Family-friendly Isola 2000 is a purpose-built ski resort in the southern Alps, north of Nice and right on the Italian border. There are 120kms of pistes at a high altitude, which virtually guarantees snow for the season. Slope difficulty is fairly well-distributed, with an emphasis on beginner to intermediate skiers.

The village itself is situated at 2,000m above sea level, lending the resort its name, Isola 2000. Built in the 1960s, Isola is short on ancient architecture but many of the buildings are clad in wood, giving the village an authentic feel. Being a modern resort, Isola is well equipped with shops and services, and there are thousands of beds available in hotels, chalets and private apartments.

There are 120kms of skiable terrain at Isola 2000, with 47 separate runs divided into 14 beginner runs (green); 18 intermediate runs (blue); 16 runs for intermediate to advanced; and five expert (black) runs. Beginners have wide-open spaces at resort level, while intermediate and advanced slopes are on both sides of the valley. A system of 24 ski lifts can move 22,000 skiers and snowboarders per hour. There are also three kilometres of cross-country trails.

Snowboarding is popular in Isola, and there are many board-friendly lifts and a dedicated snowboard park. Other après-ski and non-ski activities and facilities include: sleigh rides; snowmobiling; tobogganing; ice-skating and ice-driving. There is also an indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna located in the old village, 15kms to the west.

The November to May ski season at Isola 2000 ski resort has perfect conditions from late January to early March and the lowest rates are in mid-December and April.

Isola 2000 is straightforward and convenient to get to, with regular Easyjet flights from the UK and a dedicated Skibus at the airport for the trip to the resort. Alternatively, you could hire a car at the airport for quicker times.