The World's 10 Top Ski Resorts

Working for Aito (the association of Independent Tour Operators for those who don't know) has some unusual benefits, the most keen of these is the in depth scholar knowledge that our members can offer. In the field of ski holidays, for example, we rehearse over 30 independent tour operators who deal predominantly in ski packages and winter sports - that's a lot of knowledge that I have ready passage to.

And from dipping into this resource, I've been able to compile a concise list of ten ski resorts that 10 of our members endorse on their websites. The immense combined expertise these ski operators boast means that I, despite not being a huge winter sports buff, feel determined to take their word and promote these as Aito's favourites.

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So here are Aito's top ski resorts, along with the associates that offered them superlative laden endorsement. Narrowing the list down to the 10 best ski resorts was a real challenge, given that Aito members offer over 175 in the middle of them!

1 St Anton - Austria:

Skiworld suggest St Anton as one of the best ski resorts in the world, and their endorsement seems to be matched by the World Alpine Skiing Championship organisers, who gave the resort the honour of hosting the event in 2001. The peaceful settlement colse to is a stark variation to the buzzing internationally preeminent ski slopes, but the two seem to fit together perfectly despite their obviously dissimilar feels. As the resort attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the world, there is a real cosmopolitan feel to the resort, although English remains the dominating language on the slopes.

Off of the slopes, St Anton's main street provides plentifulness of distractions, giving shoppers chance to hunt for jewellery, music, antiques, clothing and local crafts. The latter are worth a extra mention, as customary woodcarvings from the region are exported all over the world.

But what of the slopes themselves? Well, they're not for beginners, that's for sure. It's been said that in St. Anton, a blue run is a red, while a red is a black - they're pitched at experts and ambitious intermediate level skiers, but those that have the potential are sure to find the slopes endlessly rewarding. The only downside to it is that unless there's been a fresh snow-fall, conditions are sometimes less than perfect, because of the south-facing aspect. That said, if you're in luck with the snow-fall, then you're guaranteed to have one of the best European ski holidays of your life.

2 Courchevel - France:

No list could be unblemished without mentioning Courchevel - with its striking reputation, the only downside is the prime price point often bandied colse to by ski operators when dealing with this most exclusive resort. Regarded as many as the best ski resort in the world, Courchevel offers some of the best ski holidays in Europe - albeit at a high price! One of the best things about the region is that the 600 kilometres of pistes offer a challenge for all abilities - beginners need not leave their relieve zone on the ample green pistes, while those of intermediate potential can ski a keen option of red and blue runs. Those feeling particularly daring can head right for the private powder stashes that await experts on the black runs - some of the steepest in Europe.

The resort itself lives up to its exclusive prestige with some of the most keen and high-priced nightlife on the European ski holiday circuit. Courchevel 1850 attracts some of Paris' top cabaret acts and Djs as well as a collection of other entertainments from places to be pampered to bowling and a cinema. The more customary settlement centres of Courchevel 1300 and 1550 have a lower key atmosphere with a option of keen pubs and customary mountain cuisine.

3 Aspen & Snowmass - Usa:

There are 4 mountains in this region, gift a skier over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and 341 trails allowing everybody from beginners to experts to find an keen collection of routes on their holiday. This is one of Colorado's most keen resorts, and the fact that all the four mountains are covered by the same lift pass means that this ski resort can offer exquisite collection - especially if you are experienced adequate to take on some of the more keen runs in Aspen Mountain and Highlands, with their keen mix of tree runs, gullies and chutes. Beginners and intermediate level skiers are well served as well though, with a large option of wide cruisers at Buttermilk and Snowmass.

The town was originally defined by its mining trade, but with the ski traffic it has advanced into one of the finest ski communities in North America. There are 100 bars and restaurants competing for your attentiveness and an eclectic option of boutiques and galleries to discover while you take time off the slopes.

4 Verbier - Switzerland:

One tasteless complaint that citizen used to have with this preeminent ski resort was its long queues and poorly planned lift transport. Nowadays, things have improved considerably and the prestige of the resort should improve alongside. Verbier is still thought about one of Europe's top ski resorts, and manages to attract skiers from all over the world every year - courtesy of its exquisite skiing opportunities for experts and a legendary nightlife. There are over 410 kilometers of pistes and it has an exquisite snow record.

The downside to the exquisite ski opportunities offered to experienced skiers is that it offers limited in the way of keen runs for beginners, with just a handful of blue runs at Bruson. And while there is a collection of off-piste entertainment available together with a sports centre, swimming pool and skating rink, beginners are still better served looking at other ski holidays in Europe or added afield..

5 La Rosière - France:

This child-friendly ski resort offers a range of slopes for skiers of all abilities, as well as options for non-skiers. This accompanied by the ski school meeting point (a improvement with catered chalets, bars, restaurants, shops and a bowling alley) and an exquisite snow report ensure that La Rosière is a great option for keen skiers.

