With a huge selection of resorts to choose from, you’ll find everything in Europe from chocolate box villages to purpose-built havens of convenience, all with some of the world’s most beautiful scenery thrown in for good measure. Narrowing down the choice can sometimes seem a daunting prospect, but read on for our selection of hand-picked properties and top tips to ensure you have an unforgettable European escape.

Hotel des Dromonts, Avoriaz

[caption id="attachment_11533" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image: V. Dupé - Avoriaz Tourisme[/caption] The purpose-built resort of Avoriaz offers all the convenience you could expect: plenty of ski-in/ski-out accommodation, shops and restaurants on your doorstep and a traffic-free centre where horse-drawn carts act as the main method of transport. Nowhere sums up Avoriaz’s quirky charm in quite the same way as the iconic and stylish 4-star boutique Hotel des Dromonts. Our top tip for guests at this hotel is to upgrade to half board, which offers excellent value. The food is outstanding with a choice of two restaurants. Les Enfants Terribles is a chic mountain bistro perfect for foodies seeking a gastronomic experience while Le Festival offers relaxed dining options including mountain favourites like fondue.

Hotel Mirabeau, Zermatt

[caption id="attachment_11535" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Matterhorn. Image: Michael Portmann[/caption] The Matterhorn is a true icon of the Alps and there’s no better place to acquaint yourself with the inspiration behind the Toblerone chocolate bar than the ski paradise of Zermatt. With a village offering old world charm and an extensive and challenging ski area to explore, Zermatt is a must for any skier or boarder. The charming 4-star superior Hotel Mirabeau offers laid-back luxury with all the facilities you could wish for, including a restaurant offering a superb tasting menu, changing daily. Our top tip for guests at the Hotel Mirabeau is to upgrade to a room facing the Matterhorn; the view from your balcony will take your breath away and the supplement is worth every penny! [caption id="attachment_11534" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Hotel Mirabeau Deluxe Room[/caption]

Hotel Altapura, Val Thorens

[caption id="attachment_11536" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Hotel Altapura - Val Thorens[/caption] As the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens is a fantastic choice at any time of year but a particularly attractive option for an early or late season trip thanks to its high altitude and snow sure conditions. Part of the largest linked ski area in the world, the Three Valleys, there’s enough skiing on your doorstep to keep even the most avid skier happy. There’s no better place to make your base than the modern and stylish ski-in/ski-out 5-star Hotel Altapura. Our top tip for guests at the Hotel Altapura is to spend some time enjoying the spa and wellbeing centre. Among the hotel’s extensive wellness facilities, you’ll find a fabulous indoor/outdoor pool as well as ice fountains, perfect for rejuvenating and soothing those aching legs.

Hotel Allalin, Saas Fee

[caption id="attachment_11537" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Saas Fee. Image: Saastal Tourismus[/caption] If you prefer a picture postcard village which oozes charm, look no further than Saas Fee. Its cobbled streets and chalet-style buildings can’t fail to capture your imagination and even if you haven’t visited Saas Fee before, it may seem familiar having featured in Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ video. You’ll find snow sure skiing all season here thanks to the resort’s glacier as well as some traditional style après ski. A warm welcome awaits at the family-run 4-star Hotel Allalin, now run by the fourth generation of the Zurbriggen family. You’ll find modern facilities and well-appointed rooms here, but the star of the star of the show is the delicious six course meal that forms part of the hotel’s half board offering. And that’s our no 1 tip here – definitely upgrade to half board and you won’t be disappointed!

Hotel and Residence Daria-I Nor, Alpe d’Huez

[caption id="attachment_11538" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Residence Daria-I-Nor[/caption] If you’re a mixed ability group, Alpe d’Huez could be the perfect choice for you. You’ll find skiing to suit the most nervous novice as well as the most experienced expert and everything in between. Throw in some of the best après in the Alps, high altitude skiing and snow sure slopes as well as a fantastic choice of accommodation and Alpe d’Huez is hard to beat. Opened in 2018, the upmarket Daria-I Nor complex offers a choice of either hotel or apartment-style accommodation with excellent facilities. Our top tip for clients at the Daria-I Nor would be to book your stay early. There are some fantastic early booking offers to take advantage of so please contact us for more information. To create your perfect ski holiday, contact our passionate team of expert Ski Specialists today. We’ll listen to all of your requirements and tailor-make an individual itinerary just for you. Talk with a Ski Specialist today on 0131 243 8097 or request a tailor-made quotation online.