“Canazei is a great base to tackle the Sellaronda circuit, the iconic 40-kilometer circular ski route around the Sella mountain range,” he said, adding that quality lodging can be found at Hotel La Perla ($155) or Hotel Astoria ($286).

Mr. Epskamp also likes Val di Fassa, particularly for the groomed runs of the Catinaccio and Ciampac-Buffaure ski areas, and the access to off-piste ski routes that run down the side of the Sella massif into Passo Pordoi and the village of Colfosco in Alta Badia.

His lodging of choice? A farm stay. “Agriturismo is a superb way to have a cultural experience whilst skiing in Europe,” he said. For $75 a night plus breakfast, he said, “the cozy Agritur Majon Da Mont near Pozza di Fassa is a perfect example.”

France

Brides les Bains, instead of Courchevel

Skiing France’s 3 Vallees means tapping into 372 miles of interconnected ski runs that weave through eight resorts — from the glaciers in Val Thorens, through the frosted pine forests of Meribel and over to Orelle — with a single lift pass. Courchevel is where the posh perch — think $1,878 for a night at L’Apogee or $2,044 at Cheval Blanc.

Our three expects concur that Brides-les-Bains, the region’s lowest altitude resort, is a less pricey way to access this scenic terrain.

Mercure Brides Les Bains Grand Hotel des Thermes ($122) and cheap and cheery Savoy Hôtel ($99) are walking distance to local restaurants and Le Grand Spa Thermal, a wellness center with pool and massage treatments. In the morning, board the Olympe gondola (Brides les Bains housed the Olympic Village in 1992), which will deposit you in Meribel, a gateway to the larger 3 Valles area.