Flaine

Freeriders have some great opportunities for off-piste riding, with plenty of long, interesting runs to tackle. The area above the Samoens lift is pretty good, but alternatively, you should check out the trees in Les Carroz, where you will get a good lesson on how to treat wood at speed.

Advanced riders should check out Combe de Gers, which is a steep backbowl that drops away with 700 metres of vert (don't bail this one). To get the best off-piste riding, hire a guide, which will cost about 60 euros for two hours.

Heli-boarding is also possible here.

Freestylers may at first feel they are invading a Euro-carver's hangout, but air heads have a good two-mile long funpark area. The Jampark is set up on the Calcédoine run over the Aujon ski area, and it's loaded with big hits to get high. There's even a kid's halfpipe called the Fantasurf. The park is supported by a reduced lift pass, so check at the ticket office for the latest deals.

The pistes are well maintained and hard booters are certainly at home here: Flaine was one of the first carving capitals in France and France, as we all know, is home to the hard booter. Like most of the country, there are many good areas for Alpiners to show off, which makes for some real fast riding.

Beginners have a number of very easy flat runs which are serviced by four free beginners' lifts : Le Pré chairlift, Bissac drag lift and rope tow lifts and Flaine Forum bucket lift, all located a short walk from the village area. However, to progress you will need to buy a pass and head up to the more interesting runs.

There are a couple of long blues leading away from the top of Les Grandes Platieres cablecar, allowing novices to find out what linking turns is really like.