Mountain Review: Zermatt
Zermatt pairs the Matterhorn, a world-class lift system and one of the best ski towns anywhere with a huge cross-border footprint. But thin snow, mostly groomed terrain and confusing navigation hold it back.
Mountain Review: Crans-Montana
Sunny views, more than 20 on-mountain restaurants and a modern lift system make Crans-Montana an easygoing luxury ski trip. But its south-facing slopes and intermediate-focused terrain hold it back.
Mountain Review: Verbier 4 Vallées
Six linked ski areas and patrolled freeride terrain make Verbier 4 Vallées one of the best big-mountain destinations in Europe. But south-facing snow and a confusing layout between sectors hold it back.
Mountain Review: Les 3 Vallées
The largest interconnected ski area in the world links Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires across more than 25,000 acres. Each resort is excellent on its own, but navigating the whole domain is a serious undertaking.
Mountain Review: Chamonix
This France destination pairs some of the most dramatic scenery in skiing with demanding moguls, huge lift-served off-piste and a real year-round town. But its ski areas are small, separate and served by a dated lift network.
Mountain Review: Granite Peak
This central Wisconsin ski area pairs a modern high-speed lift fleet and snowmaking on every trail with night skiing seven days a week. But low natural snowfall, flat runouts and limited expert terrain hold it back.
Mountain Review: The Highlands at Harbor Springs
This Michigan resort pairs reliable lake-effect snow with the fastest chairlift in the Midwest and plenty of ski-in/ski-out lodging. But short advanced runs and just one expert trail limit the challenge.
Mountain Review: Boyne Mountain
This Michigan stalwart pairs the Midwest’s only high-speed eight-pack with a lively base area. But expert terrain is scarce, and staying on-site comes at a steep price.
Mountain Review: Smugglers’ Notch
Ancient lifts and lackluster resiliency measures hold back a staple of the northern Vermont skiing scene.
Mountain Review: Mountain Creek
This New Jersey ski area offers standout freestyle terrain and easy access from New York City, but it’s a really tough sell versus snowier, less-commercialized resorts further north.