Pretty ski resorts Europe

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.

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.

Located on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc tunnel, chic Courmayeur is an intermediates paradise. Whether you want to tour the Aosta Valley, pop over to legendary Chamonix or feast on the best food in the mountains, this quaint little resort is sure to tickle all your taste buds.

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 beautiful village full of rustic Savoyard charm, Les Gets sits between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, with not only stunning scenery but also links to the entire Portes du Soleil ski area. With cosy mountain restaurants, a huge variety of accommodation and possibly the best Christmas spirit in France, Les Gets is not a resort to be missed.

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.

This traditional alpine village is a part of the biggest linked and most popular ski circuit in Austria, offering gorgeous views, high speed ski lifts and brilliant facilities for all levels of skier and boarder. World cup runs, excellent childcare options and booming après ski keep snow lovers returning to Hinterglemm year after year.

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.

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.

A quiet French resort giving snow lovers access to not one but two countries! Hop between French La Rosière and Italian La Thuile domains with the standard San Bernardino lift pass for a mountain culture overload. Go as easy or hard as you like from cruisey beginners slopes to fast-paced kite skiing on the other end of the speed scale.