The best part about winter? Well, it's the arrival of the ski season, of course. As soon as the mercury hints at dropping in the UK, it's time to start looking to the snowy mountains for a fun-filled week (or more!) of swooping down the slopes.

Whether you love being right in the action within a ski resort, benefitting from a ski in and out location, or you prefer to be a little further away and feel more secluded and have more space, we've got the answer for you.

But if you're less about the slopes, and more about the summer activities, most resorts are investing in the latter now too. So, if you're a snow-lover or sun and activity seeker, read on to see some of our best and most impressive year-round Alpine retreats that are available to buy now

Apartment, Villars-sur-Ollon, Vaud, Switzerland

This luxurious and modern penthouse apartment, in the traditional alpine style, is perfectly placed between everything you need. It has both direct access to the slopes and it's within easy walking distance from the centre of the village of Villars sur Ollon, in the Swiss Vaud Alps set above the Rhone valley.

With a generous living space, a separate dining area, a spacious private balcony and 4 well-sized bedrooms, there's plenty of room for relaxing and entertaining here. While the main pull to get you off the slopes is the jacuzzi and sauna to help you warm up, plus there's a common pool and a fitness room. Although it's not all about winter, as come summer the slopes are turned into an 18-hole golf course too. While there's tennis courts and walking trails nearby, plus Lake Geneva is just under 1.5 hours drive away.

House, Les Allues, Savoie, France

Sitting in the excellent Maribel Valley, this 5 bedroom chalet benefits from being right in the middle of the ski resort. It's set up is designed to be right in the action, as one of the main attractions here is its proximity to the 3 Valley ski lifts, as well as the ski shop being within walking distance too.

With a beautiful backdrop of snow-capped mountains behind and panoramic views, the chalet sits in the centre of Savoyard village of Les Allues, where there's a lively atmosphere with shops, bars and restaurants.

Inside, it's decked out with traditional wood and stone, and it feels wonderfully homely, complete with a fireplace to cosy up around. Extra additions also take it up a notch, such as each room having an ensuite and private parking.

House, Névache, Hautes-Alpes, France

This 14-bed chalet is destined for large groups or families who want the pleasure of enjoying the slopes together. Set a little outside of the ski resort in the village of Névache north-east of the Hautes-Alpes and near to the Italian border, there's surrounding mountain views. The accommodation is split across three buildings, and it's about 15 minutes drive from the ski resort, meaning this chalet feels a little more secluded, too.

Inside it has an Alpine feel, but is distinctly modern. After a hard day on the slopes, there's a spacious sauna to reward yourself with. And if you want to bring babysitters or caterers, there's also accommodation for them too, while other conveniences include private parking.

NEWS & ADVICE

Winter Donation Drive

Decorating Your Rental Property

International Ski Chalets