Top Five Ski Resorts for 2011/2012

Whether you are looking for a luxury ski holiday, a catered ski chalet or planning to book a last minute deal we are compiled a list of our top five ski resorts.

Choosing a holiday destination is a big decision, you want to choose a place that will suit your needs. If you are fed up of researching different ski resorts you’ve come to the right place. We have done the hard work for you and put together the top resort for families, luxury, tranquillity, stunning scenery and low-cost holidays, this season with all the information you need to know about the resort.

Levi, Finland – The perfect family destination

Levi’s northern location almost guarantees snow right down to the bottom of the mountain and is the largest resort for a ski holiday in Finland. The ski season in Levi usually lasts around eight months from the middle of October to early June. For snowboarders Levi has one super-pipe, one half-pipe and two snow parks. While you are in Levi you can also try your hand at cross-country skiing, there is an extensive range of 230km cross-skiing tracks. It is a great resort for a family Christmas holiday, with plenty to keep the kids entertained, a favourite with many is taking a reindeer sleigh ride.

Val d’Isere, France – The world’s premier resort

Val d’Isere is one of the most popular European destinations to take a luxury ski holiday with its chalets and hotels rivalling all other ski resorts in the world. The resort has something to offer everyone from beginners to experts. Its lively slopes cater perfectly to its even livelier nightlife which usually starts the La Folie Douce, making the transition between the two easy. Its lively slopes cater perfectly to its even livelier nightlife which usually starts the La Folie Douce, making the transition between the two easy. Victors is also on the top of most skiers’ après-ski list as is famous for its extensive menu of cocktails.

Zermatt, Switzerland – A resort of utter tranquillity

One of the best things about Zermatt is the fact it is a car-free community meaning you can find yourself in utter tranquillity. The only forms of transports allowed inside Zermatt are electric-cars - which are more or less completely quiet, or horse-drawn sleighs and carriages. Zermatt is also surrounded by a variety of magnificent mountain ranges, amongst which is the highest in Switzerland, but what it is most recognised for is the Matterhorn. Its high altitude results in consistent skiing continuously during the summer and fantastic ski conditions in the winter.

Whistler – Unrivalled scenery

Nestled among the incredible coastal mountains of British Columbia, just 75 miles north of Vancouver sits the year-round ski destination of Whistler. The resort features over 8000 acres of mountain terrain - including 12 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers and in excess of 200 marked tracks which are served by 33 lifts, meaning you only ever have to take one or two lifts to get to most parts of the resort. Whistler set its place on the world stages after hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Selva val Gardena, Italy – Stunning views

Selva val Gardena is one of the most popular skiing destinations in Northern Italy. Italy is sometimes overlooked as a ski destination but it offers fantastic skiing at a lower price than France, Austria and Switzerland. The stunning scenery of the Dolomites makes Selva the perfect place for those after a great view as they head down the mountains. Selva is linked to Santa Cristina and between them they make the Sella Ronda circuit which has 175km of runs. It is also a great place for a family ski holiday because children aged 8 and under ski free.

Wherever you go skiing this winter we hope you have a great holiday.