The world has many natural sights to explore, from long, winding rivers to wide, open canyons. But of these natural wonders, none are more impressive to behold than mountains. Whether their peaks are snowy or sunkissed, they always make for incredible photographs and lasting memories.
That’s why, to celebrate the annual International Mountain Day on 11 December, Expat Explore has compiled a list of the world’s best mountain ranges to set your sights on. From white powdery peaks to active volcanoes, these mountains welcome travellers from around the world to their bases. Add these to your travel wish list, and marvel at the majestic mountains of the world!
Related: Have a look at these top destinations for skiing and other winter sports!
Take a look at some of the world’s most impressive mountains:
Hahnenkamm, Austria
First on our list is a ski-lover’s paradise located in Austria. The town of Kitzbühel comes alive in December as the festive season draws closer. With family-friendly resorts, ski activities, and incredible views, this impressive mountain range is perfect for a white Christmas celebration.
Paying a visit around the festive season is highly recommended as the streets glimmer with Christmas lights, buzz with markets, and welcome the singsong of Christmas carolers. And if skiing is your MO, you’ll be happy to know that the town has invested in snowmaking facilities to ensure that skiers can have a blast no matter the weather.
Related: Enhance your trip with even more places to visit in Austria!
Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Up next is a year-long winter wonderland in Switzerland. Jungfraujoch is a saddle connecting two mountains in the Bernese Alps and is known for its year-round snowy peaks. Go 3,454m above sea level on the Eiger Express cable car and experience breathtaking panoramic mountain views at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. All of Expat Explore’s Switzerland tours offer the opportunity to join an incredible optional excursion up to the top of Jungfraujoch!
With snow all year round, Jungfraujoch is the perfect place to visit for a white Christmas. Feel the icy air on your skin as you marvel at the massive Aletsch Glacier, the ice palace and the Sphinx Observatory. With exciting activities and breathtaking mountain views, Jungfraujoch promises to be the experience of a lifetime.
Related: Discover more opportunities for adventure with the top outdoor activities in Switzerland!
Les 3 Vallées, France
France offers up the next incredible mountain range that will tick the white Christmas wishes off your bucket list. With snowfall from November to May, you’ll certainly see some snowy peaks should you visit around the festive season. In fact, some resorts in the area even offer a snow guarantee, assuring skiers that they can book without worrying whether they’ll get to see the snow and enjoy the slopes.
Visitors can choose from a variety of ways to enjoy and explore the mountain, from skiing and snowshoeing to toboggan sledging. And for those not seeking adventure, enjoy a meal with a spectacular view at one of 20 Michelin-star restaurants in the area. Either way, this is a snowy experience you won’t want to miss!
Related: Prepare for a trip to France with these useful French travel phrases!
Rocky Mountains, USA
Our next stop takes us to the USA for another white Christmas in the mountains. The Rocky Mountains, also referred to as The Rockies, comprise a minimum of 100 separate mountain ranges, including towering peaks and active volcanoes. And with higher ski resorts than anywhere in Europe, the weather conditions are reliable enough throughout the ski season that visitors are almost guaranteed enough snow for skiing in December.
However, the area doesn’t cater to skiers only. A wide variety of restaurants means travellers can taste anything from the classic American burger to fine dining dishes. Visitors can even spend some time exploring the local museums or go on a gold mine tour.
Related: Try these classic American dishes during your time in the USA!
Huayna Picchu, Peru
Peru gives us the next incredible mountain to behold. Rising over Machu Picchu, the so-called lost city of the Incas, Huayna Picchu offers an incredible mountain hiking experience with some of the best views of Machu Picchu as a reward for travellers who can handle the climb and the altitude. While it’s one of the smaller mountains on our list, the experience is nothing short of amazing.
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, as well as the breathtaking Peruvian Andes, from the best sky view.
Related: Join the optional excursion to Machu Picchu on our Sacred Peru tour!
Mount Fuji, Japan
Our next must-see mountain takes us to Japan. As one of Japan’s top tourist attractions, Mount Fuji is an unforgettable sight to behold. With a breathtaking hiking route, an active volcano and some of the most spectacular views in Japan, it’s no wonder that travellers from far and wide seek out this mountain marvel.
While the hike to the top can be considered rather challenging, most people who attempt it reach the peak to experience the highly rewarding views that make the journey more than worthwhile.
Related: Learn more about what it’s like to tour Japan with Expat Explore!
Table Mountain, South Africa
Last but certainly not least on our list is located in stunning South Africa. Table Mountain is not only the fifth Natural Wonder of the World but also the backdrop to and an incredible lookout point over Cape Town. Visitors can reach the top either on a hike or by taking a cable car ride. Either way, be sure to get up there for some breathtaking views of South Africa’s Mother City.
What makes this mountain unique is not its size, in fact, it’s one of the smallest mountains on this list. However, its flat top and dense fynbos vegetation are what distinguishes it from other mountains in the world.
Related: Explore all of the sights, sounds and smells of South Africa!
Now that you’ve had a sneak peek at the world’s top peaks, it’s time to get out there and explore them up close and marvel at the views they tower over. Whether you’re looking for the perfect white Christmas in the mountains, a ski experience of a lifetime, or sunkissed scenic hikes, the mountains on this list are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Expat Explore offers single and multi-country tours to all the destinations where you’ll find these marvellous mountains, so book a trip and brave the altitudes!