Snow Days

From the Swiss Alps to the Rockies to British Columbia, skiing is having its best year yet. Here’s what’s new this season, whether you’re into steep thrills or luxe chills

- Todd Plummer

IT’S AN EXCITING time to hit the slopes: There have never been more resorts, more destinations to explore, and more options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. When the pandemic first began in early 2020, many of the world’s ski resorts took a massive hit as their season was cut short. The next two seasons saw a modest return to pre-pandemic levels as Americans sought the space and recreation of outdoor sports. The National Ski Areas Association (whose members account for more than 90 percent of skier visits nationwide) reports that ski participation is the highest it’s ever been, with 60.7 million individual visits in the most recent season. There have literally never been more people enjoying the sport than there are today.

Suffice it to say, the industry has fully bounced back. This season, many of the capital improvement projects such as ski area expansions and new hotel builds that were delayed because of Covid have been or are about to be completed. It’s not too late to book that last-minute trip this season—or too early to start planning next year’s.

Swiss Alps
A buttoned-up destination lets loose