Arosa

Found at the top of the delightful Schanfigg Valley, Arosa is not just a ski resort but also an all-round traditional winter venue. Largely catering for a wealthy but unshowy clientele, Arosa has loads of Alpine ambience and attracts as many non-skiers as slope-sliders. Sitting at 1800m, the snow is very good and the lift system is highly efficient. There are 70km of pistes, largely favouring beginners and intermediates, while experts will have to make do with a few blacks and any off-piste they can find. Boarders are very welcome, although the nightlife might fall short of greater demands. Après-ski is rather sedate, mainly involving good eateries and hotel-based bars. Arosa is a great family venue - in the evenings traffic is banned from the village-centre and a free bus service takes people in and out.

Overall, Arosa is a friendly charming mountain resort that's very Swiss and traditional. The skiing isn't overly demanding, but perfect for learners wanting to have the full Alpine experience.