Summary

Samnaun is a charming, relaxed Swiss village sharing a ski area with Ischgl over the border in Austria. The duty-free resort has a quiet position at the head of an isolated valley, and for a party including novices it makes a better base than its neighbour over the hill. Dorf is the main focus of the four small hamlets, with some swanky hotels and shops. A jumbo cable car on the outskirts of town at Ravaisch goes up to the slopes. Two lovely long runs return to the valley at either end. Unless cost is an obstacle or you insist on lots of woodland runs, put Samnaun on your shortlist.