Mikaela Shiffrin has plenty to celebrate this Christmas. The American skiing standout is off to a perfect start in slalom during the Olympic season with four wins in four World Cup races.

The story points to Austrian mechanic Erwin Perzy in 1900, but records show snow globes existed by at least 1878.

With its high, snow-sure resorts, charming Savoyard villages, easy access and world-class cuisine, France remains one of Europe’s most popular ski spots. For British travellers, it’s regularly the ...