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Alpine charm mixed with quaint chocolate box houses often make for a picture-postcard setting.
Switzerland is for the more discerning skier, who enjoys challenging slopes which have been left largely unspoilt by mass tourism.
A galaxy of low-profile resorts vie for attention with alpine superstars such as St Moritz, Klosters and Zermatt, home of the towering Matterhorn.
Austria and Italy tend to be cheaper options but the hospitality is no less welcoming.
St Anton in Austria is a truly world-class resort with a good snow record but there are myriad options in the Alps and Italian Dolomites for all levels of skier and boarder.
But the season can be shorter than elsewhere, with resorts not as high as France or North America.
