The best ski resorts

Venture to the slopes of Bulgaria, for a ski adventure that won’t pull on your purse strings. Make your way to the resort of Bansko, a great place for beginners and intermediates. Grab your skis or snowboard and glide between the treelines of Bansko. Or, like Bambi on ice, start on the nursery slopes to find your ski legs. Play your days away with some classic après ski in this vibrant resort. Dance from afternoon until the early hours at Happy End, with its electrifying atmosphere and stage performers. Catch a flight to Sofia and journey to the twinkling Pirin Mountains, where you can savour a cheap ski holiday.

Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena – for sweeping views of the Pirin Mountains. This five-star chalet-styled hotel is just steps away from the gondola station, perfect for early ski morning starts. After spending long days on the mountains, you can unwind in the tranquil spa. Relax in the Finnish sauna, take a dip in the swimming pool and bubble away in one of the indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis, then book yourself in for a spa treatment to soothe your ski legs. In the evening, cosy up with a cup of cocoa by one of the roaring fires after dining in one of three restaurants.

Book a stay at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena

Head to the heights of Chamonix, for a ski weekend to remember. Frolic in the French Alps and discover a playground for advanced skiers and snowboarders – with epic off-piste and sensational snowfall. Intermediates can cruise trickier reds to push their ski skills and when in need of a break, soak up the quaint alpine vibes of the village. Sip a cold beer in the sun for a quiet round of après down the mountain, or enjoy the buzz and burgers at Moö, where you can hit up the only self-serve beer tap in the resort. Take off to Geneva and land just an hour transfer away from Chamonix, to make the most of that ski weekend.

Where to stay: Hôtel Mercure Chamonix les Bosson – enjoy the chalet style of this hotel, with views of the captivating Mont Blanc. Make the most of the snowy sights from the indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, before you kick back for dinner in the Cote Glacier restaurant. Hop on the free shuttle bus, to reach the base of the main lifts in Chamonix and squeeze in as much skiing as you can on your ski weekend away.

Book a stay at Hôtel Mercure Chamonix les Bosson

Make tracks to the temptations of Norway. With its multiple wins as Norway’s best family ski resort, Trysil is a clear choice for your family ski holiday. Savour the 40 miles of uncrowded runs, perfect for first-timers and advanced riders. Immerse yourself in a resort of mesmerising scenery, where the snow is guaranteed. Beginners can book into the ski school and learn from friendly ski instructors, in a place where everyone is welcoming. Enjoy more fun-filled activities as a family, with dog sledding and horse sleigh rides around the resort too. Fly away to Oslo and make the two-and-a-half-hour transfer to the sparkling slopes of Trysil, for your family ski holidays.

Where to stay: Radisson Blu Mountain Resort & Residences – for stylish rooms in a family-friendly resort. Take the kids for a splash about in one of the pools, after a day on the mountains. Or immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Kulpen Spa, whilst they play in the games room. Bulk up on a big breakfast, ready for those play days on the slopes. In the evening, kick back in the Kubben lobby bar for an after-ski drink by the fire.

Book a stay at Radisson Blu Mountain Resort & Residences

Explore the charms of Canada. Whisk yourself away to Whistler, where the ski terrain is surreal and the snow is the real deal. The resort of Whistler Blackcomb is a dream for skiers and snowboarders alike, with its variety of pistes, parks, off-piste and tree trails, there is something for everyone. If you’re up to it, book an experience of a lifetime, to go heli-skiing or snowboarding in this enchanting landscape. After a day on the mountains, relax slope side, with a roaring fire, plush blankets and hot chocolate or signature cocktail. Or keep the energy going with some après-ski at Dusty’s. Fly to Vancouver and venture north to Whistler, with just a short one-hour-and-a-half transfer.

Where to stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler – indulge in the epitome of luxury. Relax and soak up the sweeping mountain views from the heated outdoor pool, after an epic ski day. Take advantage of this ski-in ski-out retreat at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and explore the ski resort on day one with the hotel’s on-the-slopes Ski Host. Return to unwind in the spa and find your zen in a complimentary yoga class. Savour an alpine dining experience at The Chalet during ski season and tuck into a pot of fondue, then sip a tasty cocktail and listen to live entertainment at the Mallard Lounge and Terrace.

Book a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Up there with the best French ski resorts, is the dazzling resort of Val d'Isère – within Espace Killy. Take a ski trip to a destination renowned for its swanky chalets and incredible après ski. Savour an incredible 300km of slopes, with a variety of runs for every type of rider. For those brave enough, take on the black Face de Bellevarde, with a gradient of up to 71%. Or cruise the blues over to Tignes and head to Loop bar for big bites and a lively social hub. Ski or board your way over to the renowned Folie Douce for an après scene like no other. After a day on the slopes, you can head back to your chalet retreat to unwind.

Where to stay: The Marwari – for the ski chalet lifestyle. What better way to relax than by tucking into afternoon tea, then lounging in a sauna, after skiing all day. Savour days of delicious breakfasts, evening canapes and three-course dinners. Sit around the fire with cheese and a nightcap, or make a short walk to experience the nightlife. Treat yourself to a fondue in the alpine village on chalet staff day off.

Book a stay at The Marwari