Chamonix’s one of the oldest ski resorts in France, so you’ll be in experienced hands here. It’s a fave among seasoned pros, thanks to the challenging terrain and range of red and black runs. It’s also home to one of the world’s most famous off-piste routes. Tempted? It couldn’t be easier to visit, with regular Jet2 ski flights to nearby Geneva Airport.

The resort

Did you know that Chamonix hosted the first ever instalment of a certain winter sports contest in 1924? It’s no surprise that it’s been an adventure hub ever since. There’s plenty to do in the town itself, with pedestrianised streets lined with shops and bars. An added bonus – it’s a great choice if you’re travelling with non-skiers, as they’ll find lots to do off the slopes. In fact, drinking and dining is almost as popular as skiing and snowboarding! Foodies will be blown away by the sheer number of restaurants, serving up everything from Savoyard specialties to Japanese, Greek and so much more. Some even boast a Michelin star, so fling on your finery and get ready to sample the best of the best.

The slopes

With 150km of piste and a hearty helping of high-altitude slopes to uncover, keeping busy is a breeze. Although it’s more geared to advanced skiers and boarders, there are some first-timer friendly runs, especially in the Brévent-Flégère area. The higher you go, though, the better it gets. From Chamonix, you can access two glaciers, the Glacier d'Argentière and the Glacier du Geant. The former primed for backcountry skiing and the latter known for the iconic 20km Vallée Blanche run. Remember, it’s essential to have a guide! Freestyle more your thing? Head up to the Grands Montets Summit Snowpark. There’s a selection of kickers, rollers and rails to tackle.

The après

When you’ve had your fill of mountain fun, it’s time to get stuck into the town’s vibrant après scene. Chambre Neuf is the perfect place to start. Come for Happy Hour then stay for the live music and DJ sets. You can continue the adventures until the early hours at L’Amnesia or wind down with a cocktail in La Terrasse. Beyond the bars, there are all sorts of activities to try. How about an afternoon at one of the spas or a trip to the ice caves? For the best views in the valley, head up to the Aiguille du Midi viewing platform. If you’re feeling brave, you can take on the Step into the Void experience – a glass box that hangs at 3,842m over the side of the mountain!