The Royal Guide

All Ski Destinations

Pick a country and we tell you where to actually go inside it. France has the biggest linked areas, Switzerland the cleanest scenery, Austria the best value and apres ski, Italy the long lunches, and the United States the deepest service. Below is every country we cover, each with a one line verdict and a hub that ranks its regions and resorts.

Choose a country

Where the snow is, ranked by what you want

If you want size and ski in ski out convenience, start with France. If you want guaranteed snow and dramatic scenery, look at Switzerland. If you want value, charm and the best nights out, Austria wins. If you want food, sun and a strong dollar, Italy and Spain deliver. If you want flawless grooming and service, head to the United States or Canada. For the deepest powder of the year, Japan stands alone.

CountryOur verdict
FranceThe biggest linked ski areas on earth and the deepest luxury inventory. Start here if you want size.
SwitzerlandHigh, snow sure and premium. The cleanest scenery and the steepest bills.
AustriaThe best apres ski and the best value in the Alps, with charming villages close to airports.
ItalyThe Dolomites and the Aosta Valley. Long lunches, gentle pistes and a strong dollar go far here.
United StatesGroomed perfection, deep service and dry powder. The highest spend per day in skiing.
CanadaWhistler and the Powder Highway. Big terrain, reliable snow and a favorable exchange rate.
JapanThe powder pilgrimage. The most reliable deep snow on the planet from January into February.
AndorraDuty free value in the Pyrenees, with better skiing than its reputation suggests.
SpainThe Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. Sunny, sociable and easy on the budget.
GermanyThe Bavarian Alps, best as a short break or a day trip from Munich.
NorwayReliable snow and a family first culture, with long seasons and short lift lines.
BulgariaThe budget leader in Europe, with low prices and lively villages.

We cover 25 countries in full and more as we go. Browse the complete list of resorts in our A to Z resort index, compare options by audience on the occasions index, or read a ranked best of list. New to planning the Alps versus North America, start with our US versus Europe guide.

Not sure which country fits your group?

Tell us your dates, budget and who is traveling and we will point you to the right country and resort.

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