With 150km of slopes, Baqueira-Beret in the Pyrenees has some of
Europe’s best snow, with the Atlantic ensuring consistent coverage
from November
through until April.
Since opening in 1964, it has become the go-to spot for Spanish
Royalty wanting to shed their crowns and shred the slopes. For
every intermediate run at Baqueira-Beret there exists an
exhilarating off-piste option, while heliskiing is relatively
cheap.

Just an hour by road from Turin, Champoluc is the westernmost
valley of the Monte Rosa ski area. Italy’s answer to the Three
Valleys, this laid-back resort offers 180km of groomed runs and is
far less busy than neighbouring Aosta.

A favourite among ski instructors on their day off, you can ski
the entire mountain at Sainte Foy which has become kryptonite for
those seeking sleepier slopes. Relatively undeveloped, this is not
place if you’re more interested in the après-ski scene, though you
will find a few bars scattered up and down the piste.

Pralognan la Vanoise at the heart of Vanoise National Park isn’t
just about the skiing. Thanks to the park, you’ll be truly immersed
in nature – spend chairlift rides playing spot the chamonix/ibex.
With runs appropriate for all abilities, it’s a good option for
mixed groups and families.

When it comes to ski resorts, short airport transfers are few
and far between. Folgaria however is just 2 hours from Bergamo
(BGY). Combine that with low prices and over 100km of piste, and
Folgaria is the perfect place to pack up and relocate to this
winter.

Despite the recent cable car link between Grimentz and Zinal
putting the spotlight on Val d’Anniviers, over half of its visitors
remain Swiss locals. The valley boasts 225km of pistes which,
thanks to the altitude, remain pretty powdery all season long.
Queues are virtually non-existent, the views are spectacular and
the mountain restaurants are exceptional.

Away from the crowds at Arlberg, Warth offers good value for
money, plenty of powder and a charming Austrian village. With a
reputation as one of the snowiest resort in the Alps and largely
overlooked by all but the most adventurous skiers, it remains
something of an intrepid paradise, with off-piste runs which are
hard to beat.

Despite the season not officially starting until mid-February,
Riksgransen’s USP as the most northerly ski resort means you can
ski under the midnight sun in May,
while the Northern Lights are visible most days. The slopes aren’t
particularly strenuous making it accessible but less good if you’re
looking for a challenge.

While small in size, Macugnana more makes up for it in
affordability and amenities – yet for some reason remains
relatively undiscovered by the masses. Spend days practising
parallels on uncrowded slopes before hitting the town for ice
skating or a spa session.

Unlike many small resorts, Le Grand Bornand is abound in après
ski activities, offering top-notch restaurants, lively bars and
welcoming locals. Just an hour from Geneva and 35 minutes from
Arvais, there is also plenty to entertain any non-skiers in your
party.

A great option for beginners thanks to its gentle slopes,
Pamporovo in Bulgaria makes for an affordable skiing experience.
Deals are relatively cheap, cost of food and drink is low and a
six-day ski pass is estimated at around £87.

Wedged between Austria, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic,
Slovakia is gaining traction as the go to Eastern European ski
destination. Jasná, located in the Low Tatras mountains, offers
striking vistas and well-groomed pistes for all levels of skiers
and snowboarders. While après in the resort itself is limited, it’s
seriously cheap – beer is €2 a pint on the mountain.