Val d’Isere, France
This French resort in the Rhône-Alps is a melting pot for dedicated skiers. Eight access points mean little queuing.
Who
An international mix. Great skiing, excellent rental properties and a glam nightlife attract the likes of Jemima Khan and Gérard Depardieu.
Slopes
Test your skills on the Face du Charvet, accessed from the Grand Pré chairlift.
Refuel
Lamb shanks with local black-wheat pasta in Le Signal (+33 (0)479 06 03 38) at the top of the Le Fornet cablecar.
Party
On sunny days, it’s on the slopes at La Folie Douce (+33 (0)479 06 01 47), while in town it’s at the iconic Dick’s T-Bar.
Stay
Aspen Lodge (+44 (0)844 557 3119, vip-chalets.com) has catered ski lodges on the main street. Seven nights, half board, from £719 including transfers and BA flights.
St Moritz, Switzerland
Premier-league glitz, but the real beauty of this classic Swiss resort lies in its stunning panoramic views.
Who
The rich, famous, and wannabe socially well-connected, not to mention Ivana Trump, Tina Turner, Sting, Geri Halliwell, Liz Hurley and Naomi Campbell.
Slopes
The 10km descent from the Diavolezza aerial tramway down the glacier to Morteratsch is spectacular.
Refuel
Cream of lemon grass soup followed by rösti tossed with bacon at El Paradiso (+41 (0)81 833 40 02, el-paradiso.ch).
Party
The Moroccan-themed King’s Club (+41 (0)81 837 1000), which is located beneath Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.
Stay
The Hotel Carlton (+41 (0)81 836 7000, carlton-stmoritz.ch), the resort’s only luxury boutique hotel with some sublime suites. From £460 per night B&B for a junior suite.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Attractive Victorian silver mining town in Colorado, USA, with four mountains offering skiiing for all abilities.
Who
The rich and famous (as well as families). Regulars include Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Jack Nicholson.
Slopes
Highlands mountain has a bit of everything and is the locals’ favourite. The mountain also has some great long runs.
Refuel
Blackened ahi sashimi- style at Gwyn’s High Alpine (+1 970 923 3311, hi-alpine.com) on Snowmass mountain.
Party
Those who have A-list friends or who can pay for membership, head to the Caribou Club (+1 970 925 2929, caribouclub.com).
Stay
The ultra-hip Sky Hotel (+1 970 925 6760, theskyhotel.com). Seven nights including BA flights and transfers from £1,230pp with Ski Dream (+44 (0)845 277 3333, skidream.com).
