Santa Caterina Valfurva

Snow is the headline virtue: village and pistes sit high, the slopes face north, cover holds even in weak winters, and grooming is described as immaculate. Confident skiers rate the terrain for its long descents and serious off-piste. The new eight-seat gondola gets a nod, as does the compact layout, with lifts a short walk from the hotels and a free ski bus running door to door. Lift lines are rare even during school holidays, and the village is quiet and safe for children.

Cost is the sore point: this is called one of Italy's pricier resorts, and some guests say it does not justify the outlay. The area is small and aimed squarely at intermediates and experts, leaving beginners with less to work with. Evening life barely exists, teenagers get restless, and people drive to nearby Bormio for restaurants and bars. Remoteness is mentioned too, with roughly four hours from the Milan airports.