Five Ski Destinations That Are Cheaper than Classics—and Just as Posh

Good news for skiers: La Niña is promising massive snowfall in the Americas and colder temperatures in Europe this season, a relief after last year’s paltry powder. The downside? Resorts are expecting record crowds. But you can get the best of all worlds—epic terrain, solid deals, private stashes of pow—by choosing these alternatives hidden right around the corner from some of the world’s most famous destinations.

Courchevel and nearby Megève are both as expensive as they are exquisite, yet a better deal awaits on the opposite side of the same Évasion Mont Blanc ski region. There you’ll find the resort of St. Nicolas de Véroce and its new, wallet-friendly Hôtel Armancette. The 19 ski-in, ski-out rooms (from €593) overlook the Mont-Blanc range, connecting to a swatch of terrain so wide, its 235 intermediate-friendly runs can take you all the way to Megève and back in a single day of skiing. Round trip, it takes about six hours, including a stop for Savoyard fondue and almond cream-filled galette des rois at the on-mountain Chalet du Radaz. An added bonus: The resort is part of the Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass, which provides access to such legendary spots as Chamonix, only 40 minutes away.