A charming, unspoilt alpine village, Champoluc benefits from being compact and fairly flat, so it is easy to get about on foot. The diminutive church square and adjacent mini-roundabout junction - which straddles the river - act as focal points, with much of the traditionally built wooden and stone accommodation and amenities clustered around them. The main ski-lift (Crest) is ½ mile away from the centre, along a winding narrow one-way road, and is handily situated opposite a short parade of eateries and bars.

Short transfers from Turin airport and relatively uncrowded slopes (weekends apart) make this a popular choice with young families, first timers and more mature couples. Predominantly British and Scandinavians in the winter season.

Generally small, well-established, family-owned hotels offering unsophisticated service, mostly in the three-star category, with a few four-stars thrown in. Some apartments and chalets, although most are privately owned. Majority of accommodation is clustered around the church square and main ski-station, or along the main road between these two. Some accommodation also situated in neighbouring villages.

Variety of small shops including two minimarkets, sports/outdoor-wear outlets, designer fashions, souvenir/gift shops and delicatessens offering local specialities, wines and spirits. Also look out for "sabotiers" producing the traditional hand-carved wooden clogs still worn by locals.

Daytime: usual range of winter sports, plus cross-country skiing, heli-skiing and dog sledging. In resort itself: natural ice rink (weather permitting); tennis; bowls; fishing (summer and winter); fitness centre; children's play parks. In Valle d'Ayas: golf; archery; horse riding; mountain biking; many mountain walks and climbing options. Nightlife: generally low-key and family orientated, with a few informal bars and hotels offering lively apres-ski. One disco (open weekends).

Reasonable selection of independent and hotel restaurants serving local specialities and pasta; one or two pizzerias but no fast food. Some cafes. Several eateries on the pistes.

Ski-bus service links the village centre and outlying hamlets with the Crest gondola and the chair-lift stations at neighbouring villages of Frachey and Antagnod. Local bus to Verres (16 miles) where one can change for bus to Turin; also rail links from Verres. One local taxi firm.

Half day: exploring traditional local hamlets such as Antagnod, St Jacques and Brusson; Monte Zerbion for spectacular views; Valle d'Ayas lake trips; castles at Verres and Issogne. Full day: Monte Croce for spectacular views and wildlife spotting; exploring Valle d'Aosta; Turin.

In NW Italy, in Aosta Valley region, close to Swiss border. 60 mls N of Turin and its airport. 100 mls NW of Milan and its airport.

At top end of Valle d'Ayas, in sunny location nestled in fairly flat valley; surrounded by amphitheatre of rugged mountains, crowned by Europe's second-highest peak, Monte Rosa.

Post Code: 11020
Website: www.ayas-champoluc.com

Airport : Caselle
Airport Code: TRN
Flight time from ther U.K.: 1 hr. 45 mins