It is that time of the year once again when the snow starts to fall and the ground becomes covered with layers and layers of glorious, soft ice. While some people may find snow an annoyance, skiing enthusiasts now rejoice in the fact that it is now once again the season for their favorite sport to take center stage.

Skiing is one of the best loved sports in the world because of the sheer thrill and excitement that it offers. There is nothing like the feeling of wild abandon when going down a steep slope. Ask beginner skiers about the feeling of successfully skiing down more advanced slopes and they will tell you that it was the exhilaration that got them hooked.

If you are thinking about booking a lovely skiing holiday with your family make sure to do your research ahead of time. Many resorts offer skiing lessons to both adults and children given by highly skilled and well-trained ski instructors. You are sure to have a lot of fun in the snow during your vacation. These are some of the best ski resorts in Europe:

1.) Chamonix, France — This is the Mecca for all ski enthusiasts all over the world. This area boasts of a sprawling 10-mile long valley that includes five ski areas and a lift access to some of the steepest slopes in the entire world. At the end of the day check in and have the best night’s sleep at Vagabond, a cozy hotel that is home to many tired but happy skiers.

2.) La Grave, France — More advanced skiers love the no-frills steep skiing that this place offers. It features 7,000 vertical feet of glaciers and exhilarating no-fall zones that offer advanced skiers an extremely hair-raising skiing adventure. While in La Grave you can stay at Skiers Lodge where you will get all the comfort that you will need after an entire day of skiing.

3.) St. Anton, Austria — This resort offers skiers approximately 200 miles of runs and 440 miles of back-and side-country terrain. If you are not too confident of your skiing or navigating skills you can hire the experts over at Ski School Alberg to help ensure that you will have the skiing adventure of a lifetime. The best place to stay here is at the Das Moor Hotel which offers a convenient ski in-ski out access.

4.) Verbier, Switzerland — The best feature of this ski resort are its lift-accessed steeps and its world-class amenities. Aside from the skiing activities, guests can have a truly memorable time here as they explore the many sophisticated, world-class hotels, restaurants and nightlife.

And before you head off to one of those resorts, read this article.