Where to go for snow:

Whistler, BC, Canada
125km north of Vancouver sits the 2010 host of the Winter Olympics. Whistler is home to two spectacular mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, now linked by the new 'Peak to Peak' Gondola.

Both tower over the pedestrianised Whistler village, lined with shops, restaurants and galleries. If you’re looking for spectacular scenery, a comprehensive network of slopes and a healthy helpings of snow you can't go wrong. The impressive ski-in, ski-out Fairmont Chateau sits at the base of Blackcomb.
www.whistlerblackcomb.com

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Mzaar, Lebanon
Sitting atop Mount Lebanon at 2,465 metres, is the village of Mzaar. From here the views overlooking the country are breathtaking and you’ll feel a world away from bustling Beirut, a mere 44kms away. This is where the Lebanese hit the slopes extending across 42 trails for more than 80 kilometres. It’s also where they come to party, since Mzaar is equally renowned for its après-ski. The InterContinental Mountain Resort & Spa sits in the heart of the resort.
www.lebanon-tourism.gov.lb

Kitzbühel, Austria
Renowned for its picturesque charm, it’s hard to beat this Tryolean resort with its chocolate-box appeal. A former medieval mining town, its pedestrianised streets are lined with boutiques and restaurants.

Kitzbuhel is home to the annual Hahnenkamm, the toughest of downhills which at one point plunges at an angle of 85 degrees; but slopes are tamer compared to many of its Austrian counterparts. The historic Relais & Chateaux Tennerhof hotel is a five-star choice.
www.austriatourism.com

Crans Montana, Switzerland
The two neighbouring resorts of Crans and Montana are situated at an altitude of 1,500 m on a sun-drenched plateau high above the Rhone Valley. Together they form one of the biggest holiday destinations in the Valais. The upmarket resort is packed full of family activities and offers up an impressive view of the chain of mountain peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc — plus the most extensive and stylish alpine shopping for miles around.
www.crans-montana.ch/

Aspen, USA
This Rocky Mountain playground is renowned for its pristine beauty, cultural events, fabulous restaurants and cosmopolitan nightlife. Comprising four mountains — Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk — Aspen offers a true variety of terrains.

Daredevils choose the double-black runs of Aspen while the wide tree-lined slopes of Snowmass are popular among families. The atmospheric St Regis Aspen Resort hotel is a short walk from the town centre and is Aspen’s luxury choice.
www.colorado.com/aspen

Sestriere, Italy
Host to the 2006 Winter Olympics, this is Europe’s first purpose-built ski resort. It is part of the renowned Milky Way ski circuit and at 2,035 metres above sea level, Sestriere is the highest and most snow sure resort in the region.

The après-ski offers up a lively Italian flavour while there are also a variety of non-skiing activities on offer — such as paragliding and ice-skating. Also try out the unique wine therapy treatments in the well-equipped Grand Hotel Sestriere.
italiantouristboard.co.uk