Positioned high on north-west-facing slopes with erratic snowfalls familiar to this area of Italy, Sestriere has invested in extensive snowmaking facilities, unlike many of its neighbouring resorts. The skiing and boarding is, for the most part, suited to beginners and exploratory intermediates but links to Sansicario and Pragelato have recently been improved allowing quick access onto the more extensive Milky Way system for those wanting to explore further afield.

Despite a recent face-lift, the village is still scruffy, lacking charm and although purpose-built, is really not arranged conveniently with long walks from the four main accommodation blocks to the lifts (although these are good for pre-ski warm ups). There’s little après to excite during the week as it only really comes alive when the local city weekend skiers arrive.

Sestriere might at best be called an ugly duckling but beauty lies in the eye of the beholder and if you can get over this resort’s  downsides, it can at least  guarantee snow coupled with delicious Piedmont gourmet specialities and Italian friendliness!