As we are on the pick of the most special time of the year, the Christmas holidays, the time that we feel the nessecity to spend as much quality time as possible with our family and our beloved ones, we chose some of the most incredible places for you, in order to give you the best information based on personal experieces and of course always keeping in mind the top places according to cntraveler.com.

So, Before you plan the next snowy adventure, just take a tip from our best choices here:

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, surrounded by the Alps’ tallest peaks, has 223 miles of runs in four huge ski areas—some lying at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, so snow here is good for a very long season. This enchanting Alpine village lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain, and has plenty of modern touches, like its state-of-the-art lift system and swanky après-ski diversions.

Where to bunk: The centrally located, modern Hotel Firefly is a more-than-comfortable pick, with its luxury spa, spacious accommodations, and stunning views. NB: There are no cars here. Horse-drawn sleighs are the preferred choice of transportation.

Kitzbühel, Austria

Just two hours from Munich, Austria’s most popular holiday resort has it all: posh hotels; a lively après-ski scene scattered among its quaint, cobblestone streets; and unsurpassed skiing that includes eight renowned ski schools and some of the most demanding courses on the World Cup circuit.

Where to bunk: Stay at Hotel Schloss Lebenberg, a Medieval hillside castle overlooking the sparkling village that earns high marks for its top-notch service, superb dining room, and ornate, Gothic-style décor.

Val d’Isère, France

Though some bemoan this mega resort for being crowded, pricey, and even a bit gauche, Val d’Isère remains an experienced skiier’s paradise. The area is home to exciting, high-quality, snow-sure slopes that are easily linked and plenty varied. An excellent dining scene and hard-partying nightlife makes a stay here a true holiday in every sense of the word.

Where to bunk: First-timers should stick to the central resort area, close to the action. We like the chic atmosphere at Le Savioe or the more family-oriented Hôtel Le Brussel’s, which has a pool, spa, and sun terrace beside the nursery slopes.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

The oldest winter holiday resort in the world is as elegant and exclusive as it gets. The sparkling sun shines on average 322 days a year, pairing with the dry air for what’s known as a “champagne climate.” But it’s the world-class hotels and restaurants, chic shopping, and plethora of leisure and sport goings-on for which this renowned destination gets its deservedly elite reputation.

Where to bunk: A stay at the legendary Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, with its second-to-none service, ambiance, and amenities indulging A-listers since 1896, is a must.

Zell am See-Kaprun, Austria

This lakeside resort with a charming, pedestrianized Medieval core is the place to head to for varied, wooded slopes and terrific glacier skiing on nearby Kaprun’s Kitzsteinhorn (included on Zell’s lift pass). Note that a new gondola link with Saalbach has just opened for the 2016/17 season.

Where to bunk: Occupying a private, waterside peninsula, the Grand Hotel Zell am See celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2016. The white confection of a building includes a swanky new casino and complimentary shuttle bus service to the slopes of Schmittenhöhe.

Gstaad, Switzerland

Twelve separate ski areas and 250 kilometres of piste are all accessible with just one lift pass here, and all are connected by a train running through the five villages that make up this storied resort. A traffic-free town center, including a promenade lined with luxury boutiques, and fairy tale Swiss-German architecture make this one of Europe’s most traditional winter destinations.

Where to bunk: While the legendary Gstaad Palace is always on top, I love the Alpina Gstaad, constructed of wood salvaged from old farmhouses and locally-quarried limestone. With two pools, a Six Senses Spa, and movie theater, it’s a skiing-celebrity (and regular celebrity) favorite.

Chamonix–Mont Blanc, France

Chamonix was the site of the very first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, and its rugged terrain—at the intersection of France, Italy, and Switzerland—has provided world-class skiing ever since.

Where to bunk: The surrounding villages of Les Praz, Les Bossons, Les Moussoux, Argentière, and Les Pélérins offer a full gamut of hotels to chose from, but to stay closer to the action, the stylishly revamped Hôtel Mont Blanc is our top pick.

Aspen Colorado

Ski resort to the stars but the sky is definitely not the limit for us mere mortals. Aspen came into existence as a mining town, silver this time not gold as is the case for so many resorts. But that was 130 years ago; today it is home to dozens of restaurants, bars and hotels of all standards all of which have access to its 5,500 ski acres spread across four mountains. One of Aspen’s many joys is that it is only 10 minutes from the airport – a sheer delight after a long flight. To add to the pleasures of skiing are night time dinners such as the Cloud Nine Alpine bistro with access only by snowcat or perhaps leaning about the mountain ecology, flora and fauna by snowshoe.

Where to bunk: I definitely recommend the legendary Little Nell and the St Regis in Aspen village.

 

Whistler – Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

Ski Magazine voted Whistler #1 in North America again for 2017, adding to the multitude of awards the resort has won since its inception. And no wonder; over 200 beautifully groomed runs, powder-filled back bowls and the longest and highest gondola in the world are just the tip of the iceberg (metaphorically speaking!) There is heli- and cat-skiing, the chance to the see the bobsleigh and skeleton courses from the 2010 Olympics, ziplining, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and dozens of other activities for the skier and non-skier.

Whistler Creekside is the quietest part of the resort with some of the best restaurants. If you want to be part of the action, then Whistler Village is the place to be with myriad bars, restaurants, shops and night clubs. Blackcomb has most of the self-catering accommodation as well as the best of the hotels.

Where to bunk: Both the Four Seasons Reorts and Residences Whistler and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler are in the Upper Village are the best choices..

 

Jackson Hole, Teton Village

One of the most iconic of all US ski resorts. Set in the middle of the beautiful Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole has stunning and challenging skiing which can be combined with time in Yellowstone National Park watching wolves, a trip to Hawaii or even Los Angeles. Jackson Hole is two villages. Teton Mountain Village is at the base of the skiing and where you will find the Four Seasons Hotel and the Snake River Lodge plus a good selection of restaurants and bars.

Jackson Hole village is the historic centre, very busy during the summer months with visitors enjoying the mountains and scenery but rather more peaceful in the winter months. The historic hotel here is the Wort built in 1941 and famous for its Silver Dollar Bar.

 

source: Personal experience

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cntraveler.com