So, you’ve mastered your parallel turns, and you think you’re ready for the reds. Well, you’re in luck! We’ve searched high and snow for the best resorts and the pick of the pistes for intermediates.

Red 7, Cervinia, Italy

Fly to: Turin

Cervinia boasts some of the highest-altitude intermediate slopes in Europe, so fantastic views and snow-sure conditions are almost a given. It’s also home to one of the longest reds in Italy, the 11km Red 7. It starts at a lofty 3,480m on the Plateau Rosa glacier and finishes all the way back in town. Not too steep and nice and wide, it’s a downhill dream.

Streif-Familienabfahrt, Kitzbühel, Austria

Fly to: Salzburg

If 185km of slopes, classy après bars and an efficient lift system sound like holiday heaven to you, then get ready to clock up the kilometres in Kitzbühel. If you’re not confident enough to tick off the steep Streif downhill run, the Streif-Familienabfahrt is a great stepping stone. It skips the hardest sections, taking a less hair-raising route down. We recommend heading here in the morning, as it gets busier and busier as the day goes on.

Combe du Vallon, Méribel, France

Fly to: Chambery

The Combe du Vallon takes the title as the longest run in the Three Valleys. Things kick off at an altitude of 3,000 metres and you’ll have steep gradients and moguls to contend with on the descent. It’s all worth it though, especially when you catch those beautiful valley views. Continue on the blue Ours and you’ll find yourself back in the heart of Méribel. Then, refuel French style... that’s right, it’s tartiflette time!

Zürser Täli, Lech, Austria

Fly to: Innsbruck

Lech’s lift layout and pistes are well-tailored to beginners and intermediates. The Zürser Täli is a mountain must-do, snaking downwards for just over 4km, from Muggengrat to the village of Zurs. If you’re not too jelly-legged after that, why not tackle the Weisse Ring? A ski circuit which connects Lech, Zürs, Zug and Oberlech.

Montmalus, Pas de la Casa, Andorra

Fly to: Barcelona

With 38 red runs across the Grandvalira ski area, this is prime terrain for seasoned skiers and boarders. While you’re here, add the Montmalus to your itinerary. You’ll have to be confident using a drag lift, but you’ll be rewarded with an often crowd-free slope. Make sure you go left at the top of the lift, or you’ll have to face the challenging Granota black.

Klein Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland

Fly to: Geneva

This 16km-long run has one of the biggest vertical drops in the Alps, cruising from 3,883m to 1,620m. The majestic Matterhorn backdrop puts it firmly in the ‘epic’ category. Zermatt’s linked to Cervinia too, which means you can easily ski two countries in one day. But keep a track of time, you don’t want to miss the last lifts!