Méribel, France

Méribel is in the heart of the Trois Vallées, the very middle of the three, so it has access either way to an extraordinary amount of skiing – arguably the largest ski area in the world. It has plenty of sunny, wide, tree-lined slopes for beginners and children, but also fantastic off-piste itineraries. Basically all skiing is available here, from serious off-piste to gentle cruising. And all the terrain is set above hundreds of gorgeous traditional chalets, which Méribel is famous for (the ski chalet was invented there).

There is a pool and a cinema in Méribel, plus a climbing wall, ice skating and bowling. There are also hundreds of cross-country ski tracks around the resort, as well as walking tracks. Non-skiers can even try their hand at husky-sledding, and there are numerous festivals throughout the season, from comedy to music.