on the piste

Abondance

The ski area at Abondance is about 10 minutes from Chalet Piplin (travel towards Thonon and turn left into Abondance) and is generally a good area for beginners and young children under six. It is also a good half day ski for intermediates. The parking at Abondance is easy, just a few yards from the Telecabin and lift pass office.

Take the Telecabin de l'Essert up to the restaurant (there is only one). This restaurant has a good sun terrace which looks out on to the beginners and children's areas. From the sun terrace of the restaurant you can go either to the first drag (Teleski Corne) taking you to an excellent red run back to the restaurant, or you can instead go to the far drag (Teleski du Lac) which takes you to a lovely blue run back to the Teleski du Lac or cut across to the restaurant.

Slightly up hill from the restaurant you can take the Teleski du Grand Fremoux which leads to both blues and greens back to the restaurant. At the top of this Teleski, don't be tempted by the runs over the back of the mountain (both red and blue) - unless you are a really good skier as they are invariably icy as well as narrow and not really recommended for beginner or intermediate skiers.

There is a challenging red run back to the car park (for intermediates and advanced skiers) or take Telecabin de l'Essert back down.

Saint Jean d'Aulps

Again in the Morzine valley but once you're on the main road after Le Biot, heading towards Morzine, take a right over a bridge signposted "La Grand Terche", before you reach St Jean d'Aulps village. Bear right at the church and carry on up the hill to the lifts at the top. Great pizzeria on the right which often has live music on Saturday nights.

This is a great area for a short day with an excellent and sometimes testing circular route. Great little coffee stop in the Bellevaux area, about halfway around.