Great Ski Holidays

Quick opinion: A large resort town set on a lake which could be straight out of the set of The Sound of Music. Local slopes are limited in extent but the woodland runs are varied and a joy to ski. Zell is low so snow can be a problem but the Kaprun glacier is nearby and offers a snow-sure alternative. More

Quick opinion: Purpose-built resort offering good value, varied Colorado skiing. Shame about the unattractive village and the fast- food restaurants on the hill. Similar to Breckenridge in altitude, so altitude sickness could be a problem. On the positive side the height produces excellent snow and the grooming is immaculate. More

Quick opinion: Modern resort built around an old village in the Swiss Four Valleys skier area which includes Verbier. Good for challenging runs but beginners and modest intermediates should avoid. Also access to the wider areas slopes are slow and if you are thinking of skiing in Verbier its probably best to stay in Verbier. More

Quick opinion: Varied skiing for all abilities and great for mixed groups as all the skiing takes place on the local hill. The village is lively with plenty of nightlife. A great American mountain village to holiday in. Very high though and altitude sickness could be a problem; take it easy for the first few days. More

Quick opinion: Good value Colorado skiing which suits families with young children and novices looking to learn on uncrowded beautifully groomed slopes. Intermediates looking for moderate cruising won't be disappointed either. The town is well arranged and has lots of great accommodation next to or on the slopes for maximum convenience. More

Quick opinion: Our favourite village of the three valleys located down from Courchevel 1300. The local slopes are very nice for intermediates seeking the easy life of gentle cruising. The rest of the three valleys awaits more adventureous skiers. Good slopes available to learn on too but many get busy at peak holiday times More

Quick opinion: Just like its neighbour Grindelwald, Wengen is blessed with the most dramatic mountain setting probably in the Alps. The scenery is simply stunning. And, beating even Grindelwald on looks, the village is picture-postcard perfect. For old-world charm and sophistication you can hardly do better than this gorgeous mountain village. The skiing is quite good too, but best for half-decent intermediates who don't mind leisurely climbs in historic railway carriages to get to the slopes. All these superlatives come at a cost however. Wengen ain't cheap. More

Quick opinion: Our favourite allround French resort; great varied skiing for beginners and intermediates. A lovely sense of travelling around a mountainous area when you ski and a village that has a real rural French feel. Upmarket too but avoids the rip-off expensive tag. In truth, this resort feels more Italian than French but that's probably because Serre Chevalier has better maintained its Alpine Frenchness. More

Quick opinion: Fernie is great for daredevils who like steeps and ungroomed pistes and for novice skiers who are well catered for lower down the mountain with some very friendly wooded slopes great for confidence building. Easy blue cruisers and timid intermediates would do best to avoid Fernie. The village is a little uninspiring but unconventional and will suit free spirits looking for a frontier, uncommercial vibe. More

Quick opinion: A small railway town with an upmarket, affluent feel with extensive intermediate slopes close to Turin, making it great for a midweek ski trip. More