Black Diamond Promotes Top Ski Resorts To Have On Your Radar For 2024
From the familiar slopes of Europe to enchanting winter scenes in the Far East, the USA and South America, visitors to these must-visit resorts for 2024 will be spoilt for choice with plentiful snowfall and unique snow experiences.Black Diamind has highlighted a number of resorts operated by their clients
Asia
Ski in and ski out in luxury in Hirafu Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
The newly opened Niseko Kyo is Hirafu Niseko’s only ski-in-ski-out property. Suitable for families and groups of up to 14, the property houses 22 luxury residences, most being equipped with their own in room private onsen. Combining luxury with the natural beauty of Hokkaido, Niseko Kyo is located right in the heart of Hirafu, with room options that overlook Hirafu’s Ace Family Run or the majestic Mt. Yotei. The property seeks to convey a sense of home with hospitality at its core, featuring a 24-hour concierge service and ski valet available to all guests. www.japan.travel/en/uk/
Fly through perfect powder in Togakushi, Nagano, Japan
Sitting on the western slopes of Mt Iizuna in Nagano City, Togakushi ski area showcases various ski runs blanketed with perfect powder. Nagano holds the second highest number of ski and snowboard resorts in the country and is easily accessible for those travelling along the Three-star Road. Famous for its snowfall and exceptional powder, Togakushi offers runs open to both skiers and snowboarders and panoramic views of Mt. Togakushi, the Japanese Alps, and Mount Fuji from its highest point. www.mitsuboshi-kaidou.com
Europe
Experience the first ever franglish comedy festival in Meribel, France
The first of its kind, the Franglish Festival is a week of rip-roaring live stand-up comedy in the heart of Les 3 Vallées, Méribel. Expect an avalanche of laughs, some piste-taking and plenty of high-octane fun at altitude. Take in a fresh dose of mountain air, as 9 world class comedians take to the stage with the world’s most stunning backdrop! Some shows will be in French, some in English and one show will even be in both languages. For the full program please visit www.franglishfestival.com https://www.meribel.net/en/
Enjoy great value for the whole family on Kolašin, Montenegro
For those wanting to venture to a lesser-travelled ski slope, Kolašin in Montenegro is the perfect location for 2024. With ski pass prices being as low as £21, there’s all the more reason to travel to this beautiful Balkan island. The ski resort now extends to an altitude of over 2,000 metres, which helps to ensure reliable snow conditions. With 45 km of slopes available and seven lifts for guests, it is now the largest and most modern winter sports resort in Montenegro. The slopes for skiing and snowboarding are mainly easy and intermediate, making it a great spot for families.
North America
Tuck into fine dining at Deer Valley Resort, Utah
2024 sees the return of the mouthwatering Taste of Luxury Series, from 1-3 February 2024 at Deer Valley Resort, Utah’s exclusive ski-only resort. This culinary extravaganza features exclusive cooking classes with Michelin Star chefs, multi-course dinners by globally renowned culinary figures and receptions with industry-leading winemakers, perfect for any discerning foodie. Deer Valley Resort lies just 36 miles east of Salt Lake City and with a capped daily skier limit, guarantees an unparalleled mountain experience spanning 2,000 acres of diverse terrain. Lift access for Deer Valley Resort is available on the Ikon Pass which goes on sale in spring. www.ikonpass.com
‘Peak’ your excitement at Steamboat, Colorado
Steamboat Resort in Colorado is celebrating the completion of its huge expansion, the Full Steam Ahead Programme, as it draws to a close. Visitors to the resort can enjoy the programme’s latest additions including the unveiling of Sunshine Peak Terrain, featuring four lifts and 21 trails. The grand opening of North America's longest and fastest 10-person gondola, the Wild Blue Gondola, spans 16,000 horizontal feet and 3,371 vertical feet. Sample this incredible expansion which opens an additional 600 acres and introduces five lifts, making the resort 30 percent open with over 60 trails and 1,100 acres. www.colorado.com
Revel in the views at Schweitzer Mountain - new to the Ikon Pass, Idaho
