Andorra

Andorra may once have had a bargain basement image, but thanks to a recent €160 million regeneration, those days look set to join the frozen relics of the ice age. Ironically, this may do Andorra more harm than good. With much better terrain to be found in the nearby Alps, being able to go home with change in your pocket was probably the principle driver in choosing to ski in Andorra.

Still, improvements in infrastructure have meant better access to more terrain and there is some great skiing and boarding to be had, especially if you're looking to combine your riding with a city break to one of the most amazing cities in the world - Barcelona. Andorra's capital, Andorra La Vella, is also worth a visit.

The main resorts are Pal-Arinsal / Ordino-Arcalis, Pas de la Casa and Soldeu-El Tarter.

Beginners and families tend to head for Pal-Arinsal where, with good conditions, the slopes are a match for any in Europe - provided all you're looking to do is acquaint yourself with the sport, or brush up on recently-acquired skills. It's possible to work up a bit more of a sweat at Ordino-Arcalis, where a couple of blacks and long reds cater for good intermediates and expert riders. This is where most of the locals come to ski or snowboard at the weekend.

If being on the first lift up in the morning (or the afternoon for that matter) isn't your first priority, Pas de la Casa is probably your best bet. Think Ibiza with snow and you're getting close. Hitting the slopes in Pas is, frankly, just an added bonus. Most people go there to drink. The terrain's not bad. If you're an expert you're unlikely to find much to really challenge you. However, there's decent intermediate terrain and a park.

Soldeu / El Tarter is perhaps the resort offering the most in Andorra. Its nightlife is still pretty hyped, but not as frantic as Pas. It has a huge range of accommodation. And while the runs are best suited to beginners and intermediates, there's some good off-piste to be found here, as well as some more advanced pisted terrain in the wider Grandvalira region, which is accessible from Encamp.

Accommodation in all three ranges from the basic concrete no-frills style (popular in Pas) to the recently added five Star Sport Hermitage spa Hotel.

There's no way of flying directly into Andorra, so the most popular routes in and out are either from Toulouse in France to the north or Barcelona in Spain to the south - both about a three hour drive.