A spreadsheet was then designed, which would eat up my marks out of 10 for each criterion and spit out a convenient score for each resort.But the problem was my system didn’t pick up on the ski resort’s personality: that special quality that is impossible to define mathematically. The most inspirational day’s skiing I had was in La Grave, a quaint village in the La Meije area of France. It would not get close to the top 50 if it were judged solely on its facilities or pistes. But for the competent skier or snowboarder it makes the pistes of the traditional European resorts feel like the M25 in rush hour.According to the raw arithmetic, the Andorran resort of Pas de la Casa scored far higher than most people would imagine. Sure, it has a decent number of restaurants, shops, and hotels but it’s also plagued by back-street nightclubs, greasy spoon caf?and stag- and hen-night shenanigans.My sophisticated system was scrapped, along with my vision of creating a definitive list, and was replaced by pen and paper, on which I scribbled a more personal version of my favourite 50 resorts.For me, St Anton was a clear winner, with all the charm, challenging terrain, and nightlife that I could wish for, although 24-hour entertainment isn’t for everyone. As an alternative to the unequivocal list of top resorts that I had planned, I produced more specific lists of “Top 5 Resorts” for the criteria I had set.Freestylers, for instance, are directed towards the amazing park at Le Crosets in the Portes de Soleil, freeriders to the heliskiing in Chamonix or Monte Rosa in Italy, and on-piste carvers to the endless blue and red runs in the Three Valleys. Those who want to mingle with the rich and famous might enjoy the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow in St Moritz, and those after a romantic weekend would struggle to go wrong with the “chocolate box” resort of Saas Fee, surrounded by 13 staggering 4,000m peaks.One resort’s personality varies greatly to the next and finding your resort soulmate is a personal journey.

So, while The Top 50 Ski and Snowboard Resorts in Europe 2006 is not, and cannot be, a definitive list, it may help you to eliminate those that you don’t get on with – and find a resort you love.’The Top 50 Ski and Snowboard Resorts in Europe 2006′ by Pat Sharples and Vanessa Webb is published by Foulsham (£14.99). WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN START TO SKI?

There are no hard-and-fast rules – some ski schools accept two-year-olds, while some experts suggest waiting until a child is seven. But it’s generally considered that four is a good age to start. Under-fours can get tired easily.
Whatever age you choose, it is important to try to make sure the experience is enjoyable Indeed, go too early and you may put the child off for life. Consider whether the child is mature enough to be happy alone with relative strangers, physically competent to handle skis, and capable of handling his or her own clothing, including mittens, goggles and boots. Then there’s the little matter of bladder control in the cold, and consequently the need to undo salopettes appropriately.Some companies offer a fun-oriented skiing class for three- to four-year-olds which introduce the youngsters to wearing skis and boots while having plenty of fun and games in dedicated children’s nursery areas.

For younger children, a number of resorts offer fabulous kindergartens where outdoor play in the snow is all a part of the day.On its skiing holidays, Esprit (01252 618300; www.esprit-holidays.co.uk) deals exclusively with families. There’s a full range of childcare at each of the 17 European resorts it uses, and its chalets are family-only.SHOULD WE TRY TO LEARN IN THE UK BEFORE WE GO?Snow domes and dry slopes can be a useful way for you to get used to equipment and clothing. They can be a fun time out for the family but dry slopes give you little idea as to what snow feels like underfoot. What might be more useful before you go would be to become a member of the Ski Club of Great Britain (0845 458 0782; www.skiclub.co.uk); run by ski enthusiasts, it’s the leading independent not-for-profit snowsports club.WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A FAMILY RESORT?Proximity, plus wide and uncrowded ski slopes. The main destinations for British skiers are in the Alps; France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.

But (as Siobhan Mulholland says on page 14) Scandinavia may be more suitable. Lapland is popular with families, particularly those with small children.If cost is the main concern, and the principal reason for going to Eastern Europe is usually cost, it’s hard to beat resorts such as Pamporovo in Bulgaria and Kranjska Gora in Slovenia, both offered by Inghams (020-8780 4433; www.inghams.co.uk).Most resorts offer dedicated nursery areas but the best resorts to learn in are those with the easiest access from accommodation to the nursery slopes. The learning process becomes so much more enjoyable if beginners can reach nursery slopes with the minimum amount of fuss.Children can find it difficult walking on slippery surfaces, particularly in ski boots, and you may not enjoy carrying their equipment as well as your own. If distances are longer, look for an operator offering a transfer service Also useful is proximity to the ski school. It’s important to choose a resort with a good ski school, with small class sizes and instructors who speak English well.It’s not the be all or end all, but relatively short and easy transfers between airport and resort will go down better than long and tiring trips. If you’re not confident that skiing will hold all the family’s interest for your entire holiday, it’s worth checking that there’s a range of other attractions at – or in reach of – your resort.WHAT IS THE BEST ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES?First, decide whether you want to share a bedroom with your children, or whether you want them to sleep in a separate area. The other thing to consider – especially if you or your children are fussy eaters – is whether to go for a self-catering option.The chalet or chalet hotel environment is ideal for families, more so if other guests are also families.