The ski areas, whilst known for their extremity (such as the massive Aiguille du Midi cable car that ascends from Chamonix up to a breathless 3840m), are very diverse. With plenty for advanced and intermediates, beginners will find some respite in the gentler runs of Les Planards and Le Savoy.

The downside is that these areas are not easy to travel between, with only Flegere and Brevant being linked. To access the others, you will need to take public transport. Despite the reputation as an advanced skiing mecca, surprisingly there are a number of areas well-suited to beginners and intermediates such as Les Planards, popular with ski school beginners. It has an introductory button and chair lift and gentle slopes (though watch out for end of the day surge of Vallee Blanche descendees) and La Vormaine next to Le Tour, the sunny and very wide runs that are perfect for practising your technique before ascending in the gondala to the loftier heights of the main snow area and the next level.

Summer season here is as busy and lively as the winter so shops, bars and restaurants are open year round and there is a wide diversity of activities, challenges, and entertainment to be enjoyed by all ages. The British community is strong here with more than enough bars selling Guinness and showing the football. And whilst Chamonix isn't a cheap resort, it is no way as expensive as some in the area.