To be catered or self-catered: that is the question… The beautiful Chalets de l’Altiport in Alpe d’Huez, France, offer both, with Ski France

Ski France is offering a new catering option right in the heart of the Alps, in the resort of Alpe d’Huez, this winter.

Nicknamed ‘the Island in the Sun’, because of the generous ‘300 days of sun’ average it boasts each year, the Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski area ensures superb snow conditions, fantastic undulating pistes and an enviable goggle-mark inducing weather record.

Ski France delivers flexible arrivals and stays plus in-house airport transfers for hassle-free holidays already, and now Les Chalets de l’Altiport in Alpe d’Huez gives guests the choice of catered or self-catered breaks, to suit all needs.

Alpe d’Huez, Auris-en-Oisans, Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany and Villard Reculas, make up the exceptional grand domaine ski region, and each village has its own style and ambience. Together, they offer more than 240 km of slopes and infinite off-piste possibilities, and the 84 ski lifts give access to circa 130 runs, two snowparks, a boardercross park and a halfpipe, making it ideal for all abilities and interests. Plus, the resort is also home to La Sarenne, the longest black run in the Alps, provides 18 km of uninterrupted skiing.

Team up with a family member or friend and experience the new all-season rail toboggan ride (with virtual reality) in the Bergers area: each pair will zoom down the track twice, with one steering and the other making the most of the virtual reality before swapping around. Additionally, there are two new ski runs with bumps and features for children (and big kids).

Nestled in a tranquil area, approximately 500 metres above the Bergers area of Alpe d’Huez, Les Chalets de l’Altiport delivers guests with beautiful ski-in, ski-out accommodation. And a free ski bus whisks those travelling on foot down to the bustling heart of the region (and back up again).

Sleeping up to 16 people, each chalet has its own large private terrace, offering panoramic views of the mountains, plus a private sauna or hot tub, in which to unwind. And those who have made the journey to Alpe d’Huez by car, also have access to a private parking space, or a garage.

Each accommodation is decorated in the traditional Savoyard style, with large crackling fireplaces, wood and stone interiors and deep, rich colours, to create a warming atmosphere. The open-plan living area is an ideal place to socialise and the kitchen comes with all the modern amenities, so guests can cook and eat as and when they wish.

However, for those people wanting to relax completely after a day on the mountains, Ski France can organise a catered break at Les Chalets de l’Altiport too.

For a minimum of six people (and a maximum of 16), a full-English breakfast, afternoon tea and a three-course dinner with wine can be provided*. There will be a set menu throughout the week, but dietary requirements will be taken into consideration, so everyone can tuck in to the appealing food to their heart’s content.

Dine on traditional dishes, from creamy Tartiflette to satisfying coq au vin and firm favourites, such as lasagne al forno and beef stroganoff. Enjoy generous slices of sponge cake with a mug of tea, coffee or creamy hot chocolate after a day’s skiing, and sample a selection of delicious wine from France.

Fancy a night out in Alpe d’Huez or a break from skiing? Explore the vibrant village, where numerous bars, restaurants and boutique shops await. Plus, a swimming pool, leisure centre, ice rink and cinema can also be found. Animal lovers can also try ski joëring, a popular winter sport from Norway, where a person on skis is pulled by a horse.

Alternatively, spend a cosy evening in curled up by the fire at the chalet, where complimentary board games, books and Wi-Fi can be enjoyed.

A week’s stay at Les Chalets de l’Altiport, from 2-9 December 2017, costs from £75 pp (£1,197 total) for 16 people sharing an eight-bedroom chalet with parking, linen and TV. A week’s catering costs from £290 per adult or £165 per child (less than 12). Return private transfers cost from £672 (for two minibuses, seating eight people in each) from Grenoble. Return flights (London to Grenoble) cost from £69 pp with British Airways.

*The full-English breakfast, afternoon tea and three-course dinner with wine is for six days, on the seventh day a self-catered breakfast and afternoon tea will be provided.

For more information, visit www.skifrance.co.uk or call 0203 475 4756.