Sparkling snow, well-oiled lifts and gorgeous pistes are just some of the things you'll find at the resort of Bjursas, which is in the heart of Dalarna county in central Sweden. Otherwise known as 'Dalarnas Schweiz', the resort is snow-sure with one of the best climates in the whole region.

Bjursas is a very small and intimate resort with a strong community presence and a typically friendly Swedish character. With its petit nature and lack of the usual ski crowds which swarm the larger resorts, Bjursas makes the perfect destination for those interested in learning how to ski, those with nothing else on their mind but skiing, or families who will be reassured by the compact and safe nature of the resort.

The resort itself caters for a small number of visitors at a time with around 20 rooms available. There are also three restaurants, including a ski restaurant serving typical Scandinavian cuisine as well as the usual burgers and hot dogs. One bar and a discotheque offer light entertainment, while a special treat at the resort is a sauna and spa - perfect for those after ski aches. Along with these facilities, Bjursas is the perfect place for an excursion on a horse-drawn sleigh, natural ice-skating or indoor swimming.

There are 94kms of slopes at this small resort with some interesting facilities for boarders too. The 16 slopes are split into 56 per cent for the beginner, 25 per cent for intermediate level and 19 per cent for the expert. Seven lifts service the area, with a total uplift capacity of 7,200 skiers per hour.

The top elevation at the resort is at 398m, with the bottom lift reaching 200m. This makes the total vertical descent a quick 198m. For those looking for some off-piste action, there are a further 35kms of cross-country slopes to contend with, while boarders and skiers alike get a fantastic 14,000 square metres combined ski and snowboard park, fit for both beginners and experts.

If the peace and serenity of the resort is too relaxing, you could try heading to the nearby town of Falun, which offers shopping, eating and drinking options in a busier setting. However, this entire area has a relaxed philosophy and this is evident at Falun also.

The season runs from early December to April with good snow conditions, as is the case with many resorts in Sweden. Stockholm is 250kms from the resort of Bjursas and 20kms from the next town, Falun. Fly to Stockholm and either travel by hire car to the resort or catch a train to Falun and transfer by local bus or taxi from there.