Salma

The praise is for the character of the hill: the middle section is properly steep, while the forest and south-western descents serve up untracked snow and something close to freeriding through thin, mogulled woods. The place sits in a wind shadow and keeps working when gales shut the upper cable cars in the Khibiny. Credit also goes to the rental shop, an inexpensive cafe, warm changing rooms and free parking.

Criticism centres on the size and on how unsuitable the place is for a first day on skis: two or three runs in effect, a sporty pitch in places, and ice on the run-out. The lifts are drags only, a T-bar and a platter, and the gradient under them is awkward, so riding up with a snowboard is a trial and beginners come off often. There is no carpet lift for children, so small ones queue with the adults. Reviewers find no instructors, and the centre is not open every day.