Following up on our preview of next season’s United States ski spots to hit, here are four international ski destinations to keep on your radar. Whether you’re a veteran of winter sports, or or have yet to hit the bunny slopes skiing and snowboarding can be some of the most fun you could have when there’s snow on the ground. If you find yourself with with the urge to travel out of the country, be it for skiing or just for some of the coolest winter resorts, we have you covered with the below.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland
At the top of our list is the Swiss town of Zermatt. Found below the famous Matterhorn peak, Zermatt is the fairy-tale winter town come to life. The town light up at night against the mountain backdrop looks too amazing to be real. The primary income for the town is through tourism, meaning every aspect of this destination has been crafted to accommodate the rich to the modest. Upscale or on a budget Zermatt is full of options for almost any price range with hotels, restaurants, and public outdoor rinks scattering the area. Zermatt is number one for its versatility from its price range, family friendly setting, breathtaking vista, to something for the most experienced skiers and climbers, the Matterhorn, Zermatt has above all else something for everyone.

Photo courtesy | Philip Larson

2. Chamonix, France
For the history buff Chamonix may stand out among the skiers. Chamonix is the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Found at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps, Chamonix is open year round offering extreme winter sports fans some of the more challenging runs. Mont Blanc attracts skiers and climbers alike from around the world as the highest European mountain west of Russia and as the highest mountain in the Alps. Affordable hotels, 5-star hotels found as low as mid $300s as tempting as this place may be, be ready for a challenge when visiting.

Photo courtesy | Neil JS.

3. Niseko, Japan
For a true snowy winter-wonderland Niseko is the place to be. Now, Niseko’s snow is something special. Receiving storm fronts from Siberia Niseko is known for some of the lightest powdered snow in the world. Furthermore where most ski resorts see the snowfall season to last until April, here the season lasts for an extra few weeks into early-mid May. However, when the snow melts the area doesn’t just shut down and wait for winter again. In recent years their summer attractions, from horseback-riding to kayaking, keep people coming back while we wait for that glorious, unique, snowfall.

Photo courtesy | Dave See

4. Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
For our final stop we return to North America. For those who want to have a European ski trip but may not be able to afford it Mont Tremblant is most likely the next best thing. 5-star hotels averaging around $230, and the mountain just 3 miles away from the city skiing in the lap of luxury has never been easier. For those that would rather get away from the pampered life however, or for college kids that want a cool winter trip on an even smaller budget than normal hostels are scattered throughout the city. Friendly faces, affordable prices, and its unique architecture Mont Tremblant is a European getaway in your own backyard.

Photo courtesy | Andrea Black