Where to ski in Europe

Tignes is a fantastic resort destination at any time of the year. La Grande Motte Glacier (3,456m) even allows six weeks of summer skiing on the Grande Motte glacier. If you want to be sure you’ll get to strap on your skis, regardless of weather, then this is the resort for you. During the winter its connection with Val d’Isère, forming the Espace Killy skiing area, means that there are 300km of marked trails to enjoy.

The second resort that makes up the Espace Killy, Val d’Isère, is well known for its steep faces and tricky slopes. With a staggering 27 black runs throughout the area you’re sure to find the challenge that you crave. A particular favourite of advanced skiers is the famous La Face run that takes you into the heart of Val d’Isère. La Face was used for the Olympic Downhill race in 1992 and is a great test of any skier’s mettle. The snow will always be best on this run in the morning when it is still nicely groomed. As the day progresses the slope becomes increasingly more difficult.

As the highest resort in the Alps, at 2300m, Val Thorens has an impressive snow record. The north and north-west facing slopes are sheltered from the sun by the towering alpine peaks and thus the snow is kept in prime condition. The domain has even – in some years – provided snow in the months of November through to May and at Club Med you can benefit from the Snow Guarantee program that will refund your unused lift pass if there is less than 50% of the lifts open. So you can’t lose with Val Thorens!

Méribel has long been popular with those looking to let their hair down after long days skiing the extensive slopes around Les Trois Vallées. The resort now has its own outpost of the renowned Val d’Isère après institution La Folie Douce, while Rond-Pont, affectionately known locally as the Ronnie, is the place for parties that start in the late afternoon and run until late, with live music and DJs on the deck outside.