Snow Skiing: Where Is The Best Place In The World For Guaranteed Snow?

The global snow sports market is growing at a steady pace with increased enthusiasm among young adventurers and tourists. 

So, no wonder that the global snow sports industry, offering activities such as snow skiing and snowboarding, is expected to reach $28.53 billion in 2034.  

Further, with the rising popularity of snow sports, we have a dedicated ski tourism market today. Did you know 366 million skier days were recorded in the 2023-24 season?

However, climate change has been a major challenge for the snow sports and ski tourism industries. These days, not all places known for snow skiing receive the same amount of snowfall, and some only experience seasonal snowfall.

So, if you want to optimize your snow skiing experience, you need to know about the best places to go in the world. 

In this Dream and Travel Guide, we will give you brief overviews about the best snow-skiing destinations in the world. 

What Is The Best Place To Go For Guaranteed Snow Skiing?

Let’s say I have this beautiful snow skiing trip planned and am very excited about it. But when I reached the spot, I found not a single sign of snow. What a disappointment!

This won’t happen for all of you because I have curated a list of the most beautiful places in the world that guarantee an exciting snow skiing adventure.

High-Altitude European Resorts

The higher you go, the colder it gets. In short, choosing high-altitude ski resorts is almost always guaranteed to give you a good amount of snow. 

Some of the most popular high-altitude resorts include Val Thorens in France, Cervinia in Italy, and Obergurgl in Austria. 

Moreover, some other notable snow skiing locations in Europe are- 

1. Cervinia, Italy

• Resort height: 2050m
• Pistes: 150km
• Slopes1525m-3480m
• Usual season:  Late October to early May

It is one of my favourite places ever to visit in Italy in winter. This resort is extremely famous for its high altitude and spectacular scenic beauty. 

Moreover, the glacier terrain allows for year-round snow skiing, making Cervania a unique and favourable European destination. 

2. Val Thorens, France

• Resort height:  2300m
• Pistes: 150km
• Slopes: 1800 m- 3230 m
• Usual season: From late November to early May

This resort is the highest in Europe, with slopes that reach 3200 meters and include two small glaciers. 

Furthermore, it has many shady north-facing areas and good snowmaking equipment. This is why it is considered one of the safest places to ski in the Alps.

3. Saas-Fee, Switzerland

• Resort height: 1800 m
• Pistes: 100 km
• Slopes: 1800 m- 3500 m
• Usual season: Mid-December to late April

Although this region of Switzerland tends to be quite dry, its average skiing altitude, with most slopes ranging from 2500 to 3500 meters, is unmatched in the Alps. It also features one of the finest glaciers in Europe.

4. Obergurgl, Austria

• Resort height: 1930 m
• Pistes: 110 km
• Slopes: 1795 m- 3080 m
• Usual season: Mid-November to early May

Obergurgl is an immensely popular ski resort known for its reliable snow conditions and long ski season due to its high altitude. 

The resort offers a variety of terrains that are comfortable for all skill levels. People appreciate its charming atmosphere, good value for money, and well-maintained slopes.

5. Hintertux, Austria

• Resort height: 1500 m
• Pistes: 86 km
• Slopes: 1500-3250 m
• Usual season: all year round

Although this is a glacier in the Alps, it also has an additional terrain that is nonglacial. It is high, shady, and very reliable for snow. 

Snow Skiing On Glaciers

If you want to ski throughout the year, your best bet is to choose a glacier resort, due to its geography. 

Glacier resorts can stay cold and snow-covered all year round, which makes them the perfect stop for off-season skiing. 

There are several popular resorts across Europe, including Tignes in France, Hintertux in Austria, and Zermatt in Switzerland. 

Of course, there are many other options to choose from. However, these are some excellent resorts that you should definitely consider. 

Unfortunately, with the impact of climate change, some glacial locations are becoming less suitable for skiing throughout the year. 

Furthermore, this means you’ll need to be more selective with your chosen dates and locations. Geographically, ski holidays in Austria are typically reliable and highly enjoyable. 

The top glacier ski resorts in Europe are-

1. Stubai, Austria

• Resort height:  1750 m
• Pistes:  35
• Slopes: 60 km
• Usual season: Mid-October to mid-June

Do you want a classic high-mountain skiing experience in the Eastern Alps? Visit Stubai, Austria. 

