Val d'Isere, France

Val d'Isere is widely acclaimed as one of the best ski resorts of the world. When one considers that it is blessed with one of the best snow records, has fantastic nightlife and a vibrant apres ski, and the finest collection of luxury chalets and hotels it is certainly hard to argue against this claim.

Linked with neighbouring Tignes, there are over 300km of pistes, vast areas of off piste and skiing as high as 3,000m. However, don't be misled into thinking Val d'Isere is just for experts. There are an enormous number of wide, gentle pistes, and for novices the excellent nursery slopes in the centre of town are free.

Skiing begins in November and ends in May and the ski area boasts one of the most efficient lift systems in Europe so that even at the busiest times of the year, queuing is hardly ever a cause for concern. Apres ski ranges from a quiet drink in the Hotel Blizzard to a 4am finish at Dicks, with everything else in between!