Like soccer, skiing is a sport that spans nearly every corner of the globe. In the winter of 2024-25, nearly 400 million skier-days were recorded across 68 countries and every inhabited continent. These figures are striking given the sport’s reliance on weather and natural snowfall. Yet despite these constraints, skiing can still be found in an extraordinary range of countries — sometimes in places few would expect.
Listed below are the 20 nations that both have at least one ski resort (defined as an organized ski area with more than four lifts) and are participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Each country is ranked by its annual average skier visits — where one skier visit equals one skier skiing one day — based on a five-year average from the 2026 International Report on Snow and Mountain Tourism by Laurent Vanat. While many of these nations are expected, others may surprise readers by just how widespread skiing has become globally.
#20 Scotland — 63,991
We begin our list in an area not often associated with skiing: the British Isles. While Scotland may not see the snow totals of the Alps or the low temperatures of Scandinavia, it does offer a handful of decently sized ski resorts. Featuring 21 ski lifts and over 2,500 feet of vertical drop, the nation’s largest ski resort, Glenshee, is more than adequate for those looking for a ski destination in an unexpected location.
#19 Uzbekistan — 150,000
While Uzbekistan may not be known for mountains like its Central Asian neighbors, the country’s far eastern reaches do house peaks of significant elevation. Near the Kyrgyzstani border sit pleasantly sunny ski resorts such as Amirsoy and Chingam. Amirsoy in particular could become a real contender on the Central Asian ski scene, as it has plans to significantly expand in the coming years to nearly 62 miles (100km) of slopes. If you’re looking for a novelty ski destination near historic wonders such as the Silk Road, Uzbekistan may just be worth a visit.
#18 Bosnia and Herzegovina — 712,346
The Balkan country was badly damaged in the 1990s by war, which significantly hampered the growth and development of skiing in the nation after it hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. However, in recent years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has begun to modernize its infrastructure. The country’s most notable resort, Jahorina, now offers guests 29 miles (47km) of piste and nearly 2,000 feet of vertical drop, thanks in large part to the 2019 installation of the Poljice Gondola. With day tickets priced at around $50—and that’s on the expensive side for the region—skiers will find their dollars go much further in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
#17 Iran — 750,000
Many may not be shocked to hear that there is skiing to be had in Iran, but they may be surprised to find out just how good that skiing really is. The country offers varied terrain for all skill levels, including expansive off-piste offerings, which benefit immensely from nearly 300 inches of snowfall per year in some areas. The snowiest resort, Dizin, is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Iranian skiing. The mountain, which tops out at around 12,000 feet, offers well over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, all in the shadow of the beautiful Damavand. Given the immense snowfall, expansive terrain, and unique location, it’s a wonder Iran is not more talked about on the global ski scene.
#16 Argentina — 1,500,000
Home to Patagonia and the world’s highest peak outside of the Himalayas (Aconcagua), it should come as no surprise that Argentina houses a number of premier ski resorts. Cerro Catedral is the largest and perhaps most developed resort in Argentina, as its 53 runs are serviced by a comparatively astounding 39 lifts. Those looking for harrowing off-piste descents and better snow quality—in a region where such can be difficult to come by—may want to turn toward Las Leñas; due to a drier climate, the resort tends to outperform regional competitors in this respect. No matter where you choose to ski in Argentina, it will certainly beat sitting on your couch in mid-July, dreaming of winters past.
#15 New Zealand — 1,560,235
Another destination perfect for those with summer ski fever, New Zealand offers over a dozen commercial ski resorts spaced evenly throughout the nation. Mountains such as The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Mt. Hutt offer not only premier skiing but world-class views of the rugged South Island. As all skiing in New Zealand sits above the treeline, visitors will find dramatic and uniquely Kiwi vistas as far as the eye can see.
#14 Turkey — 1,661,384
Many readers may be unaware that, due to a high average elevation, much of Turkey is actually rather snowy. The capital city itself, Ankara, receives over a foot of snowfall per year—that’s about twice as much snow as Seattle! Given this, in addition to its mountainous terrain, Turkey is an unexpectedly ideal spot for skiing. The Turkish ski scene has rapidly expanded in recent years; since 2000, Turkey has more than doubled its total number of ski resorts. In addition, existing ski areas such as Erciyes, which now has 70 miles (112km) of piste, have dramatically expanded. With 50 more sites identified as potential new ski areas within the country, it is clear that Turkey intends to become a major player on the global ski scene in years to come.
