France

An expansive area dominated by Les Trois Vallees and distinguished by the towering Mont Blanc, the French Alps offers a vast network of pristinely groomed slopes connecting charmingly chic alpine resorts. Everything about the French Alps screams quality. The lifts are fast, the queues are minimal and the pistes are exceptionally turned out. Its reputation as the front runner as a skiers paradise was established when it was chosen to host the first celebration of the Winter Olympics in the popular resort of Chamonix back in 1924. It has never looked back since.

Les Trois Vallees is the largest ski area in the world with everything from nursery slopes to advanced off-piste opportunities.  It consists of three main resorts: Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. The westernmost resort of Courchevel is an exclusive utopia and largely considered as the place to be to see in the New Year. Meribel, the middle resort of the three, is perhaps the pretties of the French resorts designed in keeping with the traditional chalet style. Whatever your ability, Les Trois Vallees promises to quench the thirst for speed and style.

Val d’Isere attracts serious skiers and, together with the smaller resort of Tignes, forms the ski area known as L’Espace Killy, which boasts 186 miles of marked routes, two snowboard parks and acres of off-piste skiing. With a lively après ski and a beautiful resort centre, Val d’Isere is a haven for families and friends.

From skiing and snowboarding to pampering and partying, the French Alps embodies all that is expected of a winter retreat.