ABOVE: Puy St Vincent - Marie Durand

Puy St Vincent: explore our unspoilt mountains

At the heart of the Ecrins National Park, where British climbers such as Edward Wymper have left their mark, Puy St Vincent is a friendly ski resort combining an authentic village atmosphere with all the advantages of modern ski facilities.

Ski area
With 75km of ski area that ranges in height between 1400m and 2750 metres high, it is an ideal destination for families. Thirty-four runs divided in two blacks, 12 reds, 14 blues and six greens, as well as one boarder-cross and one snowpark, will provide plenty of options to skiers of all levels. Meanwhile, a floodlit run operating at night twice a week will give you the chance to experience the slopes when most others skiers have left for the day.

Children
Children are in their element here. With fun activities on offer every day, a dedicated “children’s day” during school holidays and the opportunity to increase their knowledge of a natural environment, it is the perfect combination for a fun holiday.

A nursery is available for children aged from 18 months to six years old with daily activities on offer: painting, singing and of course outdoor activities such as snowball fights, snowmen building and sledging.

After a day in the snow, parents can take their children (up to six years old) to a free game room and spend some quality time with them using toys and facilities provided.

But the highlight of your family’s holiday will surely be the unique experience of a tour by husky dog sled. Whether it is just for half and hour, or half a day, you and your children (above two years old) will be welcomed by Céline and Manu and their kindness and professionalism will give you an unforgettable experience amid beautiful landscapes. Parents will also appreciate the security offered by small villages and a close-knit local community that is eager to welcome them and share their passion for the mountains.

Other activities
With direct access to the Ecrins National Park, you can also discover unusual mountain activities like ice fall climbing, ruisseling (walking along frozen streams or rivers), or ski touring.

More traditional activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also on offer. Snowshoe trails are prepared everyday and a daily information bulletin will inform you on their conditions. Local guides organise thematic hikes to discover more of the mountain wildlife in winter.

Getting there
Puy St Vincent is accessible either by car, train or plane.
Approximately 10 hours driving from Calais, including eight hours by motorway.
By train, take the Eurostar to Paris, then a direct night train from Paris to l’Argentière les Ecrins and be on the slopes 12 hours after leaving London. For more information go to www.raileurope.co.uk
Fly to Turin (2hours) or Marseille (3 hours) and rent a car to reach Puy St Vincent

For more information
Puy St Vincent: www.skishow.paysdesecrins.com
For more information and special offers to Puy St Vincent as well as other destinations in the Hautes-Alpes including Montgenèvre, Les Orres, Serre Chevalier, The Dévoluy and Vars/Risoul, visit www.holidays-alps.co.uk
You can also benefit of a £100 discount on your next holidays*
* Terms and conditions apply, visit www.holidays-alps.co.uk