Resort Report: Davos, Switzerland

Where is it?

Davos, 1,500m above sea level in the Graubünden region of Switzerland, has pedigree aplenty among its grand hotels and smart shops.

Chocolate box or concrete box?

Davos is on the Heidi Express train line, but chocolate box it isn't, despite the quantity of chocolate on sale.

What's the snow like?

Usually pretty good, with a top height of 2,800m and most of the home runs covered by snow cannons.

Going up

Davos shares its mountain transport with Klosters, and has 54 lifts. The only annoyance is getting between ski areas, though the transport is efficient.

Coming down

Beginners should head for Bolgen, then up the mountain to the wide blue runs on Parsenn. Intermediates should launch out on the 12km descent from the village of Kublis, from which a train goes back to Davos. For experts, the real challenges lie off-piste.

Where can I leave the kids?

The Bobo Club (00 41 81 416 59 69) will take four- to seven-year-olds and teach them the art of falling over. The Pischa Children's Paradise nursery (00 41 79 660 31 68)takes kids from three-years-old.

Can I get some air?

There are two half-pipes on Jakobshorn and plenty of challenging off-piste into the surrounding valleys.

How much for a lift pass?

A six-day Davos/Klosters lift pass costs 279 Swiss francs (£125) for adults, Sfr187 for 13- to 17-year-olds and Sfr93 for 6- to 12-year-olds. There are also seven free lifts for beginners.

My thighs hurt. Can I slope off?

Wellness is the word in places such as the Waldhotel Bellevue (00 41 81 415 37 47) and Bristol Wellness (00 41 81 416 31 33), with everything from shiatsu to brine baths on offer.

Where can I eat up my francs?

If chocolate is your first love, then head for Schneider (00 41 81 420 00 00) or Choccolino (00 41 81 413 68 61). Fondue and traditional Swiss fare can be found at Gentiana (00 41 81 413 56 49), a smart oasis in Davos Platz's urban jungle.

Après-ski rating

On Jakobshorn, swinging skiers should head for the Jatzhütte or Bolgen Plaza. For non-ski-boot drinking, Davos Platz is your best bet, with the Ex Bar and Chämi Bar the liveliest options.

How do I get there?

It's a 144km drive from Zurich to Davos and about a three-hour train ride.

In the area

Hop on the Panorama train, fitted out with big windows for the scenery on the trip through Albula valley to St Moritz.