David Sandler
With winter already here, many are counting down the days until their skiing vacations. While Europe boasts the most famous ski resorts, numerous other beautiful, snow-sure destinations are also trending on social media right now. Our team at BonusInsider has created a guide to some of the best places you can visit this winter, whether you’re seeking a short ski break with friends or a magical Christmas vacation with the whole family.
We crawled TikTok and Instagram to create a list of the most popular ski resorts this winter and we found that most of the trendy places right now are, as expected, in Europe. But some of the most underrated, unique, and newly viral ski resorts are located in the most unexpected of places, with one on the California-Nevada border, and another in southern Africa.
The Most Trending Ski Resorts on TikTok and Instagram
From our comprehensive list of 50 trending skiing destinations on TikTok and Instagram, we’ve meticulously filtered and curated the top 10. Among the most interesting places are Bansko, a resort on the Bulgarian Pirin Mountain, and the ski resort Gulmarg, which lies in a valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. Also, a surprise entry, AfriSki Mountain Resort in Lesotho, stole the spotlight even though it ranks 16th in terms of social media popularity.
Find the most popular ski resorts on TikTok and Instagram below:
#1 Courchevel, Les Trois Vallées, Savoie, France
453.8M TikTok views, 523k Instagram posts
Courchevel is a popular ski resort in the French Alps and part of Les Trois Vallées, which is the largest linked ski area in the world. It lies in the Tarentaise Valley, which boasts the highest concentration of world-class ski resorts in the world. Some of these, namely Les Arcs and Val-d’Isère-Tignes, are listed here, as well.
We could pick any of the resorts from Les Trois Vallées for this research; but we picked Courchevel because it is home to some of the most exclusive Alpine hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. The resort, at 1,747 metres, is linked to the towns of Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 (Moriond), and Courchevel 1850, each at a different altitude and offering winter sports enthusiasts pistes of various skill levels.
The 1992 Winter Olympics took place here, along with many other professional-levels races and winter sports events. Courchevel, along with the neighboring resort of Méribel, hosted the 2023 World Ski Championships, too, which is probably why it is the most popular ski destination on social media right now. TikToks with the #courchevel hashtag have been watched more than 450 million times, while the same hashtag has been used in over 500 thousand Instagram posts.
#2 Lake Louise Ski Resort
362.7M TikTok views, 1.2M Instagram posts
The Lake Louise Ski Resort is a winter paradise, boasting stunning views and world-class skiing. It is located in the heart of Banff National Park on the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. As you carve through pristine powder you are surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery with the iconic turquoise lake as your backdrop. The astonishing ski slopes here offer thrill-seekers an amazing blend of adrenaline rush and breathtaking scenery.
At an elevation of 1,600 m, Lake Louise is an alpine masterpiece suitable for all ski and snowboard enthusiasts. It offers 1700 hectares of skiable land, more than 130 named runs across four mountain faces, and 11 lifts (1 Gondola, 7 Chairs, and 3 Carpets). It is currently the second-most viral ski resort on TikTok and Instagram.
#3 Zermatt, Switzerland
268.2M TikTok views, 1.2M Instagram posts
Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a small town and one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. It offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn, as well as tons of activities for skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers. With 268.2 million views of the #zermatt hashtag on TikTok, this is the third-trendiest ski resort on social media right now. Visitors can get to the top of the mountain (well, almost) using the underground Zermatt–Sunnegga Funicular, which links the resort town with the Sunnegga station, located at an elevation of 2293 m. With it, you can climb 698 m in 3 or 4 minutes, which is wild!
#4 Ski Dubai, United Arab Emirates
194.2M TikTok views, 108.9k Instagram posts
Ski Dubai is the only indoor ski resort on this list. In fact, it is the only indoor ski resort we could think of. It was constructed in one of the largest shopping malls in the world, the Mall of the Emirates, in the desert city of Dubai. Its unique location is probably the reason behind its huge popularity on social media (4th place on this list); finding yourself on a ski slope in the middle of the desert must be a mind-blowing experience. Not to mention, there are penguins in the snow park, and in December children are welcome to meet Santa Claus. An AED300 ticket (appr. €75) for one adult and one child includes a printed photo with Santa, as well as a gift and a cup of hot chocolate.
#5 Avoriaz, France
154.4M TikTok views, 287.8k Instagram posts
Developed in the 1960s in the French Alps, Avoriaz was once a fashionable ski destination for the elites. Today, it is a much more affordable resort but just as breathtaking. It lies in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the two largest skiing destination in the Alps, the other one being Les Trois Vallées. It encompasses thirteen resorts between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
Those who choose Avoriaz can enjoy 580 km of ski slopes, accessible through 35 ski lifts, at a price of only €54 for a day pass (adult rate during the regular season). With 154.4 million TikTok views of the #avoriaz hashtag, and nearly 288k posts on Instagram, this is the fifth most popular ski resort on social media.
