Lying between Turin and the Swiss border in the western Alps, Ayas Valley comprises the ski resorts of Champoluc, Antagnod and Frachey to offer 180kms of pisted runs for all abilities, with an emphasis on the beginner and intermediate skier and snowboarder.

A range of villages in the Ayas Valley offer modern facilities in traditional environments, with a huge range of accommodations on offer. Hotels, pensions, chalets, apartments, private residences and holiday villages are all available with prices to suit most pockets.

Ayas Valley has 180kms of slopes, 33 per cent of which are for beginners, 55 per cent for intermediates and 12 per cent for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders. Eighteen ski lifts have a capacity for 22,000 people per hour and, in addition to the pistes, there are 35kms of excellent cross-country trails.

Of the many other winter activities and facilities at Ayas, there is helicopter skiing, ice-skating, mono-skiing and mountaineering. The après-ski and nightlife at some of the resorts can be particularly lively and exciting owing to the multitude of bars and nightclubs.

The December to April ski season at the Ayas Valley has its best snow conditions in February, and cheapest rates at the beginning and end of the season.

Flying to Turin and transferring by train, with a change to bus at Verres, is the most practical option for getting to Ayas. Hiring a car at the airport is far more convenient, however.