Kappl

The praise is for skiing next door to Ischgl without the crowds: even in the busiest week of the season there is barely a queue. Reviewers highlight the big vertical, the long descents and the snow-sure upper sector, the tidy grooming and prices noticeably kinder than the neighbours'. It is rated a strongly family resort, with free passes for small children and well-regarded ski schools. Among freeriders Kappl is an insider tip, since almost every off-piste line starts at the top stations.

The ageing Gongall chair is the first thing criticised: slow, and clearly out of step with the rest of the fleet. Piste grading draws complaints too, with several runs marked blue when they deserve red, catching out less confident skiers. The learning area sits awkwardly at the mid-station, so beginners must ride up every time. Evening life is modest, and people still drive to Ischgl for apres-ski.