A few years ago on a work trip to Oslo, Norway, I tacked on a few days to fly further north and explore Lofoten, an archipelago of around 80 islands above the Arctic Circle. Famous for its fishing villages, Viking history, and dramatic mountains that careen into the ocean, Lofoten is a well-known paradise for hikers in the summer and has a burgeoning reputation for pristine ski touring in the winter, with runs from summits all the way to the sea.
The skiing was so good, in fact, that I’ve been back three more times. However, what surprised me the most wasn’t the snow, but rather the sandy beaches, turquoise blue water, and vibrant surf culture in Lofoten, which is quickly becoming a cold-water surfing destination. Fresh tracks in the morning and picturesque waves in the afternoon combine for a unique experience, so I started to wonder if there were any other places around the globe where it was possible to ski in the morning and enjoy the beach in the afternoon. Sure enough, there are quite a few—you only need to know where to look.
New Zealand’s Southern Alps seem to hover above the beaches of Sumner Bay.
Photo by Edward Phillip Ellerm/Shutterstock
1. New Zealand
The South Island offers multiple locations for a ski-and-beach double. For those near Christchurch, ski in the morning at Mount Hutt, one of the country’s top resorts, then drive less than two hours to Sumner Beach, where in winter you’ll likely find minimal crowds and water temps in the low 60s, for a cool plunge on a sunny day. If you are further south near Queenstown, start your day at Cardrona, Remarkables, or Coronet Peak, then drive to Dunedin, known for its white-sand beaches, seals, and penguins. On the North Island, Mount Ruapehu’s Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields are just a couple hours from Taranaki’s renowned black-sand beaches, striking scenery, and some of the world’s longest left-hand point breaks.
2. Spain
Start your day up in the Sierra Nevada near Granada, with the Mediterranean coast an hour away. Sierra Nevada Resort sits at nearly 11,000 feet, making it Europe’s highest ski area, while its southern location provides more mild temperatures. From there, drive an hour to the Costa Tropical beaches, which offer a mix of long sandy stretches and small, secluded coves for a more intimate beach experience. Protected by the mountains, the area is known for ample year-round sunshine, paired with clear and calm waters for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
Head to a beach in Santa Cruz in the evening, after a morning of skiing in Lake Tahoe.
Photo by Luis Angelo/Unsplash (L); photo by Ethan Walsweer/Unsplash (R)
3. California
Known as the “California Double,” a day of skiing and surfing in the Golden State is a right of passage. Start at Big Bear Resort in the San Bernardino Mountains, two hours northeast of Los Angeles. After a morning of groomer laps, head to iconic beaches in Malibu, Venice, or Huntington—just make sure to check L.A. traffic beforehand, because it can extend the drive significantly. For those further north, ski at Palisades or Heavenly on Lake Tahoe, then drive four hours (depending on traffic) to Santa Cruz to catch evening waves.
A beach experience in Taghazout is worth the drive from the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
Photo by Anastasiia Kravchenko/Unsplash (L); photo by sander traa/Unsplash (R)
4. Morocco
Africa’s highest ski resort, Oukaïmeden, sits in the High Atlas Mountains with lifts that reach up to 10,600 feet. Compared to most European or American resorts, it offers a more off-the-beaten path experience with ungroomed runs and deep powder. From Oukaïmeden, it’s a 220-mile drive to Taghazout on the Atlantic Coast, which is known for warm water, golden sands, and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. Although this is the one of the longer transit time on the list, it is completely worth it, because of how unique both the skiing and beaches are in Morocco.
5. Japan
One of my favorite locations for the ski-and-beach double is Japan, particularly on the main island’s west coast. Resorts like Akakan and Suginohara receive around 42 feet annually thanks to Siberian storms crossing the Sea of Japan. Just 30 miles to the closest coastal town, the same systems that dump snow on the mountains also generate consistent swell for this area, making them appealing for surfing in the winter. Alternatively, Hokkaido in the north offers similar opportunities near Niseko, but the beach spots are a little less developed.
Iceland’s slopes are often close to cliff shores and black-sand beaches.
Photo by Jiri Stoklaska/Shutterstock
6. Iceland
There are two places where you can ski and visit the beach in a single day in the land of fire and ice. The first is Bláfjöll, near the capital, Reykjavík. With 14 ski lifts and varied terrain, it’s good for all levels. Less than an hour away is the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its volcanic, cliff-lined shores. Here you can hike trails along the cliffs and sea stacks or surf at popular breaks like Sandvík, Thorli, and Grindavík. Or head north to the Troll Peninsula to ski at Hlíðarfjall near Akureyri, the second largest resort in the country, then drive to the town of Ólafsfjörður, for a beach with stunning mountain views in the background.
7. Lebanon
The most surprising place on the list, this small Middle Eastern country is one of the best. Start the day at Mzaar Kfardebian Resort in the Keserwan Range, the region’s largest ski resort with more than 50 miles of trails, then drive less than an hour to public beaches like Tyre, Jiyeh, or Batroun, each with clear Mediterranean waters, white-pebble and sandy shores, and lively beach restaurants and clubs. The water is cool but not frigid during the winter, with temps often in the 60s, making it pleasant for quick dips.
With Chile being such a long, skinny country, the Andes Mountains aren’t that far from the Pacific Ocean.
Photo by Jose Luis Stephens/Shutterstock
8. Chile
Skiing in the High Andes and beaching along the Pacific is possible if you start at Valle Nevado, which, with a base area elevation of 10,000 feet, offers consistent snow for morning turns. It has 9,000 acres of skiable terrain and is connected with neighboring El Colorado and La Parva resorts. From Valle Nevado, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to the beaches of Valparaiso, Reñaca, or Viña del Mar, or a slightly longer trip to Pichilemu, Chile’s surf capital with consistent point and beach breaks on a year-round basis. During the winter in the Southern Hemisphere, the water temps are cool, so you’ll want to rent a wetsuit if you plan to swim, surf, or snorkel for longer periods of time.
Mount Washington Resort on Vancouver Island is 90 minutes from the coast.
Photo by Russ Heinl/Shutterstock
9. Canada
Vancouver Island offers a unique ski-and-sand combination, starting at Mount Washington Resort and ending the day at Tofino’s renowned beaches. Mount Washington is about 90 minutes from the island’s west coast and features over 1,700 acres of skiable terrain. Tofino is the surf capital of Canada, with famous breaks at Long Beach, Cox Bay, and Chesterman Beach that offer consistent swells, with the biggest in winter. A thicker wetsuit is essential, because the water is cold, typically around 50 degrees.
10. South Korea
The ski-and-beach experience in South Korea is primarily in Gangwon Province, starting at Yongpyong Resort, made famous by the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. From there it’s only 45 minutes to emerging beach destinations on the eastern coast, including Yangyang, Sokcho, and Gangneung. The Sea of Japan is cold during the fall and winter, but the beaches, with clear water and golden sands, are perfect for a long stroll during these months. Plus, Korea’s excellent highway system makes the trip one of the easiest on this list.
