~this post has been kindly contributed by Inghams Holiday~

Situated in South-East France, Les Deux Alpes is well-regarded for both stomach-wobbling