The best alternative skiing destinations

It’s getting harder each season to predict snow conditions at the traditional ski resorts in Europe, which makes planning a ski trip more challenging than it used to be. The good news? There are plenty of alternative skiing destinations that offer great snow and are often better known for attractions beyond their slopes. That may change someday—but for now, you’ll be ahead of the curve. Here’s our pick of the best off-the-beaten-path ski spots to keep on your radar.

1. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is an up-and-coming destination that absolutely deserves a spot on your travel radar. In the summer, the steppes are lush and green, the lakes shimmer in mesmerizing shades of blue, and the surrounding mountains offer incredible hiking. Come winter, the skiing is nothing short of spectacular.

Of the country’s 23 ski destinations, 10 are within easy reach of the capital, Bishkek. One standout is Karakol, home to over 20 kilometers of trails winding across the mountains at elevations up to 9,970 feet. This resort sets the bar for skiing in Kyrgyzstan—with the longest runs, the most modern equipment, and some of the best accommodations in the country. For an unforgettable view in Karakol, take the Panorama lift for sweeping vistas of the Tian Shan Mountains stretching toward the horizon and the deep blue Issyk-Kul Lake below. And when it comes to après-ski? It’s top-notch.

When to go for the best snow? January and February.

2. Argentina

The land of tango, polo, wildlife, wine… and skiing! Argentina has so much to offer, and scattered throughout the Andes are 14 ski resorts, primarily located around Mendoza, the Lake District, and Patagonia. As one of South America’s top alternative skiing destinations, Argentina surprises many with its world-class snow experiences. Thanks to Patagonia’s cooler climate, the ski resorts there don’t need to sit at high elevations, most are around 6,500 feet, which is ideal if you’re concerned about altitude sickness. It’s also a great region for beginners, with plenty of gentle slopes for those still learning the ropes of snow sports.

If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, look no further than Las Leñas in the Mendoza region. While it caters to all levels, it’s gained a reputation as a hub for extreme skiers and snowboarders, with excellent access to backcountry terrain and heli-skiing adventures. The nightlife is just as thrilling, if you love to dance, you can party well into the early hours! For families, Los Puquios is a fun and affordable option, welcoming skiers of all ages with a relaxed, friendly vibe.

When to go for the best snow? The best dry powder tends to be from July to mid September.

3. Bulgaria

In Europe, the Alps springs to mind when it comes to that picture-perfect skiing vacation. Popular destinations like France, Italy and Switzerland are stunning for skiing, but they typically come with a hefty price tag. Eastern European destinations such as Bulgaria offer sublime landscapes with exceptional pistes and great slopes for skiing for a more palatable price tag. Bulgaria is rustic and charming, offering three main ski resorts dotted across the Pirin Mountains, Rila Mountains, and the Rhodope Mountains.

The Pirin Mountains offer stunning glacial landscapes, waterfalls, caves, glacial lakes and the Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Skiing activities aside, this rocky region is also popular for hiking and climbing – a true outdoor lover’s paradise. Offering a long ski season, the modern resort of Bansko is the most popular in Bulgaria.  Pirin offers a perfect balance of nursery and blue slopes, covering an impressive 70 km of slopes in total, served by modern ski lifts and gondolas. 

If you don’t want to travel too far outside of the capital of Sofia, a trip to the Rila Mountains (highest mountain range in Bulgaria) is recommended. Home to Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort, Borovets, a lively mountain resort offering a snow park, pulsating nightlife and three sectors of pistes. 

4. Georgia

Georgia might not be the first place that comes to mind as a skiing destination, but it absolutely should be. Powder can reach over 10 feet deep, and the slopes are well-maintained and offer a great variety. Both Kutaisi and Tbilisi airports are conveniently located for accessing the top resorts, most of which enjoy consistent, heavy snowfall from December all the way through April. (Don’t worry, there’s plenty of sunshine too, so whiteouts are rare.)

If you’re into backcountry skiing, head to Gudauri, Mestia, or Goderdzi, where, if you have the experience, you can even try heli-skiing. Bakuriani is an ideal resort for intermediate skiers, with plenty of gentle runs for beginners as well. And if you need another reason to visit this magical country, Georgian wine, produced here for thousands of years, is not only excellent, but also a great value.

5. Kashmir, in the Himalayas

Home to deep-set gorges, towering snowcapped peaks, alpine glaciers, and incredibly diverse ecological zones, the Himalayas are a must-visit destination. Known as the “Roof of the World” due to their status as the highest mountains on Earth, stretching an astonishing 2,500 km along the border of Tibet, the Himalayas more than earn their reputation for awe-inspiring beauty, spiritual significance, and extreme adventure.

But here’s the thing—the Himalayas haven’t traditionally promoted themselves as a premier skiing destination, which makes them a standout alternative skiing destinations for those looking beyond the typical Alpine resorts. This region truly delivers, offering jaw-dropping Himalayan views, deep powder snow, and one of the highest gondolas in the world, reaching altitudes of around 4,000 meters. It’s a paradise for off-piste and backcountry skiers, with quiet slopes and minimal infrastructure that create a raw, untamed skiing experience.

Make it happen

If reading this has you itching to dig out your ski gear and hit the slopes, why not explore some of the world’s most exciting alternative skiing destinations? Whether you’re drawn to the remote backcountry of Kyrgyzstan, the dramatic Andes of Argentina, or the powder-packed peaks of Georgia, our local experts are here to help. Kyrgyzstan already offers some ready-made itineraries to spark your imagination, and all our specialists can craft a tailor-made trip to suit your style and skill level. Get in touch today to start planning your unique skiing adventure.

1. Kyrgyzstan
2. Argentina
3. Bulgaria
4. Georgia
5. Kashmir