Le Grand Bornand

The praise is for the village and the family focus: the settlement is built entirely of wood, has kept the look of a Savoyard village and carries the Famille Plus label, with discounted family passes, good ski schools and childcare. The skiing is easy and pleasant, and there are plenty of huts and restaurants on the slopes. The Aravis range is well placed to catch moisture, so the snow is usually better than the altitude suggests.

Crowding draws the criticism: in the holidays the pistes are busy, and reviews complain of too many out-of-control skiers and collisions. The altitude is modest, and by late season the lower snow goes patchy. For a strong skier the area is small and lasts a couple of days.