Ski holidays were practically invented by the British, and it was in Switzerland that our skiing ancestors came to enjoy the winter in resorts such as Davos, St Moritz and Zermatt.

So what defines the Swiss ski experience? Beautiful mountain villages, awesome scenery, rickety trains crawling up to the resorts, cheese fondues. These are some of its most endearing features and the skiing is pretty damn good as well – with resorts like Verbier offering more than a splattering of extreme. But the biggest pull for Switzerland is the whole deal.

It's a misconception that prices are high, they are no higher than other Alpine destinations. And you get great value and hospitality with the quintessential winter holiday. Top slopes, fantastic eating on and off the mountain, stunning vistas. Not bad really.

You can spend a lot of money on holiday in the more upmarket resorts, but you don't have to. In recent years lift systems have improved snowmaking facilities.

Everyone must head for the Swiss Alps to see how the all-round ski holiday should be.