Courchevel is part of the Trois Vallées ski area – the largest in Europe. There are over 200 ski lifts and almost 350 ski runs in the immediate area, offering suitable terrain for both beginners and experienced skiers. The resort’s high altitude usually guarantees excellent conditions and serious skiers will love the black Les Suisses run and the off-piste couloirs near The Saulire. Try to ski the black runs at the beginning of the week as they become crowded towards the weekend, as people build up their courage. Courchevel is also great for snowboarding and you can arrange heli-skiing trips over the border to Italy. You can also try skidooing, hot-air ballooning, parapenting, ice-skating, tobogganing and snow shoeing. For really extreme sports, take a transfer to nearby La Plagne to shoot the bobsleigh run or head to Tignes for some ice-diving. Contact Whitetracks on +33 (0)686 12 34 17, www.whitetracks.co.uk.

Expert skiers should tackle the Courchevel couloirs, if they dare. Take the Verdon’s gondola and head to the top of the Saulire cable car. There are four descents from the small plateau on the left. Sous le Télépherique and Emile Allais are red runs, while the Grand Couloir is a black and reached via a narrow path. A mountain guide is a good investment, for reassurance if nothing else.