Nendaz Ski Resort, Switzerland

Once you’ve found your ski legs, longer blues and easy reds can be found back down to resort from the Prarion chair. The frozen lake makes the perfect spot for the children’s snow play area, with big inflatable toys to enjoy and plenty of sun (but don’t forget the sun block). There are good carving runs for intermediates from the top of the Alpage chair and the extent of the terrain will encourage you to push your skiing to the next level. For advanced skiers, the only way to ski Nendaz is on the marked but unpisted itinerary routes that the Four Valleys is famous for. There are limitless back country options but if you really want to prove yourself, start on the Siviez-Chassoure route before building up to the one that tops most “Scariest ski runs in the world” lists – the Tortin Wall. Boarders may not love the gradient-lacking cat tracks that take you from one valley to the next (the one at the bottom of the Vallon d’Arbe is particularly tough on a board) but they will go mad for the two snow parks, the Nendaz Snowpark for beginners and the Burton Progression Park for the more advanced park rat, which even benefits from an air bag and on-site instructors to help you land that 1080.

In Verbier expect cruising blues combined with Mont Gelé, where, from its 3023m summit, a multitude of ski runs will give even the most hardened experts a run for their money. Bruson offers a tree lined escape from any low cloud conditions. La Tzoumaz brings you a large selecton of runs dropping into the trees and finally Mt Fort which will keep the more expert skiers entertained for hours.

The Epic Pass

One Lift Pass which gives you access to 44 ski resorts in 7 countries. Find out more about The Epic Lift Pass.

Nendaz accommodation is never too far from a choice of bars from low-key to lively. The first vin chaud of the evening is ready to go straight off the slopes at the après ski terraces of Les Etagnes and Lime It’s Up bar. Nendaz chalet guests might also want to consider some fancy dress options for the wealth of friendly and relaxed themed bars the resort seems to like so much. Go Mexican with the chilled young crowd at the Cactus Saloon, or Moroccan with a decently priced beer at Le Malabar. Of course, you could always make friends with the stuffed moose head at the Canadian Pub(-cum-disco) or make like a celeb with a glass or two of fine wine at cosy piano bar, Tchin Tchin. Carrying on into the night is free at L’Oxygene Nightclub (unlike the door prices over in Verbier).

Up on the hill there are lots of self-service restaurants for those enjoying the more leisurely pace of Nendaz skiing. Les Etagnes, just above the Tracouet bubble serves high quality food with tempting two-course lunch offers to draw you in out of the cold. For old-fashioned alpine charm, panoramic views and the best value in the Four Valleys, head over to the Cabane Mont Fort to sample the soups, paninis, burgers and amazing apple tart.