Alpe d'Huez, France

Alpe d'Huez is a large, modern ski resort in the Western French Alps. The very extensive, high, sunny slopes are great for all abilities and as most of the pistes lead down to the resort centre the geography of the resort is easy to master, even for younger skiers.

Alpe d'Huez has an extensive ski area and when the snow is good there are plenty of pisted runs for all levels of skier and boarder, including the longest black run in the Alps, the Sarenne, which is a thigh burning 16km in length! The efficient lift system means there are very few queues and the snow-making facilities more than counter the effects of its South facing orientation. Snow cover, even late into the season, is hardly ever a problem on account of the snow making that goes on during the colder months of December, January and February.

Owing to the purpose built nature of this high altitude ski resort it's possible to ski back to a lot of the accommodation. The resort has good facilities for children, a highly rated ski schools and a buzzing (but not too frenetic) nightlife which makes this a good all round ski destination.