Val Thorens

For skiers and boarders concerned about lack of snow, purpose-built Val Thorens is as safe a bet as any in the Alps. As Europe's highest resort (at 2,300m/7,546ft), its slopes can be covered even if links to the rest of the vast Trois Vallées lift and piste complex are unusable. Access to the Péclet glacier means there are almost always some runs open.

It is ideal for those who do not want the hassle of walking in boots or catching buses as you can ski to and from most accommodation.

On the minus side, although some recent buildings have been designed in greater harmony with the environment, much original architecture is charmless. And because the terrain is all above the trees it can be difficult (if not impossible) to ski in very poor visibility.

Resort elevation: 2,300m (7,546ft).

Top elevation: 3,200m (10,498ft).

Base elevation: 1,815m (5,955ft).

Number of lifts: Val Thorens: 29; Trois Vallées: 182.

Number of runs: Val Thorens: 68; Trois Vallées: 333.

Average annual snowfall: 10m (33ft).

Val Thorens is in the French Savoie region. Its dominant summit is the 3,562m (11,686ft) Aiguille de Peclet. It forms part of the massive Trois Vallées ski area.

The season runs from late November until early June.

The Trois Vallées is arguably the the world's biggest and finest winter sports area with pistes suitable for every type of skier, from absolute beginners through leisurely cruisers to the hard core and extensive off-piste skiing (with guides).

Beginners (including boarders) use gentle, if sometimes crowded, runs in or near the resort. For intermediates needing to build confidence, there are miles of wide and relatively undemanding pistes, all connected by a lift network which not only dwarfs most others but involves little walking or pushing on skis.

Advanced skiers will be tested by the Combe de Caron, a long and difficult black run from the top of the Cime de Caron cable car.

Skiers have the choice of three lift passes: Val Thorens-Orelle (140km/88 miles of pistes), Belleville Valley (300km/188 miles) or Trois Vallées (600km/375 miles). There are five ski schools including Ecole de Ski Français (ESF) and Pro Neige.

Take care not to miss the last connecting lifts. Taxi rides from linked resorts can be very expensive.

This is a resort designed specifically for skiers and, latterly, boarders but there are several alternative diversions. Val Thorens Nature, ESF and Pro Neige all organise half-day snowshoe outings. Val Tho Motoneige arranges snowmobiling tours. Ice driving lessons take place on Europe's highest permanent ice circuit.

The sports centre (Galerie de Caron) has a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, tennis, squash and badminton courts (equipment hire is available). The church hosts classical and jazz concerts on Tuesday evenings. There is also a cinema (Le Lac Blanc).

Val Thorens has special children's learning areas, with ‘magic carpet' lifts at the base area. Introduction to skiing is available to children aged three and over, with lessons proper from aged four. There are crèches/nurseries at Le Montana (children from three months) and Le Roc (from 18 months).

The sports centre has plenty to keep kids busy, including a trampoline and bouncy castle. Over eights can whizz down the resort's 6km (4-mile) toboggan run, which plunges 700m (3,000ft). ESF organises torchlit descents for children during school holidays.

The shops are unlikely to excite non-skiers/boarders. There are many shops in the Galeries de Caron and Péclet, where wintersports gear outlets predominate (with over 30 to choose from).

La Belle en Cuisse (rue Caron) sells Alpine Beaufort cheese, cured game and other delicious Savoyard specialities, all locally produced.

Tango (Le Corotel, Péclet) treats skiers fresh off the slopes to live music. Bars include the Frog and Roast Beef (rue de Gébroulaz), nearby O'Connells Pub and Rhum Box Cafe (Galerie de Péclet). Late-night clubbers head to Underground (place de Péclet) and Malaysia (place Caron).

Through Pro Neige, you can dine after dark at the foot of the Péclet glacier, arriving by snow shoe or snowmobile and returning by toboggan.

On Thursdays, ESF instructors lead a torchlit descent of the Cascade run.

Val Thorens has around 50 restaurants, mainly French, often serving Savoyard specialities, but the choice ranges from Mexican to pizza and veggie burgers. Recommended are Oxalys (see Splashing Out below) and La Joyeuse Fondue (Résidence des Montagnettes, rue du Soleil), which offers traditional regional dishes.

This is a pedestrian resort. Cars must be parked except when unloading or loading. There is a free shuttle service between car parks and accommodation.

Treat yourself to Michelin-star-rated cooking at Oxalys (Résidence l'Oxalys at the entrance to village). Dinner might include scallops with truffles and butter mousse, lobster with vegetables, grapegruit and almond oil, or sweetbreads with cabbage, rocket and candied lemon sauce.

Luxury

Fitzroy
This hotel is centrally located, right on the slopes, and has an excellent wellness centre with pool, plus a superb restaurant.

Near place de Caron
Tel: (04) 7900 0478.
Website: www.hotelfitzroy.com

Moderate

Le Sherpa
Accommodation is in Savoyard-style rooms and amenities include a beauty centre, sauna, hot tub and steam room.

rue de Gébroulaz
Tel: (04) 7900 0070.
Website: www.lesherpa.com

Budget

Le Valset
Pleasant self catering studios/apartments for two to eight people with kitchenettes and balconies.

Village entrance
Tel: (04) 7900 0888.
Website: www.odalys-vacances.com

Nearest airports: Geneva (GVA); Lyon (LYS); Chambéry (CMF).

Distance to resort: 159 (100 miles); 193kms (121 miles); 112km (70 miles).

Driving time: At least 2 hours 45 minutes; 2 hours 45 minutes; 2 hours (longer at busy times or in bad weather).

Nearest railway station: Moûtiers.

Distance to resort: 37km (23 miles).

Driving time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Intermediates, Environmental awareness, Experts, Families, Snow reliability, Beginners, Après ski, Snowboarders