Val d'Isere, France

In France's Rhone Alp region, Val d'Isere (pronounce it: val de saire/sare/ser) is widely thought of as one of the most brilliant and beautiful ski areas in the world.

In keeping with the giddyingly gorgeous surroundings, the resort itself is one of France's prettiest - a huddle alpine hamlets formed from cosy wood and stone chalets. With the original village dating back to the 13th century and a Christmas-card-worthy church steeple at its centre, there’s alpine charm by the bucket load.

While dreamily trad in appearance, Val's unlike other authentic ski towns in that it sits high at an altitude of 1850m. This means speedy access to the slopes and that the resort’s well placed to garner good snowfall throughout the season – usually opening before, and closing later than most other resorts.

One of the bigger ski resorts in the Alps, the resort is formed of a few different parts. Val d’Isere 1850 centre is home to the bulk of hire shops, ski schools, beginner slopes, bars etc. The old village or old town is where you’ll find historic farmhouses and the much-photographed church. La Daille’s the first area you enter on the way up from Bourg Saint Maurice, while Le Fornet is the village to the east of the centre. Then there are small hamlets like Le Cret, La Leggetaz, Le Manchet and Le Laisinant. Chalets, hotels and apartments are scattered throughout, rarely far from a lift or piste and shuttle buses run between the lot.

The numerous bars, clubs and restaurants here form one of the world’s most buzzing après ski scenes and off-slope activities are abundant too - the Aquasportif centre has swimming, sports and spa facilities and there’s an ice rink in the village centre.

Its good looks and great après are certainly deciding factors for choosing ski holidays in Val d'Isere but what really seals the deal is the world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain. This resort forms one half of the Espace Killy ski area: some say its snow-sure slopes are the best in the world for intermediate and advanced levels, and they’ve been home to some of the very best names in snow sports – most notably Olympic legend Jean-Claude Killy who the region’s named after.

This quality, powdery terrain is accessible by a fabulously fast and efficient lift system and, with an area lift pass, you're granted access to Tignes (which forms the other half of Espace Killy). In total you've got 300km of slopes to roam, including 2 glaciers, 2 snowparks, slow-paced beginner areas and absolutely oceans of off-piste.

With so much to do on and off the slopes, Val d'Isere works well for couples, groups, solo skiers and families alike. The tourist board have awarded it the 'Family Plus Label', and it's not hard to see why - as well as children's ski schools, there's a cracking kids area in the leisure complex, as well as various childcare options, the new Val Kids mini ski area (where tots can try their hands at driving a cable car!) and a children's sledging slope.

Skiers in Val d'Isere are schussing in the tracks of some of the world's greatest skiers. Olympic medallists Marielle and Christine Goitschel learned to ski here, not to mention triple gold winner Jean-Claude Killy, after whom the wider ski area is named.

As an indication of this place's premier status - the resort has hosted championships including the 1992 Olympics, the World Alpine Ski Championships in 2009 and World Cup events every December.

If some of the best skiers in history have learned here, beginners can too. The resort has 2 nursery slopes, one in the centre and another at La Daille which means wherever you're based, you shouldn't have a long trek to the learning area. Once you've learned the essentials, super places to practice are the 2 'Slow Zone' areas on Solaise and Bellevarde - Madeline and Verte. The Col de l'Iseran runs are gorgeously wide, gentle and relatively quiet areas to build confidence. Learning to ski here is also very good value, thanks to the fact that the lifts serving the beginner runs don't usually require a ski pass.

For intermediate and advanced skiers, this is easily one of the best areas in the world. Two absolutely must-ski runs are the "OK" piste (which features in the annual World Cup) and the fearsome "Face" piste on Bellevarde (of Olympic and World Championship fame). Off-piste opportunities are abundant, as are challenging mogul runs.

Val loves snowboarders, and the relationship is firmly mutual. All pistes are open to boarders and there's oodles of deep powder freeriding terrain to lap up. It's especially good for intermediate and advanced boarders seeking a challenge, and because of the small number of button lifts, access to slopes is a never a drag 😉

The ski area has its own snow park, the Oakley Valpark, at a soaring altitude of 2500m. It comes with kickers of all kinds, plus rails, jumps, and obstacles. an airbag and quarter pipe, divided into separate zones for different abilities (including a fun zone). The snow park has its own sound system and a chill zone with a BBQ and we could easily spend the bulk of the day here. For younger riders, the Acticross is a family-focussed area with gentle bumps, jumps, curves, super tunnel and a fun slalom. And if you're keen for a chance of scene, scoot on over to the Tignes snowpark, which, regularly hosting X Games events, is seriously world-class.

When it comes to nordic or cross country skiing, Val’s grooves and groomers feel worlds away from the lively party town, but they’re actually fabulously accessible. Open up a piste map and you’ll spot 21km of tracks sharing the colour grading of downhill pistes. Ski schools like Oxygène at are at the disposal of anyone looking to learn, with lessons kicking off on the easy 1.5km green over in La Daille. If you’re au fait with the basics, there’s a brilliant mixed gradient trail in the Manchet Valley. Head up to the Solaise cable car, where a smooth green will land you at the Clochetons restaurant (for fab fondues and puddings). Guiding you peacefully through to the Manchet hamlet is a 3km blue, followed by a trickier 6.5km red to the high altitude (1850m) Le Manchet valley. The 2560m Ouilette Lake loop, also leaving from the Solaise car, has buckets of beauty and a generous helping of challenging stretches. The crème de la crème is by far Le Fornet - a 5km blue that runs out of Val d’Isere towards the magnificent Vanoise National Park.

Famed for its après ski, there's no chance of a dull evening in Val. Living up to its name, you'll experience ‘sweet madness' at the original Le Folie Douce, which brings you some of the best après ski in Europe - including dancers, musicians, raining champagne and much more... Once that closes, Dicks T Bar's a local legend, staying open into the early hours each night. Bananas is another firm favourite, much loved for its crafty cocktails and slope-side location.

In Val d'Isere's 90-something restaurants, you'll find dishes of all sorts, shapes and sizes, from traditional Savoyarde comfort food (La Casserole's fondues are fabulous) to pizzas in one of the many family friendly restaurants or takeaways (we like Flash Pizza and Pizz'n'Love). For foodies, Michelin starred Atelier d'Edmond (in Fornet) serves a fusion of gourmet international cuisine and local delicacies and La Peau de Vache's dishes are spectacular. If you want something a little more laid back, head round the back of the Billabong/Quicksilver shop where there's a corking American diner-style cafe, or try the burgers at L ' Arbre de Vie (which usually has good vegetarian options too).

Off-slope facilities are superb and varied, making this a brilliant destination for non-skiers. Outside, the village has a natural ice rink where you can skate amid beautiful surroundings and there are some wonderful walking routes and snowshoeing, ice-climbing, ice-driving, husky rides and even paragliding. Every Thursday evening, wander into the town centre to enjoy spectacular illuminations, live music and street entertainment, before heading to one of many après ski bars.

The huge Centre Aquasportif has something for all ages, however you like to spend your spare time. Swap slope-side for the complex's “Beach-Side” area where there's a swimming pool and separate leisure pool. Little ones can enjoy the paddling area while you relax with the currents and massage jets. Savour some peace, quiet and pampering in the Wellness Zone's sauna and stream room, where you can also have a hydro-massage or some spa treatments. There's a state of the art gym, and a range of sports halls where you can play a game of squash, volleyball, football, basketball, badminton or table tennis.