ITALY

Lying in a basin in the Aosta valley and towered over by the majestic scenery of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is perhaps the most famous and certainly the oldest, Italian resort. It offers two ski areas with a total of over 100 kilometres of on and off piste slopes. There is skiing for any level, though intermediate skiers may be the happiest. There are two main ski areas, Checrouit-Val Veny, which is mostly for beginners and intermediates and Mont Blanc, which is geared toward the expert skier. Off the slopes, this quaint medieval spa town is home to naturally heated thermal baths and waterfalls, has cobbled, car free streets and stylish shops. Add to that a good measure of bars, restaurants, cafes and bistros and you have a great all round resort.