Black Diamond Showcases 11 Resorts With Something For Every Skier

Snow is starting to fall, signalling the start of the 25-26 ski season. But with thousands of ski resorts to choose from, where should you go? Whether your perfect holiday is spent carving through powder off-piste, perfecting tricks in the snow park, or unwinding in a hot tub with mountain views, discover these 11 ski resorts that offer something for every skier. 

• Best for world-class powder (JaPow) - Hakuba, Japan.  Located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba is the country’s most internationally renowned ski region and for good reason. A legacy site from the 1998 Winter Olympics, it offers more than 200 runs across ten interconnected resorts, each with its own character. Beginners will love the wide, gentle slopes at Hakuba Goryu, intermediates can carve through Happo-One’s long cruising runs, while experts head for the steep, powder-filled backcountry at Cortina. Off the mountain, Hakuba delivers all the apres essentials: open-air baths, izakayas serving hearty hotpots and mountain lodges blending Alpine charm with Japanese hospitality. japan.travel/en/uk/.  Book now: 8 nights B&B at the 4*+ evo Hotel Hakuba in Hakuba from £2,825pp based on 2 adults departing 11 March 2026. Price includes return flights and shared transfers.
• Best for luxury - Deer Valley, Utah.  Deer Valley Resort, located in Park City in the Wasatch Mountain Range - just 38 miles (approximately one hour’s drive) from Salt Lake City - is on track to deliver the largest ski resort expansion in history for the 2025/26 ski season. This winter, Deer Valley will introduce seven new chairlifts, including the East Village Express, a ten-passenger gondola connecting the new East Village area to Park Peak. The expansion also includes more than 80 new ski runs and 3,700 skiable acres. These additions bring the resort’s total to ten new lifts and over 100 new runs since December 2024, marking a significant milestone in Deer Valley’s ongoing transformation. Deer Valley is available on the Ikon Pass. deervalley.com.  Book now: Ski Safari offers 10 nights at the 4* Lodges at Deer Valley in Deer Valley from £3,595pp based on 2 adults departing 09 December 2025. Price includes return flights and car hire.
• Best for advanced skiers - Aspen Snowmass, Colorado.  Aspen Snowmass spans over 5,700 acres across four mountains, with roughly 65% of terrain rated advanced or expert. From the steep glades and mogul fields of Aspen Mountain to the iconic Highland Bowl’s hike-to terrain, it’s built for confident skiers. High-altitude powder, minimal lift lines and well-maintained off-piste routes add to its appeal. With world-class skiing and a stylish après scene, it’s one of North America’s most legendary resorts. Aspen Snowmass is available on the Ikon Pass. aspensnowmass.com. Book now: Ski Safari offers 7 nights at the 5* Limelight Hotel Snowmass from £5,885pp based on 2 adults departing 11 January 2026. Price includes return flights and car hire.
• Best for the year-round skier - Thredbo, New South Wales. When Europe’s slopes have melted into summer pastures, Thredbo keeps the ski season alive in the Southern Hemisphere. Nestled in the Snowy Mountains, this alpine village boasts Australia’s longest ski runs and its biggest vertical drop, attracting European skiers chasing winter in July and August. Beyond the groomed trails, advanced riders can tackle natural features and off-piste terrain, while beginners enjoy wide, scenic runs. Off the slopes, Thredbo’s lively après-ski scene, cosy lodges and mountain dining give it a distinctly European flair - all under the crisp blue skies of an Australian winter. Thredbo is available on the Ikon Pass. visitnsw.com.  
• Best for park lovers - Mammoth Lakes, California. With 11 terrain parks covering 100 acres, Mammoth Mountain is a freestyle playground for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. From mellow beginner features to elite-level half pipes, the variety is unmatched. Mammoth’s Terrain Park offers everything from easy runs to advanced jumps, with 126 rails, boxes and jibs, and three half pipes, including the 22-foot, Olympic-spec SuperPipe. It’s the ultimate park for skiers and snowboarders to practise and perfect their skills. Mammoth Mountain is available on the Ikon Pass.visitmammoth.com. Book now: Ski Safari offers 7 nights at the 5* Limelight Mammoth from £2,399pp, based on 2 adults sharing a Deluxe King room, departing 01 March 2026. Price includes return flights and SUV car hire.
