Champery, Portes du Soleil

Another of the Portes du Soleil resorts, Champéry benefits from access to 650km of runs, providing something for everyone. It is one of the more attractive places to stay on this circuit, maintaining its old Swiss Alpine charm and ambience. It also boasts dramatic views of the Dents du Midi. Most of the accommodation is hotel-based, as is the majority of nightlife. There are plenty of cafés and shops for early après-ski.

As for the skiing, there's loads for all on the Portes du Soleil, but Champéry is lift- not ski-linked. You'll have to take a bus for the cable car up and you can't ski back to base. Champéry's local slopes are very sunny and are ideally suited for intermediates. Unfortunately, beginners have to pay for a full lift pass just to access the nursery slopes. Experts should make the trip to get to the best stuff at Avoriaz.

Overall, Champéry's biggest pull is its cosy and friendly ambience, which compensates for the less-than-convenient slope accessibility.