Along with being a popular snow skiing location, it is also a prominent destination for hiking and wellness tourism. 

2. Passo Stelvio, Italy

• Resort height:  2758 m – 3450 m
• Pistes: 8
• Slopes: 16 km
• Usual season: Late May to early November

Have you watched the Top Gear episode “In Search of Driving Heaven? ” If so, you must be familiar with Passo Stelvio and its hairpin turns. 

Nestled in the Ortler Alps and home to the Stelvio National Park, it is a snow skiing and training destination for the top athletes in the world. 

3. Glacier 3000, Switzerland

• Resort height: 3000 Meters
• Pistes: 10
• Slopes: 31 Km
• Usual season: Late November to late April

A year-round destination for snow skiing, Glacier 3000, Switzerland, is also a popular hub for non-skiing activities. 

You can enjoy a walk or a ride in the cable car to enjoy the scenic beauty here. 

4. Les Deux Alpes, France

• Resort height:  1300 m – 3016 m
• Pistes: 89
• Slopes: Around 200 Km
• Usual season: Early December to Late April

Les Deux Alpes ski resort has the largest skiable glacier in the world. However, the terrain here is very challenging, and it is only for seasoned skiers. 

5. Tignes, France

• Resort height: 3456 m
• Pistes: Around 300 Km
• Slopes: 300 Km
• Usual season: Late November to early May

The resort offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional alpine style. You can choose from luxury five-star hotels or family-friendly apartments. 

After a day on the slopes, enjoy the lively après-ski scene, taste gourmet food, and relax in top-notch wellness facilities.

Late And Early Season Snow-Sure Destinations

Want to avoid peak season? Then, various resorts offer incredible early and late-season offerings, with great skiing conditions, cheaper accommodations, and the same high-quality experience. 

Two top options to look for are Val d’Isere in France and Livigno in Italy. 

Furthermore, by visiting during the late or early season, you tend to get more affordable prices, fewer crowds, and the potential for better, fresh snow. 

Additionally, since these resorts can provide a much longer season, you have better flexibility with your choice of dates. 

That means if you and your friends can visit from late November to early May, rather than the typical season of late December to early March.

1. Ischgl, Austria

• Resort height: 2872 m
• Pistes: 239 km
• Slopes: 2000 m
• Usual season: it starts from late November to early May

A Tyrolean adventure paradise! This is what Ischgi, Austria, is. It is one of the finest in Austria, and it offers you a cross-border skiing opportunity. 

2. Murren, Switzerland

• Resort height: 1650 m
• Pistes: 53 km 
• Slopes: 56 km
• Usual season: it is an all-year-round location. 

One of the most picturesque mountain villages in Switzerland, Murren is a car-free destination. Further, it is the highest snow skiing and winter sports zone in Bernese Oberland. 

3. Seiser Alm, Italy

• Resort height:  1680 m – 2450 m 
• Pistes: 181 km
• Slopes: 45 km
• Usual season: starts in December and extends through April. 

Seiser Alm in Italy is the largest ski area in the Italian Dolomites. Further, the surrounding Schlern Peaks make the skiing experience more enjoyable. 

4. Geilo, Norway

• Resort height: 800 Meters
• Pistes: 20 Lifts
• Slopes: 46 Alpine Slopes
• Usual season:

You must visit Geilo in Norway if you want the best cross-country and Alpine skiing experience. You will also enjoy tobogganing and dog sledding here. 

5. Are, Sweden

• Resort height: 380-1274 Meters
• Pistes: 89
• Slopes: 91 Km
• Usual season: December to February

Sweden, one of the countries that start with S, has Are, a popular snow skiing destination.  Are is the largest ski resort in Scandinavia. 

Snow Resorts Are Using Snowmaking Technology To Make Up For A Lack Of Snowfall

Some advanced resorts are combating the lack of snow by making their own. 

While the specifics of the snow machines vary, most function by using air pressure and water to quickly freeze water into ice crystals that become snow. 

Furthermore, this makes the ‘artificial snow’ almost indistinguishable from the real thing and provides excellent skiing conditions no matter the weather. 

Moreover, two top resorts actively investing in this new technology are Kitzbuhel in Austria and Courchevel in France.