With its pretty, pedestrianised village centre and doorstep skiing, Valmorel is ideal for family ski holiday – something the French have already discovered! This convenient, purpose-built resort consists of a village centre and a series of ‘hameaux’ or hamlets, all sympathetically designed to create a traditional village atmosphere. Valmorel is linked to the Maurienne Valley resort of St Francois Longchamp, creating the extensive Grand Domaine ski area with 152km of runs.

The resort is very family-friendly and has lots of lively bars and cafes where you can enjoy a drink outside on the terrace after your day on the slopes. There is plenty of choice for reasonably priced meals out ranging from pizza to fondues and other regional French cuisine. If you have any energy left, there is a fitness centre, a toboggan run and walking trails. Children are especially well catered for with comprehensive child care facilities available at the ESF Piou Piou Club (must be pre-booked) which has a ski kindergarten area for the very youngest learners.

The scenic Grand Domaine ski area is excellent for beginners and intermediates but also has a number of testing black runs and moguls for more experienced members of your party. The powder is fabulous off-piste after a fresh snowfall and of course, the resort is within easy driving distance of some of the French ‘mega-resorts’ including the Three Valleys. Snowboarders have some great intermediate runs and there is a snow park and several boardercross areas within the Grand Domaine.