IT is hard to describe Pradollano as an authentic mountain village.

But, with a metre of snow on the ground and the sun finally out, it certainly has its charms.

In terms of places to stay there are plenty of modern hotels, such as the stylish Melia Sol in the heart of the town or the five star Vincci at the top of the hill.

But by far the most charming has got to be the stalwart Hotel Kenia Nevada, which is well located near the centre of town and open most of the year.

Run by the friendly Don Pedro – who used to ski for the country as a youngster – it is clean, well run and serves up one of the best breakfasts in Spain.

It also has a gym, with an amazing in-house masseur Belen Gomez, and plenty of communal areas, filled with charming old furniture.

Another true stalwart for those on a tight budget is Hostal Los Puentes, ten minutes outside the resort, which also has an excellent restaurant with superb home-cooked food.

Open now for nearly 40 years, the owners are friendly and make a big effort to make you feel at home. You can park for free and get up early to drive into the resort.

Back up in the town, if it is luxury you are after your best bet is the Melia Sol y Nieve, which has a celebrated spa and all the modern feel of a top urban hotel.

Comfortable luxury rooms, a number of top restaurants and a superb location right in the centre of the resort you can’t ask for more.

Sadly the hippest hotel the slopes had seen for decades, El Lodge (opened by the Marbella Club group two years ago) is no more, after it was gutted in a fire earlier this year.

Burning down in just a couple of hours, the good news is that it is currently being rebuilt in the same location.

It is due to open by the start of next year’s season.