Winter is fast approaching and, for adventure lovers, this means it’s time to dust off those skis, skates and snowboards! If you don’t live in a snowy place, it’s a good idea to start planning your winter vacation or ski holiday in advance. Wondering what the best destinations for winter sports are? Expat Explore is here to tell you!
Here’s everything you need to know about winter sports:
What is the most popular winter sport?
Based on the number of participants, ice hockey is the world’s most popular winter sport while the most-watched Winter Olympics sport is figure skating. Sounds like ice wins over snow in the popularity contest! However, the most popular winter sport in Europe is skiing. On the other end of the spectrum, curling is said to be the least popular winter sport.
Where is the next winter olympics?
The next Winter Olympics are in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in 2026. This will be the second time that Cortina d’Ampezzo has hosted the Winter games with the first time being in 1956. The following Winter Olympics will take place in 2030, with the French Alps set to host.
What are the top destinations for winter sports?
Snowy spots all over the world offer a range of winter sports activities. However, there are few special places that stand out. These bucket-list destinations combine beautiful natural scenery with world-class sporting facilities and events.
Have a look at our top 6 winter sports & ski destinations:
1. Aspen, USA
Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s spectacular White River National Forest is the city of Aspen. This city is best known for its world-famous luxury ski resorts and vibrant aprés-ski culture. You may even bump into a celebrity or two as Ringo Starr, Goldie Hawn and Kevin Coster are just a few of the famous figures to own property in this winter wonderland. Aside from skiing, adventure seekers can enjoy snowboarding and ice-skating as well as hiking and cycling.
Aspen also hosts the annual Winter X Games, a three-day action sport competition featuring top athletes from all over the world! However, Aspen isn’t only for experts. With four mountains to choose from – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass – there are slopes for every experience level.
2. Hokkaido, Japan
As the northernmost prefecture in Japan, Hokkaido gets a ton of snow! This allows for many winter sporting activities. Hokkaido is home to multiple ski and snowboarding resorts and is world-renowned for the exceptional quality of its dry powder snow. Winters in Hokkaido are long, from November through March, with snow in at least one area every day during the season.
The best area of Hokkaido for snow seekers is Sapporo. Hokkaido’s largest city hosts the annual Sapporo Snow Festival in February, a spectacular showcase of large-scale snow and ice sculptures. Plenty of fun is to be had at the festival with a wide variety of winter activities from skating to sledding.
Related: Discover more exciting Japanese festivals!
3. Innsbruck, Austria
Did you know that 13 out of all 55 Austrian ski resorts are in the fairly small city of Innsbruck? Innsbruck is the picturesque capital of Tyrol and is surrounded by fantastic ski resorts for all types of skiers. From adrenaline-inducing heights to family-friendly slopes, there really is something for everyone. Sledding and tobogganing are also hugely popular winter pastimes and sleds can be rented all over Innsbruck. At the Olympic Sliding Centre, you can pair up with a pro-bobsledder who will take you around the track at speeds up to 100km per hour!
A must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts in Innsbruck is the Bergisel Ski Jump. Innsbruck is another city which has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976. In these years, the world’s greatest skiers flew through the air from the famous Bergisel hilltop. Celebrated architect, Zaha Hadid, designed a new ramp 2003. Today, you can admire this incredible piece of modern architecture and travel to the top with a ski lift. While you take in the views below, just imagine the thrill of soaring through the air!
Related: Visit Innsbruck on our Central Europe in Low Season tour!
4. Voss, Norway
There’s a reason they say that Norwegians are born with skis on their feet. Skiing is a beloved pastime for Norwegians, most of whom start to ski as soon as they can walk! Cross-country skiing is the most popular winter sport in Norway, however, snowboarding, alpine skiing, ice hockey and even curling are also well-loved activities. For a wide range of activities and the ultimate adventure, head to the town of Voss. Voss offers visitors two world-class ski resorts, Voss Resort and Myrkdalen Mountain Resort.
Voss is easily accessible from both Bergen and Flåm. The train ride is incredibly scenic and Voss itself is surrounded by magnificent lakes, snow-capped mountains and lush forests. Known as the extreme sports capital of Norway, Voss also offers a lot more than skiing, from ice-fishing and snowshoe hiking to horse-drawn sleigh rides. Paragliding and skydiving are also excellent options to get your heart pumping and to witness unbeatable views!
Related: Experience the unmatched scenery and natural landscapes of Norway on a tour of Scandinavia and the Baltics!
5. Whistler, Canada
Just a two hour bus ride or forty minute flight away from Vancouver is the resort municipality of Whistler. This quaint Canadian town attracts approximately three million tourists every year as one of the world’s top skiing destinations. Previously separate ski areas, Whistler and Blackcomb joined forces in 1997 to become the world’s largest ski resort with a whopping 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. The gondola that operates between the two mountains is also the world’s longest continuous lift system. That’s a lot of records for one small resort town!
Whistler Village is an ideal spot for a winter vacation, even if skiing isn’t your thing. The pedestrian-only village is sometimes referred to as an alpine Disneyland! Covered in snow and fairy lights, it is home to many charming cafés, high-end boutiques and world-class restaurants. In 2010, Whistler and Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. You can visit the Whistler Olympic Plaza to play in the snow, go ice-skating, bobsleighing, snow tubing and more!
6. Jungfrau Region, Switzerland
Alpine valleys, charming towns and snow-capped mountains are just a few of the many reasons to visit the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. The region is named after the highest mountain in the area, the Jungfrau. This 4,158m summit is accompanied by two other massive mountains, the Mönch and the Eiger. With these impressive mountains as the backdrop, skiers and snowboarders are spoiled for choice. The nearby town of Interlaken is renowned for its adventure sports and during winter everything from skiing and snowshoeing to curling and paragliding is on offer!
A true highlight of the Jungfrau region is Jungfraujoch – the highest train station in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The train ride to the top is truly magical and the views from the top are breathtaking. Aside from panoramic views, at the top you’ll see year-round snow, an ice palace carved out of the glacier and even restaurants, cafés and a Lindt chocolate shop. You can head to the “Top of Europe” with our Jungfraujoch optional excursion, available on most of our tours to Switzerland.
Related: Discover some more of the very best outdoor activities in Switzerland!
Lace up those snow boots and start planning your next winter adventure! Check out our upcoming departures to make the most of the season before winter comes to an end.