With spring on the horizon there is still time to jet off for some of the finest skiing that Europe has to offer. There are numerous favourites to choose from, each sparkling as much as the pristine snow, and today’s ultra-luxurious resorts offer the perfect escape for fun on the slopes and pure indulgence away from them.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s resorts are well known as meccas for enthusiasts; from Klosters, Davos and St. Moritz in the east to Gstaad and Verbier in the west (plus plenty in between) skiers are spoilt for choice.
 

 
If you cannot make your mind up you cannot go wrong with Verbier, the largest resort in the 4 Valleys. Its high altitude, reaching 3,330 metres at Mont Fort, means good snow even late in the season, and also ensures some spectacular views of The Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. With around 400km of runs and some of the best off-piste skiing in Europe this is a place perfect for the more experienced skier.
 

Richard Branson’s Lodge - Image courtesy of Ultimate Luxury Chalets

 
If you are a fan of the W Hotel group, you will find all you could want at W Verbier, a place that sets the scene for the surrounding vibrant nightlife. Among the other luxury offerings try The Nevai Hotel for chic and modern Alpine design, and for larger groups there is always Richard Branson’s exquisite 9-bedroom lodge.

France

For something more chocolate box head to France and to Megève and enjoy its delightful old town centre with cobbled streets, excellent shopping and fine dining.
 

 
The skiing of course is very good and the spread of runs catering to skiers of all abilities is particularly suited to mixed groups or those who want to start off slower. Conceived by the Rothschilds a century ago to match Switzerland’s St. Moritz, Megève has for years been a destination for Paris high society and well-heeled French travellers – and although popular with the international crowd this resort is recognisably French and exudes Gallic charm.
 
Home to The Alp’s first 3-star Michelin restaurant, Flocons de Sel, sample chef Emmanuel Renaut’s inventive dishes and stay in its loft-style 5-star accommodation, with just six rooms, two chalets, two suites and two apartments on offer.

 

The cosy chalet at Flocons de Sel - Image courtesy of Flocons de Sel
 

There are numerous other options to try for a great base including the ever-popular Le Fer à Cheval or Le Lodge Park with its distinctly tactile yet utterly chic lodge-style interiors.

Austria

For an Austrian take on winter sports amid a lavish setting, Lech-Zürs, often shortened just to Lech, combines it all. With 87 ski lifts, 305 km of ski runs and 200 km of high deep powder snow runs available there is something for everyone, though intermediate skiers are particularly well catered for.
 

 
A favourite of the late Princess Diana (and many other international royal families) there are understandably a host of smart and glamorous places to stay. As would befit a resort that grew from a medieval town, an excellent option is Gasthof Rote Wand, which dates back to 1651.

 

Relax and rewind - Image courtesy of Rote Wand
 

The sympathetically but thoroughly modernised original building, now Rote Wand Inn, connects to four more buildings by a famous underground tunnel, and despite its size the atmosphere is informal, though it does allow for amazing amenities including a spa complex, fitness studio, beauty and massage complex, six outdoor and indoor saunas – as well as an indoor and outdoor heated pool.

With resorts to deliver the perfect last-minute ski holiday and hotels and fine dining to make the thrill of the slopes that much more enjoyable, now is the time to head to some of Europe’s very best skiing destinations.