A trip to the MOUNTAINS

There's plenty to do in these magical alpine resorts, both on and off the slopes

- NICK REDMAN

Val d'Isère For skiing and saunas 

France's biggest winter playground is postcard-pretty, with its stony baroque church, boutiques and cosy cafes. Set in the Savoie department of the Alps, the area's snow record is as impressive as the pistes.

Lovely gentle runs cater for beginners and intermediates - follow the trails graded green that spread out from the top of the Borsat chairlift.

Not a skier? Check out the vast Centre Aquasportif for swimming, saunas and steam baths; and buy a pedestrian pass for the gondolas and chairlifts for exceptional views and access to slope-side restaurants. After dark, Val rocks, with après-ski at Dick's Tea Bar and La Folie Douce, the 'highest club in Europe'.

Verbier For scenic sleigh rides and paragliding

What could be more romantic than a day in a sleigh drawn by horses or (if you'd prefer more speed) a team of huskies? It's a cinch to sort in Switzerland's dramatic south-western ski resort, Verbier. Some chalet hosts will even arrange champagne picnics for a special occasion - this is, after all, where the jet set come to play. Trotting through winter-white landscapes is pure Doctor Zhivago don't forget your furry hat.