Andorra & Spain

True, the Spanish resorts of the Pyrenees are generally less celebrated than those of their distinctly more snowy-sounding neighbour Andorra. But they share many similarities, starting with their position on the flanks of that particular mountain range, which is actually older than the Alps – fact fans – and, if possible, more rugged in appearance. Both are blessed with plenty of snow and lots of sunshine, and have local cultures that thrive in their own Petri dish-like environments, far from the mainstream. As part of the Iberian peninsula, resorts such as Baqueira in Spain and Soldeu in Andorra are subject to the same climate and, thus, pretty much the same conditions. Truly, these are ski areas separated only by the constructs of language and custom. In terms of their natural position and geography, they are basically the same place. And then there is Sierra Nevada, Europe's most southerly winter sports outpost, sitting proud in the south of Spain and overlooking the Mediterranean. Just the cultural uniqueness of a trip here is enough to warrant inclusion in the guide. Sure, going skiing or snowboarding in Spain in sight of Africa might sound daring or even slightly risky, when you're all but guaranteed snow and crazy nightlife in the familiar surroundings of somewhere like Meribel or St Anton. But weren't winter sports meant to be daring? And what could be more daring than travelling outside your comfort zone to see what else the world has to offer?

• The Mountains