Le Portetta Mountain Lodges, Courchevel, FRANCE
Courchevel is world-renowned for a reason: great snow, minimal queues and lots of pistes to choose from. The Russians know their snow and it’s no coincidence that they favour the slopes of Les Trois Vallées. What you need is a lodge to return to after a long day on the slopes, and Le Portetta Mountain Lodges is the perfect solution. Nestled in the largely unknown enclave of Belvedere 1750 are four luxury lodges (Chamois, Blanchot, Marmotte and Petite Marmotte), all with distinct character, breathtaking views and luxurious interiors. Built in traditional Swiss style, each has its own character, from rustic chic to sophisticated elegance.

Relaxed but stylish, the lodges have wooden floors, cashmere throws and antique furnishings. If you’re into the spa as much as the snow, then choose Marmotte, which has its own hammam, or book yourself in for a treatment at Le Portetta spa, just a few minutes down the mountain.
www.courchevel.com; www.leportetta.com

Kamchatka, RUSSIA
This is not a destination for the faint-hearted, but if you like the sound of unexplored terrain, wild scenery and long descents, then Russia’s far eastern peninsula is the place for you. Heli-skiing is the name of the game, and you have 200 volcanoes to choose from (Kamchatka has the highest concentration of volcanoes on earth, 29 of which are active). Stay at the Hotel Antarius in the hot spring valley of Paratunka and ski-lift queues will be a distant memory as you step into the helicopter waiting right outside the hotel.

Head for Kljutschevskayay, the peninsula’s highest volcano at 4,750m, and glide down exceptionally long runs, ski into volcano craters and traverse enormously varied terrain. The slopes continue down to the sea, so the views are breathtaking and, if you don’t put your brakes on, you may just end up with sand between your skis.
www.travelkamchatka.com; www.eaheliskiing.com

Rocksresort, Laax, SWITZERLAND
It has been said that the world’s biggest avalanche created the Swiss resort of Laax 10,000 years ago. With the Vorab glacier filling the skyline, you want to make sure you have a room with a view.

The newly-opened Rocksresort (pictured above) is the place to stay. Built by Domenig Architects with sustainability in mind and the landscape as an inspiration, Rocksresort is made up of 11 cube-shaped buildings scattered at random like rocks from a landslide. It delivers a modern take on the traditional chalet, made with local and natural materials, such as untreated oak, and fitted with a climate-neutral heating system. Each building is coated with Valser quartzite which reflects the surrounding mountain scenery. With 220km of skiable piste right on your doorstep (and reflected in your walls), what could be better than having your own personal mini-spa? Any additional requirements, just call the 24-hour concierge service.
www.laax.com; www.rocksresort.com

Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, ARGENTINA
Patagonia has it all: excellent snow, stunning scenery and delicious food. Cerro Catedral near San Carlos de Bariloche is one of the largest ski centres in South America, and with more than 60 miles of runs, it’s a destination for all the family. With the Andes in the background and Lake Nahuel Huapi below, Catedral is worth a visit for the view alone. Full of chic but friendly porteños (people from Buenos Aires), you’ll soon find yourself making friends on the ski lifts. Go into the town of Bariloche for après-ski and make sure you try the chocolates – you can’t miss them, every second shop is a chocolatier. The town is more than 10 miles from the slopes, so stay close by at one of Charming’s five-star lodges if you want to catch fresh snow in the morning. Built in traditional chalet-style with spectacular views of the lake, this is the perfect place to re-charge your batteries.
www.charming-bariloche.com www.interpatagonia.com/catedral

Ellsworth Mountains, ANTARCTICA
Travel agents have announced a 300% increase in bookings for the Antarctica, so it is obviously not just the Fiennes family who favour the great white continent. It is a trip that will take a bit of planning, but it will be well worth it. With the highest peak at 4,897m, Antarctica has one of the world’s best vertical descents (and lots of cross-country skiing). Temperatures are -30oC on a warm day, so it is pretty much snow-sure. Make your way to the Ellsworth Mountains in a skiequipped aircraft and experience the vast, dramatic scenery. There may be record numbers of visitors, but it is far from a standard destination – the first ever tourists arrived in 1958 – so make the most of your stay and check out the wildlife and icebergs when you’re there. The thickest iceberg is at Wilkes Land and, at 4.8km, it’s about as deep as the Alps are high.
www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk www.freshpeaks.com