Alpe D’Huez

This high resort hosts the 'King of the Mountain' stages in the Tour de France during the summer. As you climb into the station you will watch the race with new awe having seen what the cyclists have to conquer.

The ski area is big and boasts the longest run in Europe. Plenty to ski here, whatever your ability, and the pistes are wide and open. This helps in February when the resort is mobbed.

This large, purpose built resort often lacks character. They have a lot of space, but not really a resort centre.

However, there are plenty of decent bars and restaurants to enjoy. It's important to find out where the party is each night, or you can find yourself wandering through large parts of the resort.