The ski runs are divided as follows: 6 green ski runs, 23 blue, 32 red and 12 black runs for the experts. All of these take in the imposing vision of Mont Blanc, and you can even see the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa in the distance, manufacture for some exquisite photos and memories that will ensure you come back time and time again when looking for a European ski holiday.

6 Les Arcs - France:

With its fabulous views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, an exquisite snow report and ski slopes for those of all abilities, it's no wonder that Les Arcs has swiftly established a world class prestige amongst ski aficionados.

Although the resort is well served with ski runs for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers, the highlight here is the off piste options. One of only two European stops on the world freeride circuit, the terrain is steep, amazingly varied and long and a must for skiers who have the potential to enjoy it!

The resort is one of only 40 in France to have earned the "Famille Plus" badge. The accolade is awarded only to those who offer outstanding childcare and family services, so those with children can be sure of safe and welcoming surroundings on their ski holiday in Europe.

7 Val d'Isère - France:

Describing the 'typical' visitor to Val d'Isère is a near impossible task, which says a great deal about its universal appeal. You get everybody from dedicated ski enthusiasts, to off-piste lovers to families and 'ladies who lunch'. The majority of the skiing is above 2300 metres and the snow report is, unsurprisingly, excellent.

The option available is the biggest question facing visitors to this top ski resort. Visitors have the difficult decision of either to stick to the ample ski opportunities on the doorstep of the accommodation, or take the trip to the top of Grand Motte - at over 3600 metres high, the view is plainly outstanding and well worth the trip.

Once the skiing is done, there are plentifulness of ways of keen yourself. There's live music at the Folie Douce, while there is a wide option of bars, pubs and clubs in the town. Those who are looking for something more low key will perhaps be more interested in the pampering body treatments or shopping options however.

8 Klosters - Switzerland:

Arguably the most charming and aesthetically pleasing ski resort in this list is Klosters. Located in the Prattigau valley, the settlement offers charm and history at every turn. The chalets are a customary timber fare adding to the idyllic atmosphere of the place, and it's all part of the feel that you can come off the piste to a cosy chalet to relax.

The feel offered is unique to each skier, with 97 snow runs catering to all abilities. And although the resort has been popularized by Prince Charles' patronage, it is still the kind of resort that offers a unique feel to each skier, giving them much to discuss in their cosy chalet in the evening, over a reviving hot drink.

9 Zermatt - Switzerland:

Nestled in the foot of the imposing Matterhorn, Zermatt is a top ski resort with an image built on exclusivity - the town is littered with epicurean restaurants, luxury hotels and high-priced shops.

While this could indicate a prestige not built on the skiing experience, the options available at Zermatt are categorically world class - especially for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are 313 kilometres of some of the highest north and west facing slopes in Europe. scholar skiers should be sure to check out the heli-ski trips as well for the feel of a lifetime.

Off the piste, the settlement is worth a visit - car free (with only galvanic and solar powered vehicles and horse-drawn sleighs allowed) with a handful of exquisite restaurants. For the best restaurants though, the mountain steals the show with 40 dotted throughout the range. Some of them are truly world class and threaten, without ever managing, to overshadow the fabulous skiing feel and become the focus of the European ski holiday.

10 Whistler - Canada:

The best ski resort in Canada, and one of the most highly rated in North America, Whistler is an outstanding winter sports location. Last year it recorded report levels of snow, with 45 feet adding to the crisp piste! But it's not just the 8100 acres of fabulous skiing which makes Whistler one of the best ski resorts in the world - it has an atmosphere incomparable to others.

Whistler caters for every skier from beginners who barely know how to put skis on, to experts looking for a challenge. There are steeps, deeps, chutes, high alpine bowls, glades, long cruisers and diplomatic rollers - essentially something for everyone. colse to half of the ski runs are aimed at intermediate users, with over a quarter devoted to experts and the rest for beginners. The excitement of some of the tougher intermediate runs and the scholar runs provide the exquisite incentive for skiers to improve, while the beginner slopes offer the facilities to do so.

But I mentioned the atmosphere didn't I? It's about the off-slope activities as much as the on-slope, and there are spas and shopping opportunities aplenty, with Vancouver colse to if it isn't enough. The Après Ski at Whistler has won numerous awards, however, and visitors will find some fabulous dining experiences - either you're in the mood for fish, steak, sushi or epicurean cuisine. For those who have the energy, some of the clubs in the region offer the best nightlife on the world ski circuit.

Narrowing it down to just the 10 best ski resorts was always going to be tricky, but if you're a skier who wants to make sure they've seen it all and if you haven't visited all of these, then what are you waiting for?

The World's 10 Top Ski Resorts