I've had two separate days here in the last 5 years, the last one being 22 March.

Axamer Lizum is the nearest thing in Austria to a French purpose built resort. Moreover, it has real pedigree having hosted all the alpine skiing, save for the men's downhill, at two Olympic Games and one Olympic Youth games, which is testament to the quality of the terrain.

It's compact but there is plenty of challenge especially the Men's GS course, which is a beast as they don't groom it. So if you're a big mogul freak look no further!

The Ladies Downhill piste is super quick but very skiable for average intermediates and above, whilst being a pure delight for advanced skiers.

Off-piste and ski-touring opportunities are excellent. Mountain restaurants are great value and considerably cheaper than St Anton/Lech/Ischgl and massively cheaper than France!

Lift system is old in places but does the job and the funicular is very fast, with no queuing anywhere.

There are four hotels at the base of the mountain but Innsbruck is probably a better bet with loads to do and see and free 25 minute bus ride up the mountain for ski card holders.

All in all, ideal for a long weekend, especially, when you can also ski Stubai, Igls and Kuhtai all on the same ski pass.