Chamonix

Located just over an hour from Geneva, the Chamonix Valley is home to no fewer than five ski areas. The villages of Servoz, Les Houches, Argentière and Vallorcine, and many smaller resorts, together with Chamonix itself make up one of the world's finest ski destinations all on one lift pass, and on the bucket list of every expert skier. At the base of Western Europe’s highest peak Mont Blanc (4810m), Chamonix attracts skiers and mountaineers all year round and is perfect for both families and the more adventurous. There's an abundance of runs catering for all types of skier and snowboarder, but it's particularly good for the more advanced or expert, with kilometres of powder and off piste terrain. One of the most thrilling being the world famous 20km Vallée Blanche glacier run, which even intermediates can ski, although we recommend a guide.

The town of 'Cham' as it’s affectionately known is both charming and cosmopolitan. The pedestrianised centre is characterised by its Victorian architecture - a reminder of when the British began to visit. Today it is full of shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés, making it good to visit both day and night.