#6 Val-d’Isère, France
129.4M TikTok views, 390.5k Instagram posts
The Val-d’Isère-Tignes is a resort in the French Alps, near the Italian border. It is one of the world’s best destinations for aprés-ski, but it’s also favoured by many because the snow cover is guaranteed until April/May. While the resort is located at around 1850 m, the top altitude here (L’Espace Killy) is 3455 m, which makes Val-d’Isère ideal for more serious mountaineering and expert/intermediate skiing.
#7 Bansko, Bulgaria
100.9M TikTok views, 313.8k Instagram posts
Bansko is located at the foot of Pirin Mountain in Bulgaria, a country in Southeastern Europe. The resort offers 75 km of slopes, as well as plenty of off-piste skiing, and the prices are generally much lower than you find in Austria or France. Bansko is suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers, but it also features the Tomba slope, a black piste named after Italian Alpine skier, and Olympic gold medalist, Alberto Tomba. The Tomba regularly hosts World Cup level sporting competitions, so it’s a favourite of professional and expert skiers.
#8 Laax, Switzerland
75.2M TikTok views, 193.3k Instagram posts
With more than 200 km of slopes, and elevation between 1,050 m and 3,018 m, Laax is a large winter sports resort located in the villages of Laax, Flims, and Falera. The huge ski area covers a glacier and apart from the long pistes for both beginners and experienced skiers, there are many off-piste skiing and freeriding routes. The resort has one of the best skiing and winter sports facilities in the world, and if that’s not enough – it is home to excellent restaurants and some of the best après ski bars in Europe.
#9 Gulmarg, India
66.3M TikTok views, 831.5k Instagram posts
Located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, Gulmarg is probably the most famous Indian ski resort. It sits in a stunning mountainous wildlife sanctuary and is one of the most amazing places you can visit this winter. The mountain is part of the western Himalayas and at an elevation of between 2,650 and 3,980 meters, Gulmarg is the highest ski resort in the world. Compared to the other resorts we researched, it is also an affordable destination for beginner and experienced skiers, and hikers, alike.
#10 Les Arcs, France
58.6M TikTok views, 250.7k Instagram posts
Les Arcs is a resort close to the town of Bourg Saint Maurice in the French Alps and it is located near the Italian border. The town sits at an elevation of 1,250 m but the resort itself is split into several sections, each higher than the other, at a maximum elevation of 3,250 m. Along with many diverse ski slopes, there are also many off-piste opportunities, as well as heliskiing options. This service, however, is not allowed in France, which is why it is arranged at destinations in either Italy or Switzerland.
10 Viral Ski Resorts Around the World That Could Not Make It to the Top 10
Ruka Ski Resort, Finland
25.3M TikTok views, 24.2k Instagram posts
Nestled in the enchanting winter wonderland of Kuusamo, Finland, Ruka Ski Resort beckons adventure seekers with its pristine slopes and breathtaking landscapes. A popular destination for seeing the Northern lights (which still occur in November), Ruka Ski Resort offers a variety of activities beyond skiing, such as snowmobiling and husky safaris. The resort’s vibrant village, with cozy cabins and lively après-ski scenes, only enhances the overall experience.
Ruka Ski Resort, the largest of its kind in Finland, has hosted numerous international winter competitions, including the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup, which attracts elite athletes from disciplines such as mogul skiing and aerials. The resort’s challenging slopes and top-notch facilities make it a fitting stage for world-class freestyle competitions and breathtaking ski experiences.
Serre Chevalier, France
3.9M TikTok views, 181.8k Instagram posts
With 13 villages spread all over the mountain, Serre Chevalier is one of the largest skiing areas in the Alps. It encompasses four different regions and offers 250 km of slopes, separate areas for family skiing and snowboarding, and tourists are transported about the resort via 59 lifts. The altitude ranges between 1200 m and 2830 m, but this is not the reason for its almost ideal snow conditions; snow cover is guaranteed by the north-facing slopes and trees protecting the lower elevations.
Serre Chevalier is a famous travel and recreation destination in the winter; we included it in the list of underrated resorts simply because it did not make it to the top 10 most popular ski resorts on social media.
Goderdzi Ski Resort, Georgia
11.7M TikTok views, 5.4k Instagram posts
Perched amid the rugged beauty of Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, the Goderdzi Ski Resort invites thrill-seekers to embrace the magic of winter in stunning alpine settings, surrounded by pristine nature. Quite the eye candy, the Goderdzi Ski Resort boasts impressive modern facilities, a longer snow season, with consistent snow conditions, and a reliable climate. The resort plays host to holiday adventurers from November through to May, who can enjoy an impressive array of festivals, winter sports, and great skiing.