#13 Australia — 1,821,509
Australia is actually the birthplace of Southern Hemisphere skiing, as ski clubs in the country have existed since as early as 1861. Today, it carries on its storied snow sport legacy, seeing the most annual skier visits of any country south of the equator. All of Australia’s 10 major resorts are located in the Australian Alps of New South Wales and Victoria, relatively close to high population centers. As such, skiing has somewhat surprisingly become an incredibly popular sport on a continent known more for surfing and the outback. One resort that has blossomed into a widely known destination is Perisher, which at over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, clocks in as the largest resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Its four villages, seven summits, and 47 lifts make the resort feel more reminiscent of marquee European resorts than perhaps even some resorts in the American West.
#12 South Korea — 3,653,490
Bursting onto many people’s radars during the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, South Korea offers a surprisingly popular and diverse mountain scene. Resorts in the country largely follow a North American model of heavy, capital-intensive development to attract those who wish to enjoy themselves beyond simply the slopes. Almost all major resorts have one or more golf courses, accompanied by indoor swimming pools and shopping centers. If you are looking for a well-rounded experience complete with off-mountain amenities as far as the eye can see, South Korea may be worth a visit.
#11 Czechia — 3,961,394
Despite Czechia’s predominantly flat topography, the country is still home to a very large ski scene, especially regionally. Thanks to the nation’s cold continental climate and advanced snowmaking infrastructure, over 200 ski resorts are able to operate throughout the winter. While most visit the central European nation for its historical beauty, Baroque architecture, or countless castles, a quick trip to resorts such as Špindlerův Mlýn or Černá hora-Pec may be a unique way for adventure seekers to experience Czechia’s heavily underrated nature.
#10 Spain — 4,253,579
Spain is not the first country that comes to mind when thinking about skiing, yet the sport is far more widespread there than many realize. While many may be aware that it is possible to ski in regions such as the Pyrenees, they likely don’t know just how widespread—geographically and in terms of popularity—Spanish skiing really is. From the snow-cloaked mountains of Baqueira-Beret to the sun-soaked slopes of the Mediterranean coast, skiers can find more than suitable terrain for every skill level. Just imagine waking up in the southern coastal town of Málaga sipping Sangria, before ending your day riding over 62 miles (100km) of piste on the Sierra Nevada. It’s no wonder Spain has roughly as many visitors as the next country on our list, which is far more synonymous with skiing.
#9 Germany — 4,319,837
While many may picture the Bavarian Alps or the Black Forest when thinking of Germany, the majority of the country is actually quite flat. It is only in Germany’s far southern reaches along the Swiss and Austrian borders that major ski resorts can be found. Nonetheless, the nation averages well over four million ski visits per year, thanks to major resorts with robust infrastructure and strong snow totals such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberstdorf. One can even dare to ski off of the highest peak in Germany — the Zugspitze—an experience that in and of itself may make Germany worth a slight detour from the heart of the Alps.
#8 Norway — 7,650,380
It should come as no surprise that in a country famous for striking mountains and persistent snowfall, there is great skiing to be had. Nevertheless, despite being the (debated) birthplace of skiing, Norway is still somewhat of a hidden gem on the global ski scene, seeing far less visitation than some of its European counterparts. Norwegian ski resorts offer reliable, varied, and expansive terrain nearly year-round—thanks to three summer ski resorts—however, lift lines are a very rare occurrence, and Norway does not come to many people’s minds when planning an international ski vacation. If you’re looking for a somewhat under-the-radar destination where you won’t have to stress about conditions, Norway just may be the place for you.
#7 Sweden — 10,076,864
Sweden sees long, snowy, and reliable winters, especially as you travel north. Resorts such as Åre and Sälen offer fun, wide-open, expansive terrain and, as previously mentioned, are incredibly snow-dependable. Skiers can even fulfill the bucket-list activity of skiing under the midnight sun at Riksgränsen, a resort in Swedish Lapland located well north of the Arctic Circle. As climate change continues to threaten resorts at lower latitudes, areas such as Sweden may become more and more enticing to those wanting a snow guarantee.
#6 Canada — 19,011,200
With resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb, Banff Sunshine Village, and Mont-Tremblant, it is no secret that Canada is a titan on the global ski scene. Canadian resorts—particularly in British Columbia and Alberta—given their massive footprints, soaring vertical drops, and impressive snowfall accumulations, are among the best in the world. From Red Mountain, a laid-back locals’ hill that will transport you back to the ’80s, to Revelstoke, a newer resort development featuring over 5,500 feet of hair-tingling vertical drop, there is something for everyone in Canada. If you haven’t had a chance to pay the Great White North a visit, there’s no better time than the present.
