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Imagine working remote from a cozy mountain lodge in a foreign country by day, flying down the mountain on your skis after your work is done, followed by a little après-ski to wrap up the evening. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? For digital nomad ski bums, it can be a reality.
If you’re looking for a winter getaway that combines the thrill of skiing (or snowboarding) with the convenience of working remotely, you’re in the right place. To help you choose where to visit this ski season, we put together this list of five ideal international ski destinations for digital nomads.
Experienced skiers might expect to see France or Switzerland on this list, but spoiler alert: they’re not. We selected countries not only based on the quality of their slopes, but also based on the availability of digital nomad and self-employment visa programs and affordability.¹
While France or Switzerland don’t (yet) offer special visa programs for digital nomad-like work, rest assured each of the countries on our list has all of the spectacular slopes and charming lodges you’ll need to make the most of a ski-centric digital nomad adventure.
Located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is a small country known for its beautiful skiing slopes. With nearly 190 miles of slopes across four major ski resorts, including the iconic Grandvalira, and an average yearly snowfall of over 32 feet, Andorra offers some of Europe's best skiing conditions.
The country also offers a dedicated visa just for digital nomads, and with a 25.98% lower cost of living than in the United States, it’s a destination where your savings can go far.
Spain is launching a new digital nomad visa in January 2023, and it’s an ideal destination for those who want to get away from extreme cold during winter but still have plenty of options for occasional slope-hitting.
The country has many excellent ski resorts, including La Molina/Masella and Baqueira/Beret. And with a cost of living 30.19% lower than the United States, it’s the least expensive location on this list — allowing you to increase your budget for ski gear!
Germany is another great option if you’re seeking to combine skiing with work this winter. The Alps provide terrific skiing opportunities, and you can visit top-rated ski resorts like Arber and Steinplatte/Winklmoosalm.
Depending on the nature of your work, you can apply for a self-employment visa in Germany. The country also has a 12.86% lower cost of living than in the United States, making it relatively economical for digital nomads.
Finland is well-known for its long winters, which means long ski seasons. From December through April (and even sometimes into May), Finland offers some of the best skiing conditions in Scandinavia. If you go, be sure to check out the famous ski resort Levi.
As with Germany, Finland has a self-employment visa that you can apply for. The cost of living is only 6.77% lower than in the United States, so it’s the most expensive destination on this list. But for dedicated skiers, Finland’s slopes may be worth the extra expense.
Last — but definitely not least — is Austria, a paradise for skiers thanks to its stunning alpine scenery and some of Europe’s most challenging slopes.
The top-rated ski resort in Austria is KitzSki, but there are many fantastic resorts across the country. The largest ones offer more than 180 miles of slopes, and the highest altitudes extend beyond 11,200 feet. We’ve also heard that Rifflsee offers some of the best value for the money.
Austria has a cost of living 7.73% lower than in the United States, and you can apply for a self-employment visa to expand your work opportunities.
For digital nomads looking to make the most out of their winter months this year by combining work and play on the slopes, these five countries are all wonderful places to visit. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just starting out on your first run down a mountain slope, each one offers something special.
Before you depart, it’s critical that you have a financial plan in place that enables you to pay like a local wherever you choose to roam. Ski bums and snow bunnies should beware: that’s probably not simply using your go-to US bank account and debit card. From foreign transaction fees and high ATM withdrawal fees, to hidden markups in exchange rates, traditional US bank accounts aren’t typically digital nomad-friendly.
Consider setting up a Wise Account and card. Wise is everywhere money: 170 countries, 50 currencies and one card. With a Wise Account you can easily send, receive, hold, and spend money with no hidden fees.2 That means paying for rent, groceries, activities and your new friends back easily in local currency.
With the Wise card, there’s no need to have the cash converted ahead of time. You can simply withdraw cash from local ATMs, and Wise will convert the amount automatically for you at the best conversation rate at the time for a low fee. For making purchases at places that accept cards, the Wise Card functions like any other debit card in your wallet.
With Wise’s transparent pricing and mid-market exchange rate, you always know what you're paying. That means less financial stress and uncertainty, and more time shredding the slopes this winter.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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