These top 10 best freeride ski resorts were evaluated across three key criteria: steep chutes, deep powder, and alpine scenery. The rankings below provide an exhilarating guide for skiers and riders seeking the most thrilling, challenging, and visually stunning freeride experiences globally.
Keep an eye on our Adventure Group Ski Trips as we may have ski adventures to some of these legendary freeride destinations on offer!
Freeride skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts are always on the hunt for the ultimate terrain and conditions to push their skills to the limit. After hitting up our community’s most hardcore freeriders, we’ve put together the ultimate ranking of the world’s best freeride ski resorts.
How the Rankings Were Calculated
Alright, here’s the lowdown on how we ranked these epic freeride ski resorts. We broke it down into three killer criteria: steep chutes, deep powder, and alpine scenery. Each spot got a rank from 1 to 10 in each category, with 1 being the absolute best and 10 being, well, still pretty rad but not quite top-tier.
We then added up the scores for each resort to get a total. The lower the score, the higher the rank. This way, we found the gnarliest, most breathtaking places to shred around the globe.
1. Chamonix, France
- Steep Chutes: 2
- Deep Powder: 4
- Alpine Scenery: 1
- Total Score: 7
Chamonix offers the ultimate big-mountain experience. Grands Montets and the Vallée Blanche are known for incredibly steep and technical terrain. Powder conditions vary, but the awe-inspiring scenery of Mont Blanc is simply unparalleled and majestic.
2. Asahidake, Japan
- Steep Chutes: 3
- Deep Powder: 1
- Alpine Scenery: 4
- Total Score: 8
Asahidake in Hokkaido is a hidden gem for powder hunters. Known for its deep, consistent snowfall and stunning geothermal features, it offers challenging terrain and off-piste opportunities. The alpine scenery, enhanced by the volcanic landscape, provides a unique and breathtaking experience.
Check out our ultimate Asahidake Destination Guide, packed with insider tips on travel, top accommodations, cultural insights, and how to shred the mountain like a local.
3. Verbier, Switzerland
- Steep Chutes: 1
- Deep Powder: 6
- Alpine Scenery: 3
- Total Score: 10
Verbier is legendary for extreme skiers and riders. Its famous Bec des Rosses features some of the steepest chutes, pushing even seasoned freeriders to their limits. While powder can be hit or miss, it’s world-class when it’s on. The views from Mont Fort are absolutely breathtaking and truly awe-inspiring.
4. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
- Steep Chutes: 5
- Deep Powder: 3
- Alpine Scenery: 6
- Total Score: 14
Whistler Blackcomb offers big-mountain thrills with challenging chutes and reliably deep powder. The varied landscape, from dense forests to high alpine bowls, provides jaw-dropping scenery that will capture your heart and imagination.
5. St. Anton, Austria
- Steep Chutes: 4
- Deep Powder: 7
- Alpine Scenery: 5
- Total Score: 16
St. Anton is famous for its hardcore off-piste terrain, featuring intense chutes and powder stashes, especially in the Arlberg region. The alpine views are impressive, showcasing classic Austrian mountain landscapes that will leave you spellbound.
6. Jackson Hole, USA
- Steep Chutes: 6
- Deep Powder: 9
- Alpine Scenery: 2
- Total Score: 17
Jackson Hole is renowned for its premier freeride terrain, including the famous Cody Bowl. Its steep, technical terrain tests experts, while the Tetons provide a spectacular backdrop that feels like something out of a wild dream.
7. Gulmarg, India
- Steep Chutes: 6
- Deep Powder: 7
- Alpine Scenery: 5
- Total Score: 18
Gulmarg, in Kashmir, offers incredible freeride terrain with steep chutes and deep powder. The breathtaking alpine scenery of the Himalayas makes it a unique and thrilling destination for adventurous skiers and snowboarders.
Check out our ultimate Gulmarg Destination Guide, packed with insider tips on travel, top accommodations, how to shred the mountain like a local, and hilarious, bizarre stories.
8. Niseko, Japan
- Steep Chutes: 10
- Deep Powder: 2
- Alpine Scenery: 8
- Total Score: 20
Niseko is a powder paradise with consistent, abundant snowfall creating a winter wonderland. The terrain may not be as steep, but the legendary Japanese powder makes it a dream destination. Every run here feels like a magical adventure.
9. Andermatt, Switzerland
- Steep Chutes: 8
- Deep Powder: 5
- Alpine Scenery: 7
- Total Score: 20
Andermatt, though lesser-known, offers excellent freeride terrain, particularly in the Gemsstock area. The reliable powder stashes and gorgeous alpine scenery make it a hidden gem that will leave you enchanted and eager for more.
10. Kicking Horse, Canada
- Steep Chutes: 7
- Deep Powder: 8
- Alpine Scenery: 9
- Total Score: 24
Kicking Horse has steep, technical terrain in areas like Bowl Over and Crystal Bowl, with abundant, high-quality powder. The stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies enhances the experience, creating moments of pure exhilaration.
Discover Your Ultimate Freeride Destination
Whether you’re seeking the steepest chutes, the deepest powder, or the most stunning alpine scenery, these top 10 best freeride ski resorts offer unparalleled experiences for every passionate skier and snowboarder. Pack your gear and get ready for the ride of a lifetime!
Share in the comments which freeriding spots you’d like to see featured in a detailed Destination Guide, and we’ll do our best to include them in future posts! 👇
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