The resort is very much a village with friendly faces who actually greet you and chat, there are never any queues on any lifts and the tobogan run is a must, but on the nights of the floodlit run there was a little too much snow for me to go, (chicken).

The walks are superb; fantastic prepared walks between the gondola stations are a must do, beware they say they take an hour and we were taking 3 hours minimum as we wanted to take in the stunning scenery.

This is not a village for late night party fiends from our experience, which suited us perfectly. If you want smaller, friendlier, happier, no hassle skiing you have to try Rauris. Forget endless bars, gift shops, hurry places, that is not what Rauris is about.

Take the horse drawn sled rides at night, it is wonderful. Be warned about the free rocket fuel schnapps.

Now I wish I hadn't told you all that as I am looking for a late deal bargain for Rauris and now you lot will all go there, hope to see you there mid January.

Ian