2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best skiing or snowboarding escape

Winner: Japan

Why you love it…

Japan is the hot new place to go when it’s cold. Minimal time zone difference and less jet lag is enticing. But it’s the 450-plus ski resorts – of which Hakuba and Niseko are Aussie favourites – with consistent, deep powder snow (aka Japow) and kilometres of varied trails and backcountry that make Japan such a coveted destination for skiing and snowboarding. Ending the day soaking sore muscles in a traditional onsen seals the deal.

Hot tip…

Japanese macaques – or snow monkeys – of the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano can be seen during winter soaking in the waters of the hot springs.

Runners-up

New Zealand

Queenstown’s four ski resorts welcome consistent snow and have varied slopes, while the lakeside town makes for a charming base just a short flight across the Tasman.

Canada

Chances are you have a mate who did a season in Canada for their gap year. From epic snow conditions to friendly locals, BC’s 13 destination ski resorts swarm with Aussies come wintertime.

Switzerland

With soaring mountains, frozen lakes, alpine forests and charming chalets, Switzerland spoils for choice across some 350 ski resorts, including St Moritz, the ‘cradle of alpine tourism’.

Austria

Wide gentle pistes, cross country terrain, tobogganing through forests and fairytale-like villages. Austria is a winter holiday dream renowned for its lively après-ski.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.