For those who live in the UK the summer now seems a distant memory and the nights are drawing in. However, despite being deprived of Vitamin D for a few months, there's no excuse to feel down in the dumps when the ski season is in full swing.

Now's the perfect time to book a long weekend on the piste in some of Europe's most delightful and captivating ski resorts - make sure you make the most of the colder weather with this guide to a few of the continent's happening places to hit the slopes this season.

Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere is tucked into a breathtaking valley in South East France, and is home to some of the most popular and adorned ski resorts on the face of the earth. Its challenging mix of bowls, tree runs and slopes are serviced by nearly 100 lifts to ensure skiers can reach the giddying heights they crave. As well as perfect powdery snow at this time of year, the resort also features guided winter walks, cinemas, indoor leisure facilities and a plethora of additional activities to keep residents entertained.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Chamonix to those more familiar, and Cham to those really in the know - consistently appears in travel guides places to be when it comes to winter sports. The gorgeous town nestled in the North East area of the French Alps truly has something for everybody - whether you're seeking extreme thrills or just starting out. The surrounding environment inspires awe in all who come to visit its snowy peaks and troughs once the cold really sets in.

Lech
Austrian mountain village Lech is known for its homely feel, celebrity baiting restaurants and attracts many holidaymakers to its slopes during the colder months. As famous for its sense of luxury as the resort it is for its thrilling variety of slopes and beautiful views, Lech is the place to go for those who value the whole experience of the ski holiday - strolling and soaking in the sights as well as slicing up the slopes.