SKIREBEL Magazine

Three resorts unknown to British skiers - Le Grand Bornand at the foot of the Aravis mountains, Termignon, now linked to the Val Cenis ski area and Vallorcine, in a stunning setting near Chamonix - are three hidden gems added by Peak Retreats to its choice of nearly 40 traditional resorts for the 2008-09 winter season.

Better known, but also boasting queue free links to some of the best ski areas in the Alps, are two more additions, Mongenevre and Montchavin.

The pioneer of holidays to unspoilt Alpine villages continues to offer some of the best quality apartments and chalets in France too with the addition of many more brand new four-star residences and there are new character hotels for those who prefer catered options. Prices are typically much lower than in more famous ‘commercialised’ resorts too, even though they often share the same ski area.

For example a seven-night holiday in picturesque Notre Dame de Bellecombe in a residence with indoor pool in January will cost four people from just £99 each. Those travelling by car also get a great deal - a Eurotunnel FlexiPlus premium ticket offering priority check-in, boarding and flexible departure times is included as standard on all holiday bookings.

Le Grand Bornand - less than an hour from Geneva airport and located between Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy and Switzerland, the perfectly preserved Savoyard village of Le Grand Bornand is a real find. The new Le Village de Lessy residence in Chinaillon has an indoor pool and offers 4 star superior accommodation, in a choice of 1 to 4 bedroom apartments. Price is from £257 per person including Eurotunnel based on four sharing in January
Although in an established ski area, the little known traditional farming village of Termignon will be able to offer four times as much skiing this winter with the opening of a new lift to connect to neighbouring Val Cenis.
Montchavin joins Champagny and Les Coches as small resorts linking into the huge La Plagne/Paradiski area while Vallorcine, at the foot of Mont Blanc, is included in the lift ticket for Chamonix (10 miles away). The newly built Ours Bleu apartments are bang in the centre and have a covered outdoor heated pool – from £142 per person in January for four people including Eurotunnel.