Unbeknown to most holiday-makers, Serre Chevalier really is the hidden “jewel of the Alps”. Few people realise in fact that this is one of the largest resorts in the French Alps, with over 250km of pistes. Although it is showing a recent rise in popularity, the slopes are still beautifully empty and you’ll rarely have to queue for the lifts.

It is found at the foot of some of the most stunning peaks of the Ecrins National Park, and the sun shines on these slopes for more than 300 days a year. In between Col du Lautaret and Briançon, Serre Chevalier is a large valley that opens onto the south and is dotted with 13 beautiful villages and hamlets, ranging from the most modern to the most authentic little villages with old stone buildings and twisting cobbled streets.

This resort in the Hautes-Alpes has something for everyone: awash with wide sweeping runs for the beginner, tricky blacks, mogul fields, a half-pipe and tree-runs. With the infamous Olymic run - Luc Alphand (named after the skier) Serre Chevalier has been put  back on the map as a resort to challenge even the most experienced riders and a place to spot some championship level skiing in action.

Aside from skiing, in Serre Chevalier you can also go ice-skating on the natural rink (or the Olympic one), relax in a sauna or the indoor and outdoor hot steam baths, and get pulled along on your skis behind a horse (in Monetier). It may not be the party central yet, but if you’re going with a group of friends this really is a great location to have all to yourselves.