Our list of bucket list ski holidays offers inspiring and unique experiences that guarantee to make your next trip to the mountains unforgettable. From powder skiing in Japan to exploring Canadian mountain wildernesses by helicopter, our handy guide takes you straight to the most iconic ski holidays on offer in the world’s best ski resorts.
Table dance in the best après bars in the world in St Anton
Incredible skiing aside, St Anton’s après terraces are exactly where you should head after a rewarding day on the mountain. Austrian hospitality and unparalleled charm do not go a miss in the ski party capital of the Alps. Down in the town you will find cosy, traditional huts serving up local dishes such as dumpling soup and cured meats; whilst up on the slopes lie some of Austria’s most famed and long-standing après bars. Just down the Galzig piste, you can experience Krazy Kanguruh and Mooserwirt, where dancing on the tables with shots served on skis is the norm. The background scenery of the dropping sun behind snowcapped mountain tops will be a spectacle to behold.
Ski the longest black piste in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez is famous for its glorious bluebird skiing, with over 250km of piste to explore in the Huez Grand Domaine. The resort is best known for its iconic black run; The Sarenne attracts daredevil skiers worldwide. Descend a tremendous 18km from the Piz Blanc summit, on a route that holds the title as the longest black run in the Alps. The dizzying heights of this exhilarating piste treat skiers to majestic panoramic views of neighbouring peaks from the terrace at the top. Thrill-seekers be warned; there is a steep, ungroomed section on this route that will quickly turn into large moguls without fresh snow. Once the moguls are concluded, you will find yourself surrounded by nothing but nature on your blissful descent. Snoman’s son Jimmy is an intermediate skier, yet skied the Sarenne with his ESF coach, so it’s very do-able with the right guide (he looked a bit pale when have came back though).
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JAPOW! Ski the world’s best powder in Japan
With fine dining restaurants brimming with authentic local culture, stupendous passing views of Mount Yotei, and plentiful supplies of the freshest powdery snow; skiing in Japan is an out of this world experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. We recommend visiting Niseko, located on the north island, and is acclaimed for its vast snowfall levels, averaging up to 18 metres per season. Niseko caters well to skiers of all abilities, with a choice of well-groomed pistes and some incredible tree lines. However, this resort has made its name by what it can provide off the piste. Plentiful snowfall is a given, but the quality of the snow sets Niseko apart from the rest, with light, fluffy, and dry powder that is truly rare and absolutely unmissable.
Complete the the Haute Tour in Chamonix
The Haute Tour is an epic 6-day ski journey that starts in the shadows of Mont Blanc in Chamonix and ends at the majestic Matterhorn in Zermatt. Totalling 120km of beautiful backcountry terrain, this epic route crosses two countries, ticking off glorious glaciers and out of this world powder pockets that will exhilarate you right to the core. If you are up for the challenge, a local Alpine expert based in Chamonix can offer the best guidance to ensure you stay safe on the adventure of a lifetime. The Haute Tour requires a competent level of fitness and minimum intermediate level skiing.
Heli-skiing in Canada
The vast and remote mountains of Canada are the ideal setting for heli-skiing, and should be at the top of your wish list for places to indulge in this incredible experience. Canada is known for its incredibly steep terrain and colossal vertical drops – the likes of which can be accessed with nothing other than a helicopter. The thrill of landing in a limitless wilderness of untouched powder that no one has accessed, let alone skied in, is a truly remarkable mountain experience. Do not be deterred if you are not a pro skier, as there is plenty of terrain available to suit varying abilities.
Ski epic off-piste in La Grave
La Grave is not your typical resort, bucking all trends. This extravagant town is nestled at the foot of Massif des Écrins in France, and is known for its unique aura, authentic charm and sense of freedom, which attracts experienced off-piste skiers and free-riders from all over the world. It is for this reason that La Grave is not best suited to beginner skiers – offering only one groomed piste and main gondola up to the summit of La Meije. The adventure lies in the dazzling areas of backcountry terrain and off-piste descents that stretch all the way up to a snow-sure 2,300m. From the top, lines are abundant, with so many varied routes that you will be spoilt for options. We always recommend exploring these slopes with an experienced mountain guide with local knowledge.
Night skiing in Alpbach
Arguably one of Austria’s prettiest ski resorts, Alpbach is scattered with traditional dark wooden chalets and narrow picturesque streets, adding to its strong sense of tradition. The cosy charm of this quaint town comes into its own during the end of December and March, when skiers can enjoy night-skiing down floodlit pistes. Catch the Reitherkogelbahn gondola up from 6.30 pm on a Friday or Saturday night, and experience this magical moment for yourself. Bask in the silence and indulge in the novelty of blissfully quiet pistes. Alpbach offers some of the best night skiing available in the Alps, which guarantees to elevate your ski holiday to the next level.
More bucket list ski experiences
- Watch the Hahnenkamm ski race in Kitzbuhel
- Try cat skiing in Canada
- View the northern lights in Lapland
- Ski all the resorts in the 3 Valleys in one day
- Ski the Sella Ronda circuit in the Dolomites
- Have a drink at IceQ in Solden, where the James Bond film SPECTRE was filmed.
- Ski and sail in Norway
- Experience winter in the summer by skiing in Zermatt
Looking to book your bucket list ski trip?
View ski holidays in 2026 or call our friendly experts on 020 7770 6888.