Top 10 highest ski resorts in the world

The ski resorts in the Alps are so popular with winter sports enthusiasts because they simply have it all. From perfectly groomed slopes and modern cable cars to stunning mountain panoramas, they offer everything. In Europe’s largest high mountain range, the slopes reach great heights, in some cases exceeding 3,000 metres. But when it comes to skiing and altitude, that is by no means all. After all, there are many other slopes around the world where you can breathe in the thin mountain air. SnowTrex knows exactly where the world’s highest ski resorts are located and shows here just how much they ‘tower’ over the ski areas in the heart of Europe.

© ImagesofIndia/shutterstock.de

In Gulmarg in the Himalayas in northern India, winter sports enthusiasts can take a cable car up to an altitude of 3,980 m, where 25 kilometres of slopes await, making it the highest ski resort in the world.

An overview of the 10 highest ski resorts in the world

• Ski runs: 25 km
• Altitude: up to 3,980 m
• Highlights: The Indian ski resort of Gulmarg is the highest ski area in the world and boasts 25 km of runs, around 14 m of fresh snow per year and spectacular freeride opportunities.

The high-altitude ski resort of Gulmarg is situated in northern India, in the heart of the Himalayas. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest and longest cable cars in Asia, transports winter sports enthusiasts to an altitude of 3,980 m. Upon arrival at the mountain station on Mount Apharwat (4,390 m), skiers and snowboarders are greeted by a true freeriding paradise with deep powder snow and challenging runs. The full off-piste experience is available in the upper sections of the resort up to an altitude of 3,450 m. In the lower sector, groomed slopes are only available from around 3,045 m. In total, Gulmarg, as the world’s highest ski resort, officially offers 25 kilometres of slopes. With an average of 14 metres of fresh snow per year, snow reliability is never an issue in the Himalayas during winter. However, this also brings with it an avalanche risk, which requires winter sports enthusiasts to exercise considerable caution when venturing off the secured slopes. Incidentally, the Gulmarg ski resort opened back in 1927 and has combined exotic flair with first-class deep snow ever since.

2. Breckenridge Ski Resort (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 153 km
• Altitude: up to 3,914 m
• Highlights: Breckenridge in the US state of Colorado is the highest ski resort in North America, captivating visitors with 153 kilometres of slopes, the legendary ‘Champagne Powder’ and the town’s charming Wild West atmosphere.

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  © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

  Breckenridge lies at 2,926 m in the US state of Colorado, making it the highest town in North America. In the resort’s “home ski area”, winter sports enthusiasts can take the gondola up to an altitude of 3,914 m.

Breckenridge in the US state of Colorado is the highest-altitude ski resort in North America and thus a true paradise for skiing enthusiasts. The ski area in the USA spans five peaks and boasts 153 kilometres of slopes. The highest point of the ski resort is at 3,914 m. Skiers and snowboarders are taken up by the “Imperial Chair” chairlift. There, spectacular steep slopes and bowl runs await experienced skiers and snowboarders. They can let off steam in the powder snow, the famous “Champagne Powder”, which is particularly fluffy in Colorado due to the low humidity and high altitude. The entire ski resort comprises over 180 runs of all difficulty levels, ensuring that every skiing enthusiast can find their favourite terrain here – even beginners. The historic mining town of Breckenridge, situated at an altitude of 2,930 metres, also exudes a charming Wild West atmosphere and, with the world’s highest-altitude distillery, offers a unique après-ski vibe.

3. Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski region (Switzerland)

• Kilometres of slopes: 322 km
• Altitude: up to 3,899 m
• Live: Weather report from Zermatt
• Highlights: The Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski region is the highest ski resort in the Alps, offering 322 kilometres of slopes, glacier skiing 365 days a year and a unique panorama around the Matterhorn.

© Pascal Gertschen

The Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski region is home to the starting point of the highest piste at 3,899 m, making it the highest ski resort in the Alps.

The Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski region, high above the prestigious Valais ski resort of Zermatt, is the highest ski resort in the Alps, as a cable car takes winter sports enthusiasts up to the Kleine Matterhorn at an altitude of 3,899 m. In total, the slopes within sight of the world-famous Matterhorn (4,478 m) and 37 other 4,000-metre peaks offer a whopping 322 kilometres of runs, including the descents on the Theodul Glacier. This means that skiing is possible here 365 days a year, making Zermatt the world’s largest year-round ski resort. Most of the slopes appeal to leisure skiers, as the wide glacier slopes are classified as blue (easy) and red (intermediate) and thus invite you to enjoy a leisurely carve against a unique panorama. Relaxation after the high-alpine experience on the glacier then awaits seamlessly in the valley in car-free Zermatt (1,600 m), where you’ll find traditional Swiss cosiness, classic après-ski and luxurious wellness facilities.

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4. Loveland Ski Resort (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 93 km
• Altitude: up to 3,871 m
• Highlights: Loveland Ski Resort in the US state of Colorado is one of the highest in the world, where winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy 93 kilometres of slopes, an early start to the ski season and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.

The Loveland ski resort, named after Loveland Pass in Colorado, is one of the highest ski resorts in the USA and the world, reaching an altitude of up to 3,871 m.

In the US state of Colorado, one altitude record follows another when it comes to ski resorts. Indeed, the Loveland ski resort, at an altitude of up to 3,871 m, also ranks among the top 5 highest ski resorts in the world. The 93 kilometres of slopes are particularly popular with locals, as Loveland offers a relaxed atmosphere away from mega-resorts such as Aspen. Thanks to its high altitude, the ski season at Loveland Pass often begins very early in the autumn and lasts until late spring.

The runs are very varied: in the ‘Loveland Basin’, advanced skiers are at home in challenging bowls and steep gullies, whilst the ‘Loveland Valley’ offers gentler slopes for beginners. Ultimately, the lifts and slopes here are often relatively uncrowded, making for relaxed days of skiing without long queues, all whilst enjoying magnificent views of the Rocky Mountain peaks and over 300 days of sunshine a year.

5. Mount Elbrus Ski Resort (Russia)

• Slope length: 23 km
• Altitude: up to 3,847 m
• Highlights: The Mount Elbrus ski resort in the Caucasus is one of the highest in the world and offers winter sports enthusiasts 23 kilometres of slopes against the breathtaking backdrop of glaciated peaks and views stretching all the way to the Black Sea.

© Olga Gavrilova/shutterstock.de

Mount Elbrus, a volcano in the Russian Caucasus, is the highest mountain in Europe at 5,642 m, and is also home to one of the highest-altitude ski resorts in the world, with 23 km of slopes.

At 5,642 metres, Elbrus in the Caucasus is the highest mountain in Europe. The ski resort on the slopes of the extinct volcano is therefore one of the highest in the world. The ski lifts on Elbrus take skiers up to an altitude of 3,847 metres, where 23 kilometres of slopes await them. The backdrop is particularly impressive: whilst the glaciated Caucasus peaks rise all around, on a clear day the view stretches all the way to the Black Sea! Most of the runs in the Mount Elbrus ski resort are intermediate (red) and lead down from the Garabashi (3,847 m) and Mir (3,500 m) mountain stations to the valley station at Azau (2,350 m). The ski resort’s management even plans to extend the lifts on one of the Seven Summits to an altitude of over 5,000 m in the future. This would make the Elbrus ski resort the highest in the world and would rival the former record holder, Chacaltaya in Bolivia (5,421 m, now closed).

6. Tochal Ski Resort (Iran)

• Kilometres of slopes: 5 km
• Altitude: up to 3,846 m
• Highlights: Althoughthe Tochal ski resort above Tehran has only 5 km of slopes to offer, it still impresses with panoramic views over the city, the 5,610 m high Damavand in the background and one of the highest hotels in the world.

