Theres nothing quite like the thrill of the cold wind in your face as you zoom down a steep ski slope, swishing back and forth across the snow. You weave through trees and over jumps with your heart racing until you finally come to a stop at the bottom of the mountain.
Still grinning from the adrenaline rush, you take off your skis and enter the warm and cosy ski lodge where you can relax in style and luxury with a hot drink. Europe has some of the best ski resorts in the world, so here are six classy and stylish examples:
1. Courcheval 1850, France
This stylish French ski resort just exudes elegance and glamour and is a popular destination for the wealthiest Russian winter sport enthusiasts. It is located in the heart of the stunning Les Trois Vallees and links together Meribel and Val Thorens with a lift system.
There are flagship stores here for some of the worlds biggest fashion brands and many celebrities have been spotted on the slopes including David Beckham, Cher and George Clooney.
2. Cortina, Italy
Host of the 1956 Olympics, Cortina is known for its excellent skiing and its glamorous atmosphere. The snow-capped limestone mountains are truly gorgeous and offer thrilling ski runs, but there is also plenty to do off the slopes such as dining and shopping. Check out the well-known Osteria Wine Bar or the Hotel de la Poste for aperitifs or the Blu Room or Hyppo Discos for a late night dance.
3. Zurs, Austria
This resort is considered the most luxurious and elegant in Austria and it is a favourite of movie stars and royalty including Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Princess Caroline of Monaco. You will only need one ski pass for the entire skiing area and the Arlberg Card will give you access to a snow paradise that includes more than 80 lifts and inclines.
4. Klosters, Switzerland
A sophisticated Swiss ski retreat, Klosters is known for being the place where William and Kate first kissed for the paparazzi. It is a favourite holiday destination for Tara Palmer-Tompkinson, George Osbourne, Prince Charles and Katie Price.
After a day on the slopes, check out the top notch Casa Antica nightclub or the stylish Chesa Bar in the Chesa Grischuna Hotel.
5. St. Moritz, Switzerland
Another Swiss resort, St. Moritz is one of the most glamorous and opulent skiing destinations in Europe. Youll see plenty of designer furs and expensive cars along with high end designer boutiques and limos. Celebrities who have been spotted here include Ivana Trump and Liz Hurley.
The resort is set within a stunning location in the Engadin Valley and it has an excellent snow record. Youll be whisked up the hill in state of the art lifts so that you can get as many runs in as possible before the end of the day.
6. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is home to the iconic Matterhorn mountain a truly dramatic piece of rock that towers over the snowy valley. Many celebrities have skied here, including Robbie Williams, Nicole Kidman, Madonna, Mike Hucknall and Phil Collins.
There is superb skiing here, with many mountain trains providing access to hundreds of kilometres of runs. After a day on the slopes you can treat yourself to a superb meal, as Zermatt is home to the highest density of gourmet restaurants in the world.
