La Plagne itself is made up of 10 'villages', each self-sufficient with shops, bars and restaurants. Lyons is the nearest airport (two hours away), while the ski train goes to Aime, 30 minutes away. Brits make up 37% of all foreign visitors and flood the largely self-catering accommodation - predominantly in Plagne Centre (1970m) and Belle Plagne (2050m). All 'villages' are superbly linked, with a lift system computer-rated as the best in the world. There's little in the way of queuing, apart from at rush hour hotspots (10am and 4pm). The scenery is superb, particularly from the top of the 3250m Bellecote glacier (which provides summer skiing possibilities).

One of the largest single ski areas in the world, with 212km of pistes, La Plagne offers skiing for all. Beginners and intermediates are very well served, with wide boulevard-style pistes to practise those developing carves. Advanced skiers and boarders have lots of off-piste, but fewer truly testing black runs. Boarders also have the new park at Plagne Soleil to whet their appetites. Off-snow, things aren't quite so good, with only an average selection of shops, restaurants and clubs. Other non-ski activities are pretty limited.

Kids are very well cared for with ski-school nurseries and kindergartens; for those still with the daring of youth, there is the chance to zoom down the 1992 Olympic bobsleigh run. Overall, a great resort for skiers still learning, but one that, as with many French purpose-built resorts, doesn't really capture the Alpine spirit. - Top Tip: stay in gorgeous Champagny-en-Vanoise for the traditional Alpine thing and a rapid gondola link into the full La Plagne lift system - plus the chance to ski for a day in nearby Courchevel.