Solden

The village spreads out along the Ötztal Valley, meaning some accommodation can be a little walk from the two principal access lifts – up to Giggijoch and Gaislachkogel – so try and base yourself near the base of either for maximum convenience. Après ski here is fuelled by a lot of younger visitors and a great selection of bars and nightclubs, many of which are very good value.

Beginners have access to a couple of draglifts in town, but should head straight up to the mellow and sunny slopes at Giggijoch. Fast learners and intermediates will enjoy making their way across to the two glaciers – the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach – both of which offer very snowsure blues that are generally in fantastic condition. It is worth noting that the gentle slopes of Obergurgl lie just up the valley and you can purchase a Ouml;tztal Super Skipass which covers Sölden, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl as well as the family-friendly ski regions of Hochoetz-Kühtai, Niederthai, Gries and Vent.

The rest of the ski area is ideal for confident intermediates upwards and you can get some huge vertical, especially on the Gaislachkogel, where you can link up runs 1, 5, 11, 7 and 9 to drop a massive 1695m. For more advanced skiers and snowboarders there are some good groomed blacks at Hainbachjoch, but otherwise you’ll be waiting for fresh snowfall to explore the area’s off piste. It must also be noted that Sölden is also home to some excellent park facilities.

• Innsbruck airport: 1 hour (driving) or 2.5 hours (public transport)
• Zürich airport: 3 hours (driving)
• Munich airport: 3 hours (driving)
• Calais: approximately 13 hours driving (660 miles)