Imst

The praise goes to the modern ten-seat gondola and to slope preparation, both of which earn top marks in resort tests. The area is aimed squarely at families: the runs are gentle and beginners feel comfortable. Convenient parking, clear signage, cleanliness and friendly staff all get specific mentions. A real strength is what there is to do besides skiing: the world's longest alpine coaster and two toboggan runs of four and six kilometres.

Size is the weak point: the area is small, the pistes are almost entirely easy and intermediate, and a confident skier will have seen everything in a day. Snow reliability is not among its strengths, and apres-ski barely exists - for lively bars people head elsewhere in Tyrol. The alpine coaster has its critics too: for what several rides cost, visitors complained of waiting hours between descents.