There’s no business like snow business

For those of you desperately seeking a last minute skiing break (as many of us are) look no further. It might not be Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon, or Mozart and Salzburg; but you just can’t escape Val d’Isère. A snow sure resort set in a traditional French Alpine Village, it is quite the picture. Located in the south eastern French region of Savoie in the western Alps, close to the Italian border, this lively and bustling scene is especially popular with British and Scandinavian tourists.

With blue skies, white powdered mountains, quaint hill-side restaurants to admire the view and relax with much needed refreshments, skiing has never been this good. And it's simple to get around the spectacular terrain with a variety of cable cars, gondolas and charlifts, whisking skiers up from Val's centre, as well as from the nearby villages of La Daille and Le Laisinant. All set within a picturesque landscape.

Time to hit the slopes? Choose between main season runs from early December or summer skiing on the Fornet glacier from late June. The nursery slopes at the Solaise and La Daille are good solid bases for progressing beginners.  For the more adventurous looking for a challenge there are cruisy reds and blues, and advanced skiers can speed down the black Face at their peril. For those who require a little more assistance Ecole du Ski Français is one of the numerous ski schools contending for your attention. If that doesn’t suit you there is an assortment of outdoor activities including dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice skating. Or even improve your winter driving skills at Val d’Isère ice driving circuit.

But if its après ski that really turns you on Val d’Isère is renowned for its après scene. Hang out with the Scandinavians for afternoon happy hour at Le Petit Danois or sip on cosmopolitans at Le Bananas at the foot of the slopes. Visit the Hotel Latitudes for a ‘Rasual’ treatment (think mud, steam and lots of water). And be sure to finish the night off with a turn on the dance floor at Le Graal or the infamous Dick’s Tea Bar. And if all this becomes just too much hard work you can sign up to a patisserie class.

Happy skiing!