - 2# Kitzbuhel, Austria

Once again, I am srpprised! Kitzbuhel is a great place to ski but honestly I did not expect to see as second best in the world. This resort is known from the Alpine Cup track, Hahnenkamm.

TOP 10 Ski Resorts - 1# Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia

What should I say? Nothing. This is exactly the right one to be on he first place. I agree 100%. Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia provides the biggest vertical drop, very good powder skiing and a fabulous nature surrounding. It is the best.

What do you think? Don’t agree? Say what you think in the comment field.