AMAZING SKI CHALETSLa Plagne: Montchavin

Montchavin is one of the newer resorts in La Plagne. It is more more secluded and quiet, away from the hustle of the resort centre. La Plagne is one of the most famous and exciting high altitude ski areas in the world. One of the first purpose-built resorts in France, La Plagne comprises ten ski centres, each with shops, restaurants, ski schools and children's village, with direct access onto the ski area. The villages are well-connected and gondolas and a bus service run between them. Skiing has taken on a new dimension with the introduction of the Vanoise Express cable car combining the two areas of Les Arcs and La Plagne on the Paradiski lift pass.

 La Plagne boasts possibly the biggest single resort lift system in the world and has superb and extensive runs for all grades of skiers and boarder.  Beginners can slowly find their feet on the 11 green slopes, before progressing to the more gentle blues and try their hand at a bit of off-piste before the week is up.  Intermediates can clock up the miles, whilst experts can take on some truly terrifying off-piste.  Paradiski is vast but its intricate network of variously graded runs mean almost all levels of skier can take themselves from one end of the resort to the other and return back to their chalet with a real sense of achievement.

The excellent family resort of Montchavin overlooks the Tarentaise valley from an altitude of 1250 metres, on the edge of Vanoise national park. It is a living example of a village that has adapted to ski tourism - charming its visitors with its authentic old streets and renovated chalets. The "Vanoise Express" cable car, linking La Plagne and Les Arcs departs from just above the village providing easy access to the whole Paradiski area.  Doorstep skiing, or a short walk, is available throughout Montchavin and the choice of a red or a blue means that pretty much everyone can deliver themselves close to home under their own steam. In terms of apres ski Montchavin is on the quiet side but has a small choice of bars and a nightclub.  Alternatively, brush up on your language skills and visit the local cinema which offers a variety of French or French-dubbed films. Other activities across the villages include paragliding, skidoos, squash, and Turkish and seaweed baths.