Every year thousands of us go on ski trips across Europe – for some of us this winter will be the first time, for others it will make them feel like a seasoned pro. Your choice of destination is very important though, we recently talked about some of the most unusual skiing destinations – you can read them here, Morocco anyone? – but today we’ve got in touch with snow lovers from across the country to find out their top tips for the upcoming season.

This list might not be as adventurous as South Korea or Australia, but it isn’t all the French Alps either…

Val Thorens

High up in the French Alps – in fact it’s Europe’s highest resort at 2,300m – Val Thorens is one of Europe’s most popular resorts, especially as it is great early in the season (it opens 22^nd November). It’s been an active resort since the early 70s but today its 32 lifts, 5 terrain parks and links to Les 3 Vallées make it a highly desirable  – not to mention that its altitude means it can stay open until May. Thanks go to Lancaster Snow (@Lancaster_Snow) for suggesting it.

Tignes

This hugely popular French resort is the lesser cousin of Val d’Isere, just across the mountains, there’s a huge range of slopes available for all levels, lots of lessons on offer and a great après ski culture. Very popular with university groups, Tignes offers everything you can want in a skiing trip – our thanks go to everyone who suggested it, like @covunisnow.

Andorra

Not perhaps on the usually skied track, resorts like Pas de la Casa (on the France-Andorra border) offers plenty of skiing opportunity. Over 60 miles of pistes, 31 lifts, relatively easy (if a little lengthy) access from both Barcelona and Toulouse, and duty-free status have made it popular especially with people from the UK and Ireland. Mostly Red Runs, it’s a great place for intermediate skiers and boasts a great nightlife on the side – it’s a favourite of our skiing friends in Coventry.

Birmingham’s Ski & Board (@brumskiandboard) are staying a bit closer to home at Ackers Adventure in Birmingham – proving that you don’t have to go away to ski – you can find more about UK skiing in our blog post on it.

But regardless of where you’re going – as Manchester Metropolitan University Freestyle Snowsports, @MMUFS for short, pointed out – going on an awesome trip with friends is an amazing holiday, and one where you’re going to meet a whole load of new people.

Where do you recommend for skiing this winter? Let us know on the Hoodie Tee Twitter account and join in the conversation! And remember no trip is complete without your ski hoodies, take a look at our range on the website.