5 of the best ski resorts in Europe

 Best for Christmas: Zermatt, Switzerland

There’s little more magical than spending Christmas in the mountains, and for the full picture-perfect experience, Zermatt is a no-brainer. The resort is a gem at the best of times, but come festive season it boasts every cliché in the book. Set to a commanding backdrop of the Matterhorn, you’ll find glowing shop windows adorned with Christmas decorations, horse-drawn sleighs and copious stalls selling freshly roasted chestnuts and steaming glühwein. Travelling at Christmas time usually bears its snow risks – especially in recent years – but Zermatt enjoys snow-sure skiing from November, with top stations of up to 3,820m.

Come Christmas Eve and Day, depending on your preferences, Zermatt has it all. A lively aprés scene plays host to the most raucous of Christmas celebrations, whether that be in a piste-side mountain restaurant or in a stylish bar in town. For a more traditional celebration, St Peter’s (also known as the ‘English Church’) is regularly packed for a Christmas service, or take the kids to a snowy playground for a spot of sledging. The best bit? Being on holiday for Christmas means there’s no washing up, no stressful dinner to cook and no mess. All you need to do is enjoy a day on the mountains, returning to your chalet for drinks and an all-the-trimmings dinner.