It’s the time of year when our thoughts turn to love. And what better way to enjoy togetherness than in stunning snowy scenery where snuggling together comes so naturally. Since winter seems to have passed us by in this part of the world, it’s time to head to the slopes to turn up the heat and chill.

YLLÄS, LAPLAND

There’s no doubt about it, in the Middle East we are most definitely children of the sun but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the beauty and romance of a pristine snowy landscape – as long as it’s only for a holiday! And, we can think of few things more romantic than nights in a glass igloo under an endlessly starry sky where the Northern Lights dance for our entertainment.

Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? But, that’s what you get in Ylläs, Finland’s largest ski resort which boasts the country’s longest slopes and an excellent network of cross-country trails.

The location of Ylläs is unique sitting between two authentic Lappish villages, giving skiers a choice of two routes to take once they leave the lift. Head one way and you will reach Äkäslompolo on the north side, go south and you will come to Ylläsjärvi. There are huts on the slopes for the all-important après ski refreshments and both villages have abundant bars and restaurants.

The Glass Igloo and Aurora Cabin Excursion from inghams.co.uk offers the opportunity to sleep under thermal glass, open to the majesty of Lapland’s night sky, in a warm cosy bed.

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Megève, France

We have to admit, this is a hidden gem we’d never even heard of till we started researching this feature. Think of romantic European ski resorts and you would expect to hear about Kitzbühel or the jet-set favourites of Chamonix or Verbier. But it turns out Megève is the place to be if you like your skiing with a side of Michelin-starred food and a horse-drawn carriage ride.

A great favourite with couples, ranging from 1,113m to 2,350m, Megève is a huge ski area with 235 slopes for all levels and all pleasures at the heart of the Domaine Évasion Mont-Blanc. It’s 400km of secure, marked and proudly maintained slopes that guarantee exceptional skiing comfort.

If you’re feeling indulgent, Megève boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants – Salt Flakes, The Alpaga Table and La Dame de Pic – Le 1920 – so, you’ll certainly not go hungry after a day on the slopes. And from rustic-chic chalets to upmarket hotels, there are plenty of places for lovers to nest.

Walk hand in hand through the Mediaeval cobbled streets of the town centre and splash the cash or window shop at the many luxury boutiques and stores. Take a horse-drawn sleigh through the snowy streets to the sound of bells and hooves – don’t worry, the animals are well blanketed and wear special shoes – or browse book shops and art galleries for gorgeous mementos of your visit.

And, if you’re feeling adventurous, at sunset, you can don your snowshoes and, accompanied by a guide, head to the Montagnette refuge for a gourmet dinner. Who could ask for more?

Whistler, Canada

Known as one of North America’s most romantic and favourite ski destinations, Whistler, despite an abundance of inviting powder snow, has so much more to offer than just the slopes.

Yes, you’ll have endless days of awesome skiing but the fun doesn’t stop when evening comes. There is loads to do in the twilight and under the wide-open starry skies. If you’re feeling brave, fly through the night with Ziptrek’s Winter Après Tour, which includes four separate ziplines with highest platform around 150ft above the surrounding forest floor. The slightly less adventurous can head down the mountain on a comfy tube at the Base 2 Zone on Blackcomb Mountain.

The area is also well known for its superb art galleries, so make sure you bring some extra cash if you want to take home an artwork or unique jewellery piece.

After you’ve worked up an appetite on the slopes, there’s no shortage of fabulous places to grab a bite, Wild Blue Restaurant Bar is said to be Michelin star worthy and Bearfoot Bistro also comes highly recommended. But, if you’re ready for a little more adventure, take a snowcat or snowmobile up the mountain for fondue at Crystal Hut, which is designated as a Canadian Signature Experience by the Canadian Tourism Commission. Yum! ✤