Epic places for your next overseas snow trip

Want to spend the Aussie summer working on your snow goggle tan? If you’re a keen skier or snowboarder, these destinations north of the equator are calling your name.

Choosing from all the magnificent mountain resorts in the northern hemisphere is no easy task. So, we looked at things like snowfall averages, variety of terrain, and fun village vibes to land on five places that are worthy of a spot on your must-ski list.

Whether you find yourself riding waist-deep in “Japow” or schussing the Austrian alps, be sure to make us all envious in real-time by taking advantage of our international roaming. The latest phones are just what you need to capture and share the action.

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Located on the island of Hokkaido, Niseko gets an average of 12 – 16 metres of powder per season and has the most extensive and varied terrain in Japan for you to make the most of it.  

Expect plenty of daytime snow showers, perfect for giving your ego a boost on the groomers, and don’t miss all the opportunities head off the trail and freeride in the fluffy stuff. Niseko’s sidecountry is easy to access and provides an out-of-bounds adventure that isn’t too taxing. The lifts take you most of the way, so all you need to do is boot it through the control gates and drop into powder-filled backcountry bowls, which funnel you back around to the resort.

Skiing powder in natural terrain is bound to wake up some sleepy muscles so it’s a good thing there are several onsens (thermal baths fed by natural spring water) around town. Or to warm yourself from the inside, try creamy potato-broth ramen, a winter-only local specialty.  If you have room for dessert, indulge in sweet cheese tarts from Niseko Takahashi, a popular nearby dairy.

Tip: Japan is a logical half-way point if you want to go on a multi-continent snow trip. Consider whether a season pass will offer better value than pay-as-you-go. Ikon and Epic are the main passes in Australia and include access to a range of partnering resorts in New Zealand, Japan, Canada, USA and Europe.

If you’ve ever dreamed of shredding the Rockies, consider Breckenridge in Colorado’s Summit County. The slopes get around nine metres of annual snowfall, and despite having lots of crisp bluebird days, the high altitude keeps the snowpack in good shape, often well into May.

‘Breck’ is often named the best place in the USA for park and pipe skiers and riders, but with a variety of terrain spread across five peaks, it caters well to everyone. Corduroy carvers will be stoked with the groomed terrain, ranging from mellow beginner trails to steep black diamond runs.  And if you can handle the elevation (and your planks like a pro), the highest lift drops you at a dizzying 3900 metres where there’s gnarly chutes, natural bowls and hike-to terrain.

The town itself is big, buzzy and full of history, with many buildings dating back to the 1800s. A central gondola and cruisy home trails seamlessly connect you to the slopes, so you can have a ‘ski-in ski-out' experience but still be close to shops, cafes, historic Main Street, museums, and loads of nightlife. For a Colorado-style farm-to-fork feed, take a seat at a saloon or chophouse with wild fare like elk and mountain trout, seasonal sides, and regional cheese on the menu.

So, skiing in Italy probably had you at pasta. And vino. But which of the hundreds of Italian resorts should you visit to ski up an appetite? For snow-sure slopes, it pays to aim high – and Cervinia is one of the loftiest ski resorts in Italy, perched at 2050 to 3500 metres.

It’s not the snowiest destination on the list (averaging about four metres annually) but you won’t be upset about bluebird days when you see the scenery, which features one of Europe’s most iconic peaks, the Matterhorn. Looong continuous runs are the perfect way to soak up the high alpine views, like the 22-kilometre run from Plateau Rosa to the village of Valtournenche. On the way down there are refuges where you can refuel on coffee, local cured meats and cheese.

Or why not pop over to Zermatt, Switzerland first? New lift infrastructure and pass options connect the two neighbouring resorts to create one big multi-country ski region. That means you can ski, ride or even walk across the border, enjoy the Matterhorn from all angles, and keep costs down by lodging, eating and shopping on the far-cheaper Italian side.

Canada has a bunch of great skiing and snowboarding destinations, but it’s easy to make a case for Whistler.  Not only does the snowfall average around 11 metres per year, the temperatures in the Coast Mountains are a little more comfortable than resorts in the Rockies further inland. Best of all, there’s direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver – so you can be on the mountain easily within 24 hours.

As the biggest resort outside of Europe, covering more than 8000 acres, it’s no surprise Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most varied resorts in Canada, appealing to beginners, families, powder seekers, and expert skiers all at once. Even non-skiers can have a blast thanks to the vibrant village and an extensive range of other winter activities, including scenic rides on the Peak 2 Peak gondola which dangles 400 metres above the valley floor.

Once you’re back on the snowy ground, eat and drink like a Canadian with a round of Caesars (a spicy clamato* juice and vodka cocktail) and poutine (fries topped with gravy and cheese curds).

*Yes, ‘clamato’ is made with tomato juice and clam broth. Yes, you should try it anyway.

It’s said the snowiest slopes in Europe can be found in Arlberg – a sprawling super-ski region made up of eight connected villages. Check out St Anton for its apres scene, or Lech to show off your designer duds and mingle with billionaires and celebrities. Meanwhile Warth is for powder-hungry peeps with an average of 11 metres of snowfall. You could choose any one of the resorts for your next snow holiday, but with such an extensive and efficient lift network, why not see how much of the region you can explore?

Go on a self-guided ‘ski safari’ like the 85 kilometre Run of Fame circuit, or the White Ring which is a less ambitious 22km loop. Want to really get your heart racing? Austrian resorts are known to attract big mountain skiers, so if you’re not content admiring the steeps from afar, you can go on a white-knuckle adventure with a local guide.

Big days on the snow are sure to get you craving Austria’s carb-and-cheese-laden cuisine. Stop for lunch at quaint Tyrolean chalets, where wood fires and traditional hearty meals like yeast dumplings, spätzle, goulash and fruit strudel are waiting to warm you up.

Also see Travel tips for the eager traveller and Where to travel for a White Christmas.

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^{This article was first published on 9 December 2023.}