Surf
Ski and surf the same day—few experiences compare to the thrill of carving fresh snow in the morning and catching waves by afternoon. Here are five places around the world where you can chase this perfect adventure.
- Related: The 7 Best Places in the U.S. To Ski and Mountain Bike in the Same Day
- Related: 5 Places Where You Can Ski and Golf in the Same Day
Ben Lomond National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Ski resort: Ben Lomond Ski Resort
Ben Lomond is the largest ski resort in Tasmania, with seven lifts and a peak elevation of 1525 meters (5,003.3 feet). The resort even has a terrain park and gorgeous views of the expansive National Park.
Surf Break: Bicheno
Just over two hours away from the ski resort, you’ll find an amazing surf break on the edge of a picturesque town. While summer surfing in Australia is idyllic, with warm water and seemingly never-ending days (major “Endless Summer” vibes), winter brings fun with bigger swells and better waves. This creates the perfect storm for a dreamy ski-and-surf day.
Big Bear, California
Ski Resort: Big Bear Mountain Resort
Big Bear is one of the best ski resorts within a short driving distance of the coast. It has two different peaks: Bear Mountain (8,805 feet) and Snow Summit (8,200 feet). Combined, there are 19 lifts, 60 trails, and 11 terrain parks. Not only is it one of the largest coastal resorts, but it is also close to an astonishing number of surf breaks.
Surf Breaks: several
The accessibility to surf from Big Bear is thrilling. After packing the car with your ski gear, you can check the surf forecast in Los Angeles and plug in directions to your top pick. All of the surf breaks are a three-hour or less drive from the mountain. Of course, it will be longer if you hit the infamous LA traffic. Some of the best spots to hit include El Porto (Manhattan Beach), Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Ocean Park, Venice Beach, Sunset Point Beach, Topanga Beach, Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach, Leo Carrillo, and County Line. To make it more enticing, wintertime is the best time to surf in California.
Cape Breton Island, in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada
Ski Resort: Cape Smokey
A quaint, picturesque ski resort consisting of one gondola, one ski lift, and 15 ski runs. The views at the top of the 320-meter (754.6-foot) mountain are hard to beat. However, the most astonishing part of all… only 10 minutes away lies a worthy surf break.
Surf Break: Ingonish Beach
After skiing at Cape Smokey, you can hop in the car and travel ten minutes to hit the waves. Unfortunately, the best season for consistent waves is summer, especially in August. However, the winter still provides occasional fun and surfable swells.
Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Ski Resort: Sugarloaf
Another ski and surf day gem… Sugarloaf has an astounding 14 lifts servicing 162 trails. The second-tallest mountain in the state, it soars 4,237 feet high. Similar to Big Bear, it is close to many worthwhile surf breaks.
Surf Breaks: several
You’ll have your pick of several surf breaks to drive to from the mountain, all under a three-hour travel time. Winter offers chilly waters, amazing waves, and less crowded breaks than the West Coast of America. Some of the best breaks nearby include Crescent Beach, Reid State Park, Popham Beach, Higgins Beach, Scarborough Beach, Fortunes Rocks, Gooch’s Beach, Wells Beach, Ogunquit Beach (don’t miss the Rivermouth just south), and Long Sands Beach.
Atlas Mountains in Marrakesh, Morocco
Ski Resort: Oukaïmeden
Oukaïmeden is considered the best ski resort in Morocco and the highest ski resort in Africa, sitting atop an impressive 3268 meters (10,721.8 feet). On this massive mountain, the small resort features seven ski lifts to carry you to its 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of skiable terrain. It is noteworthy to remember you are skiing in Africa, meaning you won’t have the fluffy powdery snow you could get on a European vacation. There will be a mix of conditions and similarities to off-piste skiing; however, it will be less crowded and an unforgettable cultural experience.
Surf Break: Essaouira
After skiing at Oukaïmeden, you can hop in the car and travel just over four hours to reach this surf break, leaving plenty of time for a sunset session. Essaouira is nicknamed the windy city and is dominated by kitesurfers in the summer. However, the winds die down in the winter, and the ground swell picks up, making this a perfect spot for beginner surfers with smaller and milder swells.
Surf Break: Sidi Kaouki
You’ll find a unique beach about four and a half hours away from Oukaïmeden. The best surfing at Sidi Kaouki lies on the north side, where there is a reef break with fairly consistent waves, and it is best for intermediate-level surfers. Is it the best surfing in Morocco? No. Still, it provides a memorable Moroccan experience with sand dunes, camels, and a view of the shrine and pilgrimage site of Sidi Kaouki, a 19th-century marabout (a Muslim religious leader and teacher).
Is that pic of the guy walking in the sage with the surfboard in front of the snowcapped mountains just staged? Or is it anywhere on this list?