The Best 2025/26 Ski Season

The Winter Ski Season Rundown

Planning a ski trip for winter 2025 or early 2026 means you have a big advantage: resorts have already announced their dates, new lifts and hotels are being finished, and you can still grab good deals before everything sells out. Below is a hand-picked mix of classics and trending spots in Europe, North America and Japan, all with strong season dates and plenty going on off the slopes too.

Europe

Zermatt, Switzerland & Cervinia, Italy

Best for: Big mountain views, long season, high-end atmosphere

If you want a bucket list ski trip, Zermatt and its Italian neighbour Cervinia should sit right at the top. Thanks to glacier access and huge altitude, the Zermatt ski season is due to run from 1 November 2025 to 3 May 2026, with the main winter opening around 29 November 2025 and most lifts staying open until mid April.

This gives you enormous flexibility. Fancy a pre-Christmas escape before the crowds. Early December will already have plenty of terrain open. Prefer sunshine laps at Easter 2026. You can still ski high above town even in late spring.

On snow, you get:

Around 360 kilometres of pistes in the combined Zermatt–Cervinia area

Huge vertical drops, including top-to-bottom leg burners of 1,800+ metres

Iconic runs like the long descents from Klein Matterhorn down into Italy

Zermatt town is car free, filled with traditional chalets, smart hotels and long running family restaurants. Cervinia, on the Italian side, is more purpose built and often cheaper, which makes it a smart base if you want to enjoy the same linked area without such a premium price tag.

When to go:

Early season carving: late November to mid December 2025

Peak snow and après: mid January to early March 2026

Long sunny days: late March to mid April 2026

Chamonix, France

Best for: Experts, mixed groups, proper mountain town feel

Chamonix remains one of the most exciting places in the world to ski, and it features highly thanks to its combination of serious terrain under Mont Blanc and a vibrant year round resort town.

Rather than a single unified area, Chamonix is a valley of linked but separate ski sectors, from the steep couloirs of Grands Montets to the gentler slopes at Brévent and Flégère. That makes it brilliant for mixed groups, so long as you are happy to hop on buses or drive between areas.

Off the slopes, Chamonix feels much more like a real Alpine town than a purpose built resort. Expect proper bakeries, live music, local markets and a choice of bars from casual to cocktail. If you are into other mountain sports, you can add ice climbing, ski touring or a guided trip down the Vallée Blanche to your list.

When to go:
January and February 2026 for the best chance of deep snow, plus March for longer days and usually great conditions higher up.

Lech & the Arlberg, Austria

Best for: High-end hotels, intermediates, off-piste with guides

The Ski Arlberg region, home to Lech, Zürs, St Anton and more, is regularly ranked among the top ski destinations in the world for its blend of snow reliability, lift network and luxury lodging.

Lech itself suits those who prefer a slightly quieter and more refined base. The pistes are ideal for confident intermediates, and if you hire a guide you will unlock some of the best lift served off-piste in Europe. Heli-skiing is also possible from Lech for those who want a once in a lifetime experience.

The Arlberg is part of the Ski Arlberg pass, covering more than 300 kilometres of pistes, so there is ample variety for a week or more. Expect lively but polished après, excellent mountain restaurants, and that very Austrian mix of tradition and efficiency.

When to go:
From mid December 2025 through March 2026 for the most consistent snow and lift coverage.

Verbier, Switzerland

Best for: Advanced skiers, freeride terrain, nightlife

Verbier is another regular in the top rated, known for steep itineraries, moguls and accessible freeride lines. Its place in the vast 4 Vallées area means you can ski new runs every day: gentler slopes in La Tzoumaz, big bowls above Siviez, panoramic pistes at Mont Fort.

For winter 2025/26, expect Verbier to remain a favourite with strong skiers and snowboarders who want off-piste opportunities without giving up a lively village scene. Accommodation ranges from simple apartments to ultra luxury chalets with private chefs.