A new and exotic entry in the top 10 is the Tochal ski resort, located above the Iranian capital, Tehran. A gondola takes visitors up to an altitude of 3,846 m. What makes it special is that the valley station lies at around 1,900 m, right on the outskirts of Tehran. This means winter sports enthusiasts can board the cable car in the city and reach a high-alpine snow-covered landscape in just a few minutes. However, at just under 5 kilometres of slopes, the ski resort is quite small. On the other hand, beginners and leisure skiers will find wide, easy runs in Tochal with panoramic views over the Tehran Basin.

On clear days, when there is no smog, you can look down from the slopes all the way to the metropolis. In the opposite direction, the 5,610-metre-high Damavand, the highest mountain in the Middle East, towers above the skiers. Another interesting feature of the ski resort, which opened in 1976, is that the Tochal Hotel, situated at an altitude of 3,550 metres, is one of the highest hotels in the world!

7. Telluride Ski Resort (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 88 km
• Altitude: up to 3,815 m
• Highlights: The Telluride ski resort in the San Juan Mountains in the US state of Colorado boasts 88 km of slopes, numerous freeride opportunities and over 7.5 m of fresh snow per year.

Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in the US state of Colorado lies the Telluride ski resort, reaching heights of up to 3,815 m. The runs here are mostly only suitable for true skiing experts, as 41 per cent of the total 88 km of slopes are marked black! Particularly popular are the “Revelation Bowl” and the “Gold Hill Chutes” with their steep runs and countless opportunities for freeriding in deep snow. In the lower part of the ski resort and in the side valleys, however, there are also plenty of easier runs – namely blue and red runs – for beginners or those returning to the sport. Another major plus point of Telluride is its guaranteed snow, with an average of over 7.5 metres of fresh snow per year. The picturesque, upmarket town itself lies at an altitude of 2,670 metres in a valley basin and, with its chic boutiques, restaurants and bars, exudes classic US gold-rush romance.

8. Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 237 km
• Altitude: up to 3,813 m
• Highlights: The Aspen Snowmass ski resort in Colorado combines slopes at altitudes of up to 3,813 m, 237 km of runs for all ability levels, excellent snow conditions from November to April and the town’s glamorous atmosphere.

© Dstarj/Shutterstock

In the red cabins of the ‘Silver Queen Gondola’ in the Aspen Snowmass ski resort (up to 3,813 m above sea level), skiers and snowboarders can connect their smartphones via a docking station and play their music during the ride.

The Aspen Snowmass ski resort is arguably the most famous ski resort in the USA. Whilst the luxury town in the US state of Colorado exudes pure glamour, the ski area boasts altitudes of up to 3,813 m at the Cirque of Snowmass Mountain and 237 km of runs. The slopes are suitable for all ability levels: from the challenging double-black-diamond runs for experts at the Cirque, to the intermediate cruiser runs around the mid-station areas, right through to enjoyable forest runs for beginners. This profile makes Snowmass a true ‘all-rounder’ among the world’s highest ski resorts and ensures that families and professionals alike feel at home here. The high altitude also guarantees excellent snow conditions, meaning that the first turns can be made as early as November and right through to April. In addition to Snowmass, the ski region also includes Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. However, they all have slightly lower peak elevations.

9. Copper Mountain Ski Resort (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 126 km
• Altitude: up to 3,792 m
• Highlights: At 3,792 m, Copper Mountain is one of the highest ski resorts in the USA and boasts 126 km of slopes, as well as extensive freeride areas and spectacular snow parks for freestyle skiers.

With a run starting at 3,792 m, the Copper Mountain ski resort is not only one of the highest in the USA, but also in the world! Skiers and snowboarders can let off steam here on 126 km of slopes, served by 20 modern lifts. In the “East Village”, wide, gentle slopes await beginners, whilst advanced skiers and pros can discover challenging steep slopes, bowls and natural half-pipes in the “West and Centre Villages”. The off-piste routes for freeriders and the spectacular snow parks for freestylers are also particularly popular. Thanks to its high altitude, the ski resort enjoys excellent snow conditions with an average of over 7 metres of fresh snow per year, and the ski season usually runs from October to April. In addition to its sporting highlights, the resort impresses with cosy lodges, après-ski activities and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

10. Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort (USA)

• Kilometres of slopes: 52 km
• Altitude: up to 3,790 m
• Highlights: The Arapahoe Basin ski resort offers 52 kilometres of slopes and numerous off-piste opportunities on the mountain, whilst the resort itself boasts cosy lodges and cafés.

The Arapahoe Basin ski resort, affectionately known as ‘A-Basin’ by locals, is situated in the Rocky Mountains at an altitude of up to 3,790 metres. Thanks to its location in the heart of the US state of Colorado, snow conditions here are so reliable that the ski season often begins as early as October and lasts well into June. The ski resort, covering around 145 hectares, offers a total of 52 kilometres of slopes. Advanced skiers and freeriders particularly appreciate the steep slopes and ungroomed off-piste routes. Beginners, on the other hand, tend to opt for the flatter slopes in the valley area and at the mid-station areas. Away from the slopes, the ski resort is known for its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. Instead of luxury and crowds of ski tourists, the resort is dominated by friendly lodges and rustic cafés, all within walking distance of the slopes.

FAQs on the world’s highest ski resorts

Which is the highest ski resort in the world?

The highest ski resort in the world is Gulmarg (25 km of slopes) in India. The top station of the Gulmarg gondola is situated at an altitude of 3,980 m, making it the highest active lift station in the world. From here, challenging runs on Mount Apharwat extend down to around 3,450 m, which are particularly appealing to experienced skiers and freeriders. The ski resort offers winter sports enthusiasts not only a high altitude and deep snow, but also an exotic Himalayan atmosphere that ensures a unique experience.

Which is the highest ski resort in the Alps?

The highest ski resort in the Alps is the Matterhorn Ski Paradise region in Switzerland, on the border with Italy, with a maximum altitude of 3,899 m. Slopes lead down from the mountain station on the Klein Matterhorn. Other high-altitude resorts in the Alps, such as the Saas-Fee ski resort (3,573 m) and the Val Thorens ski resort (3,230 m), follow closely behind. Zermatt is also the only Alpine resort that offers summer skiing.

Is there a ski resort above 5,000 m?

Yes, the Bolivian ski resort of Chacaltaya, at an altitude of around 5,300 m, was for a long time the highest in the world. Until the end of the 2006 ski season, winter sports enthusiasts were able to ski there on a glacier. However, due to glacier retreat, Chacaltaya is now closed. Currently, no ski resort has a lift situated higher than 5,000 m. However, there are plans for extensions at Mount Elbrus in Russia, where lifts are planned to reach altitudes of over 5 km.

What are the advantages of high-altitude ski resorts?

High-altitude ski resorts are considered to have very reliable snow conditions and generally offer a long season. Thanks to the winter temperatures at high altitudes, the snow remains in good condition for longer. Sometimes it is even possible to ski into late spring or during the summer. In addition, you have a spectacular view of the surrounding mountain landscapes – often the peaks rise above the clouds into the bright sunshine. Even when temperatures in the valley are higher, high-altitude areas usually offer ideal winter sports conditions. In short: those who ski at high altitudes can look forward to reliable natural snow, plenty of sunshine above the fog line and an unrivalled panorama.

Do winter sports enthusiasts need to prepare specifically for the altitude when skiing?

Yes, skiing at altitudes of almost 4,000 metres and above can be physically demanding. The air is noticeably thinner there, which can lead to faster fatigue. It is therefore advisable to ascend slowly and give your body time to acclimatise. For example, you should spend a day at a moderate altitude before heading right to the top. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol also helps to prevent altitude sickness. However, most healthy people get used to the altitude within a short time and can then enjoy skiing to the full. It is important to listen to your body, take breaks and, if in doubt, stay at a slightly lower altitude. With the right preparation, though, nothing stands in the way of fun on the slopes at record-breaking heights!