Best skiing in the world: 5 top destinations

For ski enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like racing down a mountain amid powdery snow, crisp air and amazing vistas. If you’re looking for the best skiing in the world, add these 5 destinations to your bucket list.

Aside from having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, the mountainside city of Innsbruck is home to nine ski resorts offering slopes for skiers of all levels. Known for having some of the best fresh powder in Europe, Innsbruck is nestled in the Austrian Alps and has year-round skiing. When you're not skiing, check out this charming city's delicious cuisine and old world charm.

Considered to be the quintessential skiing destination in the United States, Vail attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Located in Colorado between the Gore and Sawatch mountain ranges, Vail offers some of the most beautifully manicured slopes in the world. Although affordable lodging is available, Vail is home to several of the most sought-after luxury hotels, so don't be surprised if you spot a celebrity. Skiing is seasonal in Vail, but you can also visit during the off-season to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the mountains for hiking, biking and whitewater rafting.

Billed as the Swiss Alps of North America, Banff offers some of the best skiing in the Canadian Rockies. Because it is slightly off the beaten path, skiers in Banff tend to be more experienced and eager to venture onto back-country slopes. If you're up for exploring, head for Mount Norquay and check out the limestone pillars that the locals refer to as the Hoodoos.

Given that South America is known for incredibly hot weather, it may be a surprise to learn that Argentina offers exceptional skiing in the beautiful Andes mountain range. Described by Charles Darwin as "boundless," the Patagonia region features glaciers and blue skies that stretch for miles. If a ski holiday in Europe or North America doesn't offer the sense of adventure you're seeking, you can consider hitting the slopes in Patagonia.

Located in the Swiss Alps and approximately two hours from Zurich by car, St. Moritz is the preeminent ski and resort city in Switzerland. St. Moritz is considered the Hollywood of the Swiss Alps, so you can expect luxurious accommodations and high-end dining options, but also price tags to match. When it comes to skiing, the slopes here are considered some of the most dangerous and challenging in the world.

If you love skiing, these 5 amazing ski destinations are definitely worth a visit at least once in your lifetime if you have the opportunity.