As a committed skier it is almost impossible to contain my anticipation when given the task of writing an article which explains just how fantastic taking a winter break in one of many French ski chalets can be.

To set the scene, La Vie en rose is on as background music, I am adorned in full Napoleonic garb from head to toe, there is a framed and signed photo of Eric Cantona taking centre stage on my workspace, and I've just levered open a bottle of Pinot Noir, which may explain the decline of this article as we near the crux, albeit the start being less than promising.

So what exactly is it that makes these French ski chalets so awe inspiring? Let's crack on.

The people. They are horrendous. Only joking - of course they aren't. The beauty of a winter break in France is that even til spring there are still snow capped pistes to marvel whether on skis, snowboard or even skidoo. Due to the wide range of well established ski resorts, there are a tremendous number of friendly, patient, English speaking ski instructors, who will be more than happy to put you through your paces. And with such a collection of ski schools on the slopes, if you shop around, there are some extremely well priced options out there.

World famous ski resorts. It's not just about the sheer brilliance of the snow. It's the whole scene. Whether it's Tignes, Chamonix, Meribel, Val d'Isere or Les Arcs. In an innovative move this year Val Thorens and Risoul went as far as to guarantee potential holidaymakers good snow or receive refunds. And with some of the largest ski areas in the world including Les Trois Vallees, Paradiski and Espace Killy, there are a tremendous selection of slopes to challenge beginners and experts alike.

There's just so much to do. The same areas which are the focus of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts during the winter months are suitable for a massive range of activities. The scenery is superb and can be divulged in a number of different ways, offering a different view on the scenery and terrain. Ski touring and hiking enables you to access some of the less accessible areas on the mountain, which will truly reward you for all your hard work once you get there.

Of course, the Après ski. France is famous for its music, bars and festivals. And it's as much fun basking in the nightlife as it is on the slopes. That said, some resorts boast a far greater nightlife than others, so choose your location carefully, depending on whether you are seeking a quiet tipple in a local bar, or a right old tear up with revelling till the early hours. In Meribel, the Altitude Festival happens yearly from 26 March - 1 April, and hosts a diverse range of live music and comedy acts.

Stunning chalets at unbeatable prices. Whether you are seeking self-catered or catered, there's a whole host of alpine style chalets, brimming with charm and character. If you are going with a large group of friends, or a smaller family unit, there will be a traditionally decorated stunning chalet to accommodate all.