Ski resorts may all be covered in snow, offer plenty of slopes and require you to buy lift passes, but the plethora of venues found in the expansive Alps mountain range all provide a unique experience.
Indeed, skiers would be wise to give careful consideration to all the options before booking their trip.
Ski Resorts
The Alps dominate much of Europe and cover parts of countries as far east as Slovenia and Austria, as well as nations to the western part of the continent such as France and Germany.
In between, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein can all lay claim to being Alpine countries.
When choosing a skiing resort in the Alps, it is probably advisable to pick your preferred nation first.
Big or Small?
Larger and more renowned ski resorts such as Val d’Isere and Tignes in France may appeal to those of you who want to mingle with the best skiers around - or spot some celebrities on the slopes.
As a pair, the two popular venues make up the L’Espace Killy region, which roughly translates as the world’s most beautiful skiing area.
If that does not take your fancy, then perhaps ski passes in Chamonix will be more your thing. Here, you will be able to surf the white stuff in the presence of the Alps’ highest mountain, Mont Blanc.
For beginners, Italy could prove to be the perfect choice as resorts such as Livigno are smaller and less busy than some of the French or Swiss alternatives. Many of the Italian resorts also cater for first-time skiers and family groups.
On The Slopes and Apres-Ski
In addition to providing the perfect setting for skiing and snowboarding, the Alps can entertain the crowds at night-time too.
Once you have taken off your salopettes and hung up your goggles for the day, you will be able to find a bustling after-dark scene in many of the mountain range’s famous and less-familiar resorts alike.
For example, Klosters in Switzerland is home to many restaurants, bars and clubs - as well as some of the best ski slopes in the whole of Europe. Meanwhile, La Thuile in Italy - which provides some fantastic views of the huge mountains Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc - offers a host of pleasant pubs and popular entertainment facilities.