The Portes du Soleil is one of the largest inter-linked ski area in the world. The network incorporates 14 French and Swiss resorts with 650 km of pistes. Morzine, which sits some 8 minutes away, is the biggest town in the Portes Du Soleil ski area - it has a substantial shopping area and a plethora of restaurants and bars on the main street for perfect Apres Ski.

Above Morzine, at 1800 metres above sea level, sits Avoriaz. The most effective way of getting there is by gondola from Ardent, which again is only 12 minutes drive from Chalet Dragon through Montriond. This approach gives access to one of the most exhilarating circuits in the area to Chatel and Morgins (Switzerland). Starting in Avoriaz and dropping down over the Swiss border into Morgins, is the infamous Swiss wall, regarded as one of the 10 most terrifying black pistes in the world. Every year, the moguls that swarm it reach the size of Volkswagen Beetles.

If you prefer cross-country skiing to hurtling down mountains, a leisurely circuit of the Lac de Montriond (8 minutes by car) will take a couple of hours. You will also find ski de fond at Morzine and Avoriaz.

Les Gets, which is 5 minutes past Morzine, sits at a slightly higher altitude so holds onto the snow in the village longer than does Morzine. The town of Les Gets is smaller than Morzine and has a more warm and homely feel with its Christmas lights and flower pots lining the street year round. On the Chavannes side of Les Gets, you have direct access to the magnificent suntrap of the Ranfoilly bowl with long sweeping red runs, forest trails and stunning views of Mont Blanc, the Dents Blanches and the Dents du Midi.