After an hours drive from the airport in Milan we found ourselves in a quaint little place called Castione della Presolana. We stayed in the three star Hotel Prealpi, a lovely family run hotel, with excellent services. In fact one morning we missed the ski bus, which picks you up outside the hotel and the son of the owner of Prealpi gave us a lift to the slopes, what more can you ask for?

We stayed for only four nights but wish we had stayed longer. Not only was the hotel really good but the slopes, which were a five minute bus ride away were excellent. My partner and I are only beginner snowboarders but the blue run slope was one of the best we had ever been on, however it is only really accessible by getting on a chair lift. I wouldn't recommend this if you don't feel confident enough getting on and off them and it does get quite high up there. Once up there though the run can take up to fifteen minutes to complete, depending how good you are and the views are great. Whilst there we hired our equipment but ended up buying boards and bindings from a local winter sports shop, as their stuff was very reasonably priced.

With regards to food and drink, near the beginner slopes is a cafe. Be warned that it can get really busy between midday and one o'clock as everyone is hungry from skiing and boarding. It's worth waiting until it empties a little as you will not get a seat, which will be much needed after a morning of activity.

A ten minute walk uphill from the beginner slopes and you will find more shops and cafes/restaurants, only worth it if you wish to sit down to a proper lunch and rest up a little.

Near the hotel there are a few shops and a lovely pizzeria where the food and drink is really reasonably priced. The hotel even offers a set menu in the evening which can also be recommended.

The views and the scenery all around the slopes and the hotel we stayed in are spectacular and don't worry if there hasn't been a lot of snow, as the snow canons make sure there's plenty to ski and board on.