Italy is too often overlooked by non-Italians as a mainstream winter sports destination, but there are plenty of factors that make it an attractive choice indeed. For a start, it’s cheaper to visit than France, Switzerland, or Austria, and also boasts spectacular scenery, ranging from peaks of the Mont Blanc massif to the craggy cathedrals of the Dolomites, which turn a delicate hue of rose pink in the light of the setting sun.

The resorts are, without exception, family friendly. Most hotel and restaurants welcome small children with open arms, but the ironic downside is that you can’t always find decent childcare – since many Italian families tend to bring granny along with them to look after their little ones.Then there’s the huge variety of skiing and snowboarding, ranging from excellent beginner slopes in places like Cervinia, to long intermediate pistes in Corvara and the Sella Ronda, to steep and deep descents in the Monte Rosa area (including heli-skiing, which is banned in many neighbouring countries). Last but certainly not least is the food, a mix of classic Italian and hearty Tyrolean specialities, which of course is all fabulous, whether it’s at the cheaper end with wood-fired pizzas or chic restaurants serving gourmet cuisine.  keep reading