Key Takeaways

• Furano, Japan, offers a unique skiing experience with its traditional Hokkaido-style ice cream making classes and spicy Hokkaido soup curry.
• Méribel, France, is a hidden gem in the French Alps, offering 600km of trails, a lively après-ski scene, and gorgeous views of the Les Allues valley.
• Queenstown, New Zealand, has one of the world’s longest winter sports seasons, stretching nearly five months from June to October, and offers a range of beginner-friendly tracks, freestyle parks, and backcountry fields.
• The Soho Basin expansion has added another 370 acres to the Cardrona Alpine Resort trail map, making it the country’s largest commercial ski resort.
• The ROKI Collection, a luxury hotel, has opened on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, offering stunning views and proximity to the slopes.

Introduction to Skiing Destinations
Skiing enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new and exciting destinations to hit the slopes. This season, consider Furano, Japan, Méribel, France, and Queenstown, New Zealand, for a unique and unforgettable skiing experience. Each of these destinations offers a distinct skiing experience, from traditional Hokkaido-style ice cream making classes to lively après-ski scenes and gorgeous views.

Furano, Japan: A Hidden Gem
Furano, Japan, is a small ski resort town that offers a unique skiing experience. With only 415 acres of skiable terrain, Furano is often paired with other nearby resorts, such as Asahikawa and Mt Asahi-dake, to create a multi-mountain itinerary. The area is known for its traditional post-ski treats, including spicy Hokkaido soup curry at Furanoya and Hokkaido-style ice cream making classes at the Furano Cheese Factory. For a truly immersive experience, consider an island road trip from Niseko to Iwanai and then to Rusutsu, which offers a completely different view, snow, and feel at each stop.

Méribel, France: A Quaint Ski Town
Méribel, France, is a quaint ski town located in the French Alps. It makes up one-third of the Les 3 Vallees ski area and offers 600km of trails, a lively après-ski scene, and gorgeous views of the Les Allues valley. This season, Méribel has seen a significant uptick in enquiries, with around 50% more interest than last year. The Côte Brune lift, which connects Méribel to Val Thorens, has been updated into a lightning-quick 10-person gondola, making it easier to explore the Les 3 Vallees ski area. Additionally, the 40-year-old Les Rhodos has been given a €10m makeover, and a new green run debuts at Rhodos mid-station to the Rond Point.

Queenstown, New Zealand: A Winter Wonderland
Queenstown, New Zealand, is a winter wonderland that offers one of the world’s longest winter sports seasons, stretching nearly five months from June to October. The city is home to four distinct resorts, all within a short drive of the city’s downtown, which offer beginner-friendly tracks, freestyle parks, and plenty of backcountry fields. The Soho Basin expansion has added another 370 acres to the Cardrona Alpine Resort trail map, making it the country’s largest commercial ski resort. Queenstown is also home to a range of events, including the 10-day Winter Pride in August, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest LGBTQIA+ winter festival. For a luxurious stay, consider the ROKI Collection, a luxury hotel that has opened on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, offering stunning views and proximity to the slopes.

Conclusion and Recommendations
Each of these destinations offers a unique and unforgettable skiing experience. Whether you’re looking for traditional Hokkaido-style ice cream making classes, a lively après-ski scene, or gorgeous views, Furano, Méribel, and Queenstown have something to offer. With their distinct skiing experiences, range of beginner-friendly tracks, and luxurious accommodations, these destinations are sure to be a hit with skiing enthusiasts. So why not consider one of these hidden gems for your next skiing trip? With their stunning views, proximity to the slopes, and range of events, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.