Avid Skiers Head To These Powder Meccas Around The World

Ski resorts throughout the world offer the finest in powder skiing.

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With summer now in the rear view window, skiers and snowboarders are beginning to make plans for their winter getaways. With over 6,000 ski resorts scattered throughout the world, travelers have plenty of options. Powder hounds who crave freshly fallen snow can journey to the following ski resorts, where deep, reliable snow is commonplace:

Charlevoix is a snow-lover’s playground with plenty of powder.

Le Massif de Charlevoix
Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada

Canada’s hidden gem, Charlevoix sits where majestic mountains overlook the St. Lawrence River. Guests can discover that authentic French-Canadian culture is infused into every moment. A short trip from Québec City, this picturesque region benefits from a unique microclimate that blankets the area in snow, transforming it into one of North America’s most surprising, and untapped, winter destinations. With one of the longest winters in Québec, Charlevoix is a snow-lover’s playground. From snowshoeing across pristine forests to dog sledding through quiet trails, this region offers endless ways to embrace the outdoors. Home to Le Massif de Charlevoix and Mont Grand-Fonds, two ski resorts renowned for breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, Charlevoix boasts the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies. With reliable natural snow and terrain for all levels, this is a dream location for skiers seeking both exhilaration and beauty.

Skiers can discover plenty of powder at Eleven’s properties.

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Eleven

Eleven, which operates global ski lodges, offers skiers unmatched downhill adventures. Mike Hattrup, U.S. Ski Hall of Famer, big-mountain pioneer and Director of Skiing at Eleven, says, “When I was in my early 20’s I was taken to France to shoot a ski film. We skied terrain that was vastly different to the resorts that I grew up skiing in America. There were massive glaciers, tumbling seracs, icefalls and towering granite spires. It was breathtaking and alluring, but also incredibly intimidating, and it literally changed my life. This trip led me down the path to becoming a ski guide. I came to Eleven because I discovered that they deliver that same life-altering experience to passionate skiers, and it’s really rewarding to pay that forward. We bring skiers to a magical corner of the world, immerse them in the local culture, deliver an amazing skiing experience and send them home with an indelible memory. “

Hattrup offers his expert opinion on the following ski locations:

Iceland’s terrain is vastly different to the American resorts.

Eleven
Iceland

He says, “Iceland is a really special place for snow enthusiasts. The lodge Eleven Deplar Farm is in the north part of the island, on the Troll Peninsula, which is the snowiest place in Iceland. It’s magical because it’s right on the edge of the Arctic Circle. You can ski from the summit all the way down to the ocean, then sit in the hot tub that evening and watch the northern lights. We’ve got over a million acres accessible to us, and it’s wide open, actually a really good place for an introduction to heli skiing. When you’re done skiing, you come back to the lodge, which is a renovated 15th-century sheep farm. The lodge is recognized as one of the best hotels in the world, with a 5,000-square-foot spa to relax and rejuvenate.”

Guests can stay in the French Alps’ legendary ski scene.

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France

Eleven Chalet Pelerin and Eleven Chalet Hibou

Set deep in the Tarentaise Valley, Chalet Pelerin places you in the center of the French Alps’ legendary ski scene. French guides are internationally certified with local knowledge on everything from heli-skiing in Italy to the best après parties in France. Hattrup says, “France is one of my favorite properties. Maybe it’s not as exotic as Iceland or Patagonia, but the diversity of skiing there is unmatched. You’ve got seven different resorts within reach, plus side-country, touring, and heli options. It’s perfect for a group with different abilities. One group can ski groomers while another goes touring or heli skiing, then everyone meets for lunch or après. It allows you to cater the trip for both groups and individuals.”

British Columbia receives 700 inches of snowfall per year.

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British Columbia, Canada

Located in the birthplace of heliskiing, Eleven Revelstoke Lodge’s historic 1911 brick building has undergone a comprehensive down-to-the-studs interior overhaul led by interior design company, No. 12 Interiors. The bespoke lodge now features 12 beautifully redesigned guest rooms, including three new suites each offering mezzanine-style layouts, redesigned bathrooms and stylish interiors. Guests also enjoy a third-floor lounge/bar, new wellness amenities, including four private treatment rooms, a sauna, cold plunge, steam room, a fully equipped fitness center, new gear and locker room. Hattrup says, “Revelstoke is an amazing property, and if you want to ski powder, this is the place to go. Of course, it’s the birthplace of heli skiing and they get over 700 inches of snowfall per year. Our tenure there covers 300,000 acres that only has 12 skiers a day in it. We have the highest guide-to-client ratio in the business: two guides for every three clients, and you have your own ship. Our lodge is right in the center of town.”

Skiing in powder is one of the sport’s greatest thrills.

Avid Skiers Head To These Powder Meccas Around The World

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