Our top tips when skiing overseas for the first time
Consider doing a mountain tour on your first day with an instructor or join one of the free tours with the mountain friends/volunteers that can be found at most of the ski resorts. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and get insider tips about the resort and to become familiar with the mountain on your first day.
Pre-book your ski rental gear at the same time as your ski holiday for stress free gear rental hire and pick up on arrival.
Most ski resorts in the northern hemisphere open in late November and close early April. The peak ski season is generally December and January, when the snowfall is the heaviest and over the school holidays.
There are a huge number of winter festivals that run over the ski season, and these can affect availability and prices at accommodation providers, so please check festival and event dates prior to booking. You can get some great value late season deals if you can travel in March or early April.
1. Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
Why it’s great: Famous for its soft, deep powder known as ‘pow’ or ‘Japow’, Niseko is a fantastic choice for all levels. Located in the most northern island of Japan, Hokkaido, Niseko offers four ski resorts in one: Niseko Village, Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Hanazono Resort. Beginners will enjoy the wide, gentle slopes, while intermediate and advanced skiers can explore tree runs and off-piste areas. With family-friendly services, English-speaking instructors, and varied terrain, it’s perfect for everyone.
Getting to Niseko: Fly direct to Tokyo from Auckland and onto Chitose Airport, then transfer by coach or private car to Niseko.
Extras: Enjoy Japanese culture, excellent food, experience day trips to see temples and snow monkeys, and unwind in the many natural hot springs (onsen).
Top tips: The restaurants are busy so book in advance – many restaurants take online bookings via their website, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. And read up on onsen etiquette before visiting so you know what to do (and what not to do!).
2. Whistler Blackcomb, BC, Canada
Why it’s great: Whistler is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, offering everything from beginner slopes to challenging black diamond runs and deep powder bowls. Families will love the variety of ski schools and activities, and the resort was named one of the Best Family Ski Resorts by Ski & Snowboard with Kids. Intermediate and expert skiers and snowboards will find endless entertainment as well with a huge range of terrain options. But one of the biggest drawcards is the classic mountain ski village atmosphere which makes for a great après-ski destination.
Getting to Whistler Blackcomb: Fly direct from Auckland to Vancouver and then transfer by coach or private car transfer to Whistler.
Extras: If you are planning on getting snow school lessons it’s a good idea to book these in advance as the classes are often full. Active winter activities at Whistler are plentiful, including snowshoeing, ziplining, bobsleigh rides, heli-skiing and the multi-media night walk, Vallea Lumina. There are plenty of options for non-skiers or a day off the slopes.
Top tips: Check out Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain for their world-famous buttermilk waffles or the Chic Pea Hut on Whistler for their warm cinnamon buns.
3. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, USA
Why it’s great: With four distinct mountains, Aspen Snowmass caters to all levels, and you can ski all four mountains on one lift pass. Snowmass has beginner and family-friendly runs and a great ski school, while Aspen Highlands offers steeper terrain for advanced skiers. Aspen Mountain opened a new chairlift in 2023 which has opened 153 acres of new chutes, glades and trails for intermediate plus skiers, and Buttermilk is made for beginners and a great place for both adults and kids to build up their confidence. Most travellers stay in Snowmass Village as their base while exploring and skiing the area, however there is another town, Aspen to explore as well. Both towns offer cosmopolitan restaurants and a lively après ski scene. If you are travelling as a family there are plenty of adventures to hand for the kids including tubing, night skiing and the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.
Getting to Aspen: Fly into Denver, Colorado, USA and connect to Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, then transfer by coach to Aspen.
Extras: Aspen is known for its luxury atmosphere, with upscale dining, shopping, and a lively après-ski scene. Experience a dynamic dining experience on the mountain, travelling by Snowcat! Snowcat Dinner Tours can be booked in resort with dining options at Lynn Britt Cabin or Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro.
Top tips: Include your lift ticket in your ski holiday package and skip the queues on arrival, scan your QR code at the lift kiosk pick up box and print your lift ticket. Easy! Consider Travel to Aspen in March for longer days, bluebird skies and less crowds.
4. Lake Tahoe, California, USA
Why it’s great: Lake Tahoe is home to several ski resorts, including Northstar, Palisades Tahoe and Heavenly Mountain Resort which provide options for skiers at all levels. Families and beginners can enjoy the well-groomed, easy slopes at Northstar, while more advanced skiers can head to Heavenly for spectacular views and challenging terrain. Palisades Tahoe is known for having one of the longest ski seasons in Lake Tahoe with 300 days of sunshine per year, on average. Tahoe’s friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes it a great destination for mixed-skill groups.
Getting to Lake Tahoe: Fly into San Francisco or Los Angeles and connect to Reno-Tahoe International Airport. If road trips are your thing, fly into San Francisco and hire a rental car to self-drive and soak up the stunning scenery on the way to Lake Tahoe. Approximate driving times from Reno-Tahoe Airport: Palisades Tahoe: 50 minutes. Heavenly: 60 minutes. Northstar: 45 minutes.
Extras: Lake Tahoe offers some fantastic, guided snowshoeing trails where you’ll learn about the local wildlife, nature and history of the area. Also on offer are gondola rides, Nordic skiing, ice skating and snow tubing.
Top tips: Check out Tóst on the Northstar slopes: Lake Tahoe’s only ski-up, mountain view bubbly experience. If you want to explore both north and south Lake Tahoe, consider hiring a rental car so you can go where and when you want to, at your leisure.
5. Winter Park, Colorado, USA
Why it’s great: Winter Park is perfect for families and groups with mixed abilities. The resort offers gentle slopes and great ski schools for beginners and has been voted ‘Best for Beginners’ by The Wall Street Journal and rated ‘Most Family Friendly’ by OnTheSnow. More experienced skiers will love the terrain at Mary Jane Mountain, known for its mogul runs and steeps. With its laid-back vibe, one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado with 3,081 acres of resort across five adjacent mountains, and a myriad of winter activities for families, it’s a great option for a snow holiday for all skiing abilities.
Travel time: Fly direct from Auckland to Denver, Colorado and transfer by coach or private car to Winter Park.
Extras: Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, local charm, and plenty of outdoor activities like tubing and snowshoeing.
6. Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Why it’s great: Set in the stunning Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise provide skiing for everyone. The resorts offer wide, easy slopes for beginners and families, while more advanced skiers can tackle the steeps, bowls, and powder runs at Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Banff’s family-friendly vibe and the stunning scenery make it a must-visit for skiers of all abilities.
Travel time: Fly to Calgary, then take a scenic drive to Banff.
Extras: Incredible mountain views, hot springs, charming mountain town atmosphere, and après-ski activities like ice skating and wildlife viewing.
7. Panorama, BC, Canada
Why it’s great: Panorama is a hidden gem, offering wide, uncrowded slopes perfect for families, beginners, and intermediates, while more advanced skiers can enjoy the challenging Taynton Bowl. Its compact layout makes it easy to navigate, ideal for families. With stunning views and a variety of terrain, it’s a great all-rounder.
Travel time: Fly into Calgary, followed by a scenic drive.
Extras: Family-friendly vibe, a great ski-in/ski-out village, après-ski hot pools, and activities like snowmobiling.
To book a beyond ordinary ski/board experience including flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes and activities call the Ski Travel Consultants at travel&co NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here for our latest offers.
