As little over a century ago, a pair of skis was a humble mode of transportation - just a handy means to an end. Bombing down a snow-covered mountain was just a way to navigate harsh terrain in tough conditions. The equipment was primitive and there was nothing remotely trendy about it. Snowboards were a figment of the imagination and nobody had thought to join the words “ski” and “resort”.

Today it’s a different story of course. Practiced on seven continents, alpine sports are among the most popular recreational activities around. They form a considerable chunk of the tourism and travel industry, luring ski bums, families, jetsetters and regular vacationers to mountain resorts on all four corners of the globe. And it’s not hard to figure out the appeal. Let’s face it, there aren’t many more enjoyable ways to get some exercise and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors.

That being said, this is about the trendiest and some would argue, best ski resorts in the world. To be sure, a tough list to narrow down and not an exact science. But a combination of phenomenal conditions, superb scenery, upscale accommodations and that certain sense of “buzz” helped the following make the cut. And just in case you thought we forgot, the après-ski scene was most definitely a major factor as well.

Here they are, in no particular order, the five trendiest ski resorts in the world:

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

In terms of sheer size, the resort that surrounds the two mountains of Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most grandiose in North America. The lively village at the base of the peaks is known for raucous nightlife, fine restaurants and gracious Canadian hospitality. Although the resort has become incredibly popular, especially in anticipation of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, there are enough slopes to satisfy everyone.

Experts flock to Whistler Blackcomb for the expansive alpine bowls and the gorgeous terrain. The best way to take in the breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies is to sign up for some backcountry trails or even some heli-skiing. After a long day on the slopes, head to the village for oysters and Champagne at the incredible Bearfoot Bistro.

For great accommodations in Whistler Blackcomb, try the swanky Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and the hotel is right near the slopes.

One of the top draws of Whistler Blackcomb is that fact that it caters not just to winter sport enthusiasts. The area is a dream destination for golfers as well and the balmy British Columbia weather means that you can pack your clubs and skis together.

Gstaad, Switzerland

Gstaad is a throwback playground for royalty and European glitterati. Although it has a reputation as a vacation resort for the über-rich, the pleasant surprise is that Gstaad is accessible to most, even without a Hilton-like trust fund. One of the best features of the resort is that the village is a pedestrian zone. Without cars around, the area has a peaceful charm. Lined with quaint chalets, jewelery shops and clothing stores, the one-street village is pretty and picturesque.

From Gstaad you can conveniently access the slopes of six other Gstaad resorts via chairlift or funicular. Your best bet is to buy an all-inclusive pass that provides you with admission to 155 miles of downhill slopes and 70 chairlifts. Remember, the resort is nestled in the middle of the Swiss Alps so you might want to pack a digital camera. The magnificent views defy description.

For the après-ski crowd, Gstaad has some of the best gourmet dining of any European ski resort. There are no fewer than a dozen restaurants in the area that have received some of Europe’s highest culinary honors.

In terms of where to stay, try to score a chalet rather than a hotel room. Gstaad, with the prestigious hamlet appeal it offers, is best enjoyed in front of a roaring stone fireplace with a steaming pot of fondue and nice bottle of wine.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Cortina, host of the 1956 Winter Olympics, is the place to be for the bold and beautiful skiers. The village at the heart of the resort has 52 lifts and over 80 miles of runs. If that isn’t enough to satisfy your craving for powder you can buy a pass to access more than 50 other Cortina d’Ampezzo resorts in the area. But really, why would you want to leave Cortina? The surroundings are gorgeous, the people are beautiful and the staff can arrange a litany of activities to engage your mind, body and soul. The Adrenaline Center within the Cortina resort offers high-speed tobogganing, snow rafting, extreme skiing and other activities for risk-takers.

Cortina is known as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, the latter being the section of the Alps famous around the world for phenomenal ski conditions. The resort consistently tops the “Best of the Alps” list as one of the most elite destinations within the mountain range. The resort hosts a number of world-cup ski events throughout the winter season.

Sports aside, the Cortina village is a haven for trendy shoppers, with boutiques that offer everything from clothing to jewelery to unique local goods. This being Italy, there’s a lot of culture to soak up as well, with art galleries and museums in and around the village. And of course there’s food, lots of good food and plenty of places to take a load off and raise a toast to another great day on the slopes.

When you head to stylish Cortina, try to snag a room at the award-winning Rosa Alpina Hotel. It’s not at the base of the mountain but what it lacks in proximity to the slopes it more than makes up for in Old World charm, gourmet food and a terrific spa.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, United States of America

When land prices skyrocket, you know a place is hot. And hot is the word to characterize the Jackson Hole resort in Wyoming. The rich and famous regard it as a more leisurely alternative to Aspen and Vail, Colorado. While there are enough trendy shops and gourmet restaurants to satisfy the stars, Jackson is quieter, with fewer lines at the lifts. The resort’s slogan is “Like nothing you have skied before” and one run down the slopes proves it.

Jackson Hole has 2,500 acres over two mountains and enough trail variety to challenge Hermann Maier. If that weren’t enough, 3,000 acres of unpatrolled backcountry terrain are available for the adventurous in nearby Bridger Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park. That aside, Jackson Hole has 22 miles of trails, the most extensive of which extends from the summit of Rendezvous Mountain.

For roller-coaster chutes, expert runs, fine powdery trails and some of the most wonderful backcountry scenery ever seen, Jackson Hole is the place to be. Those in the know stay at the Amangani hotel, with rooms that offer spectacular views of the Snake River Mountain Range.

Chamonix, France

Chamonix is synonymous with the term “ski resort”. Every ski enthusiast either wants to go there for the first time or wants to go back. At the foot of Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in the Alps, the resort has a magical appeal. It was host of the very first Winter Olympics in 1924 and deservedly so. The pioneers behind the original Chamonix resort led the way for every other Alpine destination in Europe.

Part of the reason for Chamonix’s popularity is the challenge the slopes present to skiers and the legendary 13.7-mile run known as the Vallée Blanche. In addition, the off-piste and backcountry skiing is among the most sought after in the world. And if you’re bored of skiing at Chamonix – although, how could that happen really – there’s always hang-gliding and glacier-climbing.

The town of Chamonix is full of life and historical charm. Walk the streets to discover Baroque and Art Deco architecture, ancient palaces and of course, the cream of European society. Take advantage of the free public transportation to explore nearby towns, churches and quaint boutiques. Chamonix is a cosmopolitan little place and other than the excellent skiing, there’s no shortage of culture and great food. This is France after all, so relax at a café along the main strip and watch the people go by. For more sophisticated dining, book a reservation at one of the Michelin-star restaurants in the area. Your hotel concierge will be happy to help.

If you’re wondering where to stay, the Hotel Mont-Blanc is a spectacular 19^th-century four-star establishment that is highly coveted by regulars to Chamonix. The hotel has 8 suites and 32 rooms so book yours well in advance.

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