Avoriaz
Val d’Isère
©DaveOnFlickr / flickr.com
©Jérémy Couture / flickr.com
44 facts in comparison
The height of the mountain is the difference in height between the lowest and highest point. Tall mountains can offer longer pistes, better views, and often better snowfall.
Best
Gressoney
3550meters
1180meters
1906meters
A nearby airport is ideal, as journeying by car or bus through mountainous areas can take longer than on flat terrain.
Best
Smugglers Notch
0.03km
106km
144km
The summit is higher above sea level. This means the mountain can have lots of snow, even in springtime.
Best
Claviere
5774meters
2280meters
3456meters
Source: city's official website, 2019.
The level of the base of the mountain above sea level.
Best
Arapahoe Basin
3286meters
1800meters
1550meters
The resort has played host to the winter olympics. This means it is likely to have a range of professional slopes, other winter sports, and finally, good facilities and well developed transport links.
The total number of ski slopes available at the resort.
Best
Big Sky
250
8
158
The size of area available for skiers to enjoy on the mountain as measured in kilometres.
Best
Champéry
650km
38km
300km
In resorts which allow off piste-skiing, you can ski anywhere which is great for adventurous types. However, there are hazards such cliff edges, avalanches or simply getting lost and suffering exhaustion.
Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. Medium difficulty trails (marked with a blue square) have a slope gradient between 25% and 40%. These trails are ideal for regular skiers.
Best
Whistler Blackcomb
110
2
40
Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. High-difficulty trails (marked with a black diamond) have a slope gradient of more than 40%; such trails are designed for experienced skiers who enjoy a good challenge.
Best
Big Sky
150
2
29
Cross-country skiing is an Olympic sport that provides great exercise for both the upper and lower body. Resorts that keep the cross-country skiing trails open for the general public attract professional and casual skiers.
More restaurants and bars can indicate a lively nightlife, as well as offering visitors more choice.
Best
Zell am See-Kaprun
180
32
59
Rather than having to trek back to the base of the mountain, it is a lot more convenient to have restaurants and bars on the slopes.
Best
Ellmau
70
5
18
At the ice rink you can get your skates on and try your hand at a different winter sport.
Ice climbing is a great sport for adrenalin seekers. It entails climbing frozen cliff edges/waterfalls using tools such as ice axes in order to grip the surface.
A snowmobile tour is a great way to cover large distances in a short time. After lots of physically demanding activities, it can be good way to sit back and let the motor do the work.
This is a long track, usually made of concrete covered in ice. They are used for bobsledding, and some can be used for other sports such as luge and skeleton.
For example
Kirkwood
With more hostels and hotels at the resort you have a range to choose from.
Best
Val di Fassa
188
3
27
Bigger number of kindergartens makes it easier to combine career opportunities with bringing up a child. Source: city's official stats, 2019.
Best
Les Arcs
6
1
1
Camping can offer a cheaper alternative to hotels or B&B’s, and can provide a fun outdoors experience - although it might not be ideal in winter!
Five star hotels at the resort can indicate prestige. It can provide luxurious accommodation to those wanting to spend a bit more.
Best
Park City Mountain
9
0
5
A chalet is a type of house commonly found in ski resorts. Renting your own chalet can be fun and can often work out cheaper than staying in a hotel.
Best
Big White
269
11
15
Average snowfall in the month of December.
Best
Whistler Blackcomb
135inches
66inches
74inches
Average snowfall in the month of March.
Best
Engelberg
186.3inches
115.7inches
114.6inches
Average snowfall in the month of April.
Best
Gstaad
196inches
117.9inches
124.15inches
Average snowfall in the month of January.
Best
Engelberg
135inches
95inches
104.7inches
Average snowfall in the month of February.
Best
Engelberg
185.8inches
119.6inches
111.32inches