Winter Sports Destinations That Will Make You Feel Like an Olympian

Japan has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in Sapporo in 1972 and Nagano in 1998. Today, however, the star of Japanese skiing is Niseko, an hour’s drive from Sapporo in the Hokkaidō prefecture, known for its quality powder and onsen – traditional Japanese baths. Multiple resorts – such as Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village – encompass Mount Yōtei, with 54km (33mi) of pistes between them. The lifts run from the end of November until the beginning of May; try night skiing, possible here daily until 9pm, to glimpse the sun set behind the mighty stratovolcano.

The site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix lies in a valley between the Mont Blanc massif and the Aiguilles Rouges, and offers 155km (96mi) of pistes for beginners and experts alike. Take the two-stage cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3,840m/12,600ft) and tackle the most famous off-piste ski run in the world, the 22km (14mi) Vallée Blanche. Although not a destination for cheap ski holidays, Chamonix offers unparalleled adventure; hire a guide and explore the vast glacier systems and steep couloirs found under the icy gaze of the highest mountain in western Europe.

St Moritz is a high Alpine town in the Engadine valley region of Switzerland, and lies 1,800m (5,900ft) above sea level – one of the highest, and most snow-sure, resorts in Europe. Twice the host of the Winter Olympics, in 1928 and 1948, St Moritz caters for all skill levels, but is best known as a wonderland for advanced skiers. Expert runs here include the World Cup downhill race course in Corviglia, the 9km (6mi) long Königsabfahrt (King Run) from Corvatsch via Lake Hahnen, and the Lagalb descent in Diavolezza, generally regarded as the most challenging run in the Engadine.

If you’re up for a challenge, St Anton won’t disappoint. The beautiful terrain invites some of the world’s finest off-piste adventures, and has 300km (186mi) of marked trails to entertain all levels of skier. The traditional Tyrolean village itself is set deep in a valley at the foot of the Arlberg pass, and its slopes culminate in the 2,809m (9,215ft) high Valluga. From the summit, you can descend an expert 10km (6km) run, the longest in St Anton. There’s also 41km (25mi) of cross-country skiing for those less vertically inclined. Austria hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, an hour from St Anton.

The Queen of the Dolomites is the most upmarket ski resort in Italy, nestled in the glorious Italian Alps. Selected to host the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina is divided into different ski areas – the main two are Tofana (the highest) and Pomedes (the largest), both easily accessed from the town. Bus de Tofana is hailed as the best place to ski off-piste in the Dolomites, or you can take in stunning views of the Hidden Valley on a day up high on Cinque Torri. Cortina is also great for snowboarding holidays, with plenty of open terrain for beginners to get their balance.

For a ski holiday in Canada, look no further than Whistler Blackcomb. Host of key events in the 2010 Winter Olympics and only a scenic 90-minute drive from Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb often ranks as one of the best ski resorts in the world. With two snow-sure mountains, 240 runs and 3,240ha (8,000 acres) of skiable terrain (including 890ha/2,200 acres of black and double-black runs) it’s easy to see why. Whistler is also ideal for family ski holidays, thanks to its beginner slopes and great teachers. If you’re looking for something a little different, discover the best places to ski in western Canada other than Whistler.