Top 5 destinations for a Ski holiday this season

One of the best things about the winter is snow. That beautiful white blanket that drapes over pretty little towns which glow underneath it, and covers the tops of giant mountains, making them look like they’ve been dipped in ice cream. Snow is picturesque, magical, and when there’s enough of it, snow means skiing! There are so many ski destinations across the world and while skiing is one of my favourite winter sports, I also love to enjoy the après bars, nightlife, and array of food in each unique destination. With so much on offer myself and my friends at Journey Hero have done our best to pick out our top five destinations for a perfect ski holiday this season:

Andorra

Andorra is an exciting and beautiful ski destination, and though the country is small, the night life in Andorra is big. If you’re a wake up late, long lunch, do-it-for-the-après kind of skier then this is the perfect place for you.

Andorra’s ski resorts are also rated some of the best in Europe for learning to ski, so if it’s your first time trying the slopes, you can feel safe in Andorra. Aside from the skiing, in Andorra you’ll also find stunning mountain views, high quality accommodation, an array of bars and restaurants and an incredible night life scene. 

Andorra there, you can see the mountains!

Take a long lunch on the mountain at Refugi del Llac de Pessons Restaurant in Grau Roig, where rustic interiors come together with smart modern touches, for a cosy but luxurious meal. Enjoy traditional Andorran dishes before walking out onto the champagne terrace and admiring the incredible mountain views. For those looking for something more relaxed, ski your way down to Cala Bassa Restaurant in Pas de la Casa, for chilled out vibes and amazing Ibiza-style music.

Ibiza style stretches into the nightlife in Andorra, with plenty of Irish pubs, bars, and nightclubs for every kind of party goer. Jig the night away at Paddy’s Bar or The Dubliner, and enjoy cocktails, pool tables and live music. Bilbord nightclub is open every night of the week in Pas de la Casa, so there’s always the option to party on late into the night.

What’s more, Andorra is amazing value for money, so you can do your après partying (and skiing) on a budget!

Beirut

Beirut offers a double ski experience: snow and water!

Skiing in Beirut!? That’s right! The mountains in Beirut rise quickly from the coast– right up to high alpine locations which offer several ski resorts! Beirut is one of my favourite ski destinations. If you want to experience the unique luxury of taking to the slopes in the morning and head for a dip in the Mediterranean in the afternoon, then Beirut is the place for you!

The Mzaar Ski Resort in Faraya is host to challenging slopes, exciting après, a delicious variety of food, and incredible views looking down over the town of Beirut.  With hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, Mzaar is a fantastic resort for every kind of skier. And with a calendar full of events from après parties to fashion shows, this destination is perfect for filling your days with post-ski entertainment.

The food is one of my favourite things about this location! With a diversity of options from Lebanese, Italian, and Japanese, to alpine classics, I love feasting my way around Beirut’s finest eateries. Try Khaymet el Hor for traditional Lebanese dishes, or Montagnou for some French Alpine cuisine.

The Mzaar ski resort, and its neighbouring Faqra villages are renowned for après ski entertainment and a buzzing nightlife. Many Lebanese even come from different parts of the country just to dine out or party in one of the clubs. Dance the night away at L’Igloo or the Arctic Cat Club and experience the best this place has to offer!

Ushuaia, Argentina

Cerro Castor in Ushuaia has the longest ski season of any resort in South America! Nicknamed El Fin del Mundo (the end of the world), this secluded wonderland at the edge of the earth is not only a unique place to ski but it is also an oasis for wildlife, and a tourist hub for glacier trekking.

It’s not the ends of the earth but you can see from here!

With ski slopes challenging enough to have hosted the 2012 FIS Freestyle Slopestyle World Cup, there’s sure to be ski runs that will excite even the most seasoned skier. Ushuaia has it all on offer if you’re looking for top tier skiing, in a totally unique location.

With little on-mountain accommodation on Cerro Castor you will have the pleasure of staying in the town of Ushuaia, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore everything else on offer in this beautiful destination.

Enjoy an incredible Argentinian seafood dinner at Kalma Resto. The set menu with wine pairings is my top pick for a luxurious dinner, but the whole menu has so many tasty dishes to try. If you want to enjoy the incredible ocean views at the edge of the world, have lunch on the terrace at Reinamora Restaurant and enjoy the Argentinian/Mediterranean fusion food.

Let your spirits be lifted into the night at Viagro nightclub, and dance the evening away to lively Latin music, with a cocktail in hand. They also have a great selection of tapas!

St Moritz, Swiss Alps

St Moritz is probably the best resort in the iconic ski destination of the Swiss Alps! St Moritz has three separate ski areas taking in 350km of runs. Intermediate skiers will enjoy exploring the Corviglia area directly above the town, while more advanced skiers have a vast selection of off-piste terrain and more challenging runs at Diavolezza and Lagalb.

After an action-packed day it’s time for a special Hauser mulled wine at the outdoor Roo Bar, arguably the most famous après-ski locale in St. Moritz.

Relax in an ancient mineral water bath after a day full of activity before enjoying the array of exciting bars and restaurants in the evening. The food is sumptuous in Switzerland and with plenty of options on and off the mountain, you’ll never be left feeling hungry. Alpine Hut on the mountain is my favourite for swiss classics and celebrity spotting.

For a dining experience to remember, try the Two Michelin-Starred Ecco St. Moritz, for exquisite dishes, excellent wines, and fine dining service at its best. St Moritz comes alive at night, showcasing the best in extravagant indulgence. Socialise with VIPs or dance the night away at the King’s Club, and be transported into a world of glitz, glamour and fabulous fun. 

St. Moritz must be the patron saint of après ski!

Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb is one of the best resorts in the world for skiing, and one of the biggest resorts in North America. Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains, offering over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers combined. From wide, groomed on-piste runs to an array of avalanche safe off-piste zones, as well as incredible back country skiing tours, Whistler is the perfect place for everyone from the most novice to the most expert skier.

I love dancing peak to peak!

Despite what some might think, Whistler also has a great après scene! Ski down to the village and head to The Longhorn Saloon where skiers and snow-borders dance on tables to the beats of the après DJs. And for the more lavish of holidaymakers, you can even buy a champagne spray gun.

Head to the Scandinavian Spa to relax and rejuvenate after a day of hard skiing, then stroll through Whistler’s completely pedestrianised village in the evening, and browse the wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars. Mongolian Grill is an excellent restaurant for kids and adults alike, where your food is cooked on a giant round hot plate as the chefs talk to you about the best places in town.

In the evening locals and tourists come together to party into the night. Garfunkels is the spot for electronic and Drum n Bass DJs or head to Mojo’s where you’ll find glow-in-the-dark face paint, glowsticks and pumping classics.

Whatever your ski holiday style, from partying it up at the après bars, to going hardcore as a ski enthusiast, there are so many options for every winter holiday maker. Now is the time to be on the slopes, so I hope this guide is helpful. Enjoy!

Love,

Isabella