Top 10 ski and mountain destinations abroad for adventure lovers
Do Swiss ski resorts hold no secrets for you and are you dreaming of setting off on an adventure? Then you're in luck! We've compiled a list of 10 ski and mountain destinations abroad that deserve to be known. Thanks to their location or their activities, they all have something unique and remarkable. So strap on your skis, put on your gloves and your hat, and let's hit the slopes!
Cerro Castor in Ushuaïa: the world's southernmost ski destination
What could be more original than skiing in Tierra del Fuego? Thanks to its exceptional location at the southernmost tip of Argentina, the Cerro Castor ski resort has snow all year round. So you can get there whenever you like and take advantage of the opportunity to discover Patagonia on magnificent snowshoe treks.
Portillo in Chile: South America's oldest ski resort still in operation
We're staying on the South American continent with the Portillo resort in Chile. Located in the Valparaiso region, this winter sports resort was inaugurated in 1949 under the impetus of numerous skiers who wanted to reach the summits of the Andes Cordillera. Its exceptional setting, close to the Inca Lagoon, is a superb playground for off-piste adventure enthusiasts.
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Ski from morning to night in the Arctic Circle
As long as you plan your stay close to the winter solstice (21 December), you can enjoy the ski slopes for 24 hours, as the sun never sets at this time of year. Known as the midnight sun, it offers a luminosity like nowhere else. Most of the ski slopes in the Arctic Circle are in Alaska (USA), Greenland (Denmark), Norway and Swedish Lapland.
Ski under 40°C in Dubai
The largest city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is known for its excessiveness, but also for its particularly high temperatures, especially during the summer months, and its lack of mountains. That doesn't stop it from having its own ski slopes, located inside a huge shopping centre, the Mall of Emirates! Entirely artificial, these ski slopes allow you to enjoy most winter sports all year round, but obviously not the pure mountain air.
Aspen: a chic, posh ski destination
If you fancy bumping into celebrities on the slopes or sipping a hot drink, Aspen in Colorado (USA) is the place to be. Located in the Rocky Mountain range, Aspen boasts a huge ski area and no fewer than 4 ski resorts. If you're into extreme sports, Aspen hosts the Winter X Games and Summer X Games every year. In winter, you can watch skiing, motocross, snowboarding and snowmobiling events. In summer, you can watch BMX, skateboarding, rallying and streetluge.
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Cardrona: skiing at the end of the world
Pour celles et ceux qui recherchent une destination de ski à l’étranger lointaine, Cardrona est celle qui se trouve le
For those looking for a remote ski destination abroad, Cardrona is the farthest you can get from Switzerland on this list. Located on New Zealand's South Island, it is a year-round favourite with snowboarders thanks to its 2 half-pipe ramps. Skiers won't be disappointed, either, with its many well-equipped ski runs.
Ski under the eye of the Himalayas at Narkanda in India
Just a few kilometres from the Tibetan plateau, Narkanda offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas on the Indian side of the famous mountain range. The area lends itself not only to skiing, but also to hiking and trekking to discover an incredible and particularly well-preserved natural environment.
Oukaïmeden: a ski resort in North Africa
Oukaïmeden is Morocco's largest ski resort, with around twenty runs just 80km from Marrakech. The ski area is located at the highest altitude on the African continent. When the snow is not there and skiing is impractical, the resort offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy camel or donkey rides, or hike to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
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Mzaar in Lebanon: the largest ski resort in the Middle East
Less than an hour's drive from the capital Beirut, Mzaar is a favourite skiing destination for the Lebanese, but also very popular with foreigners. With no fewer than a hundred kilometres of ski runs, this resort knows how to diversify to appeal to as many people as possible. As well as skiing, it offers a wide range of activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. And if you want to admire the scenery and get your adrenalin pumping, try the Tyrolean traverse, which takes you at a speed of 40 km/h over a height of 15 metres.
The Poiana Braşov resort in Transylvania: Romania's largest ski area
While foreigners know Transylvania mainly for its famous Dracula, the Romanian Carpathian region is also renowned for its mountains and its forest and lakeside landscapes. As well as enjoying winter sports, don't hesitate to go hiking and discover the local flora and fauna.
Ski abroad with peace of mind and good insurance cover
To ski abroad, whatever the destination, we recommend that you take out insurance specially designed for this sport. It will enable you to enjoy your stay with complete peace of mind.
Europ Assistance's ski insurance covers the cost of your ski pass, lessons and rental equipment if you are unable to leave due to injury or illness. If you take out the Assist option, you will also be covered for search and rescue costs, ambulance or helicopter costs, emergency medical costs and repatriation costs. A driver is also provided if you are unable to drive home.
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