There’s something magical about waking up in a charming ski village surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine white slopes. These alpine havens combine the thrill of world-class skiing with breathtaking panoramas that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a postcard.
The allure of these destinations lies not only in the skiing but in the serene beauty that surrounds them. Here is a list of 15 ski villages around the world where the views are just as impressive as the runs.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt delivers arguably the most recognizable mountain backdrop in the world. The car-free village maintains its traditional Swiss charm with wooden chalets and narrow streets that wind between boutiques and cozy cafés.
Morning skiers are treated to alpenglow—that magical pink light that hits the Matterhorn’s peak at sunrise—creating a scene so perfect it’s become Switzerland’s unofficial trademark. The panoramic views from the Gornergrat railway or the Klein Matterhorn cable car showcase over 38 peaks above 13,000 feet, creating a jagged crown of mountains that surrounds the village.
Banff, Canada
Tucked within the heart of Banff National Park, this mountain town offers views that epitomize the rugged grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. The three local ski resorts—Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay—all provide stunning vistas of endless mountain ranges stretching toward the horizon.
From almost anywhere in town, the dramatic silhouette of Mount Rundle dominates the skyline, while the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel stands like a castle against the mountain backdrop. Winter brings a special kind of magic when the evergreen forests get dusted with snow and steam rises from hot springs against the frigid mountain air.
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Chamonix, France
The birthplace of alpine skiing sits in a deep valley beneath the imposing presence of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. The juxtaposition of charming French village life against some of the continent’s most dramatic mountains creates views that have inspired artists for centuries.
The Aiguille du Midi cable car ascends to over 12,600 feet, offering a panorama so vast you can see France, Italy, and Switzerland simultaneously. Skiers on the famous Vallée Blanche glide past towering seracs and glacial formations while surrounded by a 360-degree amphitheater of jagged alpine spires.
Telluride, Colorado
This former mining town sits in a box canyon surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks that seem to embrace the Victorian-era buildings below. The view from town looking up at the encircling mountains makes visitors feel like they’re in a snow globe, while the free gondola ride to Mountain Village offers aerial views of the entire San Juan mountain range.
During winter sunsets, alpenglow turns the peaks various shades of pink and purple, reflecting off windows throughout the town. The rugged texture of these mountains—less uniform than their European counterparts—tells the geological story of volcanic upheaval that created this dramatic landscape.
Niseko, Japan
Japan’s premier ski destination combines perfect powder snow with views of the symmetrical Mount Yotei, often called “Hokkaido’s Mount Fuji.” The peaceful agricultural valley below contrasts with the volcanic peak that dominates the horizon from almost every slope.
Steam rising from nearby hot springs adds an ethereal quality to the winter landscape, especially during early morning ski sessions. When clouds roll in below the mountain peaks, skiers experience the unique joy of gliding above a sea of clouds while gazing at Mount Yotei, emerging like an island from the misty ocean.
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Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Surrounded by the vertical limestone cliffs of the Dolomites, Cortina offers perhaps the most distinctive mountain scenery in Europe. These pale mountains change color throughout the day—from soft pink at dawn to fiery orange at sunset—thanks to their unique mineral composition.
The elegant Italian town sits in a wide valley beneath these towering rock formations that seem more sculpted than natural. Skiers in the Tofana area can enjoy views across to the Cinque Torri (Five Towers), where dramatic spires of rock punctuate the skyline like a fantasy landscape.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the aptly named Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop, Queenstown offers a different kind of alpine beauty. The deep blue waters of the lake reflect the surrounding mountains, doubling their visual impact.
Unlike the jagged peaks of traditional ski destinations, these mountains have a more rounded, ancient quality to them. During winter months (June through September in the Southern Hemisphere), the contrast between white-capped mountains, azure lake waters, and the lush greenery that persists at lower elevations creates a palette unlike anywhere else in the ski world.
Aspen, Colorado
This renowned mountain playground balances sophisticated urban amenities with four distinct ski mountains and views that showcase the breadth of Colorado’s mountain landscapes. The symmetrical pyramid shape of Maroon Bells—among the most photographed mountains in North America—can be glimpsed from certain vantage points, while Ajax Mountain rises directly from downtown.
