If you were asked what Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Greenland have in common, you probably wouldn’t answer: their ski infrastructure. And yet, these three destinations are among the 67 countries in the world where it’s possible to ski. In this study, based on data compiled by consultant Laurent Vanat in his report “2022 International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism”, HelloSafe, an insurtech specialist in travel insurance on the British market, offers an overview of ski destinations, some of which are sure to surprise you.

Alexandre Desoutter, Editor-in-Chief of HelloSafe in the UK says:

 “The United Kingdom has a robust ski culture, with approximately 6.3 million skiers in the country. While the UK does not have the large, natural ski resorts of the Alps or North America, it has made significant strides in developing indoor and artificial skiing infrastructure. The country boasts several indoor ski slopes, such as the Snowdome in Tamworth and the Chill Factore in Manchester, offering year-round skiing opportunities. These venues allow beginners and enthusiasts to practice on real snow without leaving the country. For outdoor skiing, the UK relies on its smaller, mountain-based resorts in Scotland, including Cairngorm, Glenshee, and Nevis Range. These resorts cater mostly to beginners and intermediate skiers, offering a variety of runs, although snow conditions can be unpredictable. As a result, British skiers often travel abroad, with France, Austria, and Switzerland being the most popular destinations for more advanced skiing experiences. The growing ski market in the UK reflects the increasing passion for the sport, with ski trips becoming an annual tradition for many families and groups of friends​ “.

Leaders in Ski Infrastructure with the most ski lifts: France, USA, and Austria

Leading countries such as France, the USA, and Austria, each with over 2,900 ski lifts, testify to a strong tradition of winter sports and massive investment in mountain tourism. The Alpine countries dominate, confirming the importance of this region as the world’s heart of winter sports.

Beyond Europe and North America, Japan (5th) and China (12th) stand out in Asia, reflecting the growing power of these markets. On the other hand, countries such as Australia and South Korea, despite limited geographical conditions, feature thanks to an infrastructure focused on specific zones. Finally, the significant gap between the leaders and the bottom of the top 20 shows that winter sports remain a regionalized sector, favored by the geography and history of local tourism.

Emerging Ski Destinations: Surprising Contestants

While giants such as France, the USA, and China dominate in terms of the number of resorts and ski lifts, countries such as Turkey (60 resorts), Greece (22 resorts), and even Iran (22 resorts) are surprisingly present, revealing the existence of winter sports niches in regions with varied climates.

With their handful of resorts, South Africa and Lesotho bear witness to the adaptation of skiing to the southern hemisphere, as does New Zealand, which combines spectacular mountains with a reverse season. Countries like Lebanon and Morocco, in the heart of the Middle East and North Africa, show that skiing can thrive even in regions perceived as hot or arid.

The appearance of emerging destinations such as Kazakhstan, Georgia, and India also underlines a trend toward the internationalization of skiing, far beyond the traditional Alps. These places, often with fewer facilities but unique landscapes and cultures, could attract customers looking for new experiences. This table shows that skiing is no longer just a sport of the Alpine countries but a booming leisure activity in a wide range of geographical contexts.

6.3 million people taking part in this sport & SKI travel

This data on the total number of skiers per country reveals significant geographical diversity, transcending the boundaries of traditional mountain areas. The United States, with over 25 million skiers, and China, with 13 million, demonstrate the scale of the North American and Asian markets, driven by their vast populations and winter sports development initiatives. In Europe, Germany dominates with over 14 million skiers, despite a less favorable topography compared to countries like France and Austria.

Top ski markets by participants:

• • USA: 25 million skiers
  • China: 13 million skiers
  • Germany: 14 million skiers
  • UK: 6.34 million skiers, with popular destinations including Scotland and indoor ski slopes

Interestingly, nations without major mountain ranges, such as the UK (6.34 million) and Belgium (1.25 million), also post high figures, illustrating the impact of travel to the Alps or other international resorts. Finally, countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Russia confirm the worldwide interest in winter sports, even in regions less historically associated with this activity. This diversity underlines the universal appeal of skiing and the importance of infrastructure and tourist access in developing the sport.