With more than 3,400 hectares of snow-covered terrain to explore, Powder Mountain ranks as one of North America’s most sprawling ski destinations, dotted with lift-serviced corduroy slopes and untouched powder-dusted glades. The abundance of skiable areas means that even on its busiest days, there may be just a handful of people per hectare, so if you prefer to ski in solitude, Powder Mountain is an ideal choice. To ensure guests don’t miss out on everything the mount has to offer, local guides can provide off-piste excursions to secret chutes and open bowls away from the main runs.

Gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe, deep powder that lasts well into the spring and even summer months, and daringly sheer chutes to challenge even the most experienced skiers have made the 2,428 hectares of slopes at Palisades Tahoe one of North America’s most popular skiing destinations for more than 70 years. Spread across two majestic mountains, the former host of the 1960 Winter Olympics also has a vibrant après-ski scene, including music festivals, gourmet tours and a local specialty: ‘disco tubing’, which sends guests spinning through the snow in an inflatable ring to funky beats and a pulsing light show.

Set across the flanks of three active volcanoes, this region of the Andes of Ñuble was once best known for its hot springs. They remain a big draw today, but the area’s deep snows and relative obscurity have also made it a popular skiing destination for those looking to beat the crowds of the more visited slopes nearer Santiago. Hotel Termas Chillan is the plushest of the on-mountain resorts and features its own indoor and outdoor thermal pools as well as spa facilities and ski-to-door services.

The 1,200 hectares of life-serviced terrain at Cerro Catedral is the largest skiing resort in South America, with approachable, well-groomed pistes for beginners and intermediates and plenty of backcountry for advanced snow-goers to discover. Named for the dramatic granite formations rising from the mountain tops that resemble the spires of a gothic church, the natural beauty of this part of the Andes, which takes in vistas across the Nahuel Huapi Lake, cannot be overstated. Off the slopes, the vibrant nearby town of Bariloche has a thriving dining and nightlife scene and is well worth a visit.

Australia’s highest Alpine resort, reaching an elevation of 1,845 metres, has more than 320 hectares of skiable terrain, encompassing 80-plus runs to suit a range of abilities, serviced by 13 lifts. While snowfall is relatively reliable in Victoria midwinter, cutting-edge snow-making technology ensures all of the downhill pistes, some running up to two-and-half kilometres in length, are dusted in powder no matter the weather. If you need a break from the skis, you can see the slopes from new heights on a scenic helicopter tour, or race through the rugged backcountry, dodging snow gums on a Siberian husky-pulled sled. 

Located 1,200 kilometres west of Buenos Aires, this popular resort in the heart of the Andes boasts spectacular views of the soaring peaks of the Mendoza Province. However, it’s the gnarly lines of Las Leñas’ most challenging runs that will grab the attention of the pro skiers and boarders who flock here for the extreme terrain. If you’re not quite ready to brave cliff jumps and eye-of-the-needle chutes, there are runs for every level of ability, including training pistes for total beginners and kids. Most of the local lodges are ski-in-ski-out and close to the slopes and lifts to maximise your time on the snow. 

There’s something undeniably cinematic about this dramatic stretch of the Tyrol Mountains – the awesome vistas of the Ötztal Valley, the soaring snow-capped peaks, the pair of ancient glaciers carving through the landscape and, of course, the 146 kilometres of skiable pistes. It’s little wonder then that this area provided the backdrop for the 2015 James Bond blockbuster Spectre – a laurel now celebrated at the 007 Elements: James Bond Adventure World, a mountain-top interactive museum perched on the summit of the Gaislachkogl. Thanks to après ski activities like this, plus the abundance of well-groomed beginner slopes, luxury lodges such as Das Central and the Bergland Wellnesshotel, and easy access to the thriving town, Sölden’s resorts are especially popular with less experienced  ski enthusiasts and families.

The Brekenridge resort is one of the most popular in North America. From the quality of its 954 hectares of skiable terrain, including the highest lift-accessible slope in the United States, rising to nearly 4,000 metres, to the buzzing hospitality and nightlife scene of “Breck” as it’s known to locals, you’ll find the perfect blend of everything you could ever want out of a Rocky Mountain snow vacation.

Cortina is the largest and best known of all the ski resorts in the Dolomites and is popular among fans of Alpine sports, particularly cross-country skiers, who have more than 70 kilometres of trails to discover. Located just two hours north of Venice, the resort oozes traditional charm, especially along the main street, the Corso Italia, with its chocolate-box chalets and cosy village vibes. Ski areas are split across several different mountains and offer a good mix of open and wooded slopes that are largely suited to beginners and intermediate skiers. Once you’re done exploring the slopes, you’ll have your pick of the area’s many mountain restaurants, including the highly regarded Rifugio Capanna Tondi on Faloria, with its large alfresco terrace, jaw-dropping views of the Alps and classic Italian fare.

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