#5 Switzerland — 23,454,007
The crown jewel of the Alps, Switzerland—known for its immense natural beauty and rugged, glacier-filled mountains—has perhaps too many skiing accolades, places of note, and must-visit resorts to be covered in one short paragraph. From the picturesque village of Zermatt to the glaciers of Crans-Montana to the glitz and glamour of St. Moritz, it would be difficult for most to leave the alpine country with their jaw intact. However, due to factors such as an ageing clientele and the sheer cost of vacationing in the country, Switzerland just missed out on the very top of this list, despite its incredible mountain infrastructure, world-class pistes, and unbelievable views.
#4 Japan — 24,771,163
Japan arguable has the most famous powder skiing in the world, and for good reason. Thanks to cold Siberian air blowing over the Sea of Japan, resorts such as Niseko see well above 500 inches of incredibly light and dry snowfall per year. The quality and quantity of Japan’s snow, particularly in northern regions such as Hokkaido, drives tourists and locals alike to flock in droves to Japanese resorts. The incredible snow, as well as uniquely Japanese après-ski offerings such as onsen baths and fresh udon soup, are why Japan has notched a spot near the top of this list.
#3 Austria — 40,880,000
A mecca for European skiers, Austria welcomes more foreign skiers than any other country in the world. This is due not only to Austria’s snow-covered terrain, steep descents, and raging nightlife, but its continued investment in ski infrastructure. 746 new ski lifts have been constructed in the nation since 2000, and a whopping 6 billion dollars has been invested into the industry during the last decade alone. Bubble lifts, heated seats, eight-seater chairs, and world-class off-mountain transportation have become the norm in Austria, making the country an attractive destination for those seeking a more luxurious experience without the price tag. A visit to one of Austria’s mountains may prove eye-opening—or even envy-inspiring—for those used to an American ski experience.
#2 France — 42,347,240
A historic center of alpine skiing, France continues to sit at the top of the global ski industry. Home to the largest and third largest of the worlds ski resort, in Les Trois Vallées and Paradiski respectively, one can spend a lifetime skiing in France yet barely scratch the surface of its ridable terrain. In fact, there are six french ski resorts larger than North America’s biggest ski area, Whistler Blackcomb. Beyond sheer size, France offers perhaps the most picturesque yet pulse-quickening skiing found anywhere in the world, accessed by lifts such as the Aiguille du Midi. France is a place where extreme mountaineering and exploration meet skiing, and given the country’s diverse, expansive, and unique terrain — all offered at a comparatively affordable price (cough cough, United States) — it is no surprise at all to find it near the top of this list.
#1 United States — 61,443,235
Your champion: the leader in average annual ski visits is, of course, the United States. The U.S. is a vast country, offering skiers and riders the opportunity to hit the slopes from Alabama to Alaska. The incredibly varied terrain, widespread resort locations, and unique offerings of every individual mountain make the United States an ideal destination for skiers of every age, skill level, and walk of life. Whether you are looking for luxurious off-piste amenities, hard-charging powder-filled steep terrain, endless groomers, world-class terrain parks, family-oriented experiences, or even on-mountain Nordic spas, the United States has something to offer. While American skiing can be pricey and crowded depending on where you go, there is a reason more people ski in the United States than in any other nation on Earth.
Honorable Mentions
Before we get wrap up, eight World Cup nations deserve honorable mentions, as while none met the criteria to make this list, all eight do in fact have small-scale ski areas and lift-accessed terrain within their borders.
Belgium
Despite Belgium being a predominantly flat country located in a temperate climate zone, it does have a handful of small local ski hills. Though none of these are large enough to qualify the country for this list, it is still impressive that you can ski and ride on natural snow in such a location at all.
England
While England may not have any qualifying outdoor ski resorts, it does contain dozens of dry slope and indoor facilities, making it the perfect training ground for those looking to soon level up and hit the Alps.
Iraq
Yes, you can ski in Iraq! In the high mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan resides Korkek Mountain Resort, where far-from-home ski enthusiasts and adventurous locals alike can lap their hearts out on the ski area’s single magic carpet.
Mexico
The Monterreal ski resort in northern Mexico houses dry slope facilities as well as a ski lift and magic carpet. During peak winter months, occasional snowstorms sometimes afford lucky visitors the opportunity to ski on actual snow in Mexico!
Morocco
While the ski area of Oukaimeden and its five ski lifts would certainly qualify Morocco for this list, the resort has not been operational for several years due to deteriorating infrastructure. However, the Moroccan government is committing 10 million dollars to get the mountain back up and running.
Portugal
Located just 60 miles from the nation’s famous beaches sits Portugal’s only ski area: Serra da Estrela. However, the mountain doesn’t quite meet the size requirements to be included on our official list.
South Africa
The country’s only would-be qualifying ski resort, Tiffindell, unfortunately closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but technically, the resort still exists. South African skiers instead can find an operating ski area in Lesotho which is landlocked inside South Africa.