Formigal

Probably the most well-known of the Spanish Pyrenean resorts, Formigal has 137km of broad, sunny pistes that largely cater for beginners and intermediates. There are also 2 snow parks to please snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The nursery slopes are at 2000m so the snow is usually good. Snow is also guaranteed on the lower beginner slopes thanks to the 440 snow cannons. For experts there is little on-piste, but you should be able to find some good off-piste. The village is a three kilometre bus ride from the slopes, so queues can build up around 4pm as everyone tries to take the telecabin back down the mountain. The lifts are very efficient, however, so the pistes are rarely crowded.

The village itself, 170km from the nearest international airport (Zaragoza), is purpose-built and pretty lively. There is a reasonable selection of restaurants on and off the mountain, serving solid local fare such as cheese fondues.