For the ardent skier, nothing beats skiing in a picturesque location during winter – it makes you feel exhilarated and connected with nature and gives you a soul moving experience all at once. A first-rate destination is the ultimate key to a legendary winter vacation. Luckily, there are more than enough skiing locations with idyllic environments for skiers, and even though not everyone may agree on the parameters used in ranking each one of them, the following locations certainly make the cut.

1. Muju, South Korea

Tucked in a rugged interior of South Korea’s Jeiollabuk-do province, Muju Ski Resort is one of Asia’s most outstanding skiing spots. While here, you can get to enjoy spectacular views of the Mt Deogyo National Park as you glide through a 6km stretch of snow – the longest slope in Korea. Nocturnal skiing enthusiasts are guaranteed of even more fun at night and if you are one of them, you can literally have the whole place to yourself. There are plenty of nice restaurants and small joints around where you can get your energy levels back up when you need to.

2. Jackson Hole, Jackson

Jackson Hole has been touted as the place to be for all the extreme skiers and hardcore snowboarders and this is obviously for some good reasons. With its peak elevation at an outstanding 10,450 ft, Jackson Hole offers some challenging terrain for those in need of an adrenaline fix. Just a short distance from this resort is the Museum of Wildlife art and the Bridger Teton National Forest which are great places to take a breather when you are not out on the trails.

3. Zell am See, Austria

A skiing location is more than just the slopes, and this is what merits Zell am See’s inclusion in this list. Zell am See has one of the most outstanding ski settings with over approximately 80 Miles of slopes. The place caters for new, intermediate as well as expert skiers, with runs specifically designed for each group. While in this lakeside town, skiers can also take a boat trip or hop into the numerous bars around and grab a cold drink.

4. Aspen Mountain, Colorado

If you are looking for the picture perfect skiing destination in North America, Colorado’s Aspen Mountains has great things in store. This spot has more than 1400 acres of skiing slope and three other resorts within its radius. If you are an adventurous type, you’ll have a great time riding in the hot air balloons. Optionally, you could go for ice skating or a snowmobile ride, or simply just soak in the hot springs within.

5. Courchevel, France

With over 100 ski runs, Courchevel offers a vast ski area for any skier visiting the place. It is also known to be a favorite spot for the affluent in France. However, with the perfectly groomed trails and terrific views the location provides, you don’t need to be a millionaire to have a good time here. The La Grange and Les Caves are some of the exclusive joints to check out if you want to have a great night out while here.

6. Banff, Canada

Found right at the heart of the Banff National Park, a world heritage site, this skiing location is home to Mt Norquay, Sunshine Area and Lake Louise Ski Area – three of the world’s best skiing resorts. The steeps, bowls and chutes in this location provide just the right terrain for the experienced skier and the year round snowfall means anytime is skiing time.

7. Courmayeur, Italy

The slopes at this location are very suitable for intermediate cruising in view of the fact that they are quite easy and short, but the most outstanding thing about Courmayeur is the view provided by the Monte Bianco Massif and the Cresta Youla and Cresta d’Arp high points. If you do not like skiing and just prefer to see the sites around though, you can take a ride in the cable cars and have fun watching the panoramic views below. Regardless of where you choose to head to for skiing, you can be guaranteed to have a thrilling experience.

To help with organizing your trip, flight comparison site momondo put together this really helpful infographic about the fees for taking to winter sports equipment on flights – check it out before your fly!

About author: Alyssa is an outgoing introvert from Toronto who has read The Alchemist a few too many times. After graduating university, she taught English on a Caribbean island where she realized her passion for writing. Since then, her work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, the Teaching Education Journal, local newspapers, and on White Horse Digital. Her latest musings on life in London can be read on her blog, Alyssa Writes.

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