The Best Ski Resort for: The weekend

Chamonix, France

It's reasonable to assume that if you're hellbent on weekend skiing, you're pretty keen on the sport. So, while there are resorts closer to airports than Chamonix (Flaine and Megève to Geneva; Seefeld to Innsbruck), you are surely looking to ski one of the classic resorts for those precious few days.

It's reasonable to assume that if you're hellbent on weekend skiing, you're pretty keen on the sport. So, while there are resorts closer to airports than Chamonix (Flaine and Megève to Geneva; Seefeld to Innsbruck), you are surely looking to ski one of the classic resorts for those precious few days.

If your driver isn't too worried about his licence, you can make it from Geneva to Cham in little more than an hour. It's this combination that ensures the presence of all the flexible break specialists, including Flexiski (08709 090754) and Ski Weekend (01367 241636).

Furthermore, Chamonix is not like other resorts. It's a mutating beast that can be raging and untameable for a while, then suddenly fluffy and bright. Because there are so many separate areas, it doesn't matter what the conditions (the valley's and yours) are on your chosen weekend; you'll find fun. Snow scarce? Not up the 3,275m Grands Montets. Fog set in? Go ride the trees at Les Houches. Got a hangover? Take it easy at Le Brévent or Le Tour. Feeling fit and brave? Hire a guide and take on one of the great off-piste challenges.