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Not only was the ski in, ski out a much needed plus for our family, we also had access to every single thing we need for our week’s stay literally at our fingertips. For also at slope level, and in the same complex building, was Ski Shop Helios to hire ski equipment; a supermarket to stock up on supplies (if you want freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat without leaving the apartments you can opt for them to be delivered to reception at 8 am every morning); a cafe; and a restaurant. And as if that wasn’t enough, the French Ski School ESF (Escole Ski Francais) even has an office on slope level to book lessons/ The instructors pick up children right outside the building at 9.30am and return them three hours later each day! What more could a parent ask for? Well, perhaps a bit more since the Helios Apartments also boasts a nice pool, separate toddler area, sauna, steam room and outside hot tub where you can bask in the beauty of the surrounding snow covered mountains, as well as a spa offering a range of treatments. And if you still want to enjoy the great outdoors after the pistes have closed then the apartments also loan out a range of sledges without any extra charge. There are several levels at different altitudes in Flaine, they are the Forum, Foret and Mont Soleil. But while other levels were more of a concrete block-style, Mont Soleil, where Helios is based, was, for me, definitely the more aesthetically appealing, as it’s more alpine, with a more pleasing wood and natural stone look. My family and I enjoyed a thoroughly comfortable stay here, and a week of fabulous ski-ing so I’ve no hesitation in recommending other families to follow in our snowy foot prints...

GETTING THERE Justine travelled with www.poferries.com. Nearest airport is Geneva with flights to/from a number of international airports. Ski train to the French Alps with SNCF UK HOLIDAY TIPS The hotel offers covered parking directly underneath the apartments which are accessible via lifts - so no lugging luggage up steps. DETAILS Pierre & Vacances 5* Les Terrasses d’Helios Residence is in a ski, in ski out position with 119 apartments which all have balconies and terraces for guests to enjoy the views. Apartments sleep 4-8 people and some also feature a fireplace. There is a Deep Nature Spa relaxation area (treatment rooms, sauna, steam room and relaxation room) and indoor heated swimming pool. A Grand Massif Lift Pass for 6 days is €242.40 for adults and €181.8 for children. Equipment Rental can be booked in advance on reservation of an apartment with savings of up to 40% off shop prices. Visit: pierreetvacances For more info about Flaine visit: www.flaine.com