France

For many people, particularly the Brits, France is the first and sometimes only place they think of when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. The sheer range of terrain on offer is enough to keep anyone going for a lifetime without ever getting bored and the multitude of travel options makes it an easy and often cheap destination to get to. Plus if like cheese you’re in for a treat.

France truly has something to offer everyone, from weekend getaways to full seasons in a huge areas, from freestyle fanatics to serious ski racers, from quiet family friendly villages to apres-party debauchery. Take your pick it’s all here.

France caters well for the rich and famous, with resorts like Meribel and Couchevel offering an improbably large number of super luxury chalets complete with private pools and helicopter transfers for those that want nothing but the best. The debate is still on as to whether the prestigious ski resorts in France or Switzerland are the best places to be seen in, but often the terrain and sheer choice available in France gives it the edge for many.

France is the spiritual home of the chalet. Resorts like Morzine are positively teeming with loads of great independant and family run chalets which to our mind is the best way to spend your time in the mountains. The chalet experience is part of the essence of skiing to many, the perfect way to enjoy the ski slopes with friends and family.

If you’re looking for plenty of terrain to explore areas such as the Three Valleys and the Portes du Soleil are as big as they come. Stretching for miles with many linked areas, they give the opportunity to find new runs around every turn. Quieter places like Sainte Foy cater perfectly for families offering cheaper accommodation than the big name resorts and easy access to beginner slopes and family friendly amenities.