The recent expansion of Cranbrook airport and better flight connections from the UK have hugely improved access to Kimberley, which is just 20 minutes from the airport.

The ski area is small at 1800 acres but has a good range of terrain with plenty for beginners and intermediates and some surprisingly challenging terrain accessible from the Easter chairlift.

The atmosphere is local and friendly and the cost of accommodation and skiing is very reasonable. There are one or two lively bars on the mountain, notably Kelsey's in the Marriot, and the Bavarian-style town of Kimberley nearby has further apres-ski options, many specializing in German dishes.

Accommodation includes a hotel and condos large and small all either ski-in ski-out or a short walk from the lifts.

Other resorts - Whichever route you take, you travel past other resorts on the way to Kimberley - so it is best visited as part of a multi-resort Ski Safari.