7 Nights Flaine, France Ski Family - 5* Premium Residence Les Terrasses d'Helios

Flaine, France

• Tons of varied skiing and a superb snow record in the Grand Massif area.
• Ski open bowls and tree-lined reds to visit other nearby villages.
• Families can make the most of Crystal Childcare clubs and modern apartments.
• Love-it-or-hate-it architecture, with an unusual mix of concrete and wood-and-stone buildings.

Flaine’s a convenient resort, which packs in some top-notch terrain for first-timers and intermediates. Beginners can start in the nursery zone right next to the town, which has free lifts for learners. Then move on to the long greens and blues, including the 14km Piste des Cascades blue. Ready to clock up some kilometres? There’s loads of varied pistes, from wide reds in the Flaine bowl to narrow, tree-lined trails that link to other villages in the area. And different colours of run lead back to the same hubs, so it’s easy to meet up for lunch or après on the mountain.

The town’s split into two levels – Flaine Forum and Flaine Forêt – that are connected by funiculars at either end. It was originally designed in Brutalist style, with geometric concrete buildings that contrast against the mountains. And while there are still plenty of those around, there are also modern, wood-and-stone apartments that are especially popular with families. We’ve even got Crystal Childcare based here. And if your little ones are 7 years or under, lift passes come at a really wallet-friendly price too.

Away from the slopes, you can race each other around the ice karting track or see who can get the most strikes at the bowling alley. And while you’re wandering around the town, look out for sculptures created by famous artists like Picasso and Dubuffet.

For an alternative pick and the same fab slopes, check out Samoëns. It’s linked to the same runs as Flaine, with a smaller, laidback feel.