Top Ski Resorts for Guaranteed Snowy Slopes this Season

Attention all skiers!

Analysis of data collected since 1973 by the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service has revealed a global decrease in snowfall. The most significant decline is occurring in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, which includes the area north of the tropics and south of the Arctic.

Ski resorts in popular winter destinations like Austria, Vermont, Switzerland and Spain's Sierra Nevada region were forced to close unexpectedly due to unusually warm temperatures last winter.

Bob Henson, a meteorologist and journalist with Yale Climate Connections, pointed out that winters in the United States are now 2.3°F warmer than they were a century ago. He also noted that while heat waves are a major concern with summer warming, winters are actually warming even more dramatically than summers in many areas.

Some ski areas have experienced a dramatic impact. Bolivia's Chacaltaya, once the world's highest ski resort at over 17,000 feet (5,180 meters), now lies abandoned after the melting of its glacier. Additionally, a small ski area in Le Sambuy, France, has permanently closed due to insufficient snow.

When planning a ski vacation, it's important to carefully consider the optimal conditions. According to Henson, resorts at higher altitudes, such as those in the Colorado Rockies and the Western Alps, tend to have the most consistently cold weather and longest snow seasons, making them less reliant on periodic Arctic intrusions to maintain suitable conditions for skiing.

Managing snow-sure expectations

Despite the prolonged dry periods in high-altitude areas, the ability to make snow can alleviate the impact on ski conditions, he noted. Nevertheless, he pointed out that snowmaking has a "significant carbon footprint."

When clients inquire about snow-sure resorts, Sarah Plaskitt of Scout Ski website emphasized the careful consideration in the response given.

"Many people desire the quaint charm of a village, combined with high altitude and ski-in, ski-out access. However, true charm is found in the old and traditional, and centuries ago, villages were not built directly on high-altitude slopes or designed around ski resorts.

It's common to focus on the quality of snow before arriving at a location. Ultimately, the most important thing is the condition of the snow when you're gearing up to hit the slopes."

Sarah Plaskitt from Scout Ski

Plaskitt suggests visiting popular ski resort towns in Switzerland and France such as Zermatt, Val d'Isère, and Méribel, which have charming villages and access to higher-altitude slopes.

"Being preoccupied with snow before you arrive is common," she observed, and for many, this preoccupation begins months before their trip.

Alyeska Ski Area, Alaska

Explore top destinations for a winter ski vacation, from Europe and Japan to Alaska and Utah. Keep in mind that past great snowfalls do not guarantee perfect conditions this season.

The ski season at Alyeska, Alaska's largest ski resort, typically runs from late November to late April. The resort is situated just 45 minutes from Anchorage in the Chugach Mountains and the resort town of Girdwood. Alyeska's slopes, including the longest continuous double black diamond ski run in North America on the resort's North Face, receive an average of 382 inches (about 970 centimeters) of annual snowfall, making for some of the steepest and deepest skiing in the area.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Good news for skiers experiencing altitude sickness - at the top of Mount Alyeska, you're only 2,300 feet (about 700 meters) above sea level. This means you can enjoy all the exciting big mountain ski experiences and powder without the potential altitude effects that higher resorts may bring.

Zermatt not only offers rather reliable snow but also features plenty of old-school Swiss alpine charm.

Ydo Sol/Seiler Hotels/Switzerland Tourism

The Swiss town, well-known for the Matterhorn, boasts one of the largest ski areas globally and is home to the highest cable car station in Europe, standing at over 12,700 feet (about 3,870 meters).

In Zermatt at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, you can enjoy year-round skiing on a glacier with 13 miles (21.1 kilometers) of groomed runs. The views from this location encompass some of the highest mountains in France, Italy, and Switzerland, including the iconic peak of the Matterhorn.

Zermatt's car-free village exudes alpine charm, especially when staying at centrally located spots like the historic Mont Cervin Palace, which has been open since 1852, or the stylish Schweizerhof. Both hotels are just steps away from the town's cable car and train station.

Whitewater Ski Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Imagine yourself skiing through fine Canadian powder at Whitewater Ski Resort in British Columbia. You've got a good chance of finding some.

Kari Medig/Destination BC

Don't overlook Whitewater Ski Resort located along Canada's Powder Highway in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia. This resort, known for some of Canada's snowiest skiing conditions, receives roughly 222 inches (about 564 centimeters) of annual snowfall, as reported by OntheSnow.com. With over 3,200 acres of skiing terrain, the season typically runs from December to April.

