Crans Montana

Although the villages lie at 1500m, most of the skiing is 500m further up the mountain, which helps to mitigate against some of the sun issues. Beginners must head up the mountain each morning to the Cry d’Er, the home of the most gentle blue slopes on the mountain. This is also the starting point of most ski days for intermediates, who should then wind their way eastwards across to Petit Mont Bonvin.

If you’re looking for quiet runs, skiing the winding routes down to Aminona is well worth the quick (and free) bus ride back to Barzettes. Take on these quiet runs before the new gondola is installed – it is set to carry up to 2000 people per hour so the area will be significantly busier. Advanced skiers and riders should head to the Toula chairlift or ride the Funitel to Plaine Morte, from which the long Kandahar black drops down to the base of the Toula chair.

As the resort’s name suggests, there are two towns to choose from, Crans and Montana, both of which are accessed via funicular railway from the valley town of Sierre. As they have expanded, they have practically merged together, either side of the small Etang Grenon lake. Further accommodation is available at the Barzettes lift base, but this provides the best access up the hill.

• Geneva airport: 2 hours (driving) or 2.5-3 hours (train)
• Calais: approximately 10 hours driving (541 miles)