1 Solden, Austria
Situated in the Öztal, Solden is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the Austrian Alps, where 34 ski lifts and gondolas connect 151km of slopes. The Alpine Ski World Cup venue covers two glaciers and is the only place in Austria with three mountains higher than 3,000m. The ski resort is a popular party destination for young people who start their après ski parties around 4pm every day.

2 Merano 2000, Italy
Merano is the one of the most popular ski resorts in the Bolzano Province. Located 2,000m above sea level, its 40km ski slopes, are easily accessible from Schenna town or from Falzeben. Merano is also well known for its Christmas Market and for its thermal baths.

3 Zell am See, Austria
Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See is part of the European Sports Area near Salzburg in Austria. The ski resort has 77km of slopes (25 kilometres of which are classified as “black”), ranging from 750 to 2,000m. Ski runs in Zell am See often cover over 1,000m difference in altitude. The resort also offers a lot for snowboarders: a rodeo fun park with rails, fun boxes, kickers, spins and a quarter pipe. There is also a two kilometre trail for cross-country skiers.

4 Ischgl, Austria
The Silvrette Arena in Ischgl-Samnaun has 39 lifts and ropeways and 215km of ski runs. The resort is located above 2,000 metres which ensures that 90 percent of the area has guaranteed snow from the end of November until the beginning of May. The Swiss border is accessible on the slopes, so there is no problem skiing into the Swiss duty free zone of Samnaun. The Austrian village Ischgl, 100km from Innsbruck, has a variety of bars and is renowned for its late-night partying.

5 Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, located in the French Alps at an altitude of 2,300m. The highest skiable peaks are in Pointe du Bouchet (3,220m) and Cime de Caron (3,200m). It is the most international ski resort in France: more than 70 percent of its visitors are foreigners. Val Thorens is an ideal resort for late season skiing, this year there was snowfall until the 23rd April, with the last week of skiing at the beginning of May.

6 Verbier, Switzerland
Located in the southwest of Switzerland, Verbier is a paradise for freeride skiers. It is an international meeting point for experienced skiers and snowboarders who take advantage of the vast amount of backcountry. Safety equipment and a high level of experience are required in this region; a popular filming destination of Teton Gravity Research. Verbier is also a popular holiday destination for the likes of international stars, such as James Blunt, Victoria Beckham and the British princes William and Harry. It is one of the most expensive ski regions in the Alps.

7 Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria
In the heart of Salzburg Alps is one of the largest ski areas in Austria, Saalbach Hinterglemm. Connected to Leogang, Saalbach Hinterglemm offers 200km of ski runs, 90 percent of which can be artificially snowed by snow canons. Numerous ski huts, pubs and discos invite for après ski events; the Hinterhack Alm located at the Turnlift is the place to be at 4pm, with live music every day. A lot of nationalities choose this ski resort, particularly the German’s, Dutch and British. With good snow conditions the Schattberg run is a great way to finish a day of skiing.

8 Vielha e Mijaran, Spain
Baqueira – Beret is located in Vielha e Mijaran which is the largest ski resort in the Spanish Pyrenees and a popular retreat for the Spanish royal family, who go there every winter. With over 100km of slopes Baqueira – Baret has a variety of slopes for every type of skier, as well as seven km of cross country ski.

9 Saint Lary Soulan, France
The ski resort Saint Lary Soulan is located close to the French border, and has all the charm and character of a mountain village. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the French Pyrenees with over 100km of downhill slopes. There are 55 ski runs, ranging from slopes for experienced skiers to family slopes. During the summer the Tour de France frequently runs through Saint-Lary-Soulan, most recently in 2005.

10 Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy
The Dolomiti Superski in Cortina D’Ampezzo is one of the best ski resorts in Italy and is great family resort. It’s located in the Dolomite Mountains in northeast Italy, between Trento, Bolzano and Belluno provinces, in Val di Fassa. Skiers can enjoy over 350km of slopes in 90 ski regions.