Sauze d'Oulx, Italy

Located high on the sunny balcony of the Susa Valley and surrounded by the neighbouring slopes of the Milky Way, this lively alpine village makes for the perfect retreat to the Italian Alps. The famous après-ski culture alongside fantastic skiing conditions sees all levels of skiers and boarders returning here year after year.

Just an hour's transfer from Turin airport, the ease of travel to the resort means skiers can be out on the slopes soon after they touch down. Ski buses run regularly through the town making it a breeze to get around so the mountain won't daunt first-timers before getting to grips with their skis.

The town is small and spread out with the main resort centre accommodating the lively après-ski and the old town's cobbled streets emanating some authentic Italian culture. Abound with traditional Italian cuisine, the foodies of the group will appreciate the many gastronomic delights, from casual pizzerias and spaghetti houses to rustic Italian cuisine. With a range of shops from clothing boutiques to traditional Italian grocers and other activities such as ice-skating, snowshoe excursions and even a cinema there's a wide variety of entertainment to enjoy.

No longer the Ibiza on the slopes that it was branded in the 70s, the town now has a more refined feel and has been able to maintain its party atmosphere with a wider clientele. Keen young skiers, families and Italian weekenders head to Sauze for the wide variety of activities available on and off the slopes.

The variety and expanse of well-groomed terrain to explore is extended with the Milky Way area lift pass giving you access to a huge network of slopes. You can even take a trip over the border to the French resort of Montgenevre.

Tree-lined plateaus, wide lengths of varied terrain and beautiful scenery make up the skiing here. Beginners will find the nursery slopes at the foot of the Clotes chair, and the lift takes you to the main ski area at Sportina where lessons also take place. You don't have to conquer the lift process before even having the snow under your skis - regular shuttle buses provide an easy ride for beginners to get out on to the piste. After acing the ski lift, take the chair up to blue 42, connecting to number 30 for a breezy run back to Sportina.

Like most of the Milky Way, this is an intermediates playground. Skiers will enjoy the long winding motorway runs and tree-lined, sunny plateaus to cruise down throughout their days. Intermediate runs link Sauze d'Oulx to the rest of the neighbouring slopes for a seemingly never-ending area to explore. Those up for a serious mileage challenge can follow the signposted 'Giro Della Via Lattea' and tour the whole area in a day. Be ready for an early start and some tired legs!

Advanced skiers are well catered for in the Milky Way ski area. There is a vast galaxy of slopes to explore over in neighbouring Sestriere, and you can put yourself to the test on the professional Kandahar slalom, and Banchetta runs there for some explosive action. You can also take a day trip over the French border to Montgenevre via Claviere – well worth the trip. There's also some exciting off-piste to explore between the trees - hiring a mountain guide is the best way to explore the untouched terrain.

The chilled Italian vibe and well-groomed terrain attract many snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts to the resort. The 'Double Black Snow Park' at Rio Valley was built for the Olympics and gave freestylers a great way to perfect their tricks.

Infamously known as the best resort for après ski in the Italian Alps, there's something for everyone here, from chilled-out cocktail bars to cosy balcony cafés and lively party places. Having disposed of its previous branding as the Ibiza on the slopes, the resort has a much more refined feel, whilst maintaining the dynamic après atmosphere.

The modern resort centre is where the liveliest après occur: ski down the home run to Sportina and head straight from the slopes to Capanna Mollino, a slope-side bar that's perfect for a sunny pint. When your ski boots are off, head to Miravelle bar for a crepe and some causal drinks before going over to Moncrons for cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere. New Cotton Club is one of the most popular bars in town - drink and mingle the night away with some live music or party on into the early hours at Ghost.

In true Italian style, the Italian Alps is enriched by gastronomic delights. Family-friendly pizza parlours such as La Griglia and typically Italian spaghetti houses make for a casual evening meal of delicious food. Sugo's is an absolute must with delicious spaghetti dishes at excellent value.

If you're looking for some rustic Italian charm, stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town. Much more classy than the modern centre, the old town has several authentic restaurants offering a more sophisticated feel. L'Ortiche is an exceptional restaurant, and another refined atmosphere is found at the Il Lampino wine bar - this rustic setting is perfect for a relaxed evening in a cosy ambience.

Non-skiers are well-catered for many activities such as ice-skating, snowshoe excursions through the woods and some tour operators organising trip to watch Ac Milan football matches.