This area of Austria is no longer popular with the Brits, which is a great pity, as it has several resorts which are ideal for beginners and intermediates, with some superb mountain restaurants.

The valley effectively stretches from Tschagguns (Golm) to Partenen and takes in such resorts as Gaschurn, Gargellen, Schruns, Gortipohl and Garfrescha. There are links, when conditions allow, to Galtur/Ischgl and to Klosters, in Switzerland, via ski-mountaineering routes.

The three main skiing areas are Silvretta Nova (Gaschurn to St Gallenkirch), Hochjoch (Schruns) and Golm (Tschagguns).

Most of the skiing is undemanding and pleasant, ideal for families. The possibility of skiing several resorts in a week makes the area an attractive proposition.

Other once popular resorts, such as Brand, are within easy reach by car or post bus.

The modernisation of the lift systems has helped to prevent huge queues building up at peak times and the superb restaurant facilities make it easy to sit out the occasional spell of bad weather.

A word of warning - this is not the place to go in a bad snow year, even though the valley does tend to hold snow well.