The main ski area of Alpe d'Huez is superb, offering skiing for all abilities with its wide range of challenging blacks, reds, blues and greens. La Sarenne is the longest black run in Europe at 17km, coming down from 3330m to 1510m with an excellent restaurant at the bottom. But if something gentler is more your style then you will certainly find it in this resort. Snowboarders are also well catered for with the snowpark in the centre of Alpe d'Huez.

The lifts from Villard-Reculas quickly and efficiently transport you up to the main resort area where you will find fast, comfortable chairs to take you up and over Le Signal. There is now a free ski shuttle bus which operates in season, taking skiers from the chalets to the bottom of the escalator lift, or the drag lift, but if you are staying in Chalet La Source, you will be able to take advantage of their free mini-bus service. Michael will also gladly show you around the ski area and direct you to one of the charming villages on the lower slopes. He will also recommend one of the many excellent restaurants which are to be found on the mountain, or in the villages.

The run back from Le Signal can be made on a variety of runs from the challenging La Foret, a choice of wide reds, or if your legs are tired, on the blue. The snow was excellent throughout the area while we were there this year. In times of poor snowfall, Villard-Reculas and the main resort of Alpe d'Huez can manage to keep their slopes operating through the use of their many snowmaking machines.

If lively apres-ski is your scene, then Villard Reculas is not for you, but if you are looking for a peaceful village, set away from the main resort with excellent skiing, superb views and a charming friendly ambiance then you can do no better than trying Villard-Reculas.