If there ain’t no mountain high enough, and your global ski hit-list is a mile long then you’re sure to be considering your next powdery port of call.

We all know that Australia has some of the best slopes around – Perisher, Mount Buller and Thredbo – but with travel restrictions easing internationally, now is the time to start planning your next overseas ski break.

With this in mind, we have put together a selection of options you may like to consider as you prepare to dust off the ski boots and reacquaint yourself with your passport.

Canada

Whistler

Considered a dream destination the world over, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain are the ultimate when it comes to big mountain action. This ski-lovers paradise boasts more than 8100 acres of slopes, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, terrain parks and more than 200 marked trails.

Not only is the mountain action big, but just as impressive is the base Village for its lodgings and lively Après-Ski scene. Ride a Gondola and take in the 360-degree views, heli-ski in one of the most incredible locations in the world, or simply strap on the skis and start exploring, the choice is yours.

Banff

Cold light snow, diverse terrain and Banff’s gobsmacking scenery are just some of the attractions that keep tourists coming back to this part of Canada year after year. Perhaps more suited to those keen on ‘chillin’ out, while also busy, Banff is not as hectic as Whistler nor as expensive. It is said that when it comes to village feel, Banff is more ‘mountain’ than Whistler, while Whistler is more of an international hub than Banff.
A day pass here will set you back around AUD$189 per person and there are three ski resorts in this part of the Canadian Rockies – Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay.

Japan

Niseko

Niseko is Japan’s most famous ski destination and one of the world’s best thanks to its continuous powdery snow, backcountry access and beautiful  scenery. Situated on the southwestern coast of Hokkaido, Niseko has more than 47 kilometres of groomed slopes and is ideal for first-timers, families, and the pros.
Visitors can choose from four ski resorts – Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri – collectively referred to as Niseko United, and all accessible via the one lift pass. If you love a good dumping, during winter this region can receive as much as 15 metres of fresh snow.

Hakuba Valley

Perhaps best known for the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998, the Hakuba Valley is located in the northwestern Nagano Prefecture at the base of the 3,000-metre tall Northern Japan Alps. Home to 10 resorts, Hakuba offers tourists world-class facilities at a fraction of the cost of Niseko. Expect gently groomed runs, tree runs, and 8km cruising courses, not to mention an abundance of snow and a friendly, welcoming environment.

New Zealand

Queenstown

The best of New Zealand’s ski offerings can be found right here, which is why so many Australians venture across the ditch every season. Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Queenstown has four incredible ski resorts that can be found just minutes from the city’s heart, each of them welcoming tourists from June to October for what is considered one of the world’s longest winter seasons. This part of New Zealand is as popular for its slopeside experiences as it is its off-piste adventures, with the Après-Ski scene one of the best around, but you should expect to pay for the privilege.

Wanaka

One for the more budget conscious, Wanaka is all about families and the serenity of mountainous surrounds. Renowned for its turquoise lakes, snow capped mountains and breathtaking scenery, Wanaka is an hour by road from Queenstown. The diversity of terrain here is one of its biggest calling cards, with everything from cross-country skiing, deep and steep runs, and tubing at your disposal. Take a day trip or explore this adventurer’s playground over a few days.

Travel insurance 

As wonderful as all of these destinations are, things can go wrong, sending your trip into a downward spiral. At Travel Insurance Direct our policies may be able to assist in making sure that any epic fail experience won’t put you too far off-course.

Our international plans may provide cover for:

• A 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team available to take your call and help from broken bones to sudden illness.
• Overseas medical expense cover: We can help with medical assistance, hospital care and evacuation and, in the worst case scenario, repatriation back home.
• Ski lift passes: The costs of pre-paid ski lift passes or ski equipment hire or tuition fees when you’re injured or become ill during your trip and can’t ski.
• Hire equipment when yours is lost, damaged or delayed: If your own equipment is lost or delayed in transit or damaged, our optional Snow sports cover may help cover the reasonable costs of hiring replacement equipment so you don’t miss out on the fun.
• Compensation: If there’s no snow or the weather is so bad they close the lifts for more than 24 hours, we’ll pay for your inability to go skiing. Benefit limits apply.
• Baggage: If your gear is permanently lost, or irreparably damaged, you may be able to make a claim.
• Cancellation due to illness: If you have to cancel or defer your ski holiday because you or a family member is medically certified unfit to travel, your non-refundable pre-paid travel costs for ski tours may also be covered.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing