Where to Ski in January

The first month of the year is when resorts receive the most snow, but are also blissfully uncrowded after the Christmas and New Year rush. So for the greatest chance of first tracks, read on to discover our number one resort for January skiing in Japan, Canada, the USA, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden.

Even with better availability outside of peak dates, it's a good idea to get the ball rolling early, so if you're looking at a January ski trip for next season, enquire online or call 01273 224060.

By Rupert Hatfield, Canada & USA Product Manager

Early in the season, Whistler opens its vast network of runs slowly as the conditions gradually improve. This isn't an issue as the ski area is so big that even with only a fraction of the runs open, it still feels huge. But if you want first dibs on the full mountain experience, all 8,000 acres of it, then January is a safe bet.

With mid-winter storm cycles bringing plenty of fresh powder (January averages over two metres of snowfall), you can enjoy North America's largest ski area to the max.

There are off-the-slopes perks to travelling to Whistler in January too. Whistler Pride is 21-28 January and the Fire & Ice Show also gets underway for the season.

This free show features skiers and snowboarders jumping through rings of fire at the Whistler Village base every Sunday at 7:00pm and is great fun for all ages.

For an intimate retreat that is ideal for couples, the colourful and quirky 4* Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel offers 81 rooms that are large, luxurious and fully stocked with kitchenettes, soaker bathtubs, balconies and fireplaces.

"Simply the best resort we have ever been to for skiing. The mountains provided a great challenge for all levels of our ski group. The parks were fantastic for the freestyle skiers in the group. The village had everything we required as a group of 12 in our party. The Canadians were the most accommodating hosts we could have hoped for." - Andrew Ashton

To say that you have the 'Greatest Snow on Earth' is a bold claim, but that is what they say in Utah and, to be fair to them, the skiing here is truly exceptional. A combination of unique climate conditions creates some of the fluffiest powder you'll find anywhere and you can truly feel as though you are floating down the mountain. With an average snowfall of 63 inches in January, you won't have to worry about missing out on powder.

Park City showcases some of the best skiing Utah has to offer. This is the largest ski area in the United States and we reckon you'll need at least 10 days to explore all 7,300 acres and make the most of the 17 peaks, 14 bowls and vast maze of tree-lined groomers. There is also plenty to do off-mountain including gin-making, relaxing in spas, shopping or just taking a stroll along the authentic Main Street.

With access to the mountain and Main Street via a quick shuttle ride, the 4* Park City Peaks Hotel is a great option if you're looking for value for money, a friendly atmosphere and great facilities.

"Fantastic ski park with lots of good terrain. Visited the week after Christmas and New Year, and after all the rain and damp grey weather back in Manchester, this was winter wonderland with tree lined runs, lots of snow and powder skiing." - John Livesey

One of the great powder playgrounds of the world, Niseko averages 6.2 days of snowfall per week in January, so you're almost guaranteed great powder conditions when you travel early in the year. Not only can you get a daily waist-deep fix of some of the lightest and most consistent snow in the world but you'll enjoy the return of night skiing, so that’s double powder sessions.

Unlike other resorts on this list, January is actually peak time for skiing in Niseko, so you're likely to share the slopes with more skiers and boarders. But with so much powder around, we say it's more than worth it!

During this coldest of months, a great way to end your days on the slopes is to warm yourself with a dip in a traditional onsen (hot spring) of which there are plenty throughout Hirafu and within the hotels.

Lap up even more Japan and swallow down some fresh sushi, tempura vegetables, ramen and much more in one of Niseko's dozens of restaurants. Yang Shu Ten in Niseko Village comes highly recommended by our team!

It's hard to look past the ever-popular, ski-in ski-out 4* The Green Leaf when deciding where to stay in Niseko. It's a great choice for anyone looking for easy access to the mountain, has one of the best onsens in town and serves a delicious hot pot in the evenings.

"Niseko skiing was amazing. I think we got it at it's best with fresh powder every day... So glad to have gone when we did." - Steve Malpass

New to our programme for winter 2023/24, the up-and-coming Gausta exemplifies one of the best aspects of skiing in Norway - quiet, uncrowded slopes.

Gausta isn't usually busy during the school holidays, so travel in January and you'll find the slopes almost empty. Gausta's snow record is exceptionally good too. We encourage families to travel with confidence during the Christmas holidays, so if you're travelling in January, you can expect heaps of snow on your arrival.

The ski area is truly for all abilities. The three peaks of Fjellheisen, Skipsfjell and Vatnedalheisen each have gentle greens as well as challenging runs for more experienced skiers. We also highly recommend taking the train up to Gaustatoppen, the volcano-like peak that dominates the resort. Early intermediates can ski down the marked run and experts can ski some seriously challenging terrain.

Fancy stepping into a floating sauna with panoramic views followed by a dunk in a frozen lake? Then make sure you check out 4* Gaustablikk Fjellresort in an outstanding ski-in ski-out location right in the heart of the resort.

Travel to Åre in January and you'll enjoy dark mornings and nights with floodlit slopes. Yes, Åre offers dawn til dusk skiing so you can enjoy gliding down runs that are perfect for intermediates either at sunrise at around 9:30 or sunset at 15:10. The views over the valley from the south-facing ski resort are special - we actually get many of our top photo competition entries from customers who travel to Åre.

Just like Gausta in Norway, Åre enjoys very quiet and uncrowded slopes. This is even the case during peak weeks, so if you're travelling outside the school holidays you can look forward to skiing without negotiating the crowds. Åre hits the mark off the slopes too. Earning itself the nickname ‘Little Stockholm,’ it has some of Sweden’s best après bars and more than 60 restaurants.

If you're looking for slopeside luxury, head to the 5* Copperhill Mountain Lodge. With an award-winning spa, relaxation area with panoramic views and fine-dining restaurant, you'll have no trouble feeling pampered during your days by the slopes. Tucked away at the edge of the resort right on the tree line, you can quickly access the main ski area.

"Loved every minute of our holiday in Åre. Very different to what we have become accustomed to in the Alps but in a positive way. No sharp peaks but more gentle rolling hills, but that does not mean that the skiing is any worse. The runs were empty (and it was the high season), no queuing for any of the lifts. Snow conditions could not have been more perfect despite the fact that the resort is very low lying." - Magdalena Richardson

If any of these resorts catch you're eye, enquire online or call 01273 224060 and our friendly, knowledgeable team will be happy to help.

We send many customers to these resorts throughout the season (as well as going there ourselves!) so to get a better feel for what it will be like, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.