If you are an avid skier (like me), wouldn’t it be great to ski and snowboard all year round at these destinations? Namely Whistler, Canada; Hintertux, Austria; Las Lenas, Argentina; Keystone, United States. What skier isn’t dreaming of that next ski vacation? Ski resorts have always focussed on safety, but this year are doing everything they can to keep you safe. Enhanced safety measures and procedures are in place to deal with COVID including mandatory face coverings, advanced reservations, lift restrictions and more. Physical distancing is a natural with ski and boards and lots of room on the hills. If you’ve pushed off your ski vacation, it’s time to start thinking ahead to ski and snowboard all year round at these destinations.
Winter Skiing in Whistler, Canada
Every skier or snowboarder in Canada dreams of going to Whistler or dreams of going back to Whistler. While there are other great ski destinations in Canada, (Lake Louise, Big White and Mont Tremblant come to mind), Whistler is consistently ranked as #1. You have got 2 distinct mountains with Whistler and Blackcomb side by side and connected by the memorable Peak to Peak Gondola. With over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, you could spend days on either Blackcomb or Whistler Mountain without getting bored in the least. And with an average of 460 inches of snow each year, there’s plenty of the white stuff. The top of mountain temperature and bottom/valley temperature vary greatly as one would expect. At the peak, you can ski the glacier and stay up top for some bowl skiing. At the end of your day, make sure you still have energy to ski down the mountain. The Peak to Creek run is 7 miles long.
Spring Skiing in Austria
Hintertux Glacier Ski Resort is Austria’s only year-round ski resort (yes, 365 days per year). Hintertux is in Austria’s Tirol Region, a warm and welcoming area that is my favorite and the real heart of the Alps. In winter, one lift pass, the “Ski- und Gletscherwelt Zillertal 3000”, gets you access to interconnected resorts like Finkenberg and Mayrhofen with 60 km of terrain. 72% of Hintertux’s ski pistes are Intermediate which makes this glacier more manageable for groups and the average skier. The mountains of Tirol have many more ski resorts available during ski season (including Kitzbhuel, St. Anton, Zugspitze and more) as well as other activities like hiking, swimming, and mountain biking. Innsbruck is nearby and offers great Austrian hospitality, food, and culture when you are finished with the ski portion of your trip to Austria.
Summer Skiing in Argentina
The highest mountain in the Andes is Las Lenas, Argentina. Las Lenas is very much about the skiing. Its projected opening date is around June 6th with closing in early October. With 30 runs (80% intermediate/advanced), it is not big by any means, but the skiable terrain and vistas draw rave reviews. It is not fancy and does not offer many alternatives for days a way from the slopes. But it’s a bucket list destination for skiers – skiing in South America and skiing in summer. After the skiing is done, it’s time to head to Buenos Aires or neighbouring Chile to experience more of South America.
Fall Skiing in Colorado
Skiiing in the fall can be “hit and miss” due entirely to unpredictable snowfall. Keystone, Colorado is the top candidate (normally open in early November) followed by Lake Louise, Canada and Mammoth Mountain, California. Keystone Resort is a short drive from Denver and covers 7 miles across 3 mountains along the Snake River. There are 3 villages with restaurants, bars, and accommodation slope side and in the villages. Keystone is a top-rated family-friendly resort that is more about skiing than extras and wild après ski. With 130 trails, 20 lifts and night skiing, there is no shortage of terrain and time to ski. You’ll enjoy some the longest runs in the State of Colorado.
Summary – Ski and Snowboard All Year Round at These Destinations
There’s a quick list of ski areas to get too year-round. You are not restricted to skiing and boarding in traditional winter or Q1 of each year. For the average skier, these are bucket list destinations. Get ready and prepared for some big terrain, great views and a world class ski experience. And don’t forget your travel insurance and extra insurance coverage for COVID-19. I’m ready for a ski tour of these great destinations. It is time to dream and plan that next great ski trip!
Mark's Travel Journal 
I’ve only tried skiing a couple of times and spent most of it on my back! But my daughter would love to learn, and I had no idea you could ski all year round. This is great to know, thank you, Mark 🙂
Nothing like looking forward to a trip somewhere, anywhere… skiing is always fun and great to learn. Thanks for the comments.
I have actually never been skiing or snowboarding before. I have always wanted to try it out though!
It’s great fun. Thanks for the comments.
I’ve never been skiing but used to snowboard quite often in highschool. Unfortunately I haven’t been since. I remember friends going often to Whistler though. It was only a hop skip and a jump from Washington state. I never made it though.
Never too late to get back into it. Thanks for the comments.
Been snowboarding all my life and have been to all the local mountains in the Lower Mainland. Loved Whistler and boy, was I tired from a full day. The mountain is huge and the first time I went I was shocked that a run was 7 times longer than the other mountains I’ve been riding on! Thanks for sharing x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
It’s crazy how big and long Whistler is. Thanks for the comments.
I’ve not skies since I was 14 years old, I want to France on a school trip. Lost a stone in weight due to having difficulties finding food I liked. Got a deep tan too, which is saying something when you’re already brown to start with. Good times. I’d love to try snowboarding next time I ever go to the mountains again
Ski trips are always a good time! Thanks for the comments
I’ve never been skiing in my life – I remember skipping the school trip on purpose! If I could go back to that time, I would definitely try it out as it looks so peaceful and nice! Thank you for making me envious haha, That always works! x
You’re never to old to start. It is great fun especially travelling to a great destination.
Pingback: Charming Villages in Austria for a Cozy Winter Vacation – Mark's Travel Journal
Pingback: 10 Late Season Skiing Destinations in Europe – Mark's Travel Journal