Including size of ski area, variety of pistes, snow reliability, accommodation close the slopes and lifts, and piste preparation.

Val Gardena’s vast South Tyrolean ski area is one of the largest in Europe and with the Dolomiti Superski lift pass skiers enjoy access to 500km of interconnected slopes and breathtaking views around the Sella.  Couple the snowmaking on 95% of Val Gardena’s slopes with the height of the pistes and you have reliable skiing well into April.  The Val Gardena SuperSun package, available from March 24 to April 15 2012, offers 7 nights accommodation for the price of 6 at a wide variety of participating hotels, b&bs and self-catering chalets, and 6-day lift passes/equipment hire for the price of 5 (from March 25). For example, 7 nights ½-board accommodation, based on 2 sharing, is available at Pension Ciamp in Santa Cristina from just £46pppn or at the cosy Charm-hotel Uridl from£56pppn.  Book online at www.valgardena.it;

There’s more than fabulous spring snow and sunshine to enjoy in Val Gardena in March and April.  On March 26^th the Freeride Club Val Gardena puts on a spectacular freeride show with jumps and fireworks in Selva.  On April 1^st watch the Sudtirol Gardenissima 2012, the world’s longest giant slalom race (6km, 100 gates, 1000m vertical drop).  From April 7-10 Rock the Dolomites sees local bands staging concerts in a variety of huts in stunning locations high in the mountains.  On March 29^th, April 5^th and 12^th, Sofie Hut on the Seceda is hosting a wine tasting at 2.30pm and Comici Hut at Piz Sella is hosting the Alpine Nostalgia dinner on March 30^th ?a chance for all the family to don the dirndl or loden and party into the small hours.

Choose one of Val Gardena’s 3 villages, Oritsei, Santa Cristina or Selva and enjoy a wide variety of accommodation immediately adjacent to the lifts and slopes; or opt for a secluded hotel or B&B accessible only by skis or ski lift.  Val Gardena has pistes for every standard of skier, sublime views endorsed by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site, and entertainment for all ages.  For details visit www.valgardena.it

Fly to Verona, Venice or Innsbruck where a bus transfer service is available  www.flytovalgardena.com.  Airlines include BT, Ryanair, EasyJet and Thomson Airways.