Like walking into an advent calendar

The good thing about train versus plane is that you’re on the ground level the whole time so no need to stress about packing liquid items or baggage getting lost in transition. Eliminating the airport feels refreshing.  It’s a long day but its sociable and relaxed. You can wander about and get a drink or have a sleep. As soon as you leave London you're on holiday. Watching the views change from English to French countryside is exciting and has a romance.

The chalet was amazing, cosy and clean and with wooden eaves. Cooked breakfast and dinner made it seem even more of an escape from London life.

A direct sleeper option would have been good as well but it’s nice to see the change as you start the connection into the mountains and the temperature drops into scenic snowscapes. The train to Grenoble was comfy and warm, take a bottle of fizz or make the most of a sleep as its an energetic week!

Arriving in the evening into the picture perfect Alpe de Huez village is like walking into an advent calendar. Half buried in snow you feel immediately a million miles from home life. An early start the next morning takes you within minutes up to the first lifts and then straight onto the piste. A few warm-up runs around base camp and then your off exploring the mountains.

There is a huge variety of terrain and slopes. Deep powder meant the boarders in our group were in Heaven and provided a challenge for the less experienced. We got lucky with the weather too. A two day snow dump, and complete white out midweek provided some hilarious tumbles and raised the game for even the most experienced off us. This was finished off by two days of crystal clear skies and warm sun, so all of us could go together right to the very top for our last day and ski back through sparkling snow dust, via hot chocolate and tarteflette stops in cosy wooden alpine cabins.

A totally memorable holiday, I’m very much looking forward to my next trip.