Valfréjus

If a plan to link Valfréjus with Bardonnechia (just across nearby Franco-Italian border) ever becomes a reality this place will finally acquire the major-league status it deserves. For now, though, it quietly gets on with providing great skiing for all levels, with some worthwhile off-piste potential (although freeride terrain is more limited than it appears, owing to avalanche risks of steeper off-piste terrain).

For novices and intermediates a single gondola ride heads straight to the main Plateau d’Arrondaz area (2222m), from which there’s a choice of tree-lined return runs back to the village. From the Plateau an onward high-speed chairlift heads up to Punta Bagna (2737m) for blue, red and black-graded pistes amid truly startling scenery.

Valfréjus has its origins in the old mountain hamlet of Carmaix (1550m), and stringent planning constraints mean that all new construction follows solid, traditional Savoyard design cues. It therefore blends particularly well into the surrounding mountainside, much of which is attractively forested.

Most of the accommodation and services are located close to the Arrondaz high-speed gondola – the only lift access to the ski area. Those based at the opposite (entry) end of the village have a green-graded link run over to the gondola, accessed by a 4-seater chairlift, and can return at the end of the day via a choice of blue or red graded descents.

Young and budget-conscious family skiers - and anyone who values a quality, slightly ‘lateral-thinking’ alternative to the more obvious (and more pricey) big-name areas.

The skiing is varied, amid some of the most unspoilt scenery around. And while the mileage may not seem that great, there's the ESKI-MO ski pass giving free access and transport (one day per week to each ski station) to the nearby resorts of Aussois, Val Cenis Vanoise and La Norma. Any other resort in the Maurienne is accessible at a 40% discount if you possess a minimum of a 2 day ski pass.

Alternatively, for a supplement to the Valfréjus pass, you can ski from Orelle into Val Thorens and Les Menuires. Just 20km away, it’s an easy drive (navette every Wednesday) and the 3 Vallées Express high speed gondola takes just 15 minutes. It all adds up to a very appealing package.