We knew little of Serre Chevalier Vallée when we decided to take to the slopes for just the second time.

Whilst not dedicated patrons of the piste our first venture on to the slopes at Avoriaz the previous year left a yearning to return.

After some research we settled on this popular ski resort in Hautes-Alpes in south eastern France.

Still comparatively little known to the English, Serre-Chevalier Vallée is the collective name for 13 villages stretching 15km along the Guisane Valley to Briançon, France’s highest Alpine town and UNESCO site, with the main ski stations in Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier.

Serre Chevalier Vallée provides snow-sure, larch-lined slopes – most over 2000m – which are perfect for skiers and boarders on this big, varied mountain offering skiing for all abilities.

Families are especially welcomed by friendly, English-speaking locals who offer good value hotels, restaurants and chalets.

There are ski school facilities in every village and the whole family will enjoy the Mélèzone picnic area in the woods and the Ecrins National Park, a protected environment at the foot of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps.

The resort boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine every year and with 80km of slopes covered by snow cannons to supplement natural snowfall there’s always a guarantee of fabulous weather conditions together with snow covered slopes for skiers and snowboarders.

It is also France’s largest ski resort not connected to other resorts.

As ever, an exciting calendar of events will ensure the mountains around the resort will keep the whole family entertained this winter including ‘The Festival Jeune Public’ throughout Christmas week with free shows for children and all the family to help you get into the festive spirit.

Dare devils might like to try the Deval’Bob toboggan run launched last season where you can spend a day or take some après ski time trying out the 4000m larch forest run taking in the sights of the valley with its 26 turns and 573m vertical height change.

Access the run from the top of the Avaret gondola, buy a pass and hire toboggans and helmets. If you can’t make it for Christmas, January is jam-packed full of events from vintage car racing to Snowkite Masters and an altitude jazz festival.

In Serre Chevalier you can find numerous restaurants, pubs and coffee shops: enjoy a mulled wine in a bar in the village of Le Bez, dine beneath the vaulted ceiling of a traditional house in Monêtier or take a coffee break in Chantemerle. You can taste typical dishes of the mountains, or try everything from Michelin-worthy meals to a takeaway pizza.

Serre Chevalier also offers you the chance to buy your bread in the heart of the historic village of La Salle, stroll through Les Pananches and Villard Laté in the winter sun or you might like to just wander through the villages’ picturesque narrow streets to find the shops you are looking for.

Serre Chevalier Vallée plays host to the fabulous Grand Bains du Monêtier, a mecca of indoor and outdoor pools over several floors offering spa and wellness facilities for relaxation, health and beauty – great at any time of year.

Serre Chevalier Vallée is easy to reach, about eight hours by car from Calais on a super-efficient network of motorways; by rail direct to Briançon; and a choice of airports – Turin, Grenoble and Lyon – serve the resort within easy transfer time.

For the full list of events taking place this season, visit serre-chevalier.com.