Picturesque Ski Spots
From sun-drenched runs perched on snow-capped peaks in Salt Lake City to quaint alpine villages brimming with cozy cafés and timeless traditions in Innsbruck, some ski resorts do take your breath away.
The team at Bounce has found ski spots that combine world-class slopes with stunning views by collecting data on the number of social media posts, the engagement rate of official resort accounts, and visitor reviews.
So, whether nestled deep in pine forests or overlooking breathtaking valleys, these resorts promise more than exceptional skiing — they offer an enchanting escape into a winter wonderland.
Whistler Blackcomb is the most beautiful ski resort in the U.S. and Canada
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia - 8.37 out of 10
If breathtaking views were a sport, Whistler Blackcomb would win the gold medal. This Canadian treasure doesn’t just deliver on skiing — it’s a feast for the senses and a social media star. Close to Vancouver, this resort scores a strong 8.37 overall, making it a perfect getaway for adventure seekers and photography lovers alike.
With 476K Instagram posts and over 9K TikTok mentions, visitors can’t stop snapping. The resort’s official Instagram account keeps the buzz alive with 393K followers and an engagement rate of 1.2%, while three in 10 Tripadvisor reviews rave about its "stunning" and "beautiful" scenery.
2. Crested Butte, Colorado - 8.02 out of 10
Crested Butte welcomes you to discover its beauty, one run (and photo) at a time. With 413K posts on Instagram and nearly 8.7K on TikTok, Crested Butte does have a way of stealing hearts.
On Tripadvisor, almost a third of reviews talk about the picturesque landscapes, making it a favorite for travelers seeking both thrills and tranquility. One reviewer even called the resort a “magical hub.”
3. Beaver Creek, Colorado - 7.65 out of 10
Beaver Creek is perfect for pristine slopes, cozy charm, or picture-perfect moments. With 361K Instagram and 8.3K TikTok posts about the spot, it’s safe to say this resort makes a lasting impression on visitors.
One review says: “Beaver Creek Village itself is very alpine-looking and so picturesque that you just can’t help but love the place.” If that isn’t enough encouragement, we don’t know what is!
Nozawa Onsen is the most beautiful ski resort in Japan
1. Nozawa Onsen, Nagano - 5.71 out of 10
Nozawa Onsen, located about an hour from Nagano City, blends the charm of a traditional Japanese village with incredible skiing, making it a top choice for those seeking adventure and culture. With 107K Instagram posts and 823 on TikTok, this picturesque destination captures the imagination of visitors worldwide.
But it’s not just about the views. Nozawa Onsen is famous for its diverse runs, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. Add to that the natural hot springs scattered around the village, and you have a skiing experience that’s as rejuvenating as it is exhilarating.
2. Hakuba Valley, Nagano - 5.01 out of 10
Hakuba Valley is a sprawling paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers long, challenging runs and access to some of Japan’s best powder, perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. It’s particularly popular on Instagram, with 526K snaps of the views from the mountaintops, trails around the resort, and hot springs.
Over one in six Tripadvisor reviews mention the beautiful scenery, with one saying the resort is “stunningly beautiful with alpine cottages and quaint villages.”
3. Niseko Village, Hokkaido - 4.88 out of 10
Niseko Village is the crown jewel of Hokkaido, known for its world-class powder snow and luxurious vibe. While it has a smaller social media footprint — just over 25.5K posts on both Instagram and TikTok — its quality still shines through. The official Instagram account has 77.4K followers and an engagement rate of 3.16%, which shows the high amount of interaction posts receive.
This resort will suit skiers who enjoy exploring off-piste runs or serene tree skiing. One reviewer said the resort offers a “good variety of piste length and difficulty,” while another said, “beautiful surroundings, amazing landscape features like Mount Youtei, the dormant volcano, and striking birch forests make this a memorable place to visit.”
Avoriaz, France is the most beautiful ski resort in Europe
1. Avoriaz, France - 7.93 out of 10
Avoriaz, found in France, is like stepping into a snow globe, where car-free streets and panoramic mountain views set the scene. With 301K Instagram posts and 11.7K TikTok mentions, it’s no surprise that this French Alps favorite is a hit on social media.
Tripadvisor reviews echo the praise, with over one in 10 describing its views as "beautiful" or "stunning." Ideal for families and intermediate skiers, Avoriaz is part of the Portes du Soleil, one of the world’s largest ski areas, with endless runs to explore. It’s simple, scenic, and stress-free — just how a ski trip should be.
2. Val Gardena, Italy - 7.65 out of 10
Val Gardena is a masterpiece carved into the Dolomites, where thrilling skiing meets jaw-dropping scenery. Its official Instagram account draws in 118K followers and maintains a 2.01% engagement rate amongst its posts. Meanwhile, 11% of Tripadvisor reviews talk about the resort’s picturesque landscapes, and for a good reason: the views here belong on a postcard.
