The Best Powder Destinations
According to Our Mountain Travel Experts
Overview
Worldwide, select resorts are renowned as havens for powder enthusiasts, celebrated for their outstanding snowfall and pristine skiing conditions. Whether you're eager to conquer the majestic peaks of Chamonix, discover if Niseko truly lives up to its "Japow" reputation, indulge in the legendary "cowboy powder" of Jackson Hole, glide through untouched snow in Revelstoke, or savor powder paired with après-ski in St. Anton, our Mountain Travel Experts have meticulously curated a list of ultimate powder destinations that promise unparalleled experiences.
Featured Powder Properties
Why We Love Powder Skiing
Skiing on Clouds
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to cruise a cloud, you’re going to want to find some deep power. Gliding down fresh powder often feels like skiing on clouds, creating a sensation of floating through the snow. There’s no need for sharp turns, hard stops or the loud crunch of skis on ice when you’re cruising through smooth and fluffy powder.
Fun Workout
If your legs burn after a powder day, you’re not alone! But what better way to get a leg day in than cruising some deep powder terrain. Navigating powder is much more physically demanding than on groomed, icy, or packed terrain. Advanced skiers often appreciate powder more than beginners because they have the technique down.
Connection to Nature
Gliding through the towering trees, with the sun shimmering on the snow, the scent of fresh pine on your face, and crisp alpine wind on your back, skiing powder offers a profound sense of peace and serenity only nature can bring.
Community Fun
Suppose you've found yourself in a mountain town amidst a heavy snowstorm. In that case, you've probably experienced the wave of joy, anticipation, and vitality that sweeps through both locals and visitors, all eagerly looking forward to an epic day on the slopes. Snowball fights in the lines, shouting “Yippppeeee.” The feeling is electric.
New Terrain to Explore
For early risers eager to embrace the slopes, opting for ski-in ski-out lodging grants you first dibs on fresh powder and pristine corduroy. Delight in the exhilaration of carving through unspoiled snow, all before the masses make their mark. This early start allows you to maximize your day during the best skiing conditions.
THE BEST POWDER RESORTS ACCORDING TO OUR MOUNTAIN TRAVEL EXPERTS
Niseko, Japan
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Nicknamed “JaPOW” and “powder paradise,” Japan is a dream destination for epic powder turns. Situated off the coast of Russia, Niseko benefits from cold Siberian air mixing with the moisture from the Sea of Japan, creating an incredible amount of snowfall - over 50 feet annually.
Pack your fat skis and maybe even a snorkel! Niseko is famous for its light, airy snow, with some estimating it to be up to 96% air. This gives you a sensation of floating, effortlessly gliding and feeling weightless with every turn. To truly grasp the abundance of fresh, fluffy snow, consider this: it’s reported that in Niseko, snow falls almost every single day. The resort receives more snow in a week than most resorts get in a month, leading many to joke that Niseko’s worst week is better than most resorts’ best. In fact, the snowfall is so intense that the lifts often run with floodlights on, usually reserved for night skiing, because the air is so thick with snow.
If powder is your priority, Niseko won’t disappoint. Every run feels like first tracks because the snow falls so heavily and consistently. After a long day on the slopes, unwind in a luxurious Japanese onsen, enjoy a delicious locally sourced meal and cap it off with some karaoke, a Japanese twist on après-ski.
Highlights: Annual snowfall of over 50 ft, known for light, airy snow feeling light and effortless under skis, can snow every day for weeks on end, Japanese onsens, and karaoke.
Closest Airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS), Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan - 66 miles (2.5-3 hour bus, taxi, or train)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Consistently voted one of the best ski and snowboard destinations, Jackson Hole is often regarded as the top ski resort in the U.S. Known for its exceptional snow quality and quantity, Jackson Hole’s highest peak rises to 10,170 feet. The resort, nestled in a high alpine setting, benefits from cold temperatures and storms originating from the Pacific Northwest and California. This unique combination gives rise to the "Teton Flow," renowned for consistently providing the lightweight, low-density powder that is the stuff of skiers' dreams. With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, there are endless opportunities for fresh tracks and untouched powder turns.
Jackson Hole is home to the iconic Aerial Tram, affectionately known as “Big Red” by locals. The perfect powder day here starts with a ride on Big Red to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, followed by fueling up with delicious waffles at Corbet's Cabin while admiring the snowcapped views of the Tetons. From there, you can tackle the steep chutes, cliffs, couloirs, and open bowls that make Jackson Hole a powder skiing paradise. The best part? Jackson Hole has daily capacity limits, so you won’t have to deal with the endless lift lines. If you’re a powder hound, “The Capital of Cowboy Powder” is sure to exceed your expectations.
Highlights: 400-500” annual snowfall, known for its light “cowboy powder,” challenging terrain, and Aerial Tram, aka “big red.” Consistently voted the best ski and snowboard destination, some even consider it to be the best ski resort in the US, daily capacity limits allow for fewer crowds on powder days.
