Photograph by Hank deVre, Squaw Valley
Just hearing the name National Geographic conjures up images in one’s mind of some of the most spectacularly amazing photography of all time. And they don’t stop there; National Geographic’s in-depth articles inspire us to travel the world. As old man winter is finally coming out of hibernation, we’d like to bring you their latest website listing of the World’s 25 Best Ski Towns as a follow-up to our most recent newsletter. Our January 2012 issue featured a thematic map depicting average annual snowfall and concentration of skiers by state. Check it out here!
The National Geographic list provides a brief overview of each of the featured ski-towns including a “Best For” recommendation as well as some of the best digs, eats and non-skiing day activities. Follow the links for more detailed info:
- Girdwood, Alaska Best For: Off-the-beaten-path powder hounds with an aversion to glamour
- Fernie, British Columbia, Canada Best For: Adventurous skiers with a hunger for the steep and deep
- Zermatt, Switzerland Best For: Photographers with a taste for old-world culture and never-ending descents
- Bozeman, Montana Best For: Diehard skiers who wear their duct tape with pride (and beginners who look forward to doing the same someday)
- Chamonix, France Best For: Adrenaline junkies who like their mountains big
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Best For: Aesthetically minded skiers who appreciate fine wine
- Whitefish, Montana Best For: Families and groups with disparate skiing abilities
- Crested Butte, Colorado Best For: Families hoping to raise the next freeskiing world champion
- Aspen, Colorado Best For: Well-heeled scenesters and celebrity-stalkers with a love for top-quality skiing
- Niseko, Japan Best For: Powder worshippers with plenty of frequent flyer miles and a taste for hot springs and sushi
- Kitzbühel, Austria Best For: Intermediate skiing couples with a taste for the cosmopolitan
- Bend, Oregon Best For: Multisport junkies with a taste for microbrews
- Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada Best For: Croissant-loving skiers and snowboarders looking for European ambiance without the overseas flight
- Taos, New Mexico Best For: Art-loving skiers and boarders with a taste for steep runs and green chilies
- Park City, Utah Best For: Cinephile families with a range of abilities
- Truckee, California Best For: Families with aspiring ski or rider rock star kids; also, ski and rider rock stars
- Whistler, British Columbia Best For: Skiers and snowboarders who want the biggest of everything
- North Conway, New Hampshire Best For: History-buff families in the northeastern U.S.
- Banff, Canada Best For: Hardy skiers and snowboarders of all abilities who love big views, wild panoramas, and bighorn sheep on the front lawn
- Steamboat Springs, Colorado Best For: Families hoping to groom the next Bode Miller
- Telluride, Colorado Best For: Big-lunged skiers and boarders with a taste for fine wine and the mountain high life
- Jackson, Wyoming Best For: Advanced skiers and riders looking for test pieces and line dancing
- Wanaka, New Zealand Best For: Skiing and snowboarding addicts from the Northern Hemisphere who just can’t let go when winter slips away
- Stowe, Vermont Best For: Patrician eastern U.S. skiers with a taste for fine dining
- Ketchum, Idaho Best For: Hard-carving skiers and boarders who like playing “spot the movie star”
Enjoy the beautiful pictures of these amazing scenic ski towns. See you on the slopes!
Skiing is a dance, and the mountain always leads. ~Author Unknown
"Where's Waldo?" Photograph by Gordon Wiltsie, National Geographic
Loading 