When to go:
Mid January to mid March 2026 for cold snow on the steeper terrain. Late March can still be excellent if you focus on higher slopes.

Alta Badia, Dolomites, Italy

Best for: Food lovers, scenic cruising, relaxed groups

If vertical and couloirs are not your priority, consider Alta Badia in Italy’s Dolomites. It’s well regarded for good reason: gentle groomers, superb mountain restaurants and absurdly beautiful limestone peaks.

You are in the heart of the Dolomiti Superski area, so you can ski famous routes like the Sella Ronda or the Great War tour, linking multiple valleys in a single day. The focus here is long, rolling pistes, relaxed lunches and Italian hospitality.

When to go:
January and February 2026 for reliable snow, or March for sunny lunches on the terraces.

North America

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Best for: Big groups, variety, non-ski activities

Whistler Blackcomb will celebrate its 60th ski season, and it remains North America’s largest ski resort, with more than 200 runs across 3,300 hectares of terrain.

Average snowfall is around 10 metres per winter, and the two mountains are joined by the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

For a winter 2025 or early 2026 trip, Whistler gives you:

Terrain for everyone from first timers to experts

Wooded runs that are perfect in stormy weather and open alpine bowls on bluebird days

A lively pedestrian village with bars, restaurants, galleries and museums such as the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre and Audain Art Museum

Whistler is on the Epic Pass, handy if you also ski in Europe or the US earlier in the season. Après can be as rowdy or as civilised as you like, from big party decks to low key cocktail spots.

When to go:
January and February 2026 for deep mid-winter snow. March and April can also be excellent for families and fair weather skiers.

Big Sky, Montana, USA

Best for: Quiet slopes, big terrain, advanced intermediates

Big Sky in Montana is increasingly tipped as the “next big thing” in North America, and it features prominently in this year’s ski destination guides. The resort boasts huge terrain with relatively low crowd levels compared with some better known US names.

A recent headline upgrade is the Lone Peak Tram, which whisks skiers to 3,400 metres and opens up challenging runs and off-piste routes directly from the summit. The new tram is now included in standard lift tickets on selected days, which makes high alpine laps more accessible.

The town itself is more low key than places like Aspen or Whistler, which suits those who are here primarily to ski. There is still a decent choice of bars and restaurants, but nightlife is secondary to the terrain.

When to go:
February 2026 is a strong bet for the best snowpack. If you like colder, quieter trips, January can be fantastic too.

Banff & Lake Louise, Canada

Best for: Scenery, mixed abilities, long season

The trio of resorts marketed as SkiBig3 (Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay) continues to grow in popularity, and recent seasons have seen lift upgrades and improved spa and wellness offerings around the Banff area.

Banff itself is a lively town within a national park, with shuttle buses running out to the ski hills. The scenery is dramatic: frozen lakes, jagged peaks and frequent wildlife sightings on the drive. Lake Louise offers wide open bowls and quiet pistes; Sunshine has fun natural terrain and good snow preservation thanks to its height.

Because the resorts sit at high altitude in a cold interior climate, the season typically runs well into spring, which makes Banff a good choice if you are planning for March or even April 2026.

When to go:
From early January to mid April 2026. If you like softer snow and sunshine, target March.

Deer Valley, Utah, USA

Best for: Skier only pistes, premium service, shorter getaways

Deer Valley in Utah has long been known for its groomed pistes, excellent service and skier-only policy. This winter it is undergoing a large expansion that will significantly increase its skiable terrain and add new lifts and villages, aiming to create one of the largest ski-only resorts in the world.

Because Deer Valley is just a short drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, it is ideal for long weekends or four night breaks. Lift passes can be combined with nearby Park City if your group includes snowboarders who might not appreciate the skier only rules.

Expect well appointed hotels, quiet pistes even in busy periods, and top notch mountain dining.

When to go:
January and February 2026 for the best snow quality, though March is usually still excellent.

