As the end of the year draws nearer and the colder weather rapidly closes in, thoughts naturally turn to where you might wish to venture on your next Winter break.And the ski enthusiast is spoilt for choice, with a seemingly endless selection of charmingly chic resorts on offer. The unquestionable appeal of the Alps competes with the more rugged wilderness of the US and Canada for our attention… but which to choose?Heres our guide to just some of the most notable destinations you could select for your 2014 luxury ski holiday.
The Three Valleys, France
Enjoy an exhilarating break exploring the worlds largest interlinked ski network. You can base your stay in one of four equally appealing resorts Courchevel, which provides access to over 600 kilometres of snow-laden slopes; Mribel, renowned for its sophisticated ambience and thriving aprs-ski; St Martin-de-Belleville, an unspoilt Savoyard village; or Les Menuires, with a wide variety of runs that make it the ideal destination for families with varying ski abilities.
San Cassiano, Italy
This serenely sunny village combines 40 kilometres of picturesque cross country trails and a snow park with an unrivalled 3,445 metres of vertical descent. A particular favourite with beginner and intermediate skiers, enchanting San Cassiano also provides links to the Sella Ronda circuit, while nearby Cortina dAmpezzo is famed for is atmospheric town centre and also boasts an Olympic bobsleigh run and ice stadium.
Kitzbhel, Austria
The home of the formidable Hahnenkamm downhill race and acknowledged as the toughest on the World Cup circuit, Kitzbhel is ideal for intermediates and also offers a range of different runs where you can test and stretch your skiing skills, while also trying your hand at other thrilling winter activities like paragliding and tobogganing. Meanwhile, the largely car-free cobbled streets of the medieval town centre provide a tranquil contrast to the stimulating slopes.
St Moritz, Switzerland
If you crave a resort offering unsurpassed elegance and exclusivity, choose chic St. Moritz. From its designer boutiques, luxurious hotels and gourmet dining to the remarkable mountain panorama and 350 kilometres of spectacularly groomed slopes (including the renowned Cresta run), this Swiss town more than deserves its reputation as one of the worlds leading ski destinations. Create unforgettable holiday memories by completing your trip with a romantic horse drawn sleigh ride or ice driving experience.
Vail, USA
Often overlooked due to its close proximity to glamorous Aspen, the stylish village of Vail attracts a discerning ski crowd keen to explore its 192 pistes of Champagne powder. Those looking to venture off-piste relish the expansive terrain of nearby Breckenridge, and theres unending opportunities to indulge in a range of exciting additional activities, including dog sledding, snowmobiling or hot-air ballooning.
Whistler, Canada
North Americas largest ski area is especially popular with intermediate skiers and winter enthusiasts looking to take advantage of the long runs of freshly fallen snow across 8,000 acres of mountain terrain. And when your morning on the slopes is done, why not embark on a thrilling snowmobile drive through the snow clad forests and frozen lakes at night fall. Take a heli trip out to a nearby glacier where you can try your hand at tee-ing off on the ice, with a game of glacier golf. Join a professional guide for a day of climbing up frozen waterfalls or train with members of the Canadian Winter Olympic Team; before making your way into Whistler village to sample its many restaurants, nightclubs and bars.
