Your time is precious. You work hard for those few precious trips to the Alps so why take risks on a below-par ski holiday when luxury has become much more attainable in recent years.

Perhaps there’s an extra reason for spoiling yourself on your next ski trip too? A special event, a significant anniversary or a big birthday to celebrate perhaps? You might even be planning a proposal, or you may just want to treat yourself.

Whatever the reason, any special trip should start feeling special before you even get to your ski resort. Perhaps you might splash out on an airport lounge in the UK, a flight upgrade on a scheduled flight and them, the crucial bit, a private transfer waiting to whisk you from your arrival airport in Europe up the your ski hotel.

Now, what would make your stay in the mountains that bit closer to perfection? A lovely big, spacious room with a balcony that gets the morning sun and an equally impressive bathroom perhaps?  Maybe even a suite?  Then a magnificent view out over the mountains so you get to take in the full wonder of where you are from the moment you open the curtains each morning?  Staying slopeside, or if not having a private transfer to the slopes is a given.

Cuisine will be a big part of your stay, having a great breakfast spread to start the day right is always a plus and a highly regarded a la carte restaurant for dinner with the option of room service again sets your luxury ski break on a different level to the run-of-the-mill ski trip.

Most luxury ski trips will also involve some spa time (if you can squeeze it in), you’ll want swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, solarium and an all-signing, all-dancing ‘experience shower’ of course; but do you REALLY need the salt wall and ice fountain?  Well if you must.  And whilst you’re here it would be wrong not to book a spa treatment, the tricky bit is always deciding which massage to go for from the menu.

The only thing to be wary of, if you do plan to upgrade next winter, is that others are having the same thought and there’s limited availability in luxury ski accommodation, particularly at busy times or if you are aiming for a specific date you wish to celebrate, so it’s the usual advice: book early.

The only other advice is that when you’re busy scoffing that gourmet cuisine and relaxing in the luxury spa, don’t forget to go skiing!