The 9 Weirdest Ski Resorts

Throughout the world, there are 6,053 ski resorts. Within the thousands of resorts worldwide, there are bound to be some odd ones. With so many to choose from, what are some of the strangest ski resorts in the world?

9. Aurora Expeditions, Antarctica

Technically, Antarctica does not have any actual ski resorts due to extreme weather and immense logistical hurdles. But if there’s a will, there’s a way. Luckily, for more experienced skiers, Aurora Expeditions offers a ski tour of specific peaks in Antarctica. However, there is a checklist of requirements, including a minimum age requirement of 14, a list of specific equipment, and a required experience level, with all details on requirements being listed here. This guided tour includes bringing guests to remote areas where few have been before, including places such as Mt Tennant, Mt Hoegh, Andvord Bay, Mt Pond, Whalers Bay, Port Lockroy, and Doumer Peak.

This unique experience comes at quite the cost. According to Travel and Leisure, the tour prices started at $12,316 for the 2024/2025 season. While prices for the 2026/2027 season are not listed, anyone willing to explore uncharted territory on skis can request a quote here.

• Related: White Desert, Antarctica: Luxury at the Edge of the Earth

  

8. Piano Provenzana, Italy

Also located in the Mediterranean, in Sicily, lies Piano Provenzana. At first glance, this resort seems nothing out of the ordinary: 10.3 km of slopes, 4 lifts, and an elevation between 1,810 and 2,336 m. However, the allure of this resort lies beneath the surface, as Piano Provenzana is located on one of the main base areas of Europe’s highest and most active stratovolcano. Ski at your own risk!

7. Mount Olympus, Cyprus

Cyprus, the Mediterranean country known for its beaches, also provides an outlet for skiers residing or visiting the small island. Mount Olympus, located in the Troodos Mountains, is the highest point of the island, at 1951 meters. Additionally, the resort offers 4 km of skiable slope and 5 lifts. The length of the ski season for Mount Olympus is just slightly less than that of central Europe. Still, what makes Mount Olympus special is its unique location in West Asia, while still being located in the Mediterranean and being a part of Europe. Fortunately, once visitors arrive in Cyprus, Mount Olympus is an hour drive from Limassol and an hour and a half drive from Nicosia.

6. Oukaïmeden Resort, Morocco

While Morocco is typically associated with the sandy and dry Sahara Desert, its skiing options are just as interesting. Oukaïmeden Resort, located about 75 km south of Marrakech, this resort is over 9,500 feet high and offers 10 km of slopes. With seven lifts, Oukaïmeden Resort is a hill that can be skied in a day. Still, the hill is worth a stop if one wants something different from Western resorts. According to Culture Trip, the pistes are not as well groomed, and boundaries are not as clearly defined. Oukaïmeden Resort’s conditions also completely depend on its natural environment, so be prepared to be flexible with any possible snow conditions when planning your next trip to Northern Africa!

5. Mauna Kea, Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands state that the average daytime winter temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. With weather like this, one would think it would be impossible to maintain a ski mountain. Fortunately, that isn’t the case for Mauna Kea! Mauna Kea isn’t necessarily an established ski resort, but it is a great place to go backcountry skiing. Sitting 13,796 feet in the air, the elevation of the mountain makes for a cold area equipped for the snowfall it receives between December and February. Mauna Kea translates to “white mountain.” Although the mountain may not have trail maps, lifts, or skiing resort facilities, the mountain is perfectly equipped for backcountry skiing. This hidden gem isn’t like other mountains, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

There are many interesting backstories and conditions for many ski resorts around the world. At the end of the day, tourists can embrace the differentiating features and do what they came to do: ski!

4. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, Virginia

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre is a year-round resort located in Liberty University, Virginia. The trick to this resort staying open year-round is its coverage of monofilament fiber, which is put into a carrier layer on top of a foam shock pad. To keep the fiber cool, a sprinkler system layers the material with Britonmist, which reduces friction. Because of the unique engineering this hill features, it is the first ski park that doesn’t use snow in North America. The park, which opened in 2009, is home to 500-foot runs. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre features innovations and presents a new type of skiing.

3. Mount Hermon, Israel

Mount Hermon ski resort has always been a controversial topic within the community. The resort falls within “one of the world’s most infamous contested borders,” as stated by Popular Mechanics. Israel is on one side of the mountain, while Syria and Lebanon are on the other side. During the 6 Day War in 1967, Israel originally took ownership of part of the mountain. Then, on October 6, 1973, Syria captured it on the first day of the Yom Kippur War. 2 weeks later, Israel took back control of the mountain, and it has remained under Israel since. The mountain has roots tied to the Judeo-Christian Tradition. The mountain is mentioned in the bible under the names Ba’al Hermon, Sion, Sirion, and Senir. Within bible teachings, the mountain is believed to be the “site of Transfiguration.” Reaching 9,232 feet, the Israeli mountains park is located on the border between Lebanon and Syria. This historic mountain has an immense amount of history dating back to biblical times.

2. Ski Dubai, Dubai

Similar to Liberty Mountain, Ski Dubai is open year-round. With the lowest average temperature of the year hitting only 58 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, how is this year-round resort possible? It’s pretty simple: Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort! This ski resort features real snow all year and is home to 5 runs. Dubai is home to the world’s first indoor black diamond run. Although it may not be traditional, if you find yourself wanting to ski in the Middle East, Ski Dubai is the place to go!

• Related: AZ Snow Zone Brings Year-Round Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding to Phoenix, AZ

1. Masikryong, North Korea

The country this resort is located in is unusual, considering North Korea has been under dictatorship rule since October 3rd, 1945. North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, originally labeled this resort as a project to increase foreign tourist numbers. Masikryong is the only ski resort North Korea offers. Once there, the resort features outdoor screens broadcasting the political agenda and the leader, Kim Jong-un. The resort has 70 miles of snow to ski on and features a 120-room hotel. Because of the isolation and motivation behind this resort, it is safe to say this isn’t a ski resort you see every day.