If it’s your first time picking up the skis, gentle slopes and friendly ski schools will become your best friend.

As the pioneers of winter tourism, Switzerland is more than experienced in guiding beginners through their first rodeo on the snow. There are many beginner ski areas near Zurich, great for both adults and kids. Brunni is an affordable yet impressive resort - it has a 50 m long magic carpet, and a T-bar lift with a short and easy blue run.

If it’s a ski school you’re looking for, Flumserberg has great instructors to help the whole family become naturals on the snow. With easy, flat terrain, you’ll be gliding along independently in no time.

Canada is renowned for having some of the finest slopes in the world, so why not start off at the top! Fly into Toronto, and just a short drive away you’ll find many resorts in southern Ontario. With just over 50% worth of runs suitable for beginners, the Glen Eden resort is built around the beautiful Lake Kelso.

Blue Mountain, one of the largest and most well-known mountain resorts, is also a great choice.The easiest terrain can be found at the southern end of the area, where you can get lessons to whip you into shape.

For those that feel confident, but aren’t ready to tackle the black slopes just yet, there are many great resorts where you can find a good level in-between.

Just over an hour's drive from Vienna, the Mönichkirchen-Mariensee ski resort boasts a great old-school skiing experience. Regularly visited by locals, this family friendly resort has ten slopes spanning 14 km and varying in levels of difficulty.

Slightly further out you’ll find Hochkar, known as the largest, most reliable resort for snowfall in the Alpine foothills. With over 50% of its stunning slopes suitable for intermediates, this is a must visit resort.

Go from plane to piste in under three hours when you fly to Munich. You’ll find ski resorts with excellent terrain, lively après ski scenes, and idyllic mountains. Zell Am See over in Austria is just a two hour and 30 minutes journey from the airport. It's ideal for intermediates, and has a lovely medieval town centre providing an atmospheric backdrop for drinks and dinner.

Kitzbuhel is a shorter drive at just an hour and a half from the airport to this Austrian town. It is best known as the host resort for the Hahnenkamm race, one of the world's most prestigious Alpine Ski World Cup races. There’s plenty of terrain for intermediates as well as more challenging slopes for when you’re ready.

If skiing comes as naturally as walking to you, you’ll want a bit more of a challenge. Here are some of the most adrenaline-fueled slopes in the French and Swiss Alps, to give you the thrill of a lifetime.

One of Norway’s most popular ski destinations, explore the Arctic wilderness of Tromso. The island of Ringvassøya is a hidden gem, where you can ski through enchanting forests with the Lyngen Alps in the distance. For a steeper adventure, the summit of Svartvasstinden will reward you with panoramic views of the beautiful Scandinavian scenery.

If you’re a ski enthusiast, you may have heard of Lyngen and Senja, known for their great areas for off-piste skiing. People have been skiing through the 145 peaks in Lyngen for centuries - located right on the Norwegian sea, you’ll find a series of deep fjords and peninsulas. Embark on a magical ski tour in Senja, and steer through steep mountains to see where the twists and turns take you.

If you’re looking for a ski holiday like no other, Reykjavík can give you just that. With slopes surrounded by vast oceans, look up at night time and you might even see the Northern Lights - what a spectacle! Dalvik Ski Resort is known as one of the best in the country, with many professional winter sports athletes coming from this small town.

With stunning mountains where you can huck cliffs, whizz through chutes, and experience unique off-piste conditions, you’re in for an exhilarating adventure. For the adrenaline junkies, why not try heli-skiing in the Troll Peninsula with an experienced guide. Helicopter over to a remote mountain peak and enjoy a descent in the fresh untouched snow.

Fly into Luxembourg to reach some great ski resorts in France. Speed down the longest piste in the Vosges at Gérardmer ski resort. With 21 runs that overlook the village and lake, whizz through the dense forests. And if you fancy even more of a challenge, embark on a cross country ski session in the nearby Bas-Rupt area.

The tranquil La Bresse is the main resort in the Vosges - with huge terrain you’ll find 33 runs set in 220 hectares of alpine scenery. It’s the only local area to offer skiing from the early hours, right through to dusk when the slopes illuminate.

Book your winter wonderland escape today - and don’t forget to consider booking your airport parking, security FastTrack pass, or lounge access!