Arrive in Milan, ski in Switzerland

I am planning to fly into Milan from USA, December 2017. Would like to make my first ski trip to the Dolomites, or nearby Switzerland. I am an intermediate skier. I am looking for a recommendation for a good place to ski, and stay. May also be looking for a group to join.

You'll get lots of suggestions as there's a load of choice. Here's mine, but it's biased because I have an apartment in the Swiss Alps.

When in December? Christmas Week will be really busy, obviously. Earlier is very dependent on early season conditions and openings.

Travelling by train is a real option. You could go high and prestigious i.e. Zermatt (think Vail, cost-wise) Milan -> Brig -> Zermatt is 3h30m but up to an hour longer if less direct. Would be a great train ride.

See https://www.sbb.ch/en for an integrated timetable.

The official Swiss Tourist Office site at https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/home.html often has special offers available. It'll also give you an idea of the various areas and resorts.

Zermatt is in the eastern end of the Valais region: see the map etc. on the myswitzerland.com site at https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/destinations/regions/valais.html