Looking for a skiing holiday with a difference? If so, take a look at some of the fabulous and esteemed ski resorts available around the world, in various winter locations. These ski resorts take apart the traditional skiing experience to offer something unique and out of this world.

From French ski resorts to ski resorts in Finland, and from spontaneous ski deals to holiday packages for next year, look no further than this guide to get a taste of what some of the world’s most unmissable ski resorts have to offer.

Lapland Ski Resort, Finland

When considering the ultimate winter fantasy destination, only one place springs to mind: Lapland (a cultural region within Finland). Within the famous Arctic Circle, Lapland boasts breathtaking winter scenery unrivalled by that in any other worldwide location. Of course (for any children reading!), Lapland is most well-known for being the home of Santa Claus and his faithful elves.

In addition to many ski adventures and snow activities, a trip to Lapland should always feature the once in a lifetime childhood wish of meeting Santa Claus. Your children could not have a better holiday experience than those available in the region, particularly at Christmas time, when the season is in its highest spirits.

That is not to say Lapland is just for children. The area has a range of fantastic ski resorts, including the Ruka ski resort and the Iso-Syote ski resort. These both have incredible ski slopes nearby. Advanced skiers often visit the Ruka ski resort, the slopes nearby hosted the 2010 men’s Freestyle Ski World Cup, which highlights just how sophisticated the course is.

As a relatively uncrowded resort, beginners can flourish under the guidance of expert instructors, and in most cases are ready to try the big slopes after four to five days. Both resorts offer daily snow safaris, which are great for those looking to explore the fantastic winter scenery some more.

While at a Lapland ski resort you should aim to experience as much as you can; there is so much scope that even those on a two-week stay could not possibly see and do everything on offer. The night time experience of seeing the Northern Lights is one that definitely can not be missed. Words cannot describe how mesmerizing the view is beyond the snow-topped forests and mountain on a clear, starry night.

Avoriaz Ski Resort, France

The Avoriaz ski resort: one of the many French ski resorts with a difference

For a very different ski village experience, opt to stay at the Avoriaz ski resort with last minute ski deals available online. For the experienced skier, the course here is simply immense, and sets the resort apart from others in the area. An incredible 650km of ski track can be experienced (so there is certainly no danger of getting bored with the same old route) and the slopes are at very high altitude with some steep ascents.

Get your best skis on to fly down the Alps at top speed! Beginners can strap on their skis for the first time at the Le Pleney, where there many nursery slopes on which to glide, balance and fall over.

In the evening, fine dining establishments will keep couples busy as they discover the delights of Les Fontaines Blanches (which serves predominantly French cuisine) and La Boule de Neige (great for pizza lovers). Families can enjoy the friendly pub atmosphere with traditional British dishes.

Nightlife is active in Avoriaz, with a number of lively bars including the renowned Globetrotters bar. Activities are available in abundance: sleigh rides, parapenting and ice skating can be enjoyed by the whole family after a busy day skiing.

Don’t miss these out-of-this-world ski resorts, which have so many incredible experiences and wonderful sights to offer; you could even choose from the range of last minute ski deals available and be on the slopes as soon as next week.