Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles

A turreted gingerbread-house of a castle in snowy Courchevel, Les Airelles lets you onto the piste early with private access to the La Saulire slope before it opens to the public each morning. After that, the biggest combined ski area in the world, Les Trois Vallées, awaits. Back at the hotel, no fewer than 180 members of staff are doing their best to make everything magical, with perfection achieved in the chalet-style rooms, La Mer Spa and traditional Savoyard restaurant.