Japan

Japan is back in a big way. Border rules have stabilised, flight routes have ramped up again and resorts across Hokkaido and Honshu are expecting strong international demand. Recent guides highlight places like Niseko and Nozawa Onsen as top picks for this season.

Niseko United, Hokkaido

Best for: Powder, English friendly resort, long season

Niseko United is probably Japan’s most famous international ski destination and remains one of the safest bets in the world for deep powder. The four linked resorts that make up Niseko United are scheduled to operate from 29 November 2025 through to 6 May 2026, with night skiing from mid December to late March.

That is a long season, and the heart of it, from late December through February, usually sees relentless storms blowing in from Siberia. Expect:

Regular top ups of light, dry snow

Excellent tree skiing and sidecountry lines for advanced riders

Plenty of English speaking ski schools, rental shops and guides

The villages of Hirafu and Niseko Village have a mix of modern condos, hotels and traditional restaurants. You also get easy access to onsens (hot spring baths), which are perfect after a day of face shots.

When to go:
Mid January to mid February 2026 if your priority is maximum powder. March offers better visibility, longer days and still very good snow.

Nozawa Onsen, Honshu

Best for: Culture, hot springs, powder with character

If you like the idea of combining skiing with a more traditional Japanese atmosphere, Nozawa Onsen in Nagano prefecture is a brilliant choice. It appears often in several recommendation lists thanks to its mix of deep snow, historic village streets and numerous free public hot spring baths.

The ski area itself has a good mix of pistes and tree runs, and while it can be busy during Japanese holidays, it generally feels quieter than Niseko. You can easily combine Nozawa with Tokyo or Kyoto for a longer trip that mixes city and mountains.

When to go:
January and February 2026 for the deepest snow, with March a good option if you prefer softer conditions and fewer crowds.

How to choose the right resort

With so many tempting options, here are a few quick pointers to help narrow things down.

1. Think about timing and snow

Early season (late November to Christmas 2025):
Favour high, snow sure resorts. Zermatt, Cervinia and Niseko all have early opening dates and good altitude.

Mid winter (January to mid February 2026):
This is prime time for almost everywhere on the list. Choose based on style: powder hunting in Niseko or Big Sky; big European circuits in the Arlberg or Verbier; or all-rounder giants like Whistler and Banff.

Spring (March to early May 2026):
If you want a late trip, look for resorts with a reputation for long seasons, such as Zermatt, Banff, Whistler and the Japanese highlands.

2. Match the vibe to your group

Families and mixed abilities:
Whistler, Banff, Alta Badia and Zermatt offer excellent ski schools, plenty of gentle pistes and non-ski activities.

Experts and adventure seekers:
Chamonix, Verbier, Lech/Arlberg, Big Sky and Niseko are best if you want steeps, off-piste or ski touring with a guide.

Short luxury breaks:
Deer Valley, Lech, Verbier and Zermatt all deliver on high-end hotels, fine dining and smart bars.

3. Consider passes and value

Multi resort passes like the Epic Pass (Whistler, some European partners) and Ikon Pass (Big Sky, Banff, some European resorts) may make sense if you plan more than one trip.

Italy and parts of Austria often work out cheaper day-to-day than Swiss or North American resorts once you factor in food and drink.

Final tips for booking your winter trip

Book flights and core accommodation early.
Some of the destinations above, especially Japanese resorts and headline European names like Zermatt and Verbier, receive strong international demand and can sell out prime dates quickly.

Look at transfer options before you commit.
Remote resorts might involve long shuttle journeys, while others are an easy hop from a major airport. Transport companies and tour operators already promote routes for places like Japan and the Arctic north, so you can plan door-to-door timing in advance.

Check lift pass deals and dynamic pricing.
Many resorts now offer discounted passes if you book online ahead of time. Some, including Niseko and Zermatt, publish their winter pass products early, so you can factor these into your budget.

Think about what you will do off the mountain.
Whether it is hot springs in Japan, museums and galleries in Whistler or long Italian lunches in Alta Badia, the best ski trips are about more than just skiing.