I'm very fond of the French Alps because it's where I learned to ski, haven't been there for about 10 years now though. Tignes, Val Thorens and Val D'isere are all great resorts.
If you guys are into your apres ski, I would highly suggest St Anton, Austria. However the runs are quite tough and probably not the best place to go if you're inexperienced.
As for Canada, I've been to Whistler and it was brilliant, however IMO we've got the best slopes on our doorstep in Europe so I think it's a long way to go for something you can do closer to home, particularly as the £ is not what it used to be.
Either way a ski holiday is awesome and you'll have fun wherever you go.