Panorama , Canada

Panorama has some cash and is spending it, in the last few years they’ve replaced 2 draglifts with high-speed quads, built new accommodation, opened up a great double-diamond area called Taynton Bowl and beefed up their snowmaking capabilities. Snowmaking! Snowmaking? Panorama has more sunshine days than any other resort in western Canada, which is great for the goggle marks, but not so good for the white stuff. The marketing team at Panorama have aimed for the family market, which is a real shame if you're single or don’t have kids. If you do have kids, then the short transfer time (3 hours to Calgary), the occasional firework display, the hot pools and the kids parties make it a good choice.

But - and it’s a big but - be prepared to pay through the nose for accommodation, it ain’t cheap and there isn’t a lot of choice.

One of the other draws to Panorama is the heliboarding in the Bugaboos area, which boasts over 2,000sq km to ride, so you’ll always find freshies, but once again, in true scam-a-rama style, be ready to pay for it. Call R.K. Heli-ski +1 888 7767730.