Explore Schweitzer Mountain, the latest addition to the Ikon Pass. Found amid the rugged Selkirk Mountains in the Idaho Panhandle, Schweitzer features 2,900 skiable acres. With high-angle groomers, gladed tree runs and expansive bowl skiing, it is Idaho's largest mountain resort. Revel in panoramic views of Montana, Washington, and Canada from the summit while indulging in top-notch skiing. Schweitzer promises an unforgettable experience at one of the Pacific Northwest's cherished mountains. www.ikonpass.com
Ski unexpectedly at the Arizona Snowbowl Winter Resort, Flagstaff, Arizona
A destination known for its year-round sun and desert landscapes, discover Arizona’s winter sports offerings for an unlikely ski trip in 2024. Arizona Snowbowl Winter Resort is home to the state’s longest ski season with an average of over 260 inches of annual snowfall, located north of the mountainous city of Flagstaff. One of three winter resorts in Arizona, Snowball is the most popular due to its variety of runs for everyone from expert locals to complete beginners or children. www.visitarizona.com
Explore California’s first ski resort at Badger Pass Ski Area, Yosemite Mariposa County
The Badger Pass Ski Area, established in 1935 as California’s first ski resort, is the Sierra’s best-kept secret. With a base elevation of 7,200 feet and 10 runs, Badger Pass is perfect for first time skiers looking to give the winter sport a go. Cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails and rentals and snow tubing are also available for visitors to enjoy with the ski season typically runs from January through to March. www.yosemite.com
Shred Washington State's most-expansive skit area at Crystal Mountain, State of Washington
Crystal Mountain started small in 1962 with just two double chairlifts and a few rope tows. Now, after six decades, Crystal has grown to become the largest ski resort in Washington with 11 lifts, 2,600 acres of terrain, and over 80 named runs. With over 400 inches of annual snowfall, Crystal is known for its steep and deep lines, PNW storms, and the variety of terrain that is accessible to pro skiers and riders and beginners alike. Combine it with a city break in Seattle and you’re onto a winner. www.stateofwatourism.com
Make the first tracks on new terrain in Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
This year, Aspen Snowmass unveils its most notable addition to Aspen Mountain since the opening of the Silver Queen Gondola in 1985. Increasing the mountain's skiable acreage by more than 20%, this significant expansion adds more than 1,220 vertical feet and more than 150 acres of new chutes, glades and trails. Not only does the addition diversify Aspen Mountain’s terrain mix to offer a great pitch for skiing, but it also acts as a functional hedge against future climate-challenged ski seasons: with its north-facing, high elevation terrain (all above 10,000 ft.), Hero’s is ideal for holding snow in seasons when natural snowfall is less plentiful. www.aspensnowmass.com
Take the ski train from Denver, Colorado
For the ultimate city-snow experience, travellers can hop on the Winter Park Express train in downtown Denver and head straight to the mountains on weekends between January and March. Departures are each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with tickets for the 2024 Winter Park Express season now available. Visitors can customise their trip to ski or ride as many days as they'd like. www.denver.org
South America
Ride at high altitude in Valle Nevado, Chile
Located 90 minutes East of Santiago at an elevation of 10,000 feet in the Andean Mountains, Valle Nevado is Chile’s premier ski resort, offering the largest amount of terrain and the most modern lift system in the Southern Hemisphere. Spread along the spine of a dramatic mountain ridge, the resort is perfect for travellers looking for some summer skiing and snowboarding. The resort is renowned for its wide-open terrain, world-class heli-skiing opportunities and, due to its high altitude, incredible snow conditions. www.chile.travel
Oceania
Ski down under in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales
Located within Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains, NSW’s four snow resorts — Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort — each has its own style and personality. The resorts, all about a 5.5-hour drive from Sydney, have invested heavily in recent years to extend the winter snow season and make sure skiers and boarders have optimal conditions. The season generally runs from the third weekend in June to October. www.sydney.com
