| So, why book a ski holiday in France when the UK | | | | can arrange nanny services. The resort itself has |
| has seen the heaviest snowfall since records began? | | | | excellent childcare facilities and ski tuition for all levels. |
| The Scottish ski resorts are reporting their busiest | | | | For those on a tighter budget there are some very |
| season ever, with excellent skiing conditions for all | | | | good hotels and apartments which provide |
| levels. | | | | comfortable accommodation. |
| Well, this is exactly the reason why you should still | | | | For children, there are endless activities to choose |
| consider going further afield for your annual powder | | | | from. Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and |
| fix. British skiing is wonderful when you can get it, but | | | | Friday from 5pm, they can 'airboard' - a snow |
| the travel time for many of us means that skiing | | | | bodyboard that gives the sensation of flying above |
| abroad is a more convenient option. If you then have | | | | the snow; Snake Gliss - a "snow snake" sleigh for up |
| to queue endlessly for the lifts, the restaurant, it | | | | to 20 people (minimum age 7); or play 5-a-side snow |
| quickly loses its appeal. | | | | football. This all takes place at the foot of the Solaise |
| A resort such as Val d'Isere is geared up for a | | | | area. |
| massive influx of visitors every year, with over 300 | | | | The new sports centre in Val boasts a huge |
| km of pistes and a combination of cable cars, | | | | swimming pool, spa area, climbing wall, squash courts |
| funicular, chair lifts and tows totalling over 100 lifts | | | | and gym and is perfect for those days when you or |
| which serve 135 runs. Even at the height of the | | | | the kids want to try something different. This is one |
| season, queues are virtually non-existent as there are | | | | of the biggest investments the resort has ever |
| over 78,000 rides per hour to whisk you up the | | | | made, and is sure to be a huge success. |
| slopes. Add to this the bluebird days and spectacular | | | | Every Thursday from 6pm to 7.30pm, the centre of |
| scenery, and you will be in ski heaven. | | | | Val d'Isère becomes a wonderland of street |
| Part of the appeal of a ski holiday is the fact that it | | | | entertainments, including ice and snow sculpting, |
| is abroad and offers a much-needed change of scene | | | | parades, music and fireworks. There are always lots |
| at a dreary time of year in the UK. Val boasts fine | | | | of things going on to keep the children entertained. |
| Savoyard restaurants, hip bars and a vibrant apres-ski | | | | So, how do you get there? Val d'Isere travel options |
| scene. If you want to be pampered, you could find | | | | include flights to Grenoble, Geneva, Chambery or |
| out about luxury catered ski chalets, which include all | | | | Lyon from many UK airports. If you prefer to let the |
| meals, concierge service and luxurious | | | | train take the strain, the nearest station, Bourg St |
| accommodation - many chalets have hot tubs and ski | | | | Maurice, is only a 20 minute taxi ride from Val d'Isere. |
| in, ski out access. For families, some chalet companies | | | | |