The beginning of this year was one of the worst winters on record for skiing. I found myself in the French Alps, not reaching for salopettes as planned, but a T-shirt – in January. We only have ourselves to blame, of course, for levels of global warming that give new meaning to the term ‘skiing hotspot’.

But the wonderful thing about us humans is our clever knack of adapting. Your usual skiing destination not delivering in the snow department? Indulge in a slower sojourn of hiking, glacier spa retreats or Michelin-starred meals. All of which you’ll find in the breathtaking Italian Dolomites.