Biggest ski resorts Europe

Meribel has a special place in many Brit's hearts – not simply because it’s right in the middle of the biggest ski area on Earth. A resort for long ski days, ski-boot-stomping après and cosy chalets, there’s a great deal to do and ski here, which is why many of us have been coming back for decades.

Ski never-ending pistes and powder, ogle at colossal peaks and cosy Savoie architecture, then end the day with some of the world's most wild and wonderful après ski. Val d'Isere is considered by many to be the best ski resort on earth, and we’re inclined to agree.

Stay in the world capital of alpinism and ski in sight of the Matterhorn: the greatest mountain destination in Switzerland and quite possibly the world, Zermatt has an unbeatable mix of dizzyingly snow sure slopes, a delightful old mountain town and some of the most jaw-dropping surroundings you'll ever set sight upon.

Attractive, traditional and oozing style, Courchevel ticks all the boxes for a first class ski holiday. With masses of amenities and a quality area that’s well linked within the rest of the Three Valleys - not to mention an infectiously glam atmosphere - it’s no wonder Courchevel’s one of the most popular ski resorts in the world.

A fabulous all-rounder: ski the Paradiski’s wonderful mix of tree-lined trails, knee-deep off piste and wide open cruisers. La Plagne’s easily one of Europe’s best ski resorts and one we visit again and again.

Tignes is somewhere you can ski longer, higher and further than most other resorts in the Alps. Owing its snow-reliability to the Grande Motte glacier, the local ski area is joined with Val d’Isere’s to form the mammoth Espace Killy - intermediates will have a whale of a time here. Choose between 5 different villages, whether your priority is convenience, cosiness or cheap accommodation. Tignes also has one of the most famous New Year parties in the Alps.

Austria's snowsport capital, St Anton in the extensive Arlberg circus of the Tyrolean Alps has every level of ability covered (including the most exhilarating white-knuckle terrain). Stunning alpine scenery and world famous après ski make St Anton an international "top ten" destination for its' immense skiing, incredible views and intense partying.

With world class skiing, beautiful vistas and a relaxed Italian atmosphere, Sestriere offers amazing, high altitude skiing conditions for all abilities in the heart of the Milky Way. For a stylish ski and apres week and short transfer, look no further.

This is Europe's highest resort, with incredible views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and fantastic connections to the rest of the enormous Three Valleys. Holidays here are perfect for varied and snow-sure terrain in a laid back, friendly atmosphere. If you're early or late in the season, or in a year with poor snowfall, this place will give you some of the best conditions in the Alps!

The Côte d’Azur of winter resorts with some of the best off piste in the Alps. As the favourite ski destination of royals and celebs as well as top skiers and boarders from around the world, Verbier is the place to combine world class skiing with a posh party atmosphere back in town.