Canada

Perhaps it is the mix of US-style resort infrastructure and a more European form of service culture that is so beguiling. Or it could be the rugged, intrepid resorts; far removed from the sanitized skiing environment you find in the American or big-name European resorts. Whatever the reasons, Canada takes the winter sports culture of Scandinavia, the service industry of America, the mountains of Western Europe, the snowfall of Japan and the friendliness of New Zealand, adds a healthy dose of Canuck flavour and combines the lot into one incredibly attractive package. If the thought of that long flight and tiresome transfer time is still putting you off, perhaps the terrain will change your mind. From the epic, billowing powder of Whistler to the fun, steep groomed pistes of Lake Louise. Canada can cater for all tastes. And, unlike in the States, you feel as though they actually want you to enjoy it as well, thanks to a relaxed off-piste policy and some of the politest people on the planet. Factor all this in, and it is easy to understand why Canadian skiing inspires such fierce loyalty. Perhaps its time you investigated it for yourself.

• The Mountains