Top 3 Snow-Covered Landscapes

What if you were to take to the heights and put down your suitcases in a cocoon in the high mountains? Your panoramic terrace, perched at over 2000 m, offers breathtaking views. The slopes in front of you are covered in a thick coat of white and are a delight for skiers.

Welcome to Europe's highest resort. The resort of Val Thorens Sensation is a contemporary refuge nestled in a white circus in the heart of the 3 Valleys, the largest ski area on the planet. Climb above a sea of clouds and gaze at Mont Blanc and some of the world's most famous Alpine glaciers. Then, accompanied by an ESF instructor, take a ski lesson (from age 12) along the Cime de Caron, at 3200 m altitude.

In Tignes, climb to the summit of the Grande Motte glacier, at 3,000m, watch the sun set over the Massif de la Vanoise, then take a break in front of the Aiguille Percée and glide down to the Chardonnet lakes.

For an all-inclusive family holiday in the Alps, take a seat in a cocoon set amidst a snow-covered plain dotted with pine trees. Between 1,400 and 2,000 meters above sea level, the green, blue, red and black runs are bordered by forests.

At the gateway of the high mountains, Club Med Les Arcs Panorama resort, all curves and glass, blends into the natural environment. Its many terraces and bay windows offer exceptional views of the Tarentaise valley. Slalom down 425 km of wooded slopes with the whole family and breathe in the pure Beaufortain mountain air.

In an equally warm and authentic setting, head for Club Med Peisey-Vallandry. Settle in this cozy, family-run mountain lodge with a grand, carved wooden staircase. In the vicinity of this large Savoyard chalet, let yourself be tempted by walks along the banks of lakes and streams, or by a snowshoe hike (from 12 years old) at the edge of a larch and spruce forest.

In Asia, there are other magical, unspoiled snow-covered landscapes to explore.

• The great Chinese resort of Yabuli lies on the border with Siberia. Here, snow covers the rolling hills of Sun Mountain 170 days a year. The highest peak is 1374 m, making the area accessible to skiers of all abilities.
• Just a stone's throw away, Beidahu and Jilin province are renowned for the beauty of their frost crystals and their long snow season. Surrounded by 9 peaks higher than 1,200 m, the resort is an ideal setting for downhill skiing, ski jumping and sledding.
• In Japan, head for the north of the archipelago and its peaceful mountains. Here, you can choose between 2 ski areas. In Tomamu Hokkaido, behind the chic, modern Club Med resort, you'll find the region's highest peak, Mount Tomamu which towers over a white sea. It overlooks a 145-hectare white sea of unspoiled nature. In Sahoro, ski or snowboard on the Hoshino ski area. It's renowned for being covered by "the best powder in the world". You may also come across raccoons and red-crested cranes in the large birch and pine forests.