Courchevel will install a new six seater chairlift for the coming season, equipped with the Magnestick system, to modernize the link between Courchevel 1850 and Courchevel 1650. This is the main part of a host of initiatives and improvements for the coming winter at the famous French resort.

Méribel has become the first French mountain resort to offer its visitors a fleet of Segway Human Transporters. These space age two-wheel vehicles with chunky tyres are stand on machines which can tackle hills and snow, and can be used by anyone.

The recent dramatic cut on the VAT on the cost of buying a meal in a French restaurants and cafes will result in higher service standards as well as lower prices for Brits in the Alps this winter according to a statement from P&V (also known as Pierre & Vacances or PV-Holidays) is the number one provider of holiday residences, villages and hotels all over France – including many in British ski tour operator programmes.

If you’re looking for an Alpine MTB trip but want to venture away from the (justifiably popular) Morzine/Les Gets/Portes du Soleil axis, you might want to consider Italy’s Alpi Bike Resort. Like the Portes du Soleil, Alpi Bike Resort encompasses a substantial area — nine towns across four valleys, with 50 freeride routes, several hundred kilometres of XC riding, skills parks, 4X tracks, dirt jump areas and North Shore aplenty.

Crossing the Alps is easy. Just pick one of the major passes that traverses the majestic mountain range, set the cruise control and go. If you don’t look out the window too much you might not even be distracted by the gorgeous scenery — jagged snow-capped peaks, thick belts of green forests and mountain meadows dotted by wooden homes with peaked roofs and Swiss-style trim.

While UK house prices continued to drop in a near static market at the start of this year, the London office of leading French Alpine developer The MGM Group saw sales holding up. Although slightly down on last year’s figures, the group has surpassed its sales target for the five-month winter season.