I write and research professionally and despair at the inaccuracy of crude posts. There were never 220 kms of piste in Crans Montana, this is being confused with the historical figure of 120 kms which was the quantity for the past decade or so, until the new pistes at Toula and this year's new Female World Cup piste were installed. The use of artificial was exemplary in this snow-lean year, and many more snow cannons have been installed. Yet, with due environmental consideration, I'd far rather resorts rely on natural and augment with artificial than over-use artificial. In 2012 and 2013 (good snow years) the skiing was spectacular at Crans Montana, including guided sessions in the off-piste wilderness of the Fauverges, with local guide Bixio Galera. The lifts have been substantially upgraded on a year by year basis, carefully planned and the resort is clearly considered good enough to host a load of international events. Each year we discover more stashes of powder in the interlinking terrain between the pistes, and have no complaints about piste preparation. I spent an evening on the piste machines last year, from 4pm to past 10pm (thanks Jerome) and they do the same high quality job you find in the $ Valleys and the Val D'Anniviers.

The idea that the 'small town atmosphere has gone' (another reviewer) could mean a distorted childhood memory, since the place just hasn't changed that much in three decades. There are still the local shops: the fantastic Taillen bakery and teashop, Mabiallard, the tool shop and so on. But now there's a Patagonia and Oakley store, and the great new bar in Montana - Senso. It still has a small town feel and the locals are great.

The idea of the traffic being disorganised is tosh, It can be busy for 30-60 minutes at 4.30 when the lifts close and that's it. Ever tried to park in Meribel or Courcheval? That's a genuine challenge compared with Crans Montana. In Crans Montana, just park at Aminona; free parking adjacent to the main lift!

So, I've skied in 5 countries, in dozens of resorts. I could ski in the 3 Valleys, in Verbier and where do I choose? Crans Montana. My kids love it there, I get well-groomed pistes over 140km and loads of challenging off-piste, and food on the hill which is cheaper than most of France.

And I will be on the plane going straight back there at the end of this week.

[note from the editor : text edited slightly to remove the names of other reviewers]