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Disclaimers first: 1) I haven’t skied everywhere. Whistler and Gstaad could be favorites. Haven’t tried them yet. 2) I don’t believe in lists and rankings, only in personal preferences, because I think what’s best for one person or one purpose may not be right for another. 3) These mountains rate high with me because they offer beauty (natural and man-made), challenging skiing and an authentic sense of place. 4) Share your list, by using the comment icon below or by sending us an email.

COURCHEVEL 1850, FRANCE

The appeal: L’art de vivre in an awesome Alps setting, which means you can ski one run that is almost five kilometers long from above Courchevel 1850 and arrive at a Savoyard farmhouse for lunch. Eat outside on the terrace with a lap blanket and views of an 18th-century village steeple or inside at an antique table near the wine cellar.

Who it’s right for: Couples should book the Amanresort’s Le Mélézin with a sexy indoor swimming pool and fur-blanketed beds. Traditional families prefer Les Airelles and hipper ones opt for Le Kilimandjaro. Both have wonderful rooms with bunk-bedded sleeping nooks.

Contact: Hotel Kilimandjaro: 33 (04) 79-01-46-46; www.hotelkilimandjaro.com

Le Mélézin: 33 (04) 7908 0133; in the U.S. 800-477-9180; www.amanresorts.com

Les Airelles: 33 (04) 79-00-38-38; www.airelles.fr

SUNDANCE, UTAH

The appeal: Robert Redford has seen enough of the American West to qualify as an expert on its splendors and he chose this remote box canyon for his own ski resort and film school. The cabins in the woods come heavy with Western details such as Navajo rugs and log furniture as well as stone fireplaces and kitchens so you can hole up in a snowstorm.

Who it’s right for: Couples who want to hideout in between ski runs.

Contact: Sundance: 801-225-4107; in the U.S. 800-892-1600; www.sundanceresort.com

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

The appeal: Few settings can equal this quaint, car-free village in the shadow of the Matterhorn, and if you zip your passport in your ski jacket, you can slalom into Italy for lunch and trade fondue for pasta.

Who it’s right for: Anyone who loves glacier skiing (go only with guides) in a drop-dead setting.

Contact: The Riffelalp: (41) 27 966 05 55; in the U.S.: 800-745-8883; www.zermatt.ch/riffelalp

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

The appeal: America’s first ski resort may not be its fanciest but the there’s a laid-back sense of fun here that really shines on sunny days. The on-mountain lodges offer baked potato bars with all the fixings. Forget waitress service or wine cellars, but at the end of the day don’t be surprised to see parties brewing at the base.

Who it’s right for: Friends and families who love a Rocky mountain high.

Contact: Sun Valley Lodge: 208-622-2001; in the U.S.: 800-786-8259; www.sunvalley.com

SAN CASSIANO, ITALY

The appeal: The Dolomites’ glamorous face is Cortina but an equally beautiful option to the legendary resort town of Prada-clad instructors is the historic little village of San Cassiano. In it, there is a jewel of a hotel with a three-Michelin-star restaurant and world-class spa called the Rosa Alpina. The ideal chic chalet retreat only miles from glorious untracked powder.

Who it’s right for: Adventurous skiers who like to end a hard day of sports with every comfort.

Contact: Hotel Rosa Alpina: 39 (04) 71 849500; in the U.S.: 800-735-2478; www.rosalpina.it