A ski area is a place where one goes to participate in the sports of skiing and snowboarding. Normally located in high mountain areas (or at least on well-built-up hills) for optimum snow coverage, they have become ubiquitous in areas where skiing is a popular pastime. Ski areas typically have one or more chair lifts for moving skiers rapidly to the top of hills. Rope tows can also be used on short slopes (usually beginner hills or "bunny slopes").

A ski resort is a ski area, but with a village and/or high-end accommodations and other amenities at the base of the mountain.

A mountain resort is a place to holiday or vacation located in the mountains. Common activities at a mountain resort include skiing, snowboarding and the like.

See also

• List of ski areas