Skiing: world’s best places to glide over snow

As you see the fresh, powdered snow kissing the earth, from your window pane, there’s a natural desire to go out and play with the snow. With snowfall making its way to parts of Europe, Asia and the Americas, winter’s most endearing sports and recreational activity, skiing and snowboarding have come alive across the globe.

The holiday season welcomes these wintry conditions as many ski areas worldwide have opened doors for adventure travelers who wish to go on a ski holiday this year. Here’s a list of world’s most famous skiing spots one can visit to experience the “white” retreats of the season.

Ski resorts in Colorado, United States

The Southwest region of Colorado, which has predominant presence of mountains in the United States, is blessed to receive early season snowfall every year, attracting skiers and snowboarders. The region that boasts of Rocky Mountains as well, abounds in ski resorts including Monarch Mountain Resort, Durango Mountain Resort to name a few. Ranges such as Echo Mountain near the city of Denver are the most sought after areas for cheap skiing and snowboard activities in Colorado. Steamboat Springs, an internationally known town for winter resort holidays, happens to be the spot for so many skiing competitions and hence, calls for a visit for all snow fanatics.

Soft snow skiing in Utah, United States

Yet another Mountain State of the United States, Utah offers world-class experience of travelling over snow with numerous ski trails and soft snow throughout winters. The ski industry’s slogan, the Greatest Snow on Earth seems very much true when you go skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Utah’s mountains. According to a Ski Magazine reader survey conducted last year, six out of the top ten ski resorts with the best snow conditions were located in Utah. Most of the ski resorts are located in North Utah and are easily accessible from large cities and airports. No wonder, why number of visitors to Utah during winters has gone up in the last couple of years.

Alpine skiing in Switzerland

Indulge in down the slope thrills on the Alps in Switzerland where the mountains showers attractive ski resort culture during winters. The country’s natural aura suitable for snow-bound activities is the reason why it makes to one of world’s most famous place for skiing and snowboarding. The country has numerous resort towns such as St. Moritz in the Engadine valley, Engelberg ski village and more that are hub for skiing adventures. Some of these areas have skiing terrain suitable for beginners as well as experienced skiers and have long snow season lasting up to eight months.

Top-to-bottom skiing in Scotland

Cairngorm Mountain, Glenshee and The Lecht are the main ski areas in Scotland offering skiing training as well as amazing stretch of natural skiing terrain down the hills. Go for long-haul skiing in Scotland with trails as long as 30 kilometers. Plus the room for learning makes these spots a favorite amongst skiers across ages. Accommodation, food, equipment on hire is available.

Downhill thrills in Japan, Asia

CNN International recently ranked Appi Kogen in Japan's Honshu Island the best ski resort in Asia thanks to its 282 hectares of ski area and 21 ski trails that have been wooing skiers for quite some time. Appi Kogen located near Mount Nishi Mori receives dry snow in winters and offers hot spring experience as well amidst snow sports. Mini ski areas for kids are another attraction.

Skiing on the Himalyas in Gulmarg, India

Located at the edge of the world’s highest mountains, skiing in Gulmarg in northern state of Jammu & Kashmir in India is a real retreat of the winter snow. As CNN International named Gulmarg health resort Asia's seventh best ski destination, there was no wonder how a war zone went on to become a superb skiing spot. Gulmarg attracts visitors with its light powders from the Himalyas and the highest ski lift in the world. Gulmarg is 35 miles away from Srinagar and is well connected by road from the state capital.