Rail route: Eurostar from St Pancras to
Amsterdam,
where the Alpen Express sleeper train pulls into Solden’s station
in time for a day’s skiing.

With three towering 3,000m peaks, Sölden’s Big 3 Rally draws in
those eager to challenge themselves on the slopes. Spend days
working your way across Sölden’s 144km of slopes, or try the nearby
linked glacier areas of Rettenbach or Tiefenbach. Reward yourself
with celebratory drinks at outdoor ice bar at Après Ski Philipp, or emulate Bond’s secret-agent
suaveness (Sölden’ is 007’s favoured resort) head to the
glass-walled Ice Q, a restaurant with views over the
pistes.

STAY: Designhotel Bergland

Rail route: Eurostar from St Pancras to
Moutiers. From Moutiers, it’s a 50-minute bus ride to the
village.

Groomed runs and top-notch powder snow make Val Thorens an ideal
playground for skiers of all levels. Not only the highest resort in
the vast Les Trois Vallées ski area, but also the highest in
Europe, in Val Thorens you’re
guaranteed snow until May. The resort’s lofty position also means
it’s home to some epic views, while a young crowd makes for a buzzy
village vibe with lively après ski and fondue that doesn’t cost a
fortune.

STAY:
Altapura

Rail route: Eurostar from St Pancras to
Brussels. From Brussels, take the ICE to Cologne and then the
NightJet sleeper train to Kufstein. From there it’s a 25-minute bus
ride to Soll.

Lesser-known than St Anton or Lech, Soll legitimises the adage
“good things come in small packages”. The tiny village is walkable
in minutes, but when you’re here for the slopes that’s of little
consequence. As part of the SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser network you’ll
have access to 284km of pistes, spanning nine villages. Although
Soll’s lower altitude means conditions can get icy, snow machines
are used liberally here. While known for its beginner-friendly
runs, experienced skiers can still seek out a challenge by
descending the Black Eagle. If off-piste is more your thing, hit
the hair-raising Black Pipe which runs from the Hohe Salve to
Hoscholl and has more than an 80% incline.

STAY: DER GREIL Wein & Gourmethotel

Rail route: Eurostar from St Pancras to
Paris Gare du Nord. Take a short taxi to Paris-Lyon and take the
TGV to Annecy. A 40-minute drive will take you to La
Clusaz.

Quintessentially French, La Clusaz’s reputation precedes it. The
resort manages to retain its small-town charm thanks to an
enchanting little square – the nebulus of village activities and
the location of a low-key farmer’s market selling fresh French
produce every Monday. But back to the slopes. A large percentage
are suited to beginners, with five interlinked massifs (each
catering to a different ski level) ensuring that whether you’re a
red runner or black expert you’ll have somewhere to schuss. Step it
up a level and take to the resort’s untouched backcountry terrain
for off-piste adventures. Après ski is more chilled-out than rowdy,
meaning it’s better for those who like to end their ski days with a
glass of rouge rather than multiple trays of schnapps.

STAY: Au Coeur du Village

Rail route: Eurostar from St Pancras to
Paris Gare du Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon for the TGV to Oulx. Take
a 15-minute taxi or bus to Sauze d’Oulx.

Many of Italy‘s skiing destinations are
off-limits via train (unless you’re up for a 20-hour journey and
countless changes) but Sauze d’Oulx is ideal for an Italian alpine
getaway. With a vast choice of tree-lined skiing and wide, open
valleys, it’s an ideal spot for improving beginners to build up
confidence. Although sunny days can bring snaking queues, the
slopes here are generally pretty crowd-free. If you’re looking for
something more challenging, take a ski lift to the top of Monte
Fraiteve where a 1300m descent to the valley floor at Jouvenceaux
awaits. Alternatively, explore the neighbouring Sestiere and
Claviere resorts for a more diverse range of runs. Known in the 80s
as a “Magaluf for moguls”, Sauze d’Oulx has since shed its laddy
reputation – but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a good night
out.

STAY: Hotel Chalet Il Capricorno

Rail route: Eurostar from St Pancras to
Paris Gare du Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon for the TGV to Lausanne.
From Lausanne, take a regional train to Martigny, where you’ll
change to board another regional train for 35 minutes to Le
Chable.

One for the high-flyers, Verbier has long been the go-to for the
well-heeled set. As the main resort in Switzerland’s Les Quatres
Vallees – and with access to more than 400km of runs – it’s no
surprise that the resort is a mainstay on most ski hotlists year
in, year out. Verbier is suitable for intermediate to expert-level
skiers and snowboarders, thanks to its challenging terrain and some
of the best lift-served off-piste skiing in the Alps. The downside?
It is notoriously expensive – those looking for cheap thrills best
look elsewhere. Vibey bars draw an international crowd, largely
consisting of the young, rich and fabulous.

STAY: Experimental Chalet

Rail route: Eurostar from St Pancras to
Paris Gare du Nord. Change to Paris-Lyon for the TGV to Bellegarde.
Change at Cluses and take a 50-minute bus or taxi ride to
Avoriaz.

This one’s for the snowboarders, who will be drawn to the
resort’s three major parks, super pipes and vast areas of
incredible off-piste terrain. Avioraz’s enviable location
smack-bang in the middle of the Portes du Soleil area means it’s
also extremely well-connected, offering access to over 650km of
marked pistes spanning 13 resorts. The village is purpose-built and
charmingly old-fashioned; you won’t see any cars here but you also
won’t be seeing many bars, hotels or restaurants either. Luckily,
Morzine is only a ski lift away and will serve all your après
needs.

STAY: Hotel des Dromonts

Rail route: Eurostar from St Pancras to
Moutiers. From here it’s an hour bus or taxi to
Courchevel.

As chic as Cortina and as glamorous as Gstaad, Courchevel 1850
is the highest village in Courchevel and has long attracted the one
percent of the one percent. Suffice to say, Michelin-starred
restaurants and luxury chalets are the norm here. The resort’s
clientele are likely to have been the catalyst for Prada’s ski-wear
collection and while you won’t find group discounts or cheap lager,
you will find top-notch skiing. Another Les Trois Vallées resort,
Courchevel connects you to 600km of powdery pistes – though the
local slopes in the Courchevel valley aren’t too shabby either. If
you’re more Chardonnay than chair-lift and your sport of choice is
people-watching, set up base at LE Mangeoire piano bar, order a
glass of champagne and mingle with Europe‘s ritziest snow set.

STAY: Hôtel des Trois Vallées