The idea that the 'small town atmosphere has gone' (another reviewer) could mean a distorted childhood memory, since the place just hasn't changed that much in three decades. There are still the local shops: the fantastic Taillen bakery and teashop, Mabiallard, the tool shop and so on. But now there's a Patagonia and Oakley store, and the great new bar in Montana - Senso. It still has a small town feel and the locals are great.

The idea of the traffic being disorganised is tosh, It can be busy for 30-60 minutes at 4.30 when the lifts close and that's it. Ever tried to park in Meribel or Courcheval? That's a genuine challenge compared with Crans Montana. In Crans Montana, just park at Aminona; free parking adjacent to the main lift!

So, I've skied in 5 countries, in dozens of resorts. I could ski in the 3 Valleys, in Verbier and where do I choose? Crans Montana. My kids love it there, I get well-groomed pistes over 140km and loads of challenging off-piste, and food on the hill which is cheaper than most of France.

And I will be on the plane going straight back there at the end of this week.

[note from the editor : text edited slightly to remove the names of other reviewers]