If skiing is your passion, there are many top-rated ski resorts around the world you won't want to miss. Stowe Vermont, Aspen Colorado and Vail Colorado certainly top that list in the United States.

What is a Ski Resort?

A ski resort is a skier's idea of heaven, with some of the best offering challenging slopes and cozy accommodation. Most resorts are set high up in the mountains for optimum snow coverage with chair lifts to take you to the peak.

Resorts offer activities for non-skiers as well, which makes them ideal for those members of the family who don't want to hit the slopes. The more luxurious resorts have on site gourmet restaurants and premier shopping as well as superior accommodations.

What Amenities Do Ski Resorts Offer Their Customers?

The kinds of amenities offered at each resort will vary. Good examples include:

Whistler/Blackcomb British Columbia

The Whistler British Columbia resort is famous for its shops, boutiques, theatres, art galleries and restaurants. There's entertainment to suit all ages and tastes. For guests who would like just a bit more privacy, the resort also offers cozy alpine huts with open air barbeques.

Kitzbuhel, Austria

The Kitzbuhel resort, with its challenging Hahnenkamm run, is one of the world's most glamorous and expensive resorts even though its lower slopes don't always get snow. The resort's hotels vary but many boast private saunas, open fireplaces and luxurious rooms. The scenery is simply amazing and can be enjoyed on romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides. There's a casino and multiple sophisticated nightspots. (Neighboring Salzburg and Innsbruck offer museums and other excursions.)

Zermatt, Switzerland

In addition to premier skiing, Switzerland's Zermatt resort has a range of activities as diverse as mule treks and excursions to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest sightseeing point in Europe. If staying in one of the elegant lodge's is just too tame for you, try the igloo village next to the Matterhorn. (Both "standard" and romantic igloos are available.) There's plenty to do with ice sports ranging from ice climbing to tobogganing.

Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta, Western Canada

The small, inti mate Banff/Lake Louise resort sits three miles from the nearest town. With world class ski runs, plentiful wildlife viewing, hiking, and mountain camping, the resort is an excellent choice to get away from your hectic life and relax. After a morning of skiing, treat yourself to an afternoon at the spa and then take yourself for an elegant meal at one of the resort's many fine restaurants.

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France

Chamonix Mont-Blanc is a skiing town aimed at enthusiasts who want a challenge and who aren't interested in glamour. The town offers skiing lessons so it's a suitable location for all levels of ability. The prices for dining out are reasonable and visitors can take advantage of Turkish baths, saunas and heated pools. Aerial tours are popular and there are plentiful buses to get you up to the slopes.

Continue to: Aspen Colorado as the Best Ski Resort on the Globe

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Family Fun Guaranteed in Vermont's Smugglers' Notch Resort
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort: Jewel of British Columbia

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