Famous for its stunning views, magnificent flora and fauna, quality snow and proximity to the renowned Vanoise Glaciers, Pralognan ski resort is one of France’s most popular snowboard and ski destinations.

The traditional Savoyard village is a delight, with quaint old streets and buildings surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Vanoise National Park. Proud of its ski and snowboard heritage, the ski resort boasts some of the best ski schools in Europe, evidenced by the regular production of Olympic team members. Accommodation is mainly in the form of chalets and cabins, with prices in keeping with its family-friendly reputation.

While most of the pistes at Pralognan ski resort cater to beginners and intermediates, 20 per cent of prepared slopes are dedicated to expert skiers. In all, there are 32kms of pistes, with a vertical drop of 990m. The slopes are served by 14 lifts, which combine for a lift rate of 12,300 people per hour, meaning you’ll rarely be waiting in lines.

You can snowboard on any of the pistes, and there are plenty of extremely challenging off-piste runs for more advanced boarders. Cross-country skiers are in for some rewarding treks, with 25kms of trails winding through elevations of between 1,400 and 2,350m, and offering exhilarating wildlife viewing and stunning scenery.

Pralognan ski resort has plenty of après-ski activities to keep you occupied while not on the slopes. Nightlife is lively, with 20 great bars to choose from, while the cuisine is traditional Savoyard fare mixed with international dishes served up in 15 restaurants spread around the village. Fun skiing and snowboarding alternatives include dog-sledding and dog–mushing, while other recreational activities include curling, bowling, swimming, and ice-skating. There is also a cinema in the resort.

With its reliable snowfall, Pralognan’s season is quite long with good snow between December and April. Peak season is February and March, when there is plenty of powder, as well as holidays and weekends. Generally, the beginning and end of the season is cheapest, while mid-January is also good for a bargain.

Geneva Airport is the gateway to Pralognan and is situated less than two hours away. The other popular transportation method is Eurostar to Moutiers-Salins train station, which is located just 26kms from the resort.