Be warned though, while rules on entry to Switzerland have been eased the nation has adopted a ‘2G’ scheme. Similar to rules in neighbouring Austria, this means only people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid will be able to go inside restaurants. In bars and nightclubs the rules are even tighter – admission is limited to vaccinated or recovered guests, who also must present a negative test result. All that said, if you’re eager to start 2022 in some of the most beautiful mountainscapes on the planet, it’s hard to beat Switzerland.

How to do it: Ski Solutions offers stays at Chalet Katarina from £2,100 (skisolutions.com).

Original plan: Glamorous break in Courchevel

Swap to: Chic skiing Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Italy’s chicest mountain town gives Courchevel, the French oligarch of ski resorts, a good run for its five-star money. Set amidst the stunning scenery of the Dolomites, the upmarket resort attracts many wealthy residents of Venice and Milan, who arrive at weekends to stay in their second homes. Much like in its French counterpart, chic shops and galleries line the cobbled streets and there’s a plethora of grand hotels to choose from. 

Ski holidays aren’t (as can be expected) restriction-less in Italy though. You must have proof of vaccination and a negative test to cross the border and once in resort a ‘Super Green Pass’ rules is required to get you into places. Proof of vaccination or recovery is required for anyone over the age of 12 to buy lift tickets, with passes scanned at the base of the gondola, as well as to access restaurants and bars – but, all establishments in Cortina are open and keen to see Britons to return to strolling along the car-free Corsa Italia this winter.

How to do it: Scott Dunn offers Hotel Ciasa Salares from £1,500 (scottdunn.com).

Original plan: Bargain break in Bride les Bains

Swap to: Budget-friendly Bansko, Bulgaria

Skiers looking for a budget-friendly ski holiday away from the tightening restrictions in the Alps will find it in Eastern Europe, in Bulgaria. 

Bansko has long been a favourite with thrifty skiers – the original town sits below the more recently constructed resort village and features old stone buildings and cobbled streets. Popular with both families and party goers alike, prices here are a fraction of those in central Europe, and what’s more, Covid restrictions are much more relaxed – Britons require proof of vaccination, or recovery or a negative test to enter. In the resort this winter, unlike in the Alps, there are no health pass requirements to hit the slopes or enter restaurants and bars – masks are mandatory and social distancing is still in force. 

How to do it: Balkan Holidays offers the Kempinski Grand Hotel Arena from £563 (balkanholidays.co.uk).