let's go off-piste! 6 under the radar ski spots

For just a little over €30, you can swoosh down pristine Lebanese mountains on a weekday. Yes, €30! Pretty insane, if you ask us. Back in the early 20th century, a few Lebanese expats studying in Switzerland turned a brilliant idea into an even more fabulous reality: ski resorts back home. Though these aren’t the glamorous runs you’ll find in the Alps, skiing in Lebanon (just an hour away from Beirut) is something special, something a little quirky. To set the scene, think Wes Anderson meets Paolo Sorrentino: floor-length furs, rickety, colourful plastic tables and maybe a visual firearm or two. Snag a reservation at The Chill Hill Experience.

Light, powdery snow that falls pretty much non-stop. Jaw-dropping scenery. And easy backcountry access. There’s little about Niseko that a serious ski bunny wouldn’t love. Tucked away on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Niseko has long, scenic ski trails that undulate through stunning natural forests. Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri are all great options for Japanese skiing, but Niseko Village is probably best for the most serious skiers. We love the Green Leaf Hotel for ski-in ski-out and a gorgeous onsen experience.

Zooming down a mountain with no big rocks or trees in your way is a pretty sweet setup. Add in breathtaking views, affordable skiing, rich Georgian comfort foods and killer wines, and you’ll wonder why you’ve never skied in Gudauri before. If you’re into back country skiing, Gudauri really knocks it out of the park – the world really is your (snowy) oyster here. Don’t expect glitz when you check in at Marco Polo, but you’ll be so enchanted by the skiing itself, you won’t even mind.

A winter paradise whether you’re skiing or not, Sweden is heaven when blanketed in snow. Leave the streets of Stockholm behind and head straight for the inviting arms of Åre. Founded back in 1909, Åre has been the spot for Swedish powder hunters for decades. From lunch on the slopes at Buustamon to dinner at Werséns or Vinbaren to a little après-ski sesh at Fjällgården, we can hardly imagine anything better. Do as the Swedes do and rent one of the lovely little Åre Valley Lodges.

Keen to ski like a king? Head to Baqueira Beret, Europe’s best-kept ski secret (and the place where the King of Spain French-fries down the mountain). Tucked away in the heart of the Pyrenees in the Aran and Àneu Valleys in Catalonia, Baqueira is certainly one of our favourite places to ski. It’s chill, and it’s charming. And it’s done away with all of the pomp and circumstance you get in other European ski destinations (*cough* Verbier *cough*). It’s all about the snow here – and the cosiest après-ski, of course. If you’re not renting a villa (or staying with friends, if you’re lucky!), a room at Val de Neu will do the trick quite nicely.

If you’re coming from Europe, skiing in North America is probably not really on your radar, and even if you’re already living in the US, Taos might not be top of mind. But we’re here to confirm it absolutely should be. Founded by Ernie Blake back in the 50s, Taos is this curious mix of Austrian energy and southwestern ski culture. Flanked by sacred wilderness, boasting rugged peaks and just a short jaunt to always-cool Santa Fe, Taos has quickly – and unsurprisingly – become a beloved spot for powder fiends. Warm up with a hot chocolate at the Phoenix Grill or cool down with an ice-cold beer at the Martini Tree before heading back to your room at El Monte Sagrado.