Val d'Isere

Everyone has always known that Val d’Isère is a top French ski resort, with its great piste map of befuddling squiggles. The lowest terrain is at an altitude of 1,550 meters, and the highest reaches 3,450 meters, which helps keep the season open into May. You can usually be sure of skiing on the Glacier du Pisaillas into June or July.

The huge and often snow-sure 24,710 acres of off-piste terrain at Val draws the international freeride community, who travel here a year. A storied ski icon can be created by combining piste-side partying at the original Folie Douce with trendy nightclubs, ultra-luxurious chalets, and hotels. The Val-d'Isère expert Hip Hideouts is introducing two new homes, Chalet Loup and Cala Slopeside, on a B&B basis, shaking up the typical catered chalet formula and allowing visitors the freedom to explore the resort's bars and restaurants each evening.

There's terrain for all skill levels, including slopes for children and beginners. Youngsters can ride covered magic-carpet lifts to gentle downhill slopes, and ski instruction here is among the best.

Country: France

Website: www.valdisere.com