Destination update: France remains the favoured destination among UK skiers and boarders with the world’s largest linked ski areas, many at high altitude with a reliable snow record.
Most popular resorts: Inghams – Val d’Isere, Meribel, Courchevel, La Plagne and Chamonix; Crystal – Courchevel, Meribel, Tignes, Alpe d’Huez and La Plagne; First Choice – Les Deuz Alpes, Val d’Isere, Alpe d’Huez, Meribel and Courchevel; Thomson – Val Thorens, La Plagne, Val d’Isere, Courchevel, Alpe d’Huez and Meribel.
New product: Inghams – added accommodation in the spa town of Brides les Bains, linked by gondola to Meribel, from £236 per person for one week in an apartment. Crystal – added two ClubHotels in Courchevel and Les Deux Alpes from £539 and £435 respectively for one week’s catered accommodation. First Choice – added the resort of Val Frejus from £379 for one week’s half-board accommodation.
Best for boarders: First Choice and Thomson – Alvoriaz.
Best for beginners: Inghams – Val Thorens and Flaine; Crystal – Valmorel; First Choice – Alpe D’Huez.
Best for advanced: Crystal -Tignes; First Choice – Val d’Isere.
Best for kids: Inghams – Val Thorens/Chamonix; Crystal – La Plagne; First Choice – Flaine; Thomson – Val Thorens.
Best for partygoers: Inghams, Crystal and First Choice – Val d’Isere and Meribel.
Sample operator view: “France is holding its own this season with a fractional increase over last year. France remains popular because of good communication links – not only is it near, but there are so many travel options such as self-drive, snowtrain, Eurostar or flying. The exchange rate is also quite stable (currently 10 francs to the pound).”
Inghams sales manager Laurence Hicks.
For more information: contact the French Government Tourist Office, tel. 020 7399 3520; website: www.franceguide.com