St Luc, Switzerland

The ski domain of Sierre-Anniviers, which includes the villages of St Luc, Chandolin, Vercorin, Grimentz and Zinal, offers some of the highest snow-sure skiing in Switzerland. Although each village has its own ski area, they are all linked with a regional ski pass that provides access to 240km of pistes. Sierre-Anniviers’ pistes are generally not crowded and lift queues rare, and the area is also becoming well known for its extensive off-piste skiing.

The area of St-Luc itself, which climbs to 3000 meters, has piste skiing suitable for all levels, while the neighbouring Chandolin area which is connected to St Luc, has a range of varied terrain including open bowls and trails that drop down through mature forests – ideal for poor visibility days. St Luc also has a 35km marked ski touring trail. The other villages of Grimentz and Zinal are reached by road and provide more demanding red and black runs.

There is the option, too, of a day in Crans Montana which is included on a six day Sierrre-Anniviers pass and is about an hour’s drive away.

Active non-skiers will not be disappointed: there is paragliding, hang-gliding, glacier walking, snowshoeing, sledging and hill walking all on the doorstep. For those less inclined to activity, take a gentle stroll through any of the old villages with their ancient barns and buildings. There is also the fabulous spa at the Grand Hotel Bella Tola nearby, on the edge of St Luc.