Discover the world's best destinations for night skiing

There's something quietly electric about stepping onto a lift after sunset. The mountains slowly turn into silhouettes as darkness settles in, the air feels sharper, and the world below the slope fades away-and then, suddenly, the floodlights switch on and the pistes becomes a glowing white sea of snow. Night skiing makes the skiing you already love feel new again; it's more atmospheric and takes on a kind of cinematic calm. On top of that, you avoid the crowds (since many people are already sipping a beer after finishing their ski day), the slopes often stay surprisingly good, and après-ski eventually feels even more well-earned.

Night skiing isn't just "skiing, but later"-it also changes how you ski. You read contrast more carefully, and the soundscape on the mountain shifts with fewer skiers around you. Your focus narrows to the pool of light ahead, and everything else becomes background. For beginners, it can be a confidence boost because there are fewer people to consider and the overall atmosphere is calmer. For experienced skiers and snowboarders, it's a chance to chase that familiar adrenaline rush with a fresh twist.

So where should you go if you want to glide under the glow of floodlights instead of the sun? Here are some of the world's best places for night skiing-destinations that don't just keep the lifts spinning after dark, but turn the evening session into an experience in its own right.

European ski resorts with great night skiing

Sälen, Sweden

In Swedish ski culture, the idea of squeezing in a few extra runs is almost a way of life-and, in a sense, a necessity given how short the days are. Night skiing in Sälen, especially in Tandådalen but also Hundfjället, is a perfect example. You'll find accessible terrain, a friendly atmosphere, and the feeling that skiing is simply something you do-even when it's dark, even midweek, and even when the temperature makes your eyelashes freeze.

Hafjell or Trysil, Norway

In Norway, people understand the romance of winter darkness better than most. Night skiing here isn't a gimmick, but a practical extension of the day during long winter nights. Resorts like Hafjell and Trysil offer beautifully groomed runs under lights, and the experience can feel almost meditative, with crisp air, quiet forests, and a steady glow from the floodlights across the snow.

Schladming, Austria

Austrian ski resorts know how to turn sport into spectacle, and Schladming has the infrastructure and energy to make night skiing feel special. The lighting is strong, grooming is often excellent, and the village vibe adds an extra layer. Many people are still skiing long after nightfall-then stepping straight into a place that feels alive with food, music, and celebration.

Madonna di Campiglio, Italy

If you want night skiing with a touch of elegance, Madonna di Campiglio delivers. The Dolomites are known for dramatic views in daylight, but in the evening the mountains become dark shapes beyond the illuminated piste, creating an atmosphere that feels both glamorous and a little mysterious. Add great Italian food and wine afterward, and it's hard not to feel like you're exactly where you should be.

North American resorts with the best night skiing

Park City, Utah, USA

Utah is famous for its fantastic powder-of course harder to take advantage of in the dark-but Park City's night skiing has its own charm. The resort has a real destination feel, reliable operations, and that classic "one more lift, one more run" energy that can carry on late into the evening.

Keystone, Colorado, USA

If the phrase "skiing under the stars" were a specific place on Earth, it could very well be Keystone in Colorado. The atmosphere is lively, the lighting is strong, and the high elevation makes the cold feel properly alpine. It's perfect if you want to maximize your time on snow, where daytime skiing blends seamlessly into evening laps.

Mont Sainte-Anne, Québec, Canada

In Québec, night skiing is taken seriously. There's a cultural love of winter that shows in how well-lit and well-run the evening skiing is. At resorts like Mont Sainte-Anne, it often feels like the whole community turns up after work-energetic, social, and refreshingly unpretentious.

In Asia you'll find evening skiing with a different rhythm

Niseko, Japan

Japanese resort culture often blends efficiency with atmosphere, and Niseko is one of the world's best-known places for snow quality. Night skiing here can be magical, with light snowfall drifting through the floodlights, quiet runs, and that unmistakable Hokkaido sense of deep winter. Even if you don't get a legendary powder night, the ambience alone goes a long way.

Yongpyong Ski Resort and High 1 Resort, South Korea

Korean resorts are often strong on evening operations, offering bright lighting, well-groomed pistes, and a lively night scene. Night skiing here feels modern and energetic, with a clear "make the most of winter" attitude. Perfect if you like the mix of skiing and city-like convenience.

The best night skiing in the Southern Hemisphere

Mount Hutt, New Zealand

Night skiing in New Zealand feels different because it often comes with a real sense of adventure. You're far from the stereotypical European village vibe-and that's the whole point. When conditions line up, evening skiing under lights in the Southern Hemisphere can feel like a secret extra chapter of winter.

What makes a night-skiing destination truly great?

It's worth saying that not all resorts offering night skiing are equally rewarding. The best ones tend to share a few traits:

• Excellent lighting - you want even visibility, minimal shadows, and good coverage so you can more easily spot uneven patches on the slope.
• Reliable grooming - evening sessions are at their best when the pistes are freshly groomed and doesn't deliver any unexpected surprises.
• A strong local scene - resorts with lots of "after-work skiers" often have the best vibe; there should be enough people that the slopes don't feel dead, but calm enough to stay relaxed.
• Places to warm up: Temperatures can drop quickly once the sun is gone, so lodges or cafés where you can take warming breaks make the experience more comfortable.

Tips for an unforgettable experience after dark

• Start early-the first hour after the lights come on is often the best.
• Use goggles suited for night skiing. It can make a bigger difference than you think.
• Dial back your speed at first. It takes a few runs to get used to the contrast under the lights.
• Bring an extra layer. Temperatures can drop fast after sunset, and it can get especially cold on the lifts.

Night skiing is one of those experiences that's hard to explain until you've tried it yourself. The snow sparkles differently, as does the soundscape on the slopes, and a run that feels familiar in daylight can feel completely different in floodlight. Whether you're chasing a couple of extra hours on a ski holiday, meeting friends after work, or simply looking for a new kind of buzz, there are plenty of mountains around the world that shine after dark.