The 11 Most Adorable Ski Towns in the World

It’s hard not to be captivated by the iconic Matterhorn dominating the views in this quintessential Swiss ski town. But apart from the numerous peaks surrounding the Matter Valley (many of which can be skied, either in a designated ski area or off piste), the town of Zermatt has a personality all its own. Luxury hotels and restaurants line cobbled, car-free streets between half-timbered lodges. Given its proximity to Italy, visitors from countless countries come for the four interconnected ski areas—Rothorn, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Schwarzsee—and stay for the scenes of horse-drawn carriages trotting along the Bahnhofstrasse. Or, explore further afield on our Switzerland Bike Tour.

Historic hotels, cosmopolitan restaurants and incredible skiing make this Canadian town a hot destination for skiers and non-skiers alike. Located in its national park namesake, Banff boasts breathtaking views of rocky peaks like Mount Norquay, one of the three mountains skiable with the purchase of a single lift ticket. Whether you choose to explore Ski Banff, Lake Louise, or Sunshine Village, you can head back towards town afterwards to soak sore muscles in the world-famous natural hot springs. Take a break from outdoor recreation and warm up in one of several local museums and contemporary art galleries or catch a performance at the Banff Centre.

Created by the Rothschild family and popularized by French aristocracy in the early 1900s, Megève remains one of the swankiest ski resorts in the French Alps. The tiny village is a lavish winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights in shop windows, a posh Christmas tree in the main square, and horse-drawn carriages. Skiers can explore natural beauty on 124 well-groomed slopes of Megève’s three mountains—Rochebrune, Mont d’Arbois, and Jailet—and refuel at one of the 30 on-mountain fine dining restaurants. Those looking for activities off the mountain can shop at high-end stores like Hermès and Moncler, cozy up in a librarie (book shop), or book a relaxing massage at one of the exceptional local spas. See what the Alps look like from the saddle on a bike tour of the Alps.

Set in a remote box canyon in southwest Colorado, Telluride marries a former Western mining town and a modern, luxurious ski resort. Downtown Telluride, nestled right up along the ski area, is a National Historic District with numerous outdoor shops, select art galleries, plenty of bars and restaurants for your après-ski fix, and zero stoplights. Take the free gondola (that runs until midnight!) from Telluride up to Mountain Village, the true “resort” of the two areas. Although Telluride is known for its steep expert runs and picturesque hike-to terrain, there’s plenty of skiing and riding for beginners as well. With 19 lifts and gondolas, the mountain offers spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains, whether you’re at the base area or way back in Revelation Bowl.

Powder lovers will rejoice in this Japanese town populated by fewer than 5,000 people and showcasing four interconnected ski areas. With average snowfall at an astounding 590 inches per year—thanks to a consistent, windy storm cycle from nearby Siberia—Niseko is a popular with skiers and riders who yearn for never-ending powder runs and dreamy birch tree trails. The relaxed, low-key atmosphere of the town makes it all the more welcoming for international visitors. Nighttime in Niseko offers a glimpse at Japanese tradition: sample seafood and noodles, soak in one of the many muscle-soothing hot springs, or keep skiing! Huge lights placed throughout a large portion of the entire mountain make deep-powder night skiing a unique experience in Niseko.

Largely considered one of the most beautiful ski areas in the world, Cortina is a glamorous Italian village packed with designer boutiques and upscale restaurants. No cars are allowed on Corso Italia, leaving you free to wander from one chic shop to another on the main strip. Plenty of visitors take their lunching and shopping more seriously than their skiing, so the mountain typically has no lines: lap the pistes over and over, taking in the impossibly jaw-dropping peaks of the Dolomites rising up around you. Then return with DuVine in the summer and ride on a Dolomites Bike Tour.

With consistent, reliable snow and bluebird days on the mountain that rarely see crowds, Fernie is a skier’s paradise that’s a bit lesser-known than nearby Whistler. The village itself is a blend of local ski shops, cozy cafés, and funky restaurants—the kind of place where chairs and benches are built from skis that have seen their last run. Lodging is available at a variety price points, from eclectic hostels to decadent resort lodges. With five alpine bowls, the most of any ski area in North America, the mountain receives around 400 inches of snowfall each year and offers varied terrain that ranges from gentle, groomed runs to steep, powder-filled chutes.

Aspen enjoys platinum status as a top destination for celebrities and Forbes billionaires, yet remains a familiar home for ski bums simply looking to set up life in a cool ski town. Despite the glitzy reputation, the town maintains several original Victorian-style buildings from its mining-era beginnings and a local, down-to-earth vibe that makes visits possible for those with smaller budgets. Excellent nightlife is found in the live music at Belly Up and the dining scene is unparalleled with restaurants like Cloud Nine and Matsuhisa, so there’s plenty to do after a day of skiing one (or many) of Aspen’s four fantastic ski areas. Free shuttle buses and local lifts transport skiers and riders between the more challenging Aspen Mountain and Highlands and the beginner- and intermediate-friendly Buttermilk and Snowmass. Not feeling a day on the slopes? Enjoy the vibrant arts and culture scene in town, browse the mélange of high-end boutiques and thrift shops, or grab a happy hour pint at Aspen Brewing Company.

Situated on the banks of the Lech River, the town of Lech offers an elegant atmosphere fit for royals, all the while maintaining its humble farming village roots. Lech has seen the likes of Princess Diana and Tom Cruise, but remains affordable and quaint enough for traditional family ski vacations. Although expensive hotels and upscale chalets have popped up in Oberlech, the satellite resort area above the village, the original inns, restaurants, and church in town remain modest and rustic. The mountain is a paradise for intermediate skiers, featuring gentle but exciting runs and pleasant snow conditions.

Boasting all of the European village charm without ever leaving North America, Mont-Tremblant’s base area is bursting with activities, including charming coffee shops, glamorous spas, a buzzing nightlife scene, and even a casino. The car-free village is a pastiche of colorful buildings painted in bright reds and pastel blues and greens. One of the first ski areas on the continent, Mont-Tremblant’s first lift opened in 1939, and it now boasts 94 trails on 654 skiable acres over four mountains. Snow conditions are typically excellent as a result of natural weather patterns and the 1,000 snowguns the mountain uses for snowmaking. Skiers and riders of all abilities will have a blast gliding through Mont-Tremblant’s many tree trails, ranging from fairly flat and open to steep and tight.

With a storied history, bucolic farms, and Colonial-style architecture, Stowe is the quintessential New England town. Known as the “ski capital of the East,” the ski area—built on Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain—has something for everyone, from groomed runs at the Spruce Peak base area to bumped-out, steep terrain off the Fourrunner Quad lift. One of the most high-end Vermont ski resorts, Stowe offers several eco-friendly hotels, staying true to the state’s “green” roots. The town itself has several rustic, accessible lodges and local bars mixed with chic boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants, creating an experience that appeals across the board. If you’re pining for the famous fall foliage, go leaf-peeping at peak weeks in Vermont.