First time skiing or boarding and great après-ski?

Pas de la Casa in Andorra is a high-altitude resort with access to 210km of piste in the Grandvalira ski area, linking it to Soldeu and El Tarter. It's lively and affordable, with an earned reputation for vibrant après. One of the best aspects for beginners in Pas de la Casa is the ski school, which is known for its excellent standard of teaching and English-speaking instructors. Intermediates and advanced skiers have plenty to explore too, both on and off-piste, and you can practice your tricks in the resort's snow parks.

Crystal Ski Holidays (www.crystalski.co.uk; 020 8610 3123) offers a week's stay in the two-star self-catering Manzano Apartments in Pas de la Casa, Andorra, from £255 per person (based on four sharing) including flights from Gatwick to Toulouse and transfers (price given is for departure on 14 January 2018). Save £50 per person.


Want to be away over Christmas and have a bit of luxury?
Sestriere is renowned for its great conditions: it's high up, faces north-west and has extensive snow-making equipment. There are lots of open runs on the local slopes, plus some off-piste among a handful of tree-lined slopes. Head out to the Milky Way ski area and you'll get 400km of piste that'll take you to Sauze d'Oulx, Claviere and to Mongenèvre in France. The village was the first purpose-built resort in the Italian Alps, improved in 2006 by the Winter Olympics being held there.

Crystal Ski Holidays (www.crystalski.co.uk; 020 8610 3123) offers a week's half board and gala dinner at the four-star Grand Hotel Sestriere in Sestriere, Italy, from £559 per person (based on two sharing) including flights from Gatwick to Turin and transfers (price given is for departure on 7 January 2018). Save £50 per person.


Big ski area, skiing 9-5.
Part of the impressive 425km Paradiski area, La Plagne is a collection of small villages, each with its own distinct feel and character. The region is famed for its variety, from the long, tree-lined runs in Montchavin to the deep powder of the Bellecôte glacier. Between the two you'll find plenty of wide red and blue runs, perfectly suited for progressive beginners and intermediate skiers to build their skill set. Or if you want to beat the crowds, head over to Montalbert for some exhilarating long runs through the trees.

Crystal Ski Holidays (www.crystalski.co.uk; 020 8610 3123) offers a week's stay in the four-star self-catering Les Chalets Edelweiss Apartments in Plagne 1800, France, from £346 per person (based on four sharing) including flights from Gatwick to Chambery and transfers (price given is for departure on 6 January 2018). Save £50 per person.