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here are some resorts with such an intimidating reputation that the idea of skiing there can be a little scary. Val d’Isère is one such mountain, with people who leap off jumps and ski down double-blackdiamond runs without a second thought, talking in reverent tones about this place. Fortunately, it is not all about the experts, with so much terrain to suit all levels.

We had a real beginner with our family when we chugged up the ridiculously scenic road to Val d’Isère in January. She took one look at the steep – very steep – Face de Bellevarde that plummets down from the top of the Bellevarde mountain and stated that she wouldn’t be going up that. Little did she know, after just a couple of days of lessons, she would conquer it.

Val d’Isère is great for beginners, with five free lifts to practise on around the lower area. We started out slowly, exploring up the Solaise with its forgiving slopes. This season it will be even better up there with a new 10-person gondola with heated seats, Wi-Fi, new beginner terrain, a snowtubing course and panoramic lounge. Little ones are very well catered for at the Village des Enfants, which offers childcare and ski lessons, with other ski schools such as Oxygène offering lessons for kids from the age of three.

During our five- day extravaganza, our L-plate skier became more of a P-plater, joining us as we lapped up the incredible amount of terrain on offer. We played all over Bellevarde, doing laps through the trees down to the village of La Daille and back up the funicular. We loved the vibe of the Folie Deuce, but left the thumping music behind and headed over to neighbouring Tignes, which is linked to Val d’Isère and accessed on the same lift ticket.

We skied down to the hamlet of Le Fornet one day to have lunch at the fantastic L'Atelier d'Edmond bistro, and found good food everywhere on the mountain. As for the village itself, with its church that dates back to 1664, it was just as wonderful as the skiing. The main street is lined with a just-right mix of ski shops, casual eateries, plush bars and fine dining.

With 300 kilometres of runs at Val d’Isère and Tignes, we didn’t make it to some areas on the ski map. But we needed to leave something for next time – and there will be a next time. Val d’Isère www.valdisere.com/en Mogul Ski World www.mogulski.com.au

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