Why go? As famous for its sunshine as for its snow record Alpe d’Huez has the fifth largest ski area in France, and an alleged 360 days a year of sunshine – not bad for starters.
The resort: A big snow-bowl around the village offers some wonderfully gentle runs for beginners, whilst expert skiers can head up to the Sarenne Glacier and embark on the Sarenne descent: 16kms from top to bottom and the longest black run in the world. Other family activities in resort include ice-skating, swimming, and snowmobiling. You can browse dozens of catered chalets and ski all-in hotels (i.e. with lift pass included) among SNO's family all-inclusive packages.