It’s estimated that around 1.5 million Brits take a skiing holiday each year, while millions more dream about it.

However, skiing holidays aren’t just about the time you spend on the slopes, they’re also about the aprés ski scene, and everything else a resort has to offer.

If you’re ready for a mountain adventure, here are three unique ski locations you need to visit.

Andorra – Pyrenees Mountains

Nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, Andorra offers excellent skiing without the typical crowds of other European hotspots.

Ski holidays in Andorra are full of adventure, and offer a more affordable alternative to skiing in the Alps. Suitable for absolute beginners or those with more experience on the slopes, there are a variety of resorts to choose from, including the large and lively Pas de la Casa, or the more relaxed, family-friendly Soldeu.

Duty-free shopping and a vibrant après-ski scene make Andorra popular among skiers seeking both adventure and relaxation, and the area is particularly well-suited to families as well as those new to skiing, thanks to its relaxed vibes and excellent ski schools.

Gulmarg, India – Himalayas

Gulmarg is located in the Kashmir region of India and it’s a popular destination amongst skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Ski holidays here offer breathtaking mountain views and some of the highest-altitude skiing in the world.

With heavy snowfall during the winter months, you’re guaranteed fresh, deep powdery snow from mid-December to March, and while Gulmarg is known for its challenging slopes - including the longest ski slope in Asia - novice skiers are also catered for.

It’s also a bit of an off-piste paradise, with several long, wide slopes suitable for more advanced skiers or those skiing with one of the many instructors available to hire.

The town of Gulmarg is home to the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. Hop on for a ride up Apharwat Peak, with an altitude of 4,390 metres above sea level, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views on your ascent.

If you’re travelling with youngsters or non-skiers, there are plenty of alternatives to keep them occupied, including sledging and the lively après ski bars.

Portillo, Chile – Andes Mountains

If it’s summer skiing you’re after, then Portillo, Chile is where you need to be! Offering superb skiing from June through to October, along with mesmerising views of the Andes and the stunning Laguna del Inca.

This lesser-known ski destination is actually a favourite for many international teams training during the off-season.

Here, the family-owned resort with its olde-worlde charm and limited guest numbers creates a tight-knit ski community with a friendly atmosphere, uncrowded slopes and a lack of the usual queues you’d expect in larger, busier resorts.

In Portillo, you’re never short of things to do on or off the slope, and everyone is made to feel welcome, with visitors found skiing the same slopes as Olympians.