ZERMATT, Switzerland

. ZERMATT, Switzerland

Madonna, Nicole Kidman and Robbie Williams have all skied here, but the truth is you're more likely to find yourself sharing a ski lift with Phil Collins or Mike Hucknall. That said, fans of fine dining are spoilt for choice: Zermatt has the highest density of gourmet restaurants in the world. You can even hire a guide to take you on a gourmet ski tour of the mountains. Sample sweetbreads with morel cream sauce at Zum See and risotto with white truffle shavings at  Chez Vrony. Arrange a private helicopter or limousine pick-up from Geneva, Zurich or Milan airports.

Who to see: Phil Collins and 'the dark-haired one from ABBA' lives there apparently.

Apres-ski: Dine at the stylish Cervo Restaurant - typical dishes include succulent venison, home-made ravioli with ricotta, and côte de boeuf. The coolest place to hang-out is The Vernissage - a cinema, bar, restaurant and gallery all rolled into one. Start the evening with here with cocktails; music goes on until 4 a.m.

Where to stay: The Chalet Zermatt Peak is a private catered residence costing more than CHF 200,000 for two weeks in high season, and is the most expensive in the Zermatt high-price segment. Highlights include a walk-in wine cellar, three HD cinema areas and a wellness centre. French footballer Thierry Henry wrote in their guest book: "The best chalet I have ever stayed in and I cannot wait to come back." Alternatively, the stylish boutique Hotel Cervo is also top notch.