• Best for backcountry skiing - Whistler, Canada. Step outside the resort ropes to find fresh powder, steep terrain and stunning mountain vistas. Renowned for its backcountry skiing, Whistler delivers the ultimate experience with a multitude of bowls, glaciers and gladed runs to choose from. The Whistler Blackcomb lift system provides relatively easy access to extensive backcountry areas, offering a high reward-to-effort ratio compared to other locations. Visitors can enjoy Whistler Backcountry Ski Tours from £150 per person whistler.com/uk. Book now: Ski Safari offers a 10 night stay at the 3*+ Listel Whistler Hotel in Whistler from £1,760pp based on 2 adults departing 07 March 2026. Price includes return flights and shared transfers.
• Best for post-ski relaxation - Niigata, Japan. Stretching along Japan’s snowy west coast, Niigata Prefecture is one of the country’s most underrated winter playgrounds, home to some of the deepest powder and most accessible resorts from Tokyo. Its slopes cater to every level, from first-timers taking lessons on the gentle runs of Naeba and Yuzawa, to advanced skiers seeking untouched backcountry at Myoko Kogen. Beyond skiing, Niigata’s onsen culture and exceptional sake scene make it a destination where guests can unwind in a hot spring overlooking snow-covered peaks, then sample locally brewed rice wine paired with fresh seafood. With easy Shinkansen (bullet train) access and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, Niigata is a perfect all-rounder for skiers and snowboarders alike. enjoyniigata.com/en/ 
• Best for first time skiers: The Badger Pass Ski Area - Yosemite Mariposa County, California . The Badger Pass Ski Area, established in 1935 as California’s first ski resort, is the Sierra’s best-kept secret. With a base elevation of 7,200 feet and ten runs, Badger Pass is perfect for first time skiers looking to give the winter sport a go. Cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails, snow tubing and rentals are also available for visitors to enjoy. The ski season typically runs from January through to March. yosemite.com 
• Best for young families - Meìribel, France.  Meìribel is not just for experts, it’s the ultimate base for an epic family ski holiday. Half of the Les 3 Vallées area is graded blue or green, making it perfect for young children. The resort's renowned ski schools - offering English-speaking lessons - combined with Meìribel village's fairytale feel, mean skiers are onto a magical family trip. Meìribel also offers a new beginners’ zone, located just to the right of the Rhodos bubble. meribel.net. Book now: Skiline offer a stay at the 3* Hotel Le Mottaret for 7 nights from £1,199 per adult and £999 per child, including return flights from London Gatwick, transfers and half-board accommodation. The hotel is conveniently located near the slopes and offers family rooms. This package is available for departures on 14 February 2026.
• Best for adrenaline seekers - CMH Heli-Skiing, British Columbia, Canada. As the world’s first and largest heli-ski operator, CMH Heli-Skiing offers access to over 3 million acres of untracked power in British Columbia’s remote backcountry. Perfect for thrill seekers, guests are transported via helicopter to untouched terrain and can expect to stay in one of 11 wilderness lodges, including the legendary Bugaboos and Monashees. This is the perfect experience for advanced skiers transitioning into backcountry skiing. alterramtn.co/en 
• Best for spring skiing - Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado. ating its 79th season, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area will operate seven days a week and with the longest ski and ride season in Colorado, it is expected to run until June. The 1,428 acres are situated along the Continental Divide and feature seven distinct mountain areas that offer an adventurous, scenic experience. The resort provides skiing and riding from mid-mountain to the base whilst the Black Mountain Express Lift will serve High Noon, an intermediate run. Arapahoe Basin is available on the Ikon Pass.colorado.com.  SnowPak offers 7 nights at The Block Hotel & Commons from £1,299 per person, including return flights and car hire. The package includes lodging and equipment rentals.i

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