The wide-open bowls of Highlands and Snowmass offer expansive vistas across multiple mountain ranges. During winter evenings, the lights of the town contrast with the dark mountain silhouettes, creating a glowing jewel box effect in the valley.
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St. Anton, Austria
The cradle of the alpine skiing technique presents a classic Tyrolean mountain panorama of sharp peaks and broad valleys. The village features traditional Austrian architecture with wooden balconies and flower boxes that perfectly frame the mountain views beyond.
From the top of the Valluga peak, skiers can see into three countries while surrounded by the limestone peaks of the Arlberg massif. After fresh snowfall, the countless tiny farm huts dotting the higher meadows create a fairytale pattern across the mountainside—tiny dark specks on an otherwise uninterrupted white canvas.
Whistler, British Columbia
Connected by the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak gondola, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains create a massive playground with views extending across British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. The distinctive black tusk—a volcanic remnant jutting from the surrounding peaks—serves as a natural landmark visible from many points on the mountain.
Glacier bowls, alpine lakes, and dense forests create a layered landscape that changes character with elevation. The sheer scale of the terrain becomes apparent when viewing the massive mountains from the village, where they rise dramatically from a relatively low elevation.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Perhaps the world’s original winter resort destination, St. Moritz, pairs exclusive luxury with views across a frozen alpine lake to the Engadin Valley’s distinctive mountains. The quality of light here—clear, sharp, and brilliant—has drawn photographers for generations.
The Piz Bernina, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps, dominates the horizon with its pyramid peak and extensive glaciers. From Corviglia mountain, skiers look down upon the lake and village below, watching as tiny dark figures traverse the frozen lake surface for winter walks or horse-drawn sleigh rides.
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Åre, Sweden
Northern Europe’s premier ski destination offers a different kind of mountain beauty—softer, rounder peaks that speak to their ancient geological history. During winter, the low-angle Arctic light bathes the mountains in extended golden-hour illumination.
Lake Åresjön reflects the mountains and the colorful village buildings, while vast forests of snow-laden pine trees create a classic Nordic scene. The opportunity to witness the Northern Lights dancing above the ski slopes on clear winter nights adds another dimension to the visual spectacle that can’t be found in more southerly resorts.
Wanaka, New Zealand
Less famous than its neighbor Queenstown but equally stunning, Wanaka offers views across its namesake lake to Mount Aspiring National Park’s peaks. The famous Wanaka Tree—a solitary willow growing right from the lake—creates a foreground element that perfectly complements the mountain panorama beyond.
Treble Cone ski area provides skiers with an almost 360-degree view of the Southern Alps, with glacier-carved valleys stretching toward the horizon. The quality of light in the Southern Hemisphere combined with exceptionally clean air creates a clarity that makes distant mountains appear deceptively close.
Courchevel, France
As part of the enormous Les Trois Vallées ski domain, Courchevel sits at the head of a valley with the aspect that captures both morning and evening light on the surrounding peaks. The tiered villages (named by their altitude in meters) offer different perspectives on the Vanoise National Park mountains beyond. From higher points like La Saulire, skiers can see Mont Blanc on clear days—a distant white dome rising above all other mountains.
The careful layout of the resort means that almost every accommodation offers some view of the valley and mountains, with higher chalets providing sweeping panoramas.
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Girdwood, Alaska
Previously called Alyeska, this small mountain town near Anchorage sits in a glacial valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountains—some of the steepest and most challenging ski terrain in North America. The views here combine maritime and alpine elements, with the waters of Turnagain Arm visible in the distance.
Massive hanging glaciers cling to the mountainsides, creating blue ice spectacles visible from the slopes. Because of its northern latitude, winter days are short but dramatic, with extended sunrise and sunset periods that paint the snow-covered peaks in vibrant colors against deep blue skies.
Mountain Majesty Lives On
These alpine villages showcase nature’s grandest theater—where jagged peaks meet the sky, and snow transforms landscapes into winter wonderlands. Beyond the exhilaration of carving pristine powder runs, these destinations offer the profound joy of simply gazing outward at some of Earth’s most dramatic topography.
Whether you’re watching clouds float beneath your chairlift or enjoying the alpenglow on distant peaks while sipping après-ski cocoa, these mountain views remind us why humans have long been drawn to these high places—for challenge, inspiration, and perspectives that quite literally rise above everyday life.
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