Yet it is the position Flaine occupies within a vast snowy bowl that excites most, offering a huge range of varied terrain for all abilities of skier and boarder. An express chairlift whisks skiers and boarders over the back of the bowl to link to some wonderful long runs down through the forest to other villages in the Grand Massif. The longest of these runs is Cascades, a famous 14km (9-mile) trail with spectacular panoramic views.

Like most purpose-built ski resorts, après is on hand-but not a highlight and for those less inclined to nocturnal activities there's a cultural centre containing unusual displays of artwork in keeping with Flaine's heritage.