With cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin becoming increasingly more mainstream and seemingly managing to create a footprint within the social fabric of society across the globe, we decided to find out how the ski industry has taken to digital currencies. Here's a list of the 5 most crypto-friendly ski resorts around.
1. St. Moritz, Switzerland
Skiing doesn’t get much more luxury than it does in this iconic Swiss destination and good news for crypto enthusiasts — and those who have enough of it to spend — they’re now accepting Bitcoin! And actually have been for the past three years..
Guests are able to purchase lift passes with Bitcoin in and around the ski resort. And furthermore, the town has become somewhat of a cryptocurrency leader, hosting events such as the yearly Crypto Finance Conference, an exclusive conference for investors in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Also featured on our best summer ski destinations, Zermatt is one of Europe’s most popular ski destinations. And as of last year, the Swiss ski resort is now accepting tax receipts in Bitcoin, meaning the town “will accept bitcoin as a means of payment for local taxes and official transactions."
What does this mean for crypto owners looking to use their Bitcoin on their ski vacations in Zermatt? Well, actually not a whole lot. But for the town’s 5,400 residents, they are now able to settle bills for taxes and other government services such as work permits, using the cryptocurrency.
3. Laax, Switzerland
Staying in Switzerland, Laax — another renowned Swiss ski destination — has actually issued its own cryptocurrency to encourage skiers to take an ownership stake through digital micro-shares.
Here, skiers are actually rewarded with stakes in the company when they do things like buy season passes, giving customers a share of profits and even a voice on future strategy.
4. Bansko, Bulgaria
In this popular Bulgarian ski destination, Bitcoin can be used to pay for anything from ski equipment hire, to lessons, and lift passes. In fact, you’ll also find multiple Bitcoin ATM machines throughout the resort too allowing you to actually purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in your ski boots. Bansko is certainly one of the most crypto-friendly ski resorts you'll find out there.
5. Aspen, Colorado
Back in 2018, the owners of the ritzy St. Regis Aspen Resort in Colorado began to sell real estate security tokens on a blockchain, following an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign.
These security tokens became known as ‘Aspen Coins,’ before later being dubbed ‘ASPEN’ tokens and now represents as much as $18 million worth of indirect ownership in the St. Regis resort. You'll find the five-star, 179-room hotel listed on security token trading platform, tZERO.