If you’re tired of Tignes and sick of St Anton, swap crowded slopes for somewhere seriously off the beaten piste this winter. From remote volcanoes to desert dunes dusted with snow, the world is packed with unexpected ski destinations that promise a serious snow adventure. Whether you’re craving high-altitude thrills or want to earn some bragging rights, these ten unusual ski spots offer something truly different. Pack your skis, your sense of humour, and your wanderlust—it’s time to explore the world’s quirkiest places to hit the slopes.
Ten of the most unusual places to ski and snowboard in the world
1. Skiing in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Morocco’s souks and surf culture may not be the first place that spring to mind when you’re packing your skis, but there’s amazing downhill fun to be had on the High Atlas Mountains. Oukaïmeden, Africa’s highest ski resort, feels like a surreal dream – think red rock valleys meet snow-dusted Berber villages, with mules subbing in for ski lifts. This is wild, raw, and gloriously off the beaten track. Ski in the morning, then explore ancient souks or stop for a warming hammam by the time the sun sets.
2. Backcountry Bliss in Kyrgyzstan
You’re not in the Alps now, Toto – head to the ‘stans for untouched powder, Soviet-era snowcats and yurts warmed by roaring fires. The Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan offer soul-stirring backcountry skiing that’s all about escape and adventure. Ski tour through silent valleys, sleep in remote huts, and ride horses to access peaks. There’s no WiFi here – just white silence and stargazing.
3. Midnight Skiing in Ruka, Finland
Ski under the Northern Lights in Ruka, a dreamy Finnish resort cloaked in snow for over 200 days a year. The slopes are floodlit until late, letting you glide through forests under aurora-streaked skies. Afterward, warm up with smoked fish in a log cabin, then hop into an outdoor sauna before a roll in the snow to cool down again.
4. Volcano Slopes in Hokkaido, Japan
Ever skied down a volcano, you know, just casually? In Japan’s powder haven of Niseko, you can carve pristine snow on the slopes of Mount Yotei. The snow here is the stuff of legend—light, deep, and endlessly falling. Between runs, soak in onsen hot springs and feast on ramen and sashimi. It’s a snowy slice of heaven, infused with rich Japanese culture.
5. Heliskiing in Greenland
The ski destination to top them all. Fly into Greenland’s icy wilderness for a heliskiing adventure that redefines “remote.” Ski from towering glaciers down to the Arctic Ocean, guided by Inuit experts, and reach the best terrain by boat – EA Heliskiing can organise a yacht to get you to the most remote corners of this wilderness. Or embrace the wilderness with a dog sledding expedition. Pack your sense of adventure (and your warm layers) for this one.
6. Skiing the Balkans in Montenegro
Hidden deep in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro’s wild peaks offer budget-friendly ski touring, powder-filled bowls, and hardly another soul in sight – if you want true adventure without the premium price tag, this is where to come. Over 90% of this Balkan country is mountainous terrain, with great tree skiing and accessible backcountry – think days in dramatic limestone mountains and nights in rustic guesthouses warmed by homemade rakija.
7. Urban Skiing in Oslo, Norway
Where else can you hop off a tram and straight onto a slope? Oslo combines sleek city life with snowy escapades in its Nordmarka forest. You can ski cross-country by day and sip cocktails by night, all within 30 minutes from one of the coolest cities in the world. For the full Scandi experience, end your ski day with a dip in the Oslofjord’s icy waters (if you dare).
8. Iceberg Views in Svalbard, Norway
From Norway’s cosmopolitan heart to its true wilderness, next on my list is ski touring in Svalbard. Halfway to the North Pole, this archipelago feels like you’re on an intrepid Arctic expedition. Think spotting polar bear tracks, crossing frozen fjords and 24-hour daylight (or darkness, depending when you go). Ski through surreal, silent landscapes with nothing but the sound of your skis on snow.
9. Skiing on Mount Etna, Sicily
Where else can you ski with the sea behind you and an active volcano rumbling below? Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano, offers surreal skiing with views of the Mediterranean on clear days. One minute you’re carving down black volcanic ash trails, the next you’re sipping espresso in a Sicilian village. Renting a villa in Sicily gives you the freedom to combine a ski trip with a beach holiday – perfect if you can’t decide what kind of holiday you fancy most.
10. Glacial Skiing in Chile’s Andes
Skiing in summer? Yes please. Have an endless winter by heading south to Valle Nevado in Chile for June-to-September snow on slopes with panoramic views of the Andes. At 3,000 metres, the snow in resorts like Portillo is reliable, and the vibe is fabulous – after all, après here includes red wine, empanadas, and salsa dancing. Ski by day, fiesta by night, anyone?
