• Introduction
• 1. Bad Gastein
• 2. Megève
• 3. Mont Tremblant
• 4. Park City
• 5. Sierra Nevada
• 6. Stowe
• 7. Sun Valley
• 8. Taos
• 9. Whistler Blackcomb
• 10. Zermatt

Sierra Nevada

For great skiing next door to an urban destination, there's no better choice than southern Spain’s "Snowy Range" and the remarkable city of Granada in its foothills. From the city, skiers can commute via bus or car to the ski village of Pradollano an hour away. Here, they’ll find peaks over 10,000 feet high, views all the way to North Africa’s Atlas Mountains, and a sunny, Mediterranean climate. Back in Granada, nonskiers can spend days trolling the whitewashed alleys of the Albaicín (old Arab quarter) and exploring the legendary Alhambra, a hilltop fortress palace that was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain and today is one of the world's most exquisite landmarks. 

Smart Splurge: The AC Palacio de Santa Paula is composed of a 16th-century convent, 14th-century houses, and a 19th-century palace, all merged under a steel and glass shell (with nice perks like a complimentary coffee shop and minibars). From $359/night; www.palaciodesantapaula.com

Great Value: For cultural osmosis, try the Casa Morisca, a beautifully restored 15th-century Moorish house in the city’s medieval quarter, complete with a burbling fountain in the central courtyard and original tile work. Book the spacious Mirador on the top floor for a stunning Alhambra panorama. From $135/night; www.hotelcasamorisca.com

See Sun Valley Travel GuideSee Whistler Travel Guide