Not wishing to sound exactly like every other guide out there...but, yes, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe at 2300m. And yes, there are obvious pluses and minuses to skiing holidays in Val Thorens. At such an altitude, a ski holiday in Val Thorens offers excellent snow conditions throughout the season, with the Glacier de Péclet allowing summer skiing. However, when the weather turns, you'll know it. Skiing or even smiling can be a bit of a struggle with freezing temperatures and possible whiteouts. But there's normally plenty of sun, so you should be able to do both.

Ski holidays Val Thorens, France: the skiing

As part of the Three Valleys domain, Val Thorens' extended skiing is excellent. Intermediates are certainly well provisioned for and advanced skiers will love the big moguls and access to the Maurienne Valley for off-piste fun. There is an excellent snowpark to please boarders and freestyle skiers on their ski holiday in Val Thorens. Scattered around the resort are several gentle greens and, once these are mastered, beginners can easily start on the blues, many of which end up in the neighbouring resort of Les Menuires.

Ski holidays Val Thorens, France: off the snow

During a Val Thorens ski holiday, most visitors stay in hotels or self-catering apartments - and the facilities are being upgraded annually. Because the resort is traffic-free and purpose-built, almost anywhere you stay will allow ski-in-ski-out accessibility. However, après-ski is limited to a smattering of bars and restaurants, while the list of non-skiing activities is a little short.

Overall, Val Thorens is a great ski holiday destination for people who want the guarantee of snow. You have Méribel and Courchevel to slide over to, varied terrain and incomparable convenience. And who needs a raging nightlife when you're lost in the simple enjoyment of Val Thorens' snow anyway?

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