Sports Realm

It seems like skiing just might be cool again. It seems like just about everywhere, from the slopes of the Rockies to the Swiss Alps, 20-somethings are getting a little fed up with their snowboards and strapping those skis right back on. All of the punkiest young people seem to be taking a liking to the sport again, meaning that there’s a little more energy and vigor in a sport that was often chided for being, well, dorky.

With so many mountain faces in the world, it’s a surprise that skiing has a short list of the best spots to go. While some of the more famous resorts might indeed be worth the time and cash to experience, it doesn’t make the smaller, lesser-known spots around the world any less worth seeking out.

With a fluctuating world economy and odd weather changes, it’s sometimes a little bit daunting to start making plans for the next hot spot. We’ve saved you the trouble of digging through books and browsing the Internet, and are happy to bring you five ski resorts from all over the world that might be perfect for your next vacation. Get ready to hit the slopes!

Cerro Bayo, Argentina – Located in Argentina’s beautiful Lakes District, Cerro Bayo is known for its reliable and impressive yearly snowfall. The resort has been growing rapidly since it picked up in popularity amongst the locals, but is still lesser known to those outside of Argentina. Expect to find skiable terrain no matter your skill level, as well as facilities that seem to be doubling in size each year. Now there’s a snowboard park, a half-dozen new lifts, and even larger parking lots. Cerro Bayo is known for its off-piste skiing.

Telluride, Colorado – One of the more remote ski resorts in Colorado, it’s not packed with those weekend skiers who clog the lifts and make wait times almost unbearable. Such is the charm of Telluride, with its four distinct bowl areas that provide skiing for all levels and ages. With over 92 runs, there’s no shortage of new options for even repeat visitors. The longest, Galloping Goose, clocks in at a respectable 7.4 kilometers. There is a pretty even distribution between beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, and the views of the Rockies are truly impressive from the mountaintop.

Beskyd, Ukraine – For a truly off-the-beaten-path ski experience, take a horse-drawn sled to the village of Verkhniy Studenyy. Close to many of the Ukranie’s top ski resorts, including Pylpets and Podobovets, Beskyd’s five trails consist of scenic skiing perfect for beginner and advanced skiing. You’ll likely be the first to say you’ve seen these slopes to anyone back home, if that’s part of the appeal.

Mansella Ski Area, Spain – Located in La Cerdanaya, right in the heart of the Pyrenees, Masella offers over 50 main trails and 20 variations, as well as some of the fastest and most high-tech lifts in the whole country. Most of the slopes have a lovely forest covering, and those trails on top of the mountain offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. There is excellent natural snow all year long, and a snow park makes for an adventurous afternoon of jumps and other fun challenges.

Chapa Verde, Chile – On the other side of the Andes from Argentina’s Lakes District is Chapa Verde, Chile, a small ski resort with an impressive 650 meters of vertical descent perfect for those intermediate skiers who enjoy breathtaking views. A smaller resort, with just four lifts, there are over 14 trails. Located above the tree line, it’s ideal skiing for those who find things like views important. There’s lots of off-trail skiing, and the ban on rental cars ensures that this resort won’t become overdeveloped anytime soon.

If Skiing Japan, Damian Papworth knows which Japan ski resorts are the best. He invariably books in at the Hooting Owl Lodge in Niseko Hirafu.