The ski village of La Clusaz is one of the closest to the UK and is convenient for car drivers, those flying to either Chambery or Geneva, or taking the train. Known as the Aravis ski area, the region offers the additional villages of Le Grand Bornand, Saint-jean de Sixt and Manigod with a new gondola lift in Beauregard. Altogether, there are 41 eight-person gondolas on the new lift.

For families and expert skier alike, the slopes above La Clusaz are a delight with good snow covering from early December through to April. But even when snow at lower levels is sparse, the resort has the use of 73 snow cannons to ensure good coverage throughout the season.

With its range of 94 lifts and 220km slopes and 4 ski areas to select from, La Clusaz is good for young children and novice skier alikew, through to the black run fanatic. For example there is a testing black piste bown the Combe du Ferny from L'Aiguille at 2380m right down to the gondola at La Danay.

Located at 1500, the ski area of Manigod offers both red and blue pistes whilst the vast Le Grand-Bornand "Village" and Le Grand-Bornand "Chinaillon 1300m" complex has runs to suit every level of skier. Indeed there are 45 blue runs, 36 red and 10 black (very difficult) pistes to select from.

If you like cross country skiing (ski de fond) the Plateau des Confins was the official site of the 2004 World Cup. La Clusaz is well known for its cross country ski area with 70km of trails ranked by the French as "quality plus". In addition to the P{lateau des Confins, there is the Plateau de Beauregard.

La Clusaz is a delightful "original" French ski village set amongst the tree with character properties as well as numerous new constructions. But certainly not the ugly concrete high-rise apartment blocks to be found elsewhere!

La Clusaz is the leading resort in the Massif des Aravis region and lies just above Annecy and its famous lake. It is driveable in about 9 hours from Calais on motorways (peage) from Calais to within a few miles of Annecy and whilst snow chains should be carried, they are seldom required unless there happens to be a heavy fall of snow as you complete the last part of your journey as you climb from Annecy to La Clusaz.

For those flying for the 2005-06 winter season there are direct flights into Chambery and Geneva and both are located within about 90-minutes journey. The TGV is an option from Paris or there is the Eurostar ski train direct to the Tarentaise to be considered.

The resort has 24,800 beds, numerous shops, bars, restaurants and there is plenty of apres ski life. You can take a husky dog sledge ride of go on a forest trek using snow shoes. You might prefer to try your skills at driving a 4x4 on a special test track in the snow or take a ride on a quad bike. The latter is certainly for the teenagers who will also enjoy the resort's snowboard park.

La Clusaz certainly has much to offer and being one of the nearest French resorts to Calais, the drive will make it well worthwhile at less than 500 miles.