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Matterhorn, Zermatt
Photograph: Shutterstock

This European region has been crowned the world’s best winter destination

It beat the likes of Aspen and Val d'Isere for it's cracking restaurants and incredible scenery

Liv Kelly
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Liv Kelly
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From a visit to some proper dazzling Christmas light displays to a stay in Santa’s actual post office, there’s an absolute sleigh-load of brilliant getaways to make this winter.  

But the world’s very best winter destinationCashmere retailer N.Peal has the answer. To name the world’s best winter resorts, they’ve investigated factors including snow quality and altitude, eco credentials, food and drink options, as well as non-skiing activities, social media following, and the cost of a beer. 

So where came out on top? It was (drumroll please)... Zermatt in Switzerland! The resort got a score of 938, thanks to its wellness resorts, divine restaurants and stunning scenery – think lakes, glaciers and, of course, the Matterhorn. 

Whistler in Canada ranked in second place, but given the ski resort has bags of activities (including world-class ski runs), brilliant accommodation options and a great party scene, it’s not hard to see why. 

In third, it’s Aspen in the US, while Chamonix in France came fourth. Six French destinations claimed a spot in the top 15, including the likes of Val d’Isere, Morzine and Alpe d’Huez also making the ranks. Voila

Here are the 15 best winter destinations in the world, according to N.Peal

  1. Zermatt, Switzerland
  2. Whistler, Canada
  3. Aspen Snowmass, US
  4. Chamonix, France
  5. Avoriaz, France
  6. Courchevel, France
  7. Niseko, Japan
  8. Tromso, Norway
  9. Val d’Isere, France
  10. Saint Moritz, Switzerland
  11. Alpe d’Huez, France
  12. Kakslauttanen, Finland
  13. Morzine, France
  14. Icehotel, Sweden
  15. Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Looking to hit the slopes without breaking the bank? These are our top picks for the best affordable ski resorts in Europe.

Did you see the winners of the Northern Lights Photographer of the Year awards?

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