Courchevel, France

Courchevel is a really varied resort – there is lots of lovely tree skiing down to La Tania and the lower resorts including 1650 and Le Praz, some great black runs, plenty of hidden off piste and easy-to-find fresh snow after powder, plus some great couloirs and itinerary runs such as Vallée des Avals. Bellcote is also a perfect area for beginners, while Courchevel is also brilliant for cross country skiing.

It is also, of course, part of the huge Trois Vallées ski domain, in the next valley over from Meribel.

There is designer shopping up at Courchevel 1850, with everything from top fashion and eyewear to gifts, home decorations and luxury jewellers on offer. 1850 also has excellent art galleries, fantastic delicatessens, wine cellars and also local markets with regional foods and local specialities. Alternatively, active non-skiers can go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, try some snowmobiling or ice skating or skidooing, go bowling, indoor climbing or even try the floodlit sledging track which is great and harmless fun for all the family.