Selwyn Snowfields: 49 facts and highlights

The total number of ski slopes available at the resort.

The height of the mountain is the difference in height between the lowest and highest point. Tall mountains can offer longer pistes, better views, and often better snowfall.

The resort will be more easily accessible when serviced by public transport. It is also usually cheaper than other modes of transport.

More restaurants and bars can indicate a lively nightlife, as well as offering visitors more choice.

Ski schools offer lessons to beginners.

A nearby airport is ideal, as journeying by car or bus through mountainous areas can take longer than on flat terrain.

Cross country skiing is an Olympic sport which provides great exercise for both the upper and lower body.

With more hostels and hotels at the resort you have a range to choose from.

Rather than having to trek back to the base of the mountain, it is a lot more convenient to have restaurants and bars on the slopes.

Toboggan runs are dedicated slopes or slides that you can slide down on a toboggan.

The longest ski run at the resort. A longer run can be more challenging and will test your endurance.

Certain trails are illuminated so that you can carry on skiing even after the sun goes down.

Ice climbing is a great sport for adrenalin seekers. It entails climbing frozen cliff edges/waterfalls using tools such as ice axes in order to grip the surface.

The summit is higher above sea level. This means the mountain can have lots of snow, even in springtime.

The level of the base of the mountain above sea level.

The resort has played host to the winter olympics. This means it is likely to have a range of professional slopes, other winter sports, and finally, good facilities and well developed transport links.

The resort offers facilities so that companies and organisations can hold conferences or other corporate events.

Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. High-difficulty trails (marked with a black diamond) have a slope gradient of more than 40%; such trails are designed for experienced skiers who enjoy a good challenge.

Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. Medium difficulty trails (marked with a blue square) have a slope gradient between 25% and 40%. These trails are ideal for regular skiers.

Average snowfall in the month of December.

Average snowfall in the month of March.

This is the amount of people that can be transported by ski lifts etc. per hour. A bigger uphill capacity can indicate less waiting time, although it will be affected by how busy the resort is.

Five star hotels at the resort can indicate prestige. It can provide luxurious accommodation to those wanting to spend a bit more.

The resort has dedicated on site childrens clubs, so no need to worry about a babysitter.

The season pass price gives you unlimited access to the resort for the entire ski season.