Canada

Banff, Fernie, Kicking Horse, Lake Louise, Whistler, Tremblant
West coast resorts (Banff to Whistler) are colder, wilder, famed for powdery snow. All popular with UK market, and Whistler a firm but now large favourite, plenty of upmarket accommodation. Banff is the playground, Lake Louise, more serene, great for beginners. Cross-country. Over to the east Tremblant has a theme ski village feel, and great for beginners but short runs, East coast, west coast very different. Friendly, easy, huge areas not too crowded. Back country capital of the world – lots of powder. Best snow on the west although Banff can get to –30. Whistler much loved by many, off-piste opportunities abound, but expanding fast. Great value for money with only downside being pricier flight.
Tourist Office: Whistler Black Comb | Lake Louise | Banff | Tremblant

Colorado

Aspen, Vail, Telluride, Crested Butte
25 ski and snowboard areas, plenty of snow – in fact this is a record year for it, famously powdery. Much to do on and off surprisingly uncrowded slopes at upmarket Aspen; convenient too with gondola lift from your doorstep – if you stay downtown. Well-groomed blue runs plus a few challenges, and a top terrain park with 90m long super-pipe. Crested Butte has serious challenges for experts in wooded, beautiful setting. Telluride for peace, Vail, the largest ski area in the US for big bucks bustle
Tourist Office: Colorado

California

Heavenly, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows
Lake Tahoe in the Nevada Mountains, 300km east of San Francisco is home to a dozen or more sizeable resorts all easily explored from any one local base. Casinos, motels and functional bars don’t charm, but pedestrian villages are slowly appearing – Squaw Valley’s is prized, the icy lake scenery is spectacular, management efficient and slopes long and varied, good for intermediates. Long season: November to May
Tourist Office: California

Chile &
Argentina

Get some skiing in during the summer on the Andes. Purpose-built Valle Nevado, part of the Three Valleys, the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, offers great skiing at all levels but particularly advanced, plus snowboarding, deluxe and spectacular accommodation – and it’s easy to get to. Farellones-El Colorado and La Parva are nearby. Over in Argentina, Las Leñas is most people’s favourite, offering on and off-piste skiing, ice-climbing and snow-trekking. Heli-skiing also recommended at Cero Catedral.
Tourist Office: Valle Nevado | Argentina

Bulgaria

Bansko, Pamporovo, Borovets
Fledgling foreign ski market appealed to beginners on a budget, schools are good and resorts are upgrading with Bansko leading the way with new lifts and new accommodation and restaurants. Pamporovo also a good, cheap, safe bet for beginners and an attractive location, southerly but high altitude (1650) hence white.
Tourist Office: Bulgaria

Norway &
Finland

Oslo, Lillehammer (N), Levi (F)
Norwegians have a lot of opportunities for snowboarding, cross-country and telemarking, but even Lillehammer, home to the 1994 Olympics is a bit short on verticals. However, it’s a calm spot for beginners with good accommodation. Peace and short slopes with winter wonderland, saunas also in Finland.
Tourist Office: Norway | Finland

New Zealand

Alternative to a European beach vacation, with May-November season, plenty of heli-ski options. Mount Cook, The Remarkables and the area around Cadrona on South Island are super-exciting for experts with no fear, while NZ’s largest resort, Whakapapa, North Island, has areas ideal for beginners. Resorts can be bleak. Accommodation is almost always below the snowline.
Tourist Office: New Zealand | Cadrona