Closest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) - 17 miles (45 minute drive)
Revelstoke, Canada
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: Famous for its location inside of the world’s only inland temperate rainforest and featuring North America’s steepest vertical drop, Revelstoke offers a unique mountain experience. Revelstoke is a premier destination for ski enthusiasts and powder hounds, renowned for its majestic alpine bowls, lengthy runs, and vast areas of tree skiing amidst snow-laden forests. Annually, it boasts more than 34 feet of light, fluffy powder, ensuring optimal conditions for those seeking the thrill of the slopes.
Located on Mount Mackenzie in the Columbia Mountains, the resort captures moisture-laden air from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, resulting in abundant snowfall. Despite its remote location, which keeps crowds low, Revelstoke charms visitors with its total immersion in nature, small-town feel and quiet atmosphere.
In addition to its 3,121 acres of skiable terrain, Revelstoke Ski Resort offers hike-to terrain, backcountry access and heli and cat-skiing, making it British Columbia’s top-rated terrain for those seeking adventure.
Highlights: Home to North America’s largest vertical drop at 5,620 ft, 3,121 acres of skiable terrain, the remote location gives the resort a small town feel and lower crowds, 50 ft of annual snowfall.
Closest Airport: Kelowna International Airport (YLW) - 89 miles (2.5 hour drive)
St. Anton, Austria
Why Our Mountain Travel Experts Love it: Renowned for its Legendary Back Bowls, Vail is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. With 5,317 acres of skiable terrain, Vail features a beginner-friendly front face, vast open fields in the Back Bowls, and the deep powder of Blue Sky Basin making it an ideal mountain getaway for all skill levels. The resort offers a variety of luxurious ski-in ski-out properties, and that are conveniently located in the heart of town, close to its premier dining, shops, and entertainment.
Highlights: The Legendary Back Bowls, two lively base areas, including Vail Village and Lionshead Village, heated cobblestone streets, purpose-made village, family-friendly amenities and a rich history closely linked to the 10th Mountain Division.
Closest Airport: Eagle County Regional Airport - 34 miles (40 minute drive) or Denver International Airport - 120 miles (2.5 hr drive)
Chamonix, France
Why our Mountain Travel Experts love it: On an epic powder day, there's no location more majestic than Chamonix, cradled in the French Alps beneath the towering silhouettes of peaks such as the iconic Mont Blanc. Chamonix stands as a haven for those in pursuit of adrenaline, offering unparalleled off-piste terrain with steep and diverse slopes. Its thrilling descents, combined with the allure of high-alpine snow, forge ideal skiing conditions that captivate adventure enthusiasts, powder hounds, and thrill-seekers alike.
Ski enthusiasts often refer to Chamonix as the “birthplace of extreme skiing.” From the epic tree runs in Les Houches and the deep powder pillows at Grand Montets to the world-renowned Vallée Blanche - a 12-mile, off-piste, lift-accessed run featuring breathtaking panoramic views and glacier skiing - Chamonix offers everything a ski aficionado could dream of in a ski holiday destination.
The interplay of high elevation, several glaciers, and the Föhn - a warm, dry Alpine wind - significantly impacts snow conditions across the French Alps. With Chamonix’s deep powder and rugged mountain terrain, it’s a prime destination if you’re looking for weightless turns and stunningly scenic views.
Highlights: A haven for snow enthusiasts with legendary powder skiing and famous for its diverse and thrilling off-piste terrain, advanced skier terrain, including high alpine glacier skiing and the Vallée Blanche. The resorts' high elevation offers reliable snow conditions, with skiing possible until May at some resorts.
Closest Airport: Geneva Airport (GVA) - 52 miles (1-1.5 hour drive)
FAQs
Our Mountain Travel Experts have curated the best ski resorts to find that dreamy powder every ski aficionado craves. Top picks include Niseko, Japan; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Revelstoke, British Columbia; St. Anton, Austria; and Chamonix, France. Whether you're seeking an immersive cultural experience, a spot to wear your cowboy hat, or a chance to enjoy fondue in the Alps, these destinations offer incredible powder and unforgettable experiences.
Snow conditions can vary from season to season, with Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, sometimes delivering epic powder to new resorts. However, Japan's skiing, known for its famous "Japow," is consistently renowned for its light, airy snow and abundant annual snowfall. Niseko, in particular, boasts over 50 feet of snow each year, earning its reputation for having some of the best snow in the world and almost guaranteeing a powder day during your visit.
Skiing in powder is an exhilarating experience many consider the pinnacle of skiing. Powder skis are designed for this, with a wider underfoot to help skiers float on the snow, an upturned tail for better flotation and turning, and a softer flex for more control and a smooth surfing sensation. Using powder skis actually makes it easier to navigate deep snow compared to all-mountain skis. However, there may be a learning curve if you’ve learned to ski on groomed runs. Skiing in powder requires a different technique than on groomed runs and can be more physically demanding, engaging different muscle groups in your legs and core.
Ready to plan your perfect powder vacation?
Our Mountain Travel Experts are here to help you plan the perfect ski getaway. Reach out and let’s make some snowy memories!
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