With its fantastically diverse range of opportunities for fun on the snow, Italy really is hard to beat as a ski-ing destination. The season runs from December until late March, and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve skied before or not – there are pistes here for all levels of ability.

The selection of places to stay on Italian ski breaks is hugely varied, with plenty of resorts of all sizes offering everything from high-end luxury villas and lodges to comfortable accommodation for more modest budgets.

More experienced skiers may want to head for the exhilarating challenges the Dolomites offer. Beginners may be happier trying out the slopes at Bardonecchia, Bormio, Monterosa or Livigno. But wherever you choose as the base for your holiday, you’ll find a superbly organised ski infrastructure, with well-marked pistes, a range of lifts and good quality instruction readily available.