The Grande Motte glacier above Tignes means year-round skiing and the high altitude brings good, regular snow. Add in great après-ski, strong ski schools and pricey but good restaurants and it's not difficult to see why Val is so popular.

Because of this, the resort can get busy, even though the lift system is first-class and constantly being upgraded. Val also receives its fair share of avalanches, but this really shouldn't deter you. The range of accommodation is vast, but for the non-skier things aren't quite so good, with a lack of alternative activities. Even so, a great resort and, most importantly, fantastic skiing.

Accomodation: Hotel Christania

Val d'Isere, the legendary ski resort and world winter sports capital, needs no introduction from us! A must for all snow and winter sports lovers, the resort is situated at 1,850 m and is the gateway to the greatest ski area in the world. The Espace Killy has 300 km of pistes served by 98 ski lifts. There are ski slopes of every level of difficulty and orientation, offering an outstanding skiing experience. Val d'Isere has developed a state-of-the-art skiing infrastructure while still managing to retain its authentic feel; there are plenty of shops and restaurants where you can take it easy, or you can join in the varied apres-ski on offer.