Ski Courcheval!

The French Alps offer legendary skiing, great winter-long snow conditions, and the world’s largest linked slopes area. Courcheval is part of this region known as “Three Valleys” ski area, which offers nearly 400 miles of gorgeous groomed trails and slopes, and stunning scenery that sweeps from Mont Blanc to the Swiss and Italian Alps. Parisian skiers often jet down to Courcheval for the weekend—there’s even a little airport right on the slopes. Four “villages” offer a range of accommodations, a number of spas, and–surprise!–some excellent gourmet dining.

Chocolatine tip: For visitors in Courcheval on Tuesdays (through March 8), the Bar des Verdons at the top of the gondola hosts a very lively Happy Hour from 5:30 to 7:15.