The best winter vacations

Winter is rarely anyone’s favourite season but it doesn’t have to be dreary days and frosty nights for months on end while we wait for summer to come back around. You can’t stop the snow from falling so why not take advantage of it by booking yourself a luxurious winter vacation in one of the world’s top ski resorts? Here are our top destinations for a bit of winter fun.

Banff, Canada

Home to three separate resorts that offer thousands of acres of skiing terrain as well as a thriving community packed with bars and restaurants, Banff is perfect for people who want a mix of flawless slopes and evening entertainment. As if that wasn’t enough, Banff is pretty hard to beat when it comes to scenery, so be sure to spend some time marvelling at the beauty of the Rockies in between runs.

Breckenridge, USA

An excellent spot for beginners and pros alike, Breckenridge has a huge number of lifts and trails, which cater to all skiing abilities. The resort also has four different parks so if you want to get the adrenaline pumping then you need look no further.

Sapporo, Japan

Japan is steadily rising in popularity among powder hounds and Sapporo is among the crème-de-la-crème of Japanese ski resorts. Those who have had the pleasure of skiing here have lauded the resort’s consistent and deep swathes of powder. Also, being one of Japan’s largest cities, there is plenty of fun to be had off-piste so your winter vacation fun doesn’t have to stop when the slopes close.

Val d’Isère, France

Val d’Isère is truly a snow-lovers paradise with a multitude of slopes that are neatly linked, making the resort wholly accessible – a must for stress-free skiing. With breath-taking views of the Alps in the background, this French beauty queen offers more than a few photo opportunities so you can take the best of your winter vacation home with you. In the evenings, be sure to make the most of the fine-dining scene and the raucous nightlife.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

There’s a lot more to Italy than its fantastic food and staggering art collection. For first-time skiiers and those looking for a more low-key vibe, there are few places on earth that beat Cortina d’Ampezzo. The skiing here is top notch and there are over a hundred runs to keep you occupied throughout the entirety of your winter vacation. When you’ve worn yourself out, settle in for the evening with a glass of vino and a bowl of delicious spaghetti.