Our favourite ski destinations to book for Winter

France

Our neighbour has some of the best skiing in the world, with slopes suitable for adults and children. The season runs from November to April - ideal for a Christmas or February half-term holiday and still possible for Easter. 

The following French Alps resorts are best accessed via Geneva, Switzerland. You’ll need 9,250 Avios for economy reward seats or 15,000 Avios for business class and BA reward flight availability is currently excellent in both classes for November to February.

Val d'Isère 

Why go? Everyone’s reliable favourite due to its extensive, good-quality skiing, which has over 100 lifts and 300 km of pistes. Better still, its altitude and north-facing slopes mean the longest ski season in the Alps. 

Dick’s Tea Bar is the après ski hot spot - a place for a party, not a cuppa. There are plenty of fine French restaurants besides. A leisure centre and activities, including dog sledding can keep non-skiers happy. Just be prepared for steep prices.

Good for: quality skiing, big spenders. 

Transfer time: Around three hours 30 mins from Geneva.

Val Thorens 

Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe, so there’s a decent chance of Christmas to Easter snow. It’s part of the Three Valleys – the world’s largest ski area, with 600 km of pistes over widely-varied terrain. Beginners will be fine while seasoned skiers tackle the glacier black runs or head cross-country or off-piste. The village is purpose-built, with plenty of ski-in, ski-out hotels.

Bowling alleys and swimming pools make for family fun, while adults can party at popular nightspots Folie Douce and 360 Bar.

Good for: Families, mixed ability groups. 

Transfer time: Around three hours, 30 mins from Geneva.

Courchevel 

Also part of the Three Valleys, Courchevel offers plentiful varied terrain with the majority of its four ski areas best suited to intermediates. Michelin-star restaurants, cocktail bars, and designer shopping make this a glamorous place to head for a special occasion.

The finer things might be wasted on children but the Courchevel 1850 area is a good bet for family-friendly activities. 

Good for: Luxury, adult-only getaways.

Transfer time: Around three hours from Geneva.

Switzerland 

The stunning scenery is the star in Switzerland, where there’s plenty to challenge experts. January and February are the most reliable ski months though it’s usually decent (and quieter) in December.

Again, Geneva offers the best access, with transfer times shorter than to French resorts. You’ll need 9,250 Avios for flights in economy and 15,000 for business. December and January are looking great for reward seat availability in both classes. February seats are being released now. 

Zermatt 

The famous Matterhorn is your backdrop when you ski in Zermatt, with wooden chalets and car-free streets completing the picture-perfect appeal. The 200km ski area is linked to Italy’s Cervinia resort, meaning more options for the ambitious, though there’s a decent piste range for all abilities. Beyond the buzzing Papperla Pub, four Michelin-starred restaurants are among apres-ski pleasures. You can also take the Matterhorn Express Gondola to Europe’s highest cable car station. 

Good for: Scenery, off-piste, deep pockets. 

Transfer time: Around two hours, 40 minutes from Geneva.

Verbier 

If you’re a thrill-seeker, head here to ski and party hard. Challenging terrain and plentiful off-piste options are great for experts while the nightlife can be equally wild, so it’s best for adults.

The resort still has plenty of Swiss chalet charm and opportunities to relax over a fondue. There are 400 km of runs at heights of up to 3,330 metres and Verbier is part of the Four Valleys ski area. 

Good for: Expert skiers, groups of friends. 

Transfer time: Around two hours from Geneva.

US

The US offers some great skiing, but it’s trickier finding resorts near a good BA reward seat destination. Denver is your best option, and you’ll need 32,500 Avios for flights from London in premium economy, or 90,000 for business class. December and January have excellent availability for reward seats in both classes, with most dates showing six business class spots. February seats are being released now.

Vail 

Situated in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the views from this famous resort are stunning, the pistes immaculately groomed and varied. Experts have the most choice and snowboarders can try the largest half pipe in the States.

There’s also a shared pass with neighbouring Beaver Creek. Luxury resorts and designer shopping are plentiful. The apres-ski’s more chilled than in Europe, but the dining choice is wide, from burgers up. 

Good for: Scenery, quality facilities

Transfer time: Around two hours, 30 minutes from Denver

Aspen 

Still in the Rockies but further from Denver Airport, you’d most likely book this BA reward seat destination without family.

The ski area is extensive, with long runs and powder bowls. Of the four areas: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, the latter two best suit beginners and intermediates. The glamorous apres-ski scene includes spas and top chef restaurants.

Good for: Scenery, celebrity-spotting

Transfer time: Around four hours from Denver

Japan

Seriously underrated for fresh powder skiing, Japan is a top spot for bragging rights. If pristine slopes and 15 metres of snow aren’t tempting enough, think Tokyo and touring side trips. January and February are the best months, but BA reward flight availability can be tricky for this popular Avios destination, so plan well ahead and set up Reward Flight Finder (RFF) alerts. 

There’s currently a good reward seat selection for premium economy and business class in January, with February, releases happening now. 

Myoko

Four zones here are connected by shuttle buses, with Akakura Onsen as the main area. 

Tree-skiing is allowed between the resorts’ birches and there are also opportunities to soothe your tired muscles in authentic hot springs (onsens). Drag yourself from the powder, the snowmobiling, and the good-value noodles, beer, and saki to visit the famous snow monkeys in Jigokudani Park. 

Good for: Powder, tree-skiing.

Transfer time: About one hour, and 40 minutes from Tokyo’s Narita airport.

Yuzawa

The most convenient ski region from Tokyo, Yuzawa gets busy at weekends. Although there are around a dozen resorts here, you can try several linked areas.

Most are best suited to beginners and intermediates though a few offer off-piste. You’ll also find a good range of ski-in, ski-out accommodation, or you could stay in Yuzawa town, with its hot springs and karaoke bars. 

Good for: Access and area.

Transfer: About two and a half hours from Tokyo’s Haneda airport.

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