Iceland’s a strange place. A quarter of the population believe in elves and beer was banned until 1989 – but with day’s lift pass at Reykjavik’s local resort Bláfjöll for roughly £15, they’ve definitely got something right. Just half an hour from the capital, Bláfjöll has 19 pistes, 11 lifts and night riding under the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky). Head back to Reykjavik at the end of the day for an inevitably raucous night out with the Icelandics.

Nearest airport: Reykjavik
Train: Reykjavik
Transfer time: 1 hour
Stay: Hotel Bjork from €83 or Kex Hostel 4,600 ISK for weekend
Lift pass: 6,000 ISK for weekend