Europe’s finest ski resorts are something to experience

Thermals, check, salopettes, check, hat, scarf, gloves, check, goggles, check, ski resort, not check. If you are having trouble deciding which resort to head to this year then check out our top five European recommendations for some of the best snow this season and you will not be disappointed.

Zermatt, Switzerland – Ski here 365 days a year

High altitude means that Zermatt provides skiing all year round; in the summer six ski lifts provide access to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which has 22km of pistes, a good park and pipe. In the winter Zermatt offers four spectacular areas of ski Sunnegga, Gornergrat, Klien Matterhorn and Schwarzsee meaning there is plenty to keep you occupied throughout your ski holiday. You can find yourself in utter tranquillity in Zermatt thanks to its car-free policy. The only form of transport allowed in Zermatt is electric-cars - which are pretty much silent, and horse-drawn sleighs and carriages. If you are looking for a luxury ski holiday then Zermatt is the place to go.

Val d’Isere , France – Something for everyone

Europe’s top resort has something to offer everybody. For non-skiers there are loads of other leisure activities; cleared walks, shops and a sports centre. For skiers and boarders there is varying terrain for all abilities as well as great off-piste runs. Its energetic slopes cater beautifully to its even livelier nightlife with a favourite among many being La Folie Douce, it is very popular with the younger skier where you can jump around on tables in your ski boots to live funk, soul and dance from early afternoon. A common pass for the Espace Killy will provide you with to 300km of piste across Val d’Isere and Tignes.

Selva val Gardena , Italy – A great resort for all the family

Northern Italy is home to the Dolomites which boasts amazing scenery and the Sevla Val Gardena resort. It is one of the most popular resorts for a ski holiday in Italy and is well-known for its amazing views on the descent. Selva is basically joined to Santa Cristina and between them they make the Sella Ronda circuit which has 175km of pistes. If you are going with the family then it is worth noting that youngsters aged eight and under go free. So if you are after exhilarating skiing descents and tons of other entertainment then this is the place to head to.

Bansko, Bulgaria – One of the world’s most modern resorts

Bansko is Bulgaria’s top ski resort for a ski holiday and in recent years it has been subject to a multi-million pound development to increase the size of the resort. It boasts some of the best snow conditions in Bulgaria, but just in case the snow fall is below average, this season see’s the introduction of snow cannons over all of the pistes which will ensure satisfactory snow coverage from December to May. The destination offers 70km of slopes suitable for all capabilities and in recent years has begun to produce fresh opportunities for skiers and boarders.

Levi , Finland – Lapland, making dreams come true.

Whether you want to board, alpine ski or try your hand at cross-skiing, Levi is the place to go. There is a broad range of 230km cross-skiing tracks, and for those who snowboard Levi has one super-pipe, one half-pipe and two snow parks. Its northern position virtually ensures snow right down to the bottom part of the mountain and is the top resort for a ski holiday in Finland. If you would rather relax on your holiday then you can take a reindeer sleigh ride or go and visit Santa. The ski season in Levi commonly lasts about eight months from the middle of October to early June.