Montana Lodge & Spa

Understated and friendly, La Thuile has its modern accommodation near the slopes, a little way from the traditional village. The modern lift system takes skiers to 160km of slopes with a good mix of nursery slopes, easy blues, challenging intermediate terrain and tricky blacks through the trees. The links to La Rosière in France and its proximity to Courmayeur and Chamonix means the Espace Bernardo hits the button for those who want to venture further afield. The slopes are relatively uncrowded, and the mountains dotted with great value restaurants serving incredible food. The easy transfers from Geneva and Italian airports means it works well for families and short breaks.

Montana Lodge & Spa is elegantly styled, with nature featuring heavily in every design detail, from the silver birch wall paper to the wooden furniture, it's a comfortable haven for skiers and non-skiers alike. The large lobby with its open fire, library and bar welcome skiers at the end of the day, and the huge terrace overlooking the Alps is a perfect lunch or hot chocolate stop. The rooms and suites are spacious and all have unrestricted views of the surrounding mountains. Stars Restaurant serves delicious, seasonal Italian food, focusing on regional specialties, and it's essential you try a pizza for lunch from the wood burning oven brought all the way from Florence. The hotel is particularly proud of its wine cellar, stocked with a healthy selection of vintage, local and international wines. The Spa is definitely worth a visit, with its range of personalized holistic treatments, and comes with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, vitarium and Technogym.

For those seeking a refined resort and a luxurious hotel, La Thuile and the Montana Lodge & Spa are the perfect mix. With east facing slopes meaning excellent snow conditions and rarely ever a queue to the lift, you'll want to ski all day. But once you've taken off your skis, returning to the hotel is a joy.