Val Thorens, France

Experience the charm of the artsy mountain town of Nelson while staying close to the mountains at the budget-friendly Alpine Inn & Suites. With rates starting around $90 per night (converted from CAD to USD), you can enjoy the town's claim of having more restaurants per capita than foodie hot spots like Vancouver and San Francisco.

Val Thorens in France sits at an elevation of more than 7,500 feet -- or about 2,285 meters. That helps with your snowfall chances.

Located in the 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world, Val Thorens in France holds the esteemed title of being the highest ski resort in Europe, sitting at an impressive elevation of over 7,500 feet (approximately 2,285 meters).

The slopes typically remain open until May, with an average snowfall of over 201 inches (about 510 centimeters) and more than 90 miles (145 kilometers) of ski runs. Welcome to Turkey's secret ski paradise.

Hokkaido, Japan

At Club Med Val Thorens Sensations, you can eliminate much of the hassle involved in organizing a ski trip by opting for an all-inclusive vacation. With free stays for kids aged 3 and under, and with the cost covering your ski pass, group lessons, as well as meals and drinks, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday.

Hokkaido island is a sought-after destination for enthusiastic Australian skiers and adventurous powder hounds from Japan and beyond. Thanks to the Siberian winds that bring about a staggering 1,500 centimeters (590 inches) of snow annually, the region offers consistently epic ski conditions. Popular spots like Hanazono Niseko and Rusutsu, among over 100 ski resorts in Hokkaido, benefit from the abundance of light and dry powder.

Alta, Utah

One of the essential experiences when skiing in Japan is taking the time to relax and recover in an onsen. Noboribetsu, located south of Niseko and Rusutsu in Hokkaido, is home to one of the best hot springs in the region, known for its mineral-rich waters and historical significance as a spa town.

Alta Ski Area isn't far from Salt Lake City yet offers some of the most reliable snowfall not just in Utah but in all of North America.

Alta Ski Area, located just 45 minutes southeast of Salt Lake City in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, is consistently ranked as one of North America's top ski resorts for snowfall. On average, the resort accumulates about 352 inches (894 centimeters) of snow annually, making it one of the fairest among Utah's ski resorts.

The 2022/2023 season at Altas was the snowiest on record, receiving a total of 903 inches (2,294 centimeters) of snow. Consider visiting during the week to avoid crowds and take advantage of lodging deals at Snowpine Lodge. The lodge features the Stillwell Spa, perfect for some post-ski relaxation, and is located within a historic mining industry building with its original granite walls.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California

A skier takes a huge jump at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, which is already open for the '23-'24 ski season.

Tomas Cohen/Courtesy Vail Resorts

South Lake Tahoe experienced its snowiest season on record last year, with Kirkwood Mountain Resort leading the pack with over 700 inches (1,778 centimeters) of snow. This exceptional season was even more impressive considering Kirkwood's average snowfall of 343 inches (about 871 centimeters). The resort's high base elevation of 7,800 feet (about 2,375 meters) and peak elevation of 9,800 feet (nearly 3,000 meters) make it a dependable and popular destination for skiing in the Sierra Nevada.

Wolf Creek Ski Area, Colorado

Wolf Creek Ski Area may not have the most name recognition in Colorado, but it often has the most snow.

Scott DW Smith/Courtesy Wolf Creek Ski Area

Skip Breckenridge, Aspen, Steamboat, and Vail and head to Southwest Colorado for the snowiest ski resort - Wolf Creek Ski Area. It receives an average annual snowfall of 319 inches or 810 centimeters, compared to Vail's 234 inches. Stay at the no-frills Wolf Creek Ranch Ski Lodge, just a few miles from the slopes, with rooms and cabins featuring full kitchens starting at around $200 per night.

South Fork, located along the Rio Grande River about 19 miles from the ski resort, is the perfect town for outdoor enthusiasts. It serves as a great base for snowmobiling trips into the beautiful Rio Grande National Forest and offers a variety of breweries, pizzerias, and barbecue joints for laid-back après-ski enjoyment.

Terry Ward, a travel writer and freelance journalist based in Florida, gained firsthand experience with T-bars and snowboards in the French Alps.