Summer skiing...

There is no summer glacier skiing directly accessible from Courchevel, but Val Thorens with the Glacier de Péclet is around a one hour drive away, as is Plagne Bellecote, from which the Bellecote glacier can be reached.

The Funitel de Péclet will whisk you from Val Thorens up to the glacier in eight minutes, where several chairlifts give access to red runs between 3100 and 2800 metres. An early start is recommended, as summer heat soon turns the snow slushy. The Funitel opens at 7.45, and the glacier lifts run from 8.00 till 12.30. More info can be obtained from the Val Thorens tourist office on 33 (0) 479 00 0808, fax: 479 00 0004, or www.valthorens.com

The Péclet skiing is red and fairly challenging, and may not suit all. For more relaxed blue skiing the Bellecote glacier at La Plagne is the place to go. The Roche de Mio and Bellecote gondolas head up to the glacier from Plagne Bellecote, where two drag lifts service five unthreatening blues. It is also possible to reach the glacier from Champagny en Vanoise on the Courchevel side of the La Plagne mountains. Champagny is much nearer Courchevel than Plagne Bellecote - only a half hour drive. But the lift connections are more difficult, and some walking is necessary between them. Find out more at the La Plagne tourist office, 33 (0) 479 09 7979, fax: 479 09 7010, or www.la-plagne.com

If you are prepared to take on a longer drive of 80 - 100 minutes, or want to fit it in during a transfer journey, then the best summer skiing to be had in the area is on the Grand Motte at Tignes. A funicular railway runs up the mountain from Tignes, and a cable car and several chairs and drags access an extensive network of blue run up to almost 3500 metres. There is also summer skiing at the nearby Glacier de Pissaillas at Val D'Isere, accessible from Le Fornet.