Cervinia

Cervinia is a high altitude ski area with an excellent snow record. The village sits at an impressive 2050m and is dominated by the Mattahorn. There are 150km or easy cruising pistes, hence why it is popular with families, beginners and intermediates. The excellent snow conditions allow more advanced skiers to explore the off piste and it is easy to drop into Zermatt. Always check weather conditions before venturing over though, as high winds and bad weather mean the link can close - not fun if you've made the trip and have to fork out for a taxi back to Cervinia!

The ski pass for Cervinia also covers you for skiing in the rest of the Aosta Valley. Coaches run to Courmayeur, La Thuile and the Monterosa Ski resorts (Champoluc and Gressoney). Cervinia boasts one of the best terrain parks in Italy and it's worth a look, whatever your ability.

Apres ski is pretty low key, although the Dragon bar is popular with the Brits and Scandies. The Copa Pan is also worth a look.