The Sport Hotel offers the essentials for skiiers for only a little bite out of your wallet. It is great for students and younger couples particularly- those who aren't too fussy when it comes to food and have got used to sleeping through noise, if they're not out seeing the town themselves.

You won't go hungry here, but be prepared for a breakfast of two types of cereal and some bread rolls, with ham, cheese and jams. That's it. The main evening meal is filling but, apart from the starters, not very Italian-inspired and dessert is often a choice(?) of fruit or icecream.

Rooms were clean and attractive, with quaint outside wooden shutters to pull down at night and a TV with BBC World, Sky News and ITV1 to keep you feeling in touch with home.

The only warning I must give is that we stayed at The Sport off-peak and even so we needed earplugs on some nights to drown out the noise of wailing women and moaning men karaoking in Paddy McGintys Irish bar- which is directly below the hotel.

If all you want is a comfy bed and shower- because you will be hitting the slopes for the full day- this hotel can offer just that. But pack the earplugs! If you want more, search elsewhere but be prepared to double your accommodation costs.