Kimberley Ridge 109

At the base of the hill Kimberley Ridge sits at the bottom of Kimberley Alpine Resort, which means the lift is a walk rather than a drive and the day can start late and still work. Ski-in/ski-out access, a place to leave the gear, and no morning logistics.

Ten people, three bathrooms Bedroom one and bedroom two each have a queen. The third bedroom is an open loft rather than an enclosed room, and it carries a queen plus two twin day beds with trundles, sleeping six on its own. Worth knowing before you book: the loft is wonderful for a pile of cousins and less ideal for a couple who want a door. Three full bathrooms mean ten people still get out the door before the lifts spin.

Your own hot tub The hot tub is private to this unit, on your own deck, with the mountain in front of it. After a day on Vimy Ridge or the Easter run, that is where the group reassembles.

Built for kids There is an outdoor play area and a basketball court just outside the building, which is the sort of thing that quietly rescues a trip on the day the weather turns or a child decides they are done with skiing. Inside there are board games and children's books and toys, plus stair gates and a baby high chair for the smallest travellers.

Cooking for a crowd Full kitchen with oven and stove, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, kettle, blender, pots and pans, crockery, cutlery and wine glasses, and a dining table sized for the group. In-suite washer and dryer. An indoor fireplace for the cold evenings. Wi-Fi at 100+ Mbps and a desk if someone has to work. There is no air conditioning; this is a mountain-base unit and the evenings cool off on their own.

Around town Trickle Creek Golf Resort and Bootleg Gap are minutes away, the Kimberley Nordic Centre trails handle cross-country skiing in winter and hiking and biking in summer, and the Bavarian-themed Platzl downtown has restaurants, a brewery and the Happy Hans clock.

Check-in is contactless and available around the clock, so a late arrival is not a problem.