Valmeinier
Valmeinier, in the southern Savoy, benefits from an excellent snow record and exceptional levels of sunshine. Valmeinier's location allows it to benefit from both the sunshine of the Southern Alps and the snow records of the Northern Alps.  A pedestrianised, carefully planned village resort set on a plateau at 1800m, it shares a lift system with Valloire and offers a surprising 150km of excellent skiing with few queues.  Ideal for families.

Southern Savoy 1800m-2600m
All ski abilities are catered for with more technical skiing areas next to the national parks and for more fun, the modern and authentic skiing area close to Valliore. Fresh snowfall opens up excellent off piste skiing. The lift pass allows for a day's skiing in Le Corbier or Valfréjus, and the new Three Valleys link to Val Thorens from Orelle is about 30 mins drive away.

Beginners*** Intermediates***
Advanced** Snowboarders*

Ski Facts: 150km with 76 pistes: 8 black, 28 red, 21 blue, 19 green, snowpark, 40km cross country.

Lift Pass: Valmeinier/Valloire €117, child 6-11yrs €97.

Ski School: 6 half days group lessons adult & child high season €96, low season €97. ESF tel 0033 479 59 23 70. www.esf-valmeinier.com

Non-Skiing: events organised by the tourist office and a disco, dog sledding, hang gliding.

Children: La Galipette tel 0033 479 56 51 06 from 1 to 5 yrs €23/day.

Travel: By car: Calais 605 miles. By rail: St Michel Valloire 8 miles. Geneva/Lyon 3hrs.