The first cold of November has already arrived, triggering our need for new and exciting getaways. Although the ONExchange team loves warm weather and sunny locations, this time, we decided to take you to winter destinations that promise unforgettable experiences. From breathtaking ski slopes to fairytale landscapes perfect for endless walks, we’ve gathered the best suggestions for combining adventure with carefree living. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just want to enjoy the views with a cup of hot chocolate, this list is tailor-made for you.
Get your gloves and beanies ready – off you go for a winter escape you’ll never forget!
Zermatt, Switzerland – Imposing slopes with a dose of luxury
If we had to choose one destination for skiing to the limit and the best après-ski facilities, it would of course be Switzerland. Although our indecisive nature made it difficult for us to settle on a single winter destination in this fairytale-like and frozen country, in the end, we unanimously decided that Zermatt combines slopes of every level, majestic views of the Matterhorn mountain, and cosmopolitan surroundings for socializing with other skiers from every corner of the world.
Our standout is the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest ski resort in the Alps, which combines countless options for skiers – for families and children, for beginners, and for the very advanced. If we had to warn about one thing it’s not to underestimate the difficulty of the pistes, they do hide some spots where the difficulty level rises sharply!
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada – The largest ski area in North America
Stepping away from Europe, we travel to chilly and – almost permanently frozen – Canada, where North America’s largest ski resort unfolds. With more than 200 pistes, it caters to every level of difficulty, allowing you to choose the one that’s best suited to you. If you’re an advanced skier, we highly recommend Peak to Creek – the longest continuous run in North America at 11km long – as well as Blackcomb Glacier and Symphony Bowl. For beginners – like ourselves – we recommend the specially designed slopes on Whistler Mountain, with gentle inclines and less crowded terrain.
Extra tip: Take advantage of the unique opportunity to cross from Blackcomb Mountain to Whistler – and vice versa – using the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a cable car that connects the two peaks. We promise the vistas will be rewarding.
Niseko, Japan – Powder snow and tourist-friendly resorts
In case you thought it never snows in the Land of the Rising Sun, let us introduce you to the winter resort of Niseko, aka Japan’s most famous ski resort. The protagonist of the region is Mount Niseko-Annupuri, famous for the tons of powder snow it hosts every winter season and its three major ski resorts: the Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri, which cover most of the southeastern half of the mountain.
Pistes such as Hanazono offer great descents for all types of skiers, while adrenaline lovers have the option of even backcountry skiing (skiing outside of defined pistes), taking the risk of open exploration. Instead of freeriding, we’d prefer the warmth of one of the area’s countless chalets. How about you?
St. Anton, Austria – Steep slopes and rousing après-ski
Back to the Alps and magical Austria for a true alpine skiing experience that manages to harmoniously combine downhill skiing with intense socializing afterwards. Unfortunately, Mount St. Anton is not for everyone, as it caters primarily to challenge enthusiasts, with the majority of its hosted pistes ranging from moderate to high difficulty.
As an example, here are the most well-known tracks should you dare to visit: the iconic St. Anton Run – a fast and twisty route, the steep Schindler, and the Arlberg with its steep downhill gradient. But as the Austrian Alps hide an adventure for everyone, we can’t fail to mention the after-skiing culture that has flourished on their slopes in recent decades, with a special mention to MooserWirt, the most famous location for wild parties, plenty of alcoholic beverages and celebrity DJs.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Pistas overlooking the Dolomites
In the Dolomites, the famous mountain range in northeastern Italy, you will find Cortina d’Ampezzo, the famous ski resort that attracts many visitors annually. The imposing mountain peaks surrounding Cortina compose an eerie and cinematic backdrop, with the pistes on the slopes being more moderate and ideal for new skiers looking to discover their limits. Our favorite area, which we highly recommend for its smooth downhill slopes and unbeatable views, is the Cinque Torri, while we also single out the Olympia piste for those times when you want to feel like real pros. Again, if neither of our two options excites you, there’s always the alternative of the ever-delicious authentic carbonara served there.
Epilogue
We may not be sure if the aforementioned suggestions were enough to get you to take your snowshoes off the attic, but we are pretty confident that whenever you choose to explore the above magical winter destinations, you will experience endless hours of fun, adventure, and challenge. And don’t forget: wherever you find yourself, ONExchange is there to help you tackle every situation like a true local!
As always, don’t forget to visit our website for more travel blogs, follow ONExchange’s Instagram page, and share your own adventures from your favorite destinations by tagging us. Until next time, we wish you safe and happy travels!
