Choosing where to go skilling can be a tricky old thing – after all, it’s fundamentally snow and mountains… plus there are just soooooo many places to choose from! The more you ski though, the more you start to pick up on the subtle difference between the different types of ski resorts and start to realise that some actually are more suited to certain people/travellers/skiers than other.

Whether you’re looking for wild après ski, adrenaline-inducing off-piste runs *gulp* or gentle beginner slopes (more my style), have a gander at some of the best spots you should ski this year. Snow permitting, naturally.

1.) Val d’Isère, France

Val d’Isère probably needs little introduction. It’s a firm favourite for its epic slopes and apres ski opportunities that make this French hideout a perfect place to ski right next to the Italian border. If you’re looking for some challenging runs, head up to the Face de Bellevarde which is a black run and around 3km, or so, long.

it’s still one of the most popular ski resort in the world for British skiers. Why? Most likely, its because it has something for everyone. From great beginner slopes to challenging off-piste, it has the rare ability to keep whole families happy. You can even rent your own log cabin on places like Airbnb.

If all that skiing leaves you parched, head over to Dick’s Tea Bar for an epic and lively night out!

2.) Zell am See, Austria

Zell am See was the first place I learned to ski… and loved it! Make sure to head into the mountains, there’s a whole heap of slopes for every ability. Best yet, you can wander into the town, explore Lake Zell and grab some tasty schnitzel (you are in Austria, after all).

3.) Montgenèvre, France

Right on the border of Italy, Montgenèvre has become known as the place for ‘good snowfall’. Due to its position, you’re almost guaranteed snow. We headed to Montgenèvre last season and it was such a great place to ski, especially with the stunning towns of Briançon that you should definitely visit when you’re not on the slopes.

4) Verbier, Switzerland

As the main ski resort in Four Valleys, Switzerland’s largest ski area, Verbier is a lively and picturesque place to hit the snow. If you’re a young and confident skier looking for challenging slopes and an exciting nightlife, Verbier is ideal. It has lifts up to some of the best off-piste slopes in the Alps, and the views are spectacular. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.

5) St Anton, Austria

If your idea of a ski trip is a party with a side of skiing, St Anton could be the resort for you. It’s famous for its crazy après ski parties and revered by daredevil skiers for its wild expert terrain. It’s landed a firm spot on most ‘top five’ lists of ski resorts in the Alps, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to its 349km of pistes and 55km² off-piste playground, St Anton is a fatastic town with bags of comfortable accommodation.

6) Megève, France

Megève is one of France’s most glamorous resorts, seen by some as France’s answer to Swiss St Moritz. It’s a decent spot for French-speaking ski enthusiasts looking to mix with the natives, as most of its guests are affluent French. Mount Blanc forms an impressive backdrop for many of Megève’s slopes, and the others are prettily lined with forest.

7) Breuil-Cervinia, Italy

A far cry from the sunny beaches of Puglia, the snowy Aosta Valley of Northwest Italy draws crowds for a totally different reason. Leaning on the Swiss border, Breuil-Cervinia is largely regarded as Italy’s most snow-sure ski destination.

The biggest bonus is that it offers you access to 360km of slopes at a much lower price than if you opt to stay on the Swiss side of the border. Who doesn’t love to save a pretty penny, right?