Carezza

The praise is for grooming and layout: the pistes are impeccably prepared and the gradients suit strong intermediates. Moving between the Laurin, Paolina and Pra di Tori sectors is smooth and intuitive, unlike the bigger Dolomite areas where getting around is a chore. There is a link to Latemar, and the black Pra di Tori and the Paolina run to the valley stand out. Carezza is among the sunniest areas in South Tyrol, and it is quiet: mid-March reports mention no lift waits at all.

Size draws criticism: three days and you have essentially covered the area, and next to the big Dolomiti Superski names it is easy to overlook. There is no resort village at the slopes and no après-ski to speak of. The choice of blue runs for genuine beginners is thin - really only the one under the Tschein chairlift, where a gentle park with features for kids sits alongside.