Ski resorts for every kind of traveller

As the winter season hits its peak, many travellers are seeking a bit of adrenaline, making winter sports holidays their top choice. Over the past few months, there’s been a noticeable rise in demand for these types of getaways, with more people opting for winter sports as their preferred way to spend the season. From Japan, to the US, Switzerland or Canada, here is a list of some of the most popular winter sports destinations for any type of visitor, from solo travellers or beginners to couples or families. Explore iconic landscapes of Japan and Italy, the challenging slopes in the US for advanced skiers or the vibrant après-ski scene in Austria.

Ski destination for après-ski: St. Anton, Austria

Only a two-hour flight from the UK, Austria is a great destination for any skiiers with any level of experience. For families there are a number of ski schools, a family snow park, slopes for all levels and great hotels and restaurants for couples and solo travellers. It’s known for its breathtaking snow-capped mountains and, according to some, it’s the birthplace of skiing.

St. Anton resort offers fantastic winter sport conditions making it a great option for skiing in Austria. St. Anton is famous worldwide for its après-ski experience with travellers from all over the globe joining a great culinary and winter sports experience. There’s no better place to dive into this vibrant atmosphere than St. Anton. The famous MooserWirt, along with many other lively après-ski huts, can be found on the valley run into the town, offering visitors a taste of the legendary party scene. From 11:00, travellers can enjoy a legendary lunch at MooserWirt, where the relaxed atmosphere sets the perfect tone for the day. As the afternoon unfolds, the atmosphere becomes very lively  with a number of DJs adding a unique touch to the apres-ski experience.

Ski resort for advanced skiers: Jackson Hole, USA

Ski and winter sports enthusiasts may be well aware of one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, Jackson Hole Mountain resort. Located in Teton Range, Jackson Hole is a destination like no other, offering unforgettable thrills for skiers of all levels. Renowned for its epic terrain, and stunning mountain views, it promises an experience that will impress every traveller.

Whether you're tackling the challenging black diamond run, Corbet's Couloir, or enjoying the smooth, groomed runs, every slope offers a mix of stunning scenery. Jackson Hole offers a mix of terrain suited for all skill levels, with half of it rated for experts, 40% for intermediates, and just 10% for beginners.

The intermediate runs are mainly on the south-facing Après Vous Mountain, while Rendezvous Mountain boasts the resort's more challenging terrain, featuring bowls, glades, and steep chutes.

Ski resort for beginners: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Located in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites in Italy, Cortina d'Ampezzo is home to one of the best beginner resorts in Europe. Cortina, also known as the "Queen of the Dolomites", offers beginner and intermediate skiers a series of well-groomed slopes. Snow machines installed on 95% of the slopes ensure a snow-safe experience during winter and early spring.

It has a staggering total of 1,220 km of slopes and two cable cars from each end of the centre that access the main ski areas. With 38 easy and 32 intermediate runs and three different mountains to discover, travellers can start in the children's area of ​​Socrepes and progressively explore the gentler slopes above. Around the village of Pocol you can find several beginner slopes, as well as a large ski school, among others, around the resort, offering lessons with experienced instructors.

The incredible views of the Dolomites landscape, as well as the classic Italian-style facilities, cafes and restaurants, undoubtedly make Cortina d’Ampezzo a great option for those who want to learn to ski for the first time while enjoying a truly unforgettable holiday.

Ski resort for winter sports or activities: Japan, Niseko

In spite of skiing being the preferred activity among winter sports enthusiasts, there are other fun options, like snowboarding and snowshoeing. Due to the cold winds blowing over the Sea of Japan, this country gets a lot of snow from December until April, making it a fantastic destination for skiing. Ideal for any level of experience, families and groups, Niseko is a popular choice in Japan, located in western Hokkaido. Travellers can enjoy the distinctive powder snow and carve lines in some of the most coveted slopes. Niseko is one of the most popular ski resorts in Japan, offering fantastic conditions for all skill levels. The resort features several ski schools, including Niseko Annupuri Snow School and NISS (Niseko International Snowsports School), which offer lessons in English.

In addition to the range of skiing options, there are plenty of other winter sports activities to enjoy, including a strong snowboarding culture and terrain parks. Snowboard enthusiasts can also hire a guide to explore the resort, ensuring they make the most of their day on the slope.

After a day on the slopes Niseko offers a great variety of onsens spread throughout the area, especially around the Annupuri region. Onsens are an excellent way to unwind and ease sore muscles after a day on the slopes. Niseko also delights with an impressive selection of authentic Japanese dishes, from steaming bowls of ramen to expertly crafted sushi, giving that unique local flavour to make the trip unforgettable.

With ABTA Travel Insurance, you can upgrade to include winter sports cover, giving you peace of mind throughout your trip. Be sure to secure comprehensive coverage that suits your needs. Get an ABTA Travel Insurance quote today.