The stunning scenery, world-class slopes and top-notch restaurants make a ski town or resort a place where people revisit annually – here are some of the best spots to plan your next trip …

1. Chamonix, France
The Chamonix Mont-Blanc-Valley in the French Alps is the most Instagrammed ski resort in Europe, which you know means it’s breath-taking. Chamonix is known for its steep pistes and challenging slopes, so it can be an intimating choice for beginners, but a snowy haven for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Aside from the skiing, the jaw-dropping landscape and architecture are enough to draw any visitor in.
Foodwise, the traditional Savoyard dishes are hard to beat. Made with readily available ingredients like potatoes, cheese and dried meats, the restaurants of Chamonix are full of delicious fondues, raclettes, tartiflettes and reblochonnades. Of course, there’s also a vast choice of international menus to try from Italian and Indian to Mexican and Japanese. You’ll find us in Le Monchu, enjoying the gorgeous chalet style interior, cosied up in sheep skin blankets après ski. @chamonixmontblanc

2. Courcheval, France
Part of the ultra famous Three Valleys ski domain, Courcheval is one of the world’s largest with access to 600km of marked pistes. Everything about Courchevel is high-end, from the perfectly groomed runs and state-of-the-art lift system to the Michelin starred restaurants, exclusive hotels and chalets, glamorous nightlife and stylish designer boutiques. Restaurant Gaïa is a great choice if you’re a fan of sushi, but there’s something for everyone here. @courchevel_officiel

3. Livigno, Italy
From beginner to expert, Livigno caters for all levels. The resort boasts 100sqm of skiable area and 115km of slopes, with numerous ski schools and instructors to put your mind at ease if you’re a little rusty. If you’re ready to charge down the mountain, why not explore one of the twelve black, thirty-seven red and twenty-nine blue slopes to challenge you? There are numerous mountain huts to provide panoramic views on the terrace, all the while enjoying the flavours of Alpine cuisine. Local specialities include sciatt, polenta, local cheeses and traditional desserts. Pop into Cheseira da Fedaria, Ristoro Val Alpisella and Alpe Mine Refuge for a mid-ski break. www.skipasslivigno.com

4. Zermatt, Switzerland
Surrounded by chic chalets, frosted forests and never-ending views, this mountain village in Matterhorn is the highest ski area in Europe, meaning there’s snow year-round. Thanks to its prime location between Switzerland and Italy, you can cross the border by cable car for a day trip. This resort also offers experiences like a First Track Adventure or Moonlight Descent to enjoy amid regular skiing or snowboarding.
Famous for top-class Swiss gastronomy no matter the altitude, there is no shortage of great places to eat, from Michelin star restaurant Potato and Chez Vrony for everything you need to fuel up before or after hitting the slopes. @zermatt.matterhorn

5. Jungfrau, Switzerland
Two valleys, three mountain ranges and 211 kilometres of perfectly prepared pistes. Jungfrau offers every type of ski day you might want from gentle slopes to steep drops, snow and fun parks, racing tracks and powder parties. Restaurant Crystal is the place to go for good Swiss food and hearty beverages to warm you up for all of these exciting excursions.
6. Grindelwald, Switzerland
Between Grindelwald and Wengen, groomed snow is waiting for winter sports enthusiasts. The famous three peaks that make the Jungfrau ski region so unique are always in sight, and the slopes of Kleine Scheidegg, Lauberhorn and Männlichen are particularly popular. The Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald restaurant 1910 Gourmet By Hausers is on our must-visit list. @grindelwald_eiger

7. Kitzbühel, Austria
Kitzbühel is infamous for the fearsome Hahnenkamm World Cup race, but you don’t have to be a pro to ski there. From wide-open summit slopes to tree-lined valley trails, there’s plenty of piste to keep intermediates cruising down the slopes. Ticking off the steep Streif downhill run is a must for adventurous skiers, but don’t miss the Resterhöhe area either to make the most of crisp snow on empty, high-altitude runs.
The town is nicknamed Glitzy Kitz with a colourful medieval centre, luxurious hotels, boutiques and cafés around every corner. Dining options range from charming Tirolean family run eateries to renowned establishments like the award-winning Tennerhof Gourmet and Spa de Charme Hotel. The lodge and restaurant at Aplenhotel Kitzbühel am Schwarzsee will do the trick for fine dining, wellness and a stay. There are plenty of down-to-earth guesthouses dotted about too, so a trip here doesn’t need to break the bank. We’re all for the authentic Austrian experience – think frothy steins of beer and dancing on tables. The Fleckalmbahn, Jufen and Sonnenrast lifts ensure skiing until Easter.

8. Zugspitze, Germany
Zugspitze is Germany’s highest ski area with twenty kilometres of ski runs with natural snow that ensures an amazing experience for all levels. There are three cable cars available for a comfortable trip up the mountain, with a choice between the World Record holding cable car Zugspitze, the almost 100-year-old cogwheel train and the Gletscherbahn cable car. Be sure to visit Panorama 2962, Sonnalpin and Gletscher 2600, which are open to day guests and can also be booked for celebrations.

9. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
The benefits of this ski area are second-to-none, with various levels of difficulty available to suit everyone over 40kms of groomed slopes. The Ixis children’s area features a practice slope, cones, tunnels and more. For well-seasoned skiiers and snowboarders, hit the Kanadahar downhill run. This Fis race course is well known and outstanding from above. At the top station of the Hausbergbahn cable car, Drehmöser 9 is a place to stop and take a breather. The restaurant’s rustic hut ambience is a welcome reprieve from the cold with offerings such as refreshing drinks, coffee specialities and regional delicacies.

10. Zakopane, Poland
Lying in the valley between the Tatra Mountains and Gubalówka Hill, in the extreme south of Poland, lies Zakopane. Known informally as “the winter capital of Poland” tourists and residents alike flock there as soon as the snow is good to go, while it’s also popular for mountaineering. The best snow conditions are between January and late April, so make sure you visit at the opportune time to enjoy the sixteen pistes of Zakopane Ski Resort. Explore Krupówi which is lined with shops, restaurants, carnival rides and performers. A must-try is grzaniec (mulled wine with spices and honey) and traditional dishes of Podhale cuisine, in Goralski Browar. @zakopane_travel