Top 10 Resorts with Dramatic Views
May 12, 2020
Heading into the mountains we are already spoilt with stunning snow-capped peaks and wonderful valley vistas. There are a few resorts, however, that stand out among the rest when it comes to incredible mountain views. We've compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Ski Resorts with Dramatic Views to help narrow down your must-ski resort list - don't forget your camera!
At the very top of our list is Jackson Hole - there is no other resort in North America that takes our breath away like Jackson Hole. Located in beautiful Wyoming, the backdrop to the ski resort is none other than the stunning Grand Tetons Mountain Range, with it's awe-inspiring snow capped apex and jagged peaks. The resort is also close to Yellowstone National Park (one of the natural wonders of the world) and surrounded by vast plains. From the top of the Jackson Hole tram the view is incredible - you'll have to go and look for yourself!
In Chamonix, you can feel the might and power of the mountains – they dwarf you from every direction. Millions of years ago a gargantuan glacier made its way from the roof of Europe, Mont Blanc, and carved out a huge, deep valley below. The glacier has long gone but it left behind soaring valley walls where Chamonix lies, nestled in the shadow of the cliffs and mountains around it. Not only is the town itself stunning, but on the slopes you'll find the steeps, the deeps, the cliffs, the glaciers, the couloirs... incredible in every direction you look.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the type of resort we imagine there would be if there were skiing in heaven. The jaw-dropping, breath-taking, mind-blowing (and any other epic combo of words) scenery of the Dolomites is worth the trip alone. The skiing is not only phenomenal, but the mountain passes between neighbouring Alta Badia and Corvara and Sella Ronda ski resorts is well worth doing on a beautiful day. We recommend Spring - when bluebird days are a-plenty and you can make the most of the mountain vistas.
Nestled in the heart of Alberta, Lake Louise would have one of the most spectacular settings in North America. Boasting spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies, it's hard not to be distracted when skiing! The nearby Fairmont Chateau is also worthy of a mention - set next to an incredible emerald lake and worthy of any Disney princess. Plus a winter snowshoe to the glaciers are unmissable!
The mighty Matterhorn - an un-missable and unforgettable sight that dominates the views from the ski slopes (and much of the village) in Zermatt. Seriously. Everywhere you look it is hard not to see this towering monolith. High up in the clouds, skiers are spoilt with stunning mountain peaks of the surrounding resort areas and glistening glaciers. There is a reason that many skiers flock to Zermatt and we have to admit, the incredible views are a major drawcard.
We've always had a soft spot for Telluride, but when it comes to dramatic mountain views, it definitely makes the list. Situated in the heart of Colorado’s San Juan mountains, getting there is half the fun – the stunning scenic drive from Gunnison or Durango is topped off with an even more picturesque main street and the box canyon looming behind. Sitting at a higher elevation than other resorts in Colorado, skiers are spoilt with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and it's almost too hard to concentrate on skiing some of the country’s best hike-to terrain, chutes and bowl skiing. Plus, that alpenglow - once you've enjoyed your mountain-top après in Telluride you'll never want to après anywhere else!
Being much lower in elevation and having a different geological formation than European or North American ski resorts, Japan resorts tend to be more mellow in terms of mountain views. Hakuba is the one resort that stands out for us. The Hakuba Valley itself is situated in the breathtakingly beautiful Northern Japan Alps, with steep mountain peaks that look like they’re straight out of Europe. The one thing we must also consider with Hakuba is the snowfall, which makes for even more beautiful views (especially during a bumper season when they receive over 11 metres!) and unforgettable powder runs.
One of the most spectacular resorts in Switzerland is Saas Fee. Nestled deep in the mountains, this quaint and charming village is dwarfed by the gigantic peaks and glaciers surrounding it. There are 18 peaks above 4,000m within view of the village and they are so close, you feel you can almost touch them. Glaciers hang off the edges of them, and you can even walk inside one at the top of the mountain. The views change with every turn that it’s hard to not keep stopping to take photos.
Nestled on the edge of the Mont Blanc massif, Megève is one of the most magical ski resorts in France, possibly the world. An historic village centre is set against the backdrop of pretty, tree-lined slopes with the spectacular Alps beyond - the views of Mont Blanc are the best of any ski resort. Not only do you feel like you've stepped into a medieval fantasy, the views are unbeatable from any point on the slopes. It’s hard to not keep stopping and staring at the view!
St Moritz is as spectacular as it is glamorous. The Swiss Alps themselves are among some of the most beautiful in Europe, and with the frozen lakes on a wide valley floor, spectacular peaks and frequent blue-sky days, is a truly breathtaking sight in St Moritz. Out of the three ski areas that make up the resort, Corvatsch offers the best mountain views - a ride up the cable cars to 3303 metres provides unbelievable views on a beautiful day, where from there you can ski down the Corvatsch glacier taking in the entire valley with each turn.
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