A growing appetite for adventures beyond the groomed pistes is transforming winter tourism. The annual Winter Sports guide from National Geographic Traveller (UK), published by APL Media and available with the December 2026 issue, explores extraordinary winter journeys, from the Silk Road and Norwegian Arctic to the American West and Italy’s abandoned ski resorts. 

As interest in backcountry skiing, alpine touring and other off-piste pursuits grows, skiers are seeking new ways to explore the mountains and destinations beyond traditional Alpine resorts. 

Sarah Barrell, editor, said: “As winter seasons get less predictable and equipment gets more advanced, skiers are seeking ever-more adventurous ways to explore the mountains. Alpine resorts are diversifying, finding increasingly inventive ways to encourage visitors to explore the peaks beyond the pistes. Meanwhile, destinations further afield are enticing thrill-seeking skiers — seen in Central Asia’s growing winter tourism industry and the rise in expedition ski trips to the Arctic and beyond.” 

The guide captures this spirit of adventure, from Italy’s ghost resorts, reclaimed by ski tourers, to a journey through Central Asia with record-breaking snowboarder Jamie Barrow and a ski-sail expedition in Norway’s remote Finnmark region. 

Also inside: 

• Ski four states in 12 days: An epic US ski safari through Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. 

• Learn to ski in Austria: A three-day programme with a progress guarantee in Katschberg, Carinthia. 

• Japan’s powder paradise: The best snow, onsen and mountain resorts. 

• AI-powered ski trips: How technology is transforming the way travellers plan their mountain holidays. 

Plus, Alpine favourites from Verbier to Les Menuires, rail-to-piste resorts, family ski advice, equipment reviews and budget-friendly mountain hotels. 

The Winter Sports guide is available with the December 2026 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). 

Website: News, features and more at nationalgeographic.com/travel 

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Instagram: instagram.com/natgeotraveluk 

National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital  

CONTACTS:  

For editorial enquiries: +44 (0) 20 7253 9906 [email protected]   

Maria Pieri, editorial director & chief operating officer +44 (0) 20 7253 9906 [email protected]   

Matthew Jackson, chief executive officer +44 (0) 20 7253 9909 [email protected]   

Anthony Leyens, chairman & co-founder +44 (0) 20 7253 9909 [email protected]  

Notes  

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010 and is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. nationalgeographic.com/travel   

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, find us on the National Geographic app or visit us at Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.  

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About APL Media       
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors since 1997. It’s published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.        

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It’s also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk