Livigno

In town, prices are appreciably lower than at many major resorts (the resort is tax free), especially when you compare it to St Moritz over the border. But you don’t compromise on quality, much of the accommodation is of a high standard, the food is usually excellent and there are some good bars that can become lively on a sunny day – fuelled no doubt by very affordable drinks.

The west side of the valley is home to three excellent beginner zones, located on the sunny and gentle slopes on the edge of town. Progression from here is then very good, particularly at Costaccia and across the valley under the new chair at Mottolino. Long, open reds then dominate the rest of the piste map – particularly around Mt Sponda and the high point of the resort at Carosello 3000.

For more advanced skiers and snowboarders, there are some great steeper runs over at Mt. Delle Neve as well as some underrated freeriding terrain. The altitude and northeast aspect of the Mottolino slopes makes these prime for off piste and with a set of touring skins a local guide, there is some excellent terrain to explore. Anyone keen on freestyle will love the range of features set up on Mottolino each winter, which include some monster jumps.