Take A French Alps Winter Ski Break

Where are you having dinner tonight? Instead of trudging home to eat a takeaway in front of the TV, you could be enjoying a four-course meal in your cosy chalet in the French Alps with free-flowing wine (and no washing up after).  After a day on the slopes, you'll have worked up an appetite, so there is nothing more welcoming than a home-cooked meal along with some great conversation to get you in the mood to party.

It is no accident that the entire winter sports world uses the French term, après, to sum up post-skiing partying.  So, it would be rude not to get into the French spirit and head to an après bar (if you are coming straight from the piste, don't worry, you can keep your boots firmly on).

It is not difficult to find a resort in France that doesn't include funky music, enthusiastic singing and ski shots (don't ask) into après ski.

Of course the skiing is excellent, too.  Take advantage of seven of the 10 largest interconnected ski areas in the world including the gigantic Three Valleys which offers an amazing 335 different runs, 180 lifts and 600km of slopes across the parallel valleys of Courchevel, Méribel and St Martin de Belleville.

More experienced skier can look forward to tackling the famous 20km Vallée Blanche the Glacier du Géant, one of the longest and most challenging runs in the world, or steal your nerves and carve your way down all 16km of La Sarenne in Alpe d'Huez, Europe's Longest black run.

But it's not all about the skiing, there is plenty to entertain you, from ice skating and outdoor swimming to bobsleighing, and in France, you are guaranteed great food, such as the yummy cheesy treats like raclette, tartiflette and classic fondue.

World famous resorts range from beautiful, charming villages like the more traditional Brides Les Bains to the high and modern in Val Thorens.

Getting here is easy.  You can fly into Geneva and Chambéry and get to resorts such as La Clusaz and Chamrousse in less than two hours.  Airport transfers are just one hour and 30 minutes, so you will be on the slopes before you know it.