Davos
Flims Laax Falera
©Stanislav Ochotnicky / flickr
©udn / flickr
38 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
1724meters
1918meters
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
148km
140km
The summit is higher above sea level. This means the mountain can have lots of snow, even in springtime.
Best
Claviere
5774meters
2843meters
3018meters
The opening hours is the average number of hours per day that the resort is open for skiing. Long opening hours mean you can go for an early ski, or have a long sleep and go later.
Best
Sky Resort
13hours
8hours
8hours
Source: city's official website, 2019.
The level of the base of the mountain above sea level.
Best
Arapahoe Basin
3286meters
1500meters
1100meters
The total number of ski slopes available at the resort.
Best
Big Sky
250
85
64
The size of area available for skiers to enjoy on the mountain as measured in kilometres.
Best
Champéry
650km
320km
220km
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
40
20
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
21
13
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
102
35
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
50
17
At the ice rink you can get your skates on and try your hand at a different winter sport.
After a day out in the snow, you can get warm and relaxed in the spa.
With more hostels and hotels at the resort you have a range to choose from.
Best
Val di Fassa
188
57
11
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
2
0
Average snowfall in the month of December.
Best
Whistler Blackcomb
135inches
35inches
54.3inches
Average snowfall in the month of November.
Best
Whistler Blackcomb
85inches
4.7inches
0inches
Average snowfall in the month of January.
Best
Engelberg
135inches
48.4inches
89.3inches
Average snowfall in the month of March.
Best
Engelberg
186.3inches
61inches
113.7inches
Average snowfall in the month of April.
Best
Gstaad
196inches
47.6inches
50.3inches
Average snowfall in the month of February.
Best
Engelberg
185.8inches
64.9inches
116.5inches