The low-down on skiing in France

• The highest resort altitude is Val Thorens at 2300m
• France has a very reliable snow record thanks to its concentration of purpose built ski resorts at altitude and resorts with glacier skiing
• Typically, the season runs from mid-December through to April
• Flights to Grenoble airport are available from most major UK airports
• France has extensive and well-connected ski areas such as the Three Valleys (600km), Tignes - Val d'Isère (300km) and Paradiski (425km) with purpose-built ski meccas providing ski-in ski-out convenience and state of the art lift systems
• There are excellent tuition options for every level and every snow-related discipline
• If you’re keen to take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level, a ski holiday in France is a must

As mountainous playgrounds go, Tignes is one of the best in the world… it’s vast. Sharing the infamous Tignes - Val d'Isère ski area with neighbouring (and equally infamous) Val d’Isère, Tignes offers direct access to the most incredible variety of skiable, snow sure terrain. There are 300km of pistes to explore. Whether it’s long, wide confidence building blues that make your heart sing, or blasts down plunging mogel fields and steep blacks that get the adrenalin flowing – Tignes will deliver.

Whilst the typically purpose-built aesthetics of the main villages that make up Tignes won’t win any design awards, the sheer scale and beauty of the mountains that surround the valley in which Tignes is established, will leave you breathless on a clear day. There’s an excellent selection of accommodation to choose from and to get there, it’s a four hour transfer from Grenoble airport.

Alpe d'Huez is known as one of the sunniest resorts in France. Don't take that as they don't get much snow as it certainly has its fair share. The resort is at 1860m with the top lift going up to a glacier at 3320m, so snow is guaranteed. It's also home to the longest black run in Europe; the Sarenne. At 17km, it's not for the weak of leg!

Some of our most ideally located chalets are in Alpe d'Huez. The neighbouring Le Lac Blanc I and II sit in the middle of the piste right next to one of the main gondolas in the resort, the DMC. Access to the wide-open slopes and snow parks couldn't be easier. That's not all, we also have a slopeside hotel to boast about. The Escapade is more of a large chalet but you can't argue with its convenience!

Les Deux Alpes is a big resort with big mountains and big atmosphere but without the big price tag of some of the swankier French resorts. A good value ski holiday is possible here, whilst still providing access to high altitude, snow-sure, varied terrain that’ll tick the happy skier or snowboarder box, whatever your level.

The ski-in ski-out convenience of some properties in Les Deux Alpes (check out the Neilson Hotel Aalborg) suit all but are particularly enticing for families. And it’s a convenient resort all round with plenty to do off the slopes and an abundance of shops, restaurants and après-ski venues to suit every taste and budget within easy walking distance. Fly into Grenoble and it’s a two hour 30-minute transfer to Les Deux Alpes.