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: If you’re on the lookout for a top ski destination then look no further than France. Boasting some of the best resorts in the world, the French know a thing or two about ski holidays. From luscious slopes and excellent child care facilities to top class après ski and luxury accommodation, there will be a resort to suit the needs of you and your group.

Below is a guide on some of the best of the French bunch:

Tignes

Boasting guaranteed skiing virtually all year round, Tignes is one of the highest resorts in the Alps. The resort is situated within the Espace Killy ski area, which features 300km of varied terrain. Skiers of all abilities are welcome here, beginners are aided by several free lifts as well as a host of excellent local ski and snowboard schools. For intermediates and advanced skiers there is a good percentage of tricky blues and reds as well as a vast array of black pistes and infinite off-piste challenges on offer. Tignes is also home to a modern sports centre, featuring aerobics, squash courts and a sauna. There is also a nearby cinema, ice rink and bowling alley.

Alpe d’Huez

Situated within the fifth largest ski area in the country, Alpe d’Huez offers something for skiers of all abilities; a great resort choice for mixed ability groups. Perfect for beginners with its wide and gentle slopes, the local ski schools have a great reputation. Intermediates are also well catered for here, with a wide range of blue and red runs. For the advanced skiers out there, the resort boasts one of the largest black runs in Europe, La Sarenna – its infamous tunnel run presents experts with a particularly thrilling challenge. This traditional resort features a superb sports centre, a large swimming pool and a skating rink. With more than 50 restaurants, the Alpe d’Huez resort also offers visitors excellent cuisine and wines.

Val Thorens

Compact and purpose built, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest village. Excellent snow conditions throughout the season have helped ensure that the range of slopes on offer at Val are amongst the best in the world. The resort has been built in such a way that doorstep skiing is available wherever you stay. The après-ski is lively, with a varied choice of popular bars and restaurants to choose from close to the centre. There is also a sports centre containing a swimming pool and squash courts.

Chamonix

This guaranteed snow resort is located within one of the world’s most visited natural sites, the Chamonix valley, which is situated at the foot of the Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest summit at 4810m. The ski season generally lasts from December to May, although it sometimes starts even earlier if the snow allows for it. The ski terrain is divided into three areas all linked by an efficient shuttle bus service and a panoramic sightseeing train. Chamonix also boasts a large sports complex, offering a sports hall, an indoor and outdoor ice rink, a speed skating rink, tennis, squash and swimming pools. For those looking for après-ski activities, the resort is home to a wide range of bars, restaurants and clubs as well as a casino.

Courchevel

The Courchevel resort actually consists of five villages, these are Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel Le Praz 1300 and La Tania – the numbers relate to the height of each village in meters. A hugely glamorous resort, it is located within the Three Valleys, one of the most extensive and impressive ski areas in the world. Courchevel was one of the first purpose built ski resorts in France, the benefit of this is that it is able to offer a large amount of ski-in ski-out accommodation. The lift system is very modern, fast and efficient and a large number of ski schools offer classes in eight languages for every standard and discipline.