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Now that winter has officially begun in the Northern Hemisphere, travelers are gearing up for the next ski season by browsing the many, many resorts around the world all promising the same thing — the adventure of a lifetime.
Many Americans are even planning to cross oceans in search of their perfect ski resort, though in that case, the options become so vast that the task of finding that perfect place for their next winter adventures seems borderline impossible.
Luckily, InsureMyTrip, a U.S.-based travel insurance agency, recently conducted a study on the best ski resorts in the world so you don’t have to.
Their analysis took into account criteria like costs, slope length, snowfall, hotel and bar ratings, as well as social media popularity, and these were the five resorts that scored the highest across the board:
5. Racines-Giovo, Italy
There’s no better way to spend a cozy winter getaway than right in the heart of the Italian Alps, where Racines-Giovo promises skiers of all experience levels pristine slopes, a tranquil atmosphere, and a general sense of exclusivity that makes the 60€ ($64.6) daily pass feel entirely worth it.
Those looking to experience that authentic Italian alpine culture will love exploring the 16.9 miles (27.2 km) of slopes available during peak season, while the cozy mountain villages, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality will just be icing on the snow-covered cake.
The recently built gondola lift will take you right above the tree line, from where you’ll be able to appreciate the surrounding landscape and state-of-the-art slopes that much more.
4. Carezza, Italy
While in Italy, you’ll want to add a stop to Carezza, a resort known for its mesmerizing views of the Dolomites and the iconic Catinaccio-Rosengarten mountain range, making this the perfect choice for those in search of some of Europe’s best wintery landscapes.
The well-groomed slopes come in a wide array of difficulty levels, some of which are challenging enough even for the most experienced.
Whether you’re a professional skier or someone seeing snow for the first time in your life, one thing’s for sure – you’re guaranteed to come out of Carezza with notably improved skills.
Beyond the slopes, Carezza sets itself apart from other ski destinations of its kind through its fascinating culture.
The Ladin traditions, visible in the local architecture and cuisine, are something that can’t be replicated anywhere else on Earth, while Carezza’s proximity to other renowned ski areas in the Dolomiti Superski allows visitors to explore a vast, interconnected winter paradise.
3. Les 3 Vallées, France
The largest ski area in the world was ranked third in InsureMyTrip’s list, boasting eight interconnected resorts, an unparalleled expanse of snowy landscapes, and endless learning opportunities for skiers regardless of their age or experience level.
In fact, Les 3 Vallées has a near-perfect 50/50 split between easy runs (greens and blues) and more challenging slopes (reds and blacks).
Though the sheer size of the place might seem intimidating, the extensive lift system and well-maintained infrastructure make navigating the entire area a breeze, not to mention time-efficient.
After a long day practicing on the slopes, you can wind down in one of the charming nearby villages, where you can even try out a few Michelin-starred restaurants.
2. Kiroro, Japan
Those trying to look past the typical European ski resorts this winter will love Kiroro, famous for its gorgeous and, more importantly, consistently snowy 300-mile-long (483 km) slopes.
The snow conditions here are something avid skiers only dream about, characterized by frequent, light, fluffy powder that’ll make your holiday pictures seem like something right out of a magazine.
If all that wasn’t enough to convince you to book your tickets to Japan now, Kiroro is one of the cheapest resorts that emerged out of the InsureMyTrip study, with daily passes costing a mere $43 – talk about value!
1. Les Portes du Soleil, France
Taking the coveted top spot on today’s list is the stunning Les Portes du Soleil, a sprawling ski area straddling the French-Swiss border.
There’s really nothing not to love about this place.
Renowned for its expansive terrain, charming alpine villages, and unparalleled views of Mont Blanc, Les Portes du Soleil offers what can only be described as the quintessential alpine experience.
The area’s vast interconnected ski network spans 12 resorts, including Avoriaz, Morzine, and Champery, just to name a few.
The cost of a daily pass here is admittedly a bit higher, standing at $72; however, considering the location and the quality of the amenities you’ll get in return, that’ll be money well spent.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com