3. Bansko, Bulgaria and Cervinia, Italy - 6.92 out of 10
Lying at the bed of the Pirin Mountains and about 150km from Sofia, Bansko is a beautiful place to ski and explore. Its well-maintained pistes are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, while its après-ski spots keep the energy high after a day on the snow.
With 324K Instagram posts and 15.5K on TikTok, this resort is also making waves among ski enthusiasts. A review on Tripadvisor says the “stunning Bulgarian landscape creates a beautiful setting for those thrilling runs down the mountain.”
Cervinia, Italy, also shares third place. While the number of social media posts is slightly lower than Bansko, this resort makes up for it by having one in seven reviews mentioning the extraordinary views. Perfect for adventurous intermediate skiers, Cervinia promises to make an impression.
Top five experiences for the ultimate skiing bucket list
Looking to take your ski adventures to the next level? Here are five unforgettable experiences that every skiing enthusiast should add to their bucket list.
1. Ski on untouched powder
There’s nothing like carving through fresh, untouched snow. The silence, the freedom, the sheer thrill.
Preparation is key to enjoying backcountry or off-piste skiing safely. Always check avalanche conditions before heading out, and consider hiring a guide who knows the area.
Resorts like Niseko, Japan, or La Grave, France, are famous for their pristine powder. Remember: safety first. Pack avalanche safety gear and refresh yourself on how to use it.
2. See the Northern Lights
Few things can compete with skiing under a sky lit by the aurora borealis. For the best chance to catch this natural wonder, head to Tromsø, Norway, or Riksgränsen, Sweden — both ski destinations perfectly positioned close to the Arctic Circle. Between runs, cozy up with a hot chocolate and let the dazzling lights take your breath away.
3. Race through the gates
Feel the rush of speeding downhill like a pro by testing your skills on a slalom or giant slalom course. Many resorts offer timed gates for recreational skiers. For a world-class experience, try Kitzbühel, Austria. Whether chasing a personal best or having fun with friends, it’s an adrenaline-packed challenge you won’t forget.
4. Brave one of the world’s highest cable cars
For breathtaking views and a bit of a thrill, ride the Téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix, France. Ascending to over 12,600 feet, this cable car lets you see sights across France, Italy, and Switzerland. Once at the top, advanced skiers can test their limits on the Vallée Blanche — a 20km off-piste run surrounded by glacial scenery.
5. Hit the slopes at night
Night skiing transforms the mountain into a magical wonderland. Gliding down illuminated slopes under a blanket of stars is an experience every skier should try. Söll, Austria, is renowned for its night skiing setups, offering well-lit trails and a unique vibe. It’s a fresh perspective on skiing and a great way to extend your day on the snow.
Cody Candee, CEO and Founder of Bounce, on how to pack ski wear and equipment:
“Packing for a ski trip can feel challenging, especially when juggling bulky gear and airline restrictions. But with a bit of planning, you can make it a breeze.
- “Know your airline’s policies - Every airline has different rules for ski equipment. Some include skis, poles, and boots in your checked baggage allowance, while others charge extra. A quick check on your airline’s website can save surprises at check-in. Also, note weight restrictions and pack efficiently to avoid additional fees.
- “Use a specialized ski bag - Invest in a padded ski or snowboard bag to protect your gear in transit. Many come with extra compartments for stashing essentials like gloves, helmets, or outerwear.
- “Maximize space in your luggage - Ski gear is bulky, so pack strategically. Wear your heaviest items on the plane, like your ski jacket and snow boots. Use compression bags for base layers and mid-layers, which are lightweight but can take up valuable space.
- “Protect your valuables - Snow goggles, electronics, and other breakable items should go in your carry-on to keep them safe. Wrap them in soft clothing for added protection.
- “Label your gear - Ski bags often look alike, so adding a unique tag or ribbon can help you spot yours easily. It’s a small touch that can prevent confusion at baggage claim.
“By understanding airline policies and packing strategically, you can streamline your ski trip and focus on what matters — hitting the slopes.”
Methodology
We made a seed list of popular ski resorts around the world using a variety of articles and listicles from sources such as CN Traveler, The Times, and SnowPak.
We then collect the number of posts using the hashtag of each ski resort on Instagram and TikTok. Where the resort name was the same as a celebrity, character, or broader geographical area, hashtags were adjusted to include 'resort' or 'ski resort.'
Using the official Instagram accounts for each ski location, we found the number of followers and the engagement rate using Inzpire’s Instagram calculator.
Lastly, we found the number of Tripadvisor reviews for each resort that mention “beautiful,” “stunning,” and “views.” We compared this to the total number of reviews to calculate a percentage.
All the above factors were combined, and each ski resort was given a normalized score out of 10.
Data was collected on 25/11/2024 and is correct as of then.