Heavenly Mountain Resort, USA
9.5M TikTok views, 50.2k Instgram posts
Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort is a winter haven. Located on the California–Nevada border in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the resort overlooks the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Heavenly, with its awe-inspiring alpine scenery, diverse trails, and a touch of Californian charm, is one of the most unique year round outdoor recreation destinations on the planet.
Skiers can explore Heavenly’s 97 trails, and 4,800 acres of skiable terrain and slopes, and enjoy the breathtaking charm of God’s gift to Northern California.
Brighton Ski Resort, USA
6.4M TikTok views, 18.2k Instagram posts
Tucked into the heart of Utah’s majestic Wasatch Range, Brighton Ski Resort captivates winter enthusiasts with its legendary powder and vibrant atmosphere. The ski resort boasts an impressive 66km stretch of well-maintained snowy slopes, modern facilities and fun activities that are an awesome delight to skiers and winter holidaymakers alike. Renowned for its diverse terrain and crisp mountain air, the Brighton Ski Resort is perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking thrilling descents, and the quintessential charm of a mountain retreat.
Ski Resort Stana de Vale, Romania
5.7M TikTok views, 1.8k posts
Stana de Vale Ski Resort beckons with its pristine slopes and Transylvanian charm. Like a hidden gem nestled in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, this ski resort welcomes tourists to an exhilarating time on any of its three ski slopes, sledding slopes, or the tubing piste. Although quite small, the mountain resort offers a perfect blend of exhilarating runs, scenic beauty and quiet charm.
Whitewater Ski Resort, Canada
4.3M TikTok views, 9.1k Instagram posts
Whitewater Ski Resort captivates customers with its deep powdery snow, challenging terrain, and laid-back mountain vibe. Surrounded by pristine wilderness in the Kootenay Rockies of British Columbia, Whitewater Ski Resort is a haven for adventurous skiers. The uncrowded slopes, family-friendly groomers, remarkable steeps, top-of-the-line tree-skiing, and endless backcountry are some of the many highlights of this perfect British Columbian ski resort. Whitewater is favoured with year-round deep, dry powder, and it offers impressive terrain for all skill levels.
Levi Ski Resort, Finland
4.2M TikTok views, 17.1 Instagram posts
Levi Ski Resort in Finland is a winter wonderland for ski lovers. Its expansive slopes, with the northern lights dancing overhead, and a festive atmosphere offer an unparalleled blend of exhilarating skiing experiences and magical Arctic charm. Experience the thrill of the Arctic slopes at Levi and embrace its enchanting Lapland landscape. This Ski resort hosts an impressive 26 lifts and stunning ski trails for even the most experienced skier.
AfriSki Mountain Resort, Lesotho
3.3M TikTok views, 16k Instagram posts
Perched in the heart of the Lesotho highlands, the AfriSki Mountain Resort is Sub-Saharan Africa’s first winter playground. A stunning attraction in the heart of the Southern Hemisphere, this snowy oasis welcomes skiers with crisp alpine air, diverse slopes, and a unique blend of adventure and African charm. AfriSki holds a special appeal and is unarguably one of the most popular ski destinations on the internet.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort, Kazakhstan
2.4M TikTok views, 95.7k Instagram posts
In the shadow of Kazakhstan’s Tian Shan mountains, Shymbulak Mountain Ski Resort beckons winter enthusiasts. With its panoramic views, and powder-covered slopes, this Mountain Resort is one of East Asia’s most visited tourist locations. Shymbulak is a snowy sanctuary, it offers an exhilarating escape and a place where skiers can carve through the beauty of Kazakhstan’s glorious winter landscape.
The Bottom Line
The list of fifty ski resorts is by no means exhaustive; we could have included another fifty resorts and there would still be places missing. Some famous European resorts, for instance, were replaced by little known destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. And, much to our surprise, some of them turned out to be more popular on social media than much talked-about resorts in Austria or the in United States, for instance.
Methodology
To identify the most popular ski resorts on social media, the team at BonusInsider focused on TikTok and Instagram, checking the popularity of some of the largest winter resorts in the world. On TikTok, we also used the following search terms: “ski resort,” “ski resorts,” “ski resort Europe,” “ski resort Africa,” “ski resort Asia,” “ski resort North America,” and “ski resort Switzerland” to find trending hashtags for ski resort destinations.
We filtered the results, starting with a baseline of hashtags with 2 million views and above. We then narrowed it down to the one to two million range, followed by the 500k to one million range, and finally, the 100k to 500k range. In total, we compiled a list of 50 destinations. For effective cross-referencing, we searched trending hashtags for each top destination on Instagram, and collated the combined hashtags with the most posts.
Additionally, we searched the internet to obtain destination-specific information such as total slope length (data from the SkiResorts website), the number of lifts, special attractions, and the price of a skiing day pass (adult rates during the regular season, purchased at the cash desk). We also converted the prices in Euro, using the exchange rates at the time of writing, 29 November 2023.