If you're planning a downhill expedition this year, there are plenty of great ski resorts to check out. Cocoa at the ready – here's our pick of the best skiing destinations for 2014.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
This skier's paradise first opened in 1939 and the resort is steeped in luxury. Mont-Tremblant is the best-known resort in Eastern Canada and was the first ski resort to open in the country. Plus, you're only an hour's drive from the city of Montreal.
Chamonix
Possibly the world's most famous ski resort, Chamonix was home to the world's first ever Winter Olympics in 1924. You'll also find the highest peak in the Alps here, at 15,771 feet high. One of the world's longest runs (13.7 miles) is at Vallee Blanche.
Zermatt
Ranked by many as Switzerland's best resort, Zermatt is astonishingly peaceful despite its popularity – perhaps this is because there are no cars here. This picturesque resort is home to the second biggest vertical drop served by a lift in the world, and the resort's altitude ensures superior snowfall.
Whistler Blackcomb
This resort in British Columbia provides North America's best skiing as well as the country's biggest vertical drop. The village is home to plenty of international stores, cosy cafes and restaurants serving world cuisine, so it's a great place to kick back and relax.
Kitzbuhel
This Austrian resort is known as the 'Pearl of the Alps' and is the Tyrol's most renowned holiday resort. Skiing here began back in 1892, and today this Alpine village retains much of its charm and traditional appeal.
Make sure you don't set off without winter sports insurance in place to cover you, no matter which resort you're heading to. Not only will you be protected should you have an accident and need medical treatment, but your expensive snowboarding and skiing gear will also be covered – you'll be kicking yourself if you don't take out cover before you head off on your adventures! Travelling in North America or Canada could leave you worrying about the cost of medical care if you're injured in an accident – costs are often much higher than back home in the UK. With cheap winter sports insurance from insurefor.com, you and your gear will be protected should the worst happen, and it will only cost you a few pounds!
