By: Miriam Bribiesca
It’s time to swap the sandy beaches for snowy peaks. Winter may be a time for hibernation, but not for us who love the thrill. While everyone else is bundled up, let’s strap on our skis or snowboards and prepare to hurtle down some of the world’s coolest mountains.
Sure, we’ve all heard of places like Aspen and Whistler, but between us… those are the kind of spots your parents went to when they were your age (no shade). So if you want fresh, unique, and social media worthy locations, here’s a lineup of underrated ski and snowboard spots that’ll have you shredding in style, without shredding your wallet of course.
Zermatt, Switzerland
When people think of Switzerland, they picture watches, chocolate (YUM!), and rich people in the Alps. But what they don’t realize is that Zermatt is an absolute paradise for the snow enthusiast. Nestled at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt offers some of the best skiing in Europe.
What’s the catch? You don’t have to sell a kidney to afford it. Skip the fancy hotels and opt for cozy hostels or Airbnb stays with other fellow thrill seekers or friends. A key tip for saving on this trip is to grab a Zermatt Peak Pass, which gives you access to a huge portion of the mountain, along with some serious discounts on lifts. Plus, the views of Matterhorn from the slopes are too good not to get a feature on your feed.
Niseko, Japan
Japan might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of snowboarding, but Niseko is the deep powder paradise of your dreams. Seriously! Located on Hokkaido island, it gets around 50 feet of snow every season. The powder is so fine and dry that snowboarders affectionately call it “Japow.” Plus, skiing has a whole new vibe here with soothing hot springs (onsens) waiting for you at the end of a long day on the slopes. Where do we sign up?!
Looking for how to save? Aside from taking advantage of our exclusive student deals wink, look for group discounts on lift passes or book one of the many affordable hostels and guesthouses around. Niseko has a big international community, so finding budget-friendly spots isn’t hard, you just gotta be resourceful. Plus, and probably our favorite, you can grab some delish ramen between runs—way cheaper than those $30+ meals in the Alps. yuck!
Oh and don’t forget to check out Niseko’s night skiing. Imagine slicing through knee-deep powder under glowing lights while fireworks pop overhead. Pure magic!
La Grave, France
If you’re the type who likes to live on the edge (or just wants some bragging rights), then La Grave is your spot. This isn’t your average resort with cozy chalets and manicured runs—this is raw, untouched wilderness where you can carve your own path. The whole mountain is “off-piste,” meaning there’s no one there to hold your hand (or get in your way).
Best part? Lift passes here are a steal compared to mainstream resorts, and you won’t have to deal with crowds either. But important note, La Grave is ONLY for experienced riders. No beginners, please! Lastly, you can save some coin by staying in nearby towns like Grenoble or even camping if you want the true La Grave experience (yep, some people really do).
Gulmarg, India
Bet you didn’t know India has a ski resort! And no, it’s not just a budget option—it’s a downright epic experience. To be honest, this location will be an adventure to get to but Nestled in the Himalayas, Gulmarg is bound to be an odyssey you will never forget. Known as one of the highest ski resorts in the world, you’ll get to ski with views of towering peaks and deep valleys, all while paying prices that won’t make you shed a tear or two.
As we often recommend, skip the touristy spots and stay in a traditional Kashmiri houseboat or guesthouse. Lift tickets are crazy cheap (we’re talking under $20 a day!), and you can find some mind-blowingly good street food for next to nothing. Of course, always make sure that whatever you consume is thoroughly cooked.
Oh and when you’re not hitting the slopes, you can check out ancient temples, ride horses through snow covered forests, and sip chai with locals. Seriously, do you have space for one more?
Don’t let another winter go by scrolling through someone else’s snowboarding photos. Grab your gear, gather your crew, and start planning the snowy adventure of your dreams. Because as we have learned, snow days aren’t just for staying in bed—they’re for making memories!
