Ski season is here

Ski and snowboarding season has really kicked off in a big way this year. With snow already on the ground in Switzerland and people already skiing, it's shaping up to be a great ski season.

So with this in mind, I thought I'd list some of our top ski resorts this season:

1. Meribel & Mottaret
2. Val Thornes
3. Morzine
4. Soldeu (Andorra)
5. Whistler (Canada)

Of course there are lots of places you can go, but what I've looked at is those locations which are generating the most interest with customers mainly because of:

* High altitude so fantastic snow record
* Availability of accommodation
* Cost of living once you're there

Meribel & Mottaret
Part of the Three Valleys so skiing and snowboarding conditions don't get much better! The Three Valleys gives you the biggest ski area in the World. It's close of Courchevel which is the biggest resort, however it doesn't have the big price tag associated with Courchevel. It's high altitude gives a fantastic snow record with long season.


Val Thornes
Again part of the Three Valleys ski area (you'd never guess I love the Three Valleys!). However it's further out of the way so prices are that much cheaper again especially when it comes to eating and drinking. It's an ideal resort for learners and those looking to go self catering. The apres-ski scene is very good. Skiing across to Courchevel is quite easy, just make sure you leave time to get home in the evenings.

Morzine
Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest in the world. Again you'll have no problem with variety here. Ski different runs every day. Well known ski areas close by include Avoriaz, Le Gets, Les Crosets. It's easy to ski across the boarder to Switzerland. It has some of the best scenery I've ever seen when skiing.

Soldeu
One of Andorra's best resorts for a great mix of beginner and intermediate skiing. Also excellent for the night life. I found it had all the charm of France yet without some of the big price tags. Don't expect to be challenged to hard if you're an expert skiing - but it's fantastic for families.

Whistler
They don't come much better. If you want to go here, remember it's the Winter Olympics resort in 2010 so accommodation isn't cheap this year. However a huge amount of money has been spent on the resort so everything is going to be amazing. If you've never skied in Canada, Whistler is the place to go for amazing wide runs, excellent snow and great verticals. Also the ski season starts early December and runs right through to April.

I'd love to hear your opinions on different ski resorts so we can recommend them to our customers.