Families will normally enjoy the unhurried nature of St Gervais and there are some good facilities off the slopes as well as plenty of family-friendly terrain on the mountain with a predominance of chair and gondola lifts you can all ride together. The childcare facilities are good too.

The Garderie des Neiges (+33 (0) 4 50 93 23 90) at le Bettex accepts children aged six months to six years, and children up to age six years taking ski lessons with the ESF (French ski school) can also be looked after there at lunchtimes.

The ski school’s Club Piou Piou Ski Kindergarten accepts children aged from 3 to 4 years and there’s a special protected snow garden area on the slopes, separated from the main ski area, for them to learn in. This incorporates special equipment including mini ski tows, moving carpet lift, other structures and welcoming figures to encourage learning. There’s also a warming chalet to welcome children and to have a snack. Kids will progress towards the French National first test standard of Ourson and older children will progress too on this same scale according to their age and ability.