Well where do I start! After researching ski resorts around Europe I came across a little gem called Courmayeur.

After weeks and weeks of trawling the internet to find the perfect package to suit all my family’s needs, (beginner runs, advanced runs) and relaxing accommodation I eventually knew I’d found where I wanted to go.

Next I needed to find the perfect hotel. I put the log fire on, settled down on the sofa with the laptop and I was off. The first hotel I came across was the Hotel Dolonne, with the stunning brickwork, beautiful flower boxes and the snug lounge area I felt like grabbing a cold drink and jumping into the pictures to soak up the atmosphere.

It didn’t end there, by checking the location on google and seeing that it was only a stone’s throw away from the Dolonne lift (another box ticked on my never ending list) I was happy. My DOH was delighted to see that there was also a tea room with a selection of herbal teas that she was desperate to try. (I was more interested in the local beers but thought we could plan that when we arrived!).

I told myself that I was going to pick three hotels and then make a decision. The problem I had is that there was too much choice, even though I could have booked there and then, I pressed the ‘back’ button on my browser and looked at the other hotels available.

The Hotel Del Viale was the next on my list, I looked and was instantly impressed. Did it help that there was snow in the picture? Yes! I could imagine myself having a bombardino or two snuggled up inside!

Still only a short walk from the gondola in the morning and with it offering breakfast AND evening meal included in the package, (same as the Hotel Dolonne) it would make relaxing in the hotel enjoyable each evening. I did see that it was only 300m away to the centre of town if we fancied getting out and about.

I carried on my search and definitely saved the best till last… the Hotel Scoiattolo, with its recent facelift has really made the search complete! With its traditional alpine design, blended with a hint of modern, I can see why it reached a 4*rating. Not only does it offer me a prime location, it also offers the complimentary spa area (which is open 24hrs) for us all to enjoy after a tiring day’s skiing.

It might not have the full board option like the other two, (apparently I can upgrade to this if I want at an extra cost) but after reading reviews on the breakfasts and the hotel friendliness I was sold straight away.

So how was my first experience booking a ski holiday? Amazing! Not only did we manage to get all 12 of us into the same hotel (separate rooms obviously) but the package had all my check boxes ticked and now all I have to do is wish away the next few months until we travel.

If the hotel is half as nice as the pictures, I am sure it will be worth the wait!

Written by guest blogger, Glynn Cooper of Mansfield.