Pontechianale

The praise is for altitude: the upper drag lifts push almost to the ridgeline, and snow lasts longer here than at the lower stations of the Varaita valley. Visitors like the descents through the famous Aleve stone pine forest and the constant view of Monviso. Reviewers say queues simply do not happen and the staff are unfailingly welcoming. Freeriders single out the marked off-piste routes from the top stations and the untracked snow after a storm.

The modest lift fleet draws criticism: a single chairlift carries the area and everything above it is old drag lifts, so when they stop there is little left to ski. The upper runs are tougher than you expect from a family hill, which is why beginners are sent to nearby Bellino or Sampeyre. There is almost no apres-ski. Reviews are few, and they agree it is worth a day or two rather than a week.