Here are a few key statistics to consider;
* Top and bottom elevations – having lifts to a high altitude will give you access to potentially better snow, whilst a low base level will give you somewhere to ski when the weather is poor. Being at the top of the mountain in a high resort like Tignes on a blue bird day is amazing but you’d much rather be down among the trees in the Portes du Soleil when a storm hits.
* Kilometres of piste – it’s great to be able to explore around the mountains and different valleys. Plus to be able to follow the Sun around too, the winter Sun doesn’t get too high so being able to ski on different slope aspects can be very useful.
* Number and variety of pistes – having enough pistes for the beginners, intermediates and experts in your group is important. You don’t want the beginners to be too scared or not have enough of the more taxing pistes to challenge the more experienced skiers.
* Lift system – a modern and efficient lift system will keep queues down to a minimum even at the busiest times of the season. Ideally you should be whisked straight back up the mountain as soon as you reach the bottom!
* Snow making facilities – sometimes the weather doesn’t play along and it’s good to know that there’s a plan B, especially if you’re heading out early season. It could make all the difference if the resort has the equipment to make sure the pistes are skiable.
* Accommodation – When you’ve finished skiing and had your après drink, where do you want to head back to? Hotel, apartment or luxury catered chalet – there are plenty of options available. Different resorts will tend to have a different range choices, it will depend whether you would like a catered ski chalet in Chatel or a ski in/out apartment next to the piste and the pub!
* Airport transfer time – Most Brits tend to fly for a ski holiday and transfer times from airport to resort can vary a lot. From a quick hour down the motorway for Chamonix to 3-4 hours slogs to some of the high level resorts.
