The first ski resort in France is only 30 minutes east of Grenoble and is ideal for children and families, due to its extensive learner slopes. Easy to reach all winter and with abundant snowfalls from December to May, Chamrousse ski resort has two separate ski areas, one for families, and the other for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Situated at 1,650m above sea level, the village is set within a beautiful wooded area providing tree-lined runs. Chamrousse is well known for its reasonable rates and attracts many young snowboarders as a result, which lends the village a vibrant, but not excessive, atmosphere. Facilities are good and include several souvenir and sports shops, and banks.

Lodging options at Chamrousse range from quality hotels and a holiday village to cottages and self catering apartments, and there are over 15,000 beds available in total; a youth hostel is also available for the budget traveller. Despite the younger element, nightlife is laid-back with only a handful of bars and a disco. A nursery and children's school is also available at competitive rates.

Thirty-five runs stretch over 75kms of mainly beginner to lower intermediate terrain, and advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders have 15kms of the mountain. Twenty-six ski lifts provide access to all pistes and include: one tram; nine chairlifts (three high-speed quads); and 16 T-bars, with a combined capacity for over 26,500 people per hour.

For alternative skiing, the nearby ski resort of Alpe d'Huez has hundreds of kilometres of slopes in every skill range and also features one of Europe's longest ski runs. Away from the slopes, nearby Grenoble has a few noteworthy attractions, including its culinary delights and lively nightlife. The 16th century Bastille fort and the Musée de Peinture et de Sculpturehas (fine arts museum) are a must-see.

The ski season runs from late December to May (weather permitting), with cheaper rates pre-Christmas holidays, mid-January and mid-March. Grenoble-Saint-Geoirs Airport is the nearest airport to Chamrousse and there are bus transfers to the resort that meet every flight.