Now that travel is back on the radar, the crazy adrenaline seeking nutters, have one thing in common. Black diamond vets and wild heart stopping runs are a must: these are the best spots to get your ski (and après-ski) on.
Zermatt, Switzerland.
When most people think of Zermatt, they think of one thing: The Matterhorn. This ultimate Swiss icon looms over Zermatt, first drawing visitors here in the 1860s. The village of Zermatt itself is lovely and car-free, with old-fashioned brown chalets and winding alleys. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to walk everywhere—there are electric vehicles and horse-drawn cabs.) Skiing in the region often lasts through early summer, but when the weather’s warmer, it’s a great time to hike.
Don’t miss
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
- Summit Ski & Snowboard School
- Zermatt Ski School European Snowsport (ES)
Jackson, Wyoming.
What outdoor activity can’t you do here? In the winter, there’s skiing (regular, cross-country, snowcat and heli-), snowshoeing and dogsledding. In summer, there’s fly-fishing, rafting (white-water or scenic) and hot-air balloon rides.
Don’t miss
- Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour
- Rendezvous Mountain
- Snake River Whitewater Rafting Classic Boat from Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Banff, Alberta.
Soaring mountains, jewel-coloured lakes and pristine wilderness await you in Canada’s first National Park. The irresistible beauty of the landscape invites travellers to immerse themselves in the outdoors all year round — whether hiking through untouched forests and paddling the turquoise lakes in summertime, or skiing the slopes and soaking in the steamy hot springs during the winter. Travelers also enjoy the warm hospitality of Banff or Lake Louise, the region’s charming mountain townships.
Don’t miss
Whistler, British Columbia.
Whistler, British Columbia, is a short trip from Vancouver by road or air. The stunning landscape, pedestrian-only Village and genuine, down-to-earth mountain culture make Whistler an unforgettable year-round destination. Winters provide reliable snow for skiing, snowboarding and Nordic sports while golf, mountain biking and hiking fill the warmer months. Festivals, spas, restaurants, and bars combine with endless outdoor activities to make Whistler the ultimate place to escape and unwind.
Don’t miss
- 2 Hour Wilderness Adventure Snowmobile Tour
- Medicine Trail Snowshoe Tour
- Fine Dining Dinner Tour in Whistler
Queenstown, North New Zealand.
Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking, and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region’s 75 wineries.
Don’t miss
- Queenstown
- Coronet Peak
- Small Group, Award Winning, Full Day Milford Sound Experience from Queenstown
Ortisei, Italy.
“Must love winter sports” could be the slogan of this town at the base of Northern Italy’s Dolomite Mountains. Skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and every other way of gliding across the snow is the favourite topics here, even when summer is in full tilt and Nordic walking and other high-altitude activities get added to the agenda. Two gondolas and a funicular on the edges of town whisk you up to the nearby ski resorts, which connect to a dozen or so more nearby. That’s literally hundreds of miles of easily accessible ski trails with one lift ticket. Back down in the valley, the après-ski atmosphere takes over the cobblestone streets.
Don’t miss
Jasper Alberta
Escape the urban bustle and make Jasper your home base for exploring Canada’s extraordinary wilderness. As a mountain town, it’s low-key and unpretentious with good food and drink; as a destination, it’s an outdoor sports lover’s playground, with hiking and golfing in summer and skiing and dog sledding in winter. If it’s chilly, heat up at Miette Hot Springs in the National Park.
Don’t miss
- Jasper National Park Tour: Maligne Valley, Medicine Lake and Spirit Island
- Half-Day Jasper Culture Food Tour
- Jasper SkyTram
Park City, Utah
Only 35 minutes from the SLC Airport, Park City’s rugged beauty is complemented by over 100 restaurants and bars, open air concerts, numerous spas, and health clubs, plays, independent film screenings, a series of world-class events and festivals, and as many kinds of lodging as there are people. If you’re into thrills, try out the summertime version of the bobsled at the Utah Olympic Park or challenge yourself at one of several area golf courses.
Don’t miss
Chamonix, France.
As host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix will always have a place in the history books. Its main attractions are Mont-Blanc (Western Europe’s tallest mountain) and the many ski areas that face the Chamonix Valley. Steep slopes and extreme weather conditions suit advanced skiers best, but there are also runs for beginners. Just make sure everyone in your party knows a green circle from a black diamond. Oh, and another note for the history books—Pierce Brosnan was here (filming a James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough).
Don’t miss
Breckenridge Colorado
Prospectors discovered gold when they founded Breckenridge in 1859. Today, this historic mining town is fostering a whole new set of riches: world-class skiing, an expansive trail network, festivals and events, a vibrant Main Street and plenty of ways to unwind. In Breckenridge, all four seasons are packed with the best of the outdoors, the indoors, and everything in between.
Don’t miss
- Breckenridge Mountain Explorer
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more
Aspen Colorado
Everyone knows Aspen as a top-notch winter resort town. But outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy it in the summer, too, when the mountains become a perfect setting for hiking, biking, and horseback tours. Some may be surprised to find it’s a top romance destination—but after all that outdoor exercise, who wouldn’t want to repair to a luxurious hotel room or a cosy, firelit bar?
Don’t miss
St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Although originally known as a summer destination, when the first snowflakes land in St. Moritz, so do the international scenesters, bundled up in the latest “Must Have” accessories. During winter, catch a ride on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to arrive in style. Cable cars ascend to three nearby mountaintops. Hundreds of miles of ski trails and a frozen lake comprise the area’s most popular sports venues. Follow the Romans example and try one of the city’s mineral springs, such as St. Moritz Bader.
Don’t miss
Vail, Colorado.
North America’s biggest and most popular ski resort, Vail is an alpine village in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Long a favourite of serious skiers and jet setting celebrities, Vail now also draws a younger, hipper snowboarding crowd. Skiing is king at Vail Mountain and the Blue Sky Basin, but the area’s vast splendour is perfect for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or scenery-gazing at any time of the year.
Don’t miss
