10. Zermatt, Switzerland

This is an elegant, classy and suave place, nestling in the shadow of the looming Materhorn that towers over the resort and takes its place amongst a number of peaks at 4000m expect to be flabbergasted. The resort has character in bundles, thanks to the architecture, there is a no-cars policy and there are bars a plenty. If you can't have a good time in Zermatt then you will struggle to ever have a good time.

There's a massive ski area, but Zermatt is also massively important for the 'off piste' it offers. The resort also has a lot of glacial skiing which will tempt you, however beware crevasses are always a threat and, as with any off-piste riding, a guide is advisable. At Plooka we advise you to play safe and get the right equipment and knowledge. But a good day exploring the area and a cold beer at the end of the day is our idea of the perfect day!

Also don't forget that in Switzerland heli-skiing is legal! You can choose to take a set route or with some negotiation form your own and see if the guide agrees it's safe. Ok it's not cheap but it's something we would all love to do, so just go for it.

9. Aspen, Colorado

If you fancy skiing with the rich and famous, or maybe just where they ski, then Aspen is the place to be. It has four moutains in the vicinity and is well known for it's steep runs. However the ski terrain in the area offers something all for all skiers of various levels.

Amongst the steeps and bumps,the Aspen Mountain has fantastic groomed intermediate runs as well. And of course there is plenty of off piste terrain to explore, but beware that this is somewhat frowned upon in America. For Snowboarders there are excellent facilities in Snowmass, Highlands and Buttermilk on their ski holidays in Aspen, with a special riders guide provided to help boarders find the best runs and parks. The only real downside about Aspen is that it can tend to be a little expensive.

8. Val Thorens, France

One of the best ski resorts to hit in the early months of the season. This is the number one place to choose early in December as a ski destination and purely because the snow is reliable! This is because Val Thorens is Europes' highest ski resort, as well as the Péclet glacier - there are two other peaks above 3,000m, plus an extra one if the fourth valley is operational.

Val Thorens is not the least attractive purpose-built resort in France, and has some fantastic restaurants including Oxalys which has a Michelin star, quite an achievement when you consider where it is!

Val Thorens is a compact, purpose-built resort set in a huge ski bowl, with runs fanning out in all directions, it provides excellent snow conditions throughout the season. And as a bonus you can ski down the valley to Les Menuires, the La Masse area, and then pop over to nearby Courchevel and Meribel on the 3 Valleys. Therefore you have access to some of the most amazing skiing in the world!

7. Tignes, France,

Tignes is again another great bet in France if you are after some snow sure skiing. Whilst most brits may choose Val d'Isere as their base for skiing L'Espace Killy there's really no question that the serious skiers are in Tignes on the 3,455m Grande Motte glacier.

Tignes has pistes to suit all, however the resort also offers expert credentials, with Naturides (ungroomed pistes) and the Spot ("Skiing the Powder Of Tignes) zone, a cross between off-piste and a freestyle jumps park. How does that sound....

Also you don't need to spend a fortune here either, as neighbouring skiers in Val d'Isere will be busy handing their money over for expensive food, you get to have a smug look on your face. This really is a rider's resort, and their is usually a party going on somewhere.

However it's more a case of making the most of it, 'cos there's normally a party going on somewhere, you just have to know where…

6. Courchevel, France

Another French resort and this really demonstrates that France as a nation has the best skiing in the world accross many of it's resorts. Courchevel is well positioned on the 3 Valleys and was one of the first purpose built ski resorts in France. This means that the resort benefits from a high number of ski in ski out hotels. Courchevel is seen as an expensive premier resort. However it can also be a budget resort, choosing the right bars and cafes it can be more reasonable.

The immediate skiing in Courchevel is hard to beat and offers slopes for all abilities, and anybody who tires of it can then head accross to the 3 valleys. With over 470 snow cannons and 22 piste bashers, the pistes are always immaculately groomed and snow is perhaps more reliable than the rest of the Trois Vallees as most of the slopes are North facing. The lift system is also very modern, fast and efficient. Ski schools abound and offer classes in 8 languages for every standard and discipline, from snowboarding to telemark.