Macugnaga ski resort is situated at the foot of the spectacular Monte Rosa, in the western Alps, in the northwest section of the Italian peninsula. Skiing and snowboarding at this resort is fantastic, and there are excellent facilities for beginners.

The village of Macugnaga is both sedate and picturesque. Boasting two excellent ski schools, the resort is an ideal choice for families. Macugnaga has a distinct Swiss character to it and there is a good museum in the village as well as several handicraft and ski/sports shops.

Lodgings are mostly in hotels and chalets and there are 3,000 beds available, with a range of price tags. There is a plethora of non-ski activities, including natural ice-skating, hiking and mountaineering and dozens of cafés, restaurants and bars provide a laid-back and enjoyable après-ski.

Fifteen pistes run over 38kms of mainly beginner and intermediate skiing and snowboarding terrain at the Macugnaga - Monte Rosa ski resort, and the longest run is seven kilometres. Twelve lifts, consisting of eight draglifts, two chairlifts and two cable cars, with an hourly capacity of 7,800 people, operate over all slopes. There are also some great off-piste options for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

For alternative skiing, and just across the border into Switzerland, lies Saas-fee, a superb ski resort with a charming village in picturesque surroundings. Zermatt is also nearby, on the Swiss side, and offers skiing on the Matterhorn (Europe’s most famous mountain). The Roman town of Aosta offers interesting sightseeing for a day away from the slopes.

The Macugnaga - Monte Rosa ski season runs from December to April, with cheaper pre-Christmas and end of season rates. Flying to Milan’s Malpensa Airport and transferring by hire car is the most convenient transport method, while Skibuses are also available.