Kronplatz, Italy

Kronplatz is one of the world’s most modern ski resorts, yet it’s virtually unheard of – in Britain at least. The lift system is high-speed, and last year saw the installation of a new gondola with WiFi in its cabins. The resort is part of the much-fêted Dolomiti Superski area, which is home to 12 linked ski resorts. On its own, Kronplatz offers 116km of slopes, and this season it becomes home to a brand new snowpark.

WHERE TO STAY: Crystal Ski has added the resort to its roster for 2014/15 and offers a week’s half board at the Bella Vista Hotel Emma from £755pp, including flights and transfers. crystalski.co.uk

Maria Alm, Austria

One of the lesser-known Austrian resorts, Maria Alm offers visitors a traditional skiing experience, yet thanks to a link with the Hochkönig ski area, there are approximately 125km of pistes to be explored. The quaint town is typically frequented by well-heeled Austrians looking for a relaxing holiday, and you’ll find a notable lack of British tourists. This year, Thomson has added the resort to its portfolio, although Maria Alm’s tranquil atmosphere is likely to keep the crowds pretty quiet. WHERE TO STAY: A week’s B&B at the three-star Pension Annerlhof costs from £549pp, including flights to Salzburg and transfers with Thomson. thomsonski.co.uk

Châtel, France

Situated in the vast Portes du Soleil ski area – with 600km of slopes – Châtel is a traditional resort with small snow-clad chalets and an elegant church. This winter sees the opening of the resort’s new €13m Forme d’O aquatics centre. With one outdoor and two indoor swimming pools, you’ll be able to loosen your muscles after a hard day on the slopes with a few lengths, before sinking into the bubbling hot tub. There are saunas and steam rooms if smashing out post-ski laps seems too much like hard work.

WHERE TO STAY: Ski Solutions offers a week’s chalet board at Chalet Cannelle from £895pp based on two sharing, including flights from Gatwick and resort transfers. skisolutions.com

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Dubbed the ‘pearl of the Alps’, car-free Saas-Fee resembles a Christmas card scene in winter. Little has changed since it was the filming location for Wham’s Last Christmas video, which turns 30 years old this December. It’s perfect for mixed-ability groups: there’s a vast beginner’s area at the bottom, while higher pistes offer challenges for experts.

WHERE TO STAY: The new WellnessHostel4000, with a swimming pool, spa, and hot tub – and mountain views – is Switzerland’s newest, and most upmarket hostel. Shared rooms cost from £40pppn, while double rooms start at £103pn. saas-fee.ch

Alpbach, Austria

The popularity of freeride skiing has rocketed in recent years – and with such an adrenaline rush on offer, it’s not surprising. New this season, Alpbach Tourist Office is offering training camps for competent piste skiers looking to make their first freeride turns. The three-day camps run monthly from January to March. You’ll receive four hours’ tuition each day, and avalanche safety equipment is also included.

WHERE TO STAY: Freeride courses start from £310pp, including three nights’ B&B (alpbachtal.at). Inghams offers a week’s half board at Hotel Alphof from £694pp, including flights from Gatwick. inghams.co.uk

Megève, France

Expect blaring jazz, champagne and camp cabaret as the Folie Douce adds the glitzy resort of Megève to its portfolio this winter. The après-ski venue – which hails from Val d’Isère – will offer a new pace of life to the otherwise serene resort. However, the Folie’s upmarket La Fruitière restaurant won’t be one iota out of place on Megève’s slopes, which already boast some of the best mountain restaurants in the Alps.

WHERE TO STAY: Megève specialist Stanford Skiing has a week’s chalet board at the Chalet Hotel Rond Point from £525pp, including transfers. stanfordskiing.co.uk