Just returned from a fantastic week at Villar-De-Lans, traveling 21st January 2012, with a party of 6 adults and 1 child. Have been to Bulgaria and Austria skiing previously and there was no comparison between the quality of skiing in Villard. Perfect snow, economical, lovely people, beautiful setting.

Booked flights to Grenoble (approx £100 per person), booked self catering apartment (Balcon Apartments £450) over looking the slopes which was basic but very spacious and could have easily fitted in 8 persons. Other expenses included lift passes (£150 per person for 6 day pass), and Ski hire (£50 for 6 days).

Food was expensive compared to the UK but you could buy food and prepare it in your room to cut costs. We often went back to the apartment for lunch and rest, returning skiing in the afternoon. In the evening the restaurants are limited and a little expensive by the slopes but the village of Villard-De-Lans is only 10 minute away if you want more variety. The customer service was very good on all occasions and the locals went out of their way to speak English, as our French was limited.

The ski runs are fantastic! Many slopes to explore for all abilities. Snow quality was exceptional, powdery, well prepared, wide, quiet runs. Many lifts with no queues and the views were outstanding although mist could make skiing difficult at times.

The youngest in our group was 5 years old and he was enrolled into the Ski School (09.30am-12.00pm). The French instructors made him feel very welcome and they explained everything in English to help him settle into the class. The school had excellent facilities and lovely instructors.

In summary, I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone who goes skiing to ski and would rather relax in the evening with a bottle of wine and a book rather than Party until the early hours. We are already looking to return next year and we are going to spend time polishing up our French as the locals really appreciate any effort made to communicate in French.