Looking for somewhere quirkier to practise your powder eights? Then how about buying a lift ticket for one of these resorts
Bamyan, Afghanistan

Tucked away in the snow covered mountains of Hindu Kush is Bamyan. It doesn’t have any ski lifts, mountain restaurants or hot tubs, but it has miles of untouched pistes ready to be explored. Groups of British tourists are now burning calories by hiking to the top of the mountain in order to enjoy dry powder and virgin snow.

Tiffindell, South Africa

Tiffindell can boast having the 19th best ski run in the world thanks to CNN Travel. Its season last from June to August and if the snow doesn’t arrive in droves – the resort make it. This South African resort on Ben McDhui mountain, which features all the resort essentials, also plays hosts to the South African Masters Championships in July.

Gulmarg, India

Featuring the highest ski lift in the world, Gulmarg is a must visit for talented skiers. From the 25 December, when the resort opens, visitors can expect to play on deep, powder filled ungroomed runs. They even offer heliskiing, but whether you catch a ride in the heli or not, we’re sure you’ll find some breathtaking skiing.

A video posted by Paul Lalley (@paullalley) on

Mzaar, Lebanon

This ski resort just an hour outside of Beirut is a real find. Expect to find a blanket of snow over groomed pistes. Ski out of the back of the InterContinental Mzaar Hotel & Spa to your private ski lift that takes you to the top of the mountain. City dwellers will drive up to the mountain during the day, then party the night away in Beirut.

A photo posted by Abeer (@abur121212) on

Suggested Itineraries

Canadian Heli-Ski Adventure

Whistler & Ski British Columbia

  • Enjoy heli-skiing in the wilderness of Northern British Columbia

  • Witness the snowy landscapes in Canada from above with a helicopter ride

  • Stay in comfortable lodgings with hot tubs and saunas

  • Dine on local cuisine and enjoy après-ski activities

  • Benefit from top-quality equipment and professional heli-ski guides

ideal length 8 nights

Winter in Hokkaido

Hokkaido

  • Enjoy a sightseeing tour from an Ice Breaker

  • Go on a Drift Ice Walking tour

  • Cruise around the coast of Shiretoko spotting birds and animals

  • Trek the walking trails around Akan National Park, Japan

  • Go dog sledding through the wintery landscape

ideal length 11 nights

Winter in Whistler

Whistler & Ski British Columbia

  • Enjoy a fun family skiing trip in North America’s best ski destination

  • Glide down the exhilarating slopes of Blackcomb Mountain

  • Easy weary muscles in a soothing hot tub

  • Explore the snowy canopy on a zipline eco-tour

  • Entertain the kids with ski school and cookery classes

ideal length 7 nights
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