Flaine

Hooray for short transfers and ski-in/ski-out, superb value purpose-built resorts - it all makes for a hassle-free ski holiday and that's exactly what Flaine promises. It's between Geneva and Chamonix in the Haute-Savoie and is an outstanding resort with 265kms of pistes to get to grips with - well, perhaps that's the wrong phrase for skiing - schuss down and turn across would be better.

Great skiing in Flaine with its huge wide snow bowl, linking to nearby Sixt, Samoëns, Morillon and Les Carroz . It's easy to access Grand Massif skiing with some scintillating tree-lined runs, so though particularly set up for families, there's plenty to amuse a ski hound. For snowboarders, great and varied terrain for every ability, and a snow park in Samoëns perfect for intermediate freestyle dudes.

Apres-Ski in Flaine

The Flaine Forum, at the heart of the resort, has no traffic - yaaay - so it's very family-friendly and packed with eateries and drinkeries - check out Le White Pub and Les Caves nightclub - and good places to shop. The fun funicular is on the go 24/7, taking you to Flaine Forêt, where you can find Le Flying Dutchman, a lively bar. Flaine Montsoleil, a brand new, also car-free resort just 500m from Flaine, has more shops, bars and restaurants.

Galaxy Bowling, in Flaine Forêt, has plenty of lanes, a games room and big screens showing sport if the weather lets you down one day. There's also a cinema in town. The pool, gym and spa at the Centaure residence are open to everyone. There's also an ice-driving circuit if you have a car, snowmobiling and dog sledding.

Fun, fun, fun for families and all sorts of skiers and snowboarders wanting a great value, great snow experience.

Gary's Little Gems in Flaine

Flaine's name came from 'Flainoz' which is Savoyard for pillow - it's said to be where a giant once rested his head, in the dim and distant past! It's deal for families with lots of good value ski-in ski-out accommodation - added to that, transfer times are short from Geneva which is better for kids (and their parents!). The Cascade blue run from Flaine to Sixt is an amazing non-stop 14km - you'll really regret it if you miss this fabulous experience.