Sauze d’Oulx is the gateway to the Via Lattea / Milky Way ski area, which previously had a reputation as a proper party town. There’s still lots of fun to be had, but it’s toned down the wild vibes in recent years, and plenty of new bars and restaurants have opened that are a little more classy.

Fortunately, prices are still reasonable. Sauze d’Oulx offers access to a big ski area, at a decent price, and with a short, one-hour transfer from Turin Airport. What’s more, the Via Lattea is made up of five, connected areas – Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, San Sicario, Claviere and all the way into the French resort of Montgenèvre – with around 400km of piste, and the highest lift taking you to 2800m. Sauze d’Oulx, itself, is an area of mainly red and blue runs, so most suited to people who’ve skied at least once or twice before. Expect gorgeous tree-lined skiing, sun-kissed pistes and an incredibly hospitable welcome.

The town of Sauze d’Oulx sits at 1509m and has bags of old Italian charm: this is not one of your ugly, purpose-built resorts. It’s a historic Italian town with winding, cobbled streets, no through traffic allowed and enough traditional pizza and pasta restaurants that even the fussiest eater will eat well.