We have been to Levi twice and are due again this year. Went to Yalis last year very disappointed Levi much better. Yes it can be very cold, buy a face mask and good goggles. You have to accept you wont ski as much as it is cold and the runs are short but you are likely to be the only people on the run especially in January. To enjoy Levi you have to learn to lark around on the slopes and not just blast down them as I have done every time I go to France. All in all, I would say go have fun eat reindeer but accept it for what it is don't compare it to massive European and Canadian resorts you will soon dispense with the map as you know your way around. Most importantly get fit before you go drag lifts and a few long flat sections will soon exhaust you out if you don't. I agree with a previous review are in Sweden has much more ski area while still much quieter than France but not as quiet as Levi.