Planibel Apartments, La Thuile, Italy

First things first. The service from Iglu Ski was impeccable; friendly, helpful and prompt. That said, it eventually became clear that they weren't the final providers of the holiday, and so any criticisms that I might have cannot be directed at them. However, I don't have any criticisms (the apartment was basic, noisy and very badly appointed; despite telling the management twice that the kettle and microwave didn't work nothing was done, but none of that is the fault of Iglu or Crystal). However, my son became very unwell with a terrible outbreak of shingles in his eye and forehead. initially the pharmacist thought it was an allergic reaction but it got worse and worse and eventually he was in a great deal of pain. Tessa and Imogen, the Crystal reps, could not have been more helpful; Tessa in particular, who spoke Italian like a native, was able to translate when a) we had to visit the doctor about twenty minutes away and then b) when we had to go to Aosta Hospital. What would have been a nightmare of communication failure turned out to be merely a nightmare of spending time in a foreign hospital. Even though it was her time off, Tessa phoned several times to ensure that we were okay, and helped with us to ensure that we had a taxi back to the resort quite late at night. She turned out to be a total star, and we are very much in her debt.

Apres Ski: 2/5

Edward Collier

Just got back after staying in the Planinbel. Great time, great snow, great ski area. It is very very good for learners. Easy area right at he bottom with 3 magic carpets. Easy area to move onto at Le Suches gondola. Whole area is best suited to intermediates. Loved the resort, not noisy and chavish. Good value for money and we took a day trip to Courmayeur which was really nice. Some great runs over there. Also skied over to France, pretty good unless you are a boarder, drag lift from hell. Also a bit icy due to high winds. If you want a good value hols in a good resort that is relaxed at a decent price it is hard to see how this place can be beaten. 10/10 from me.

Apres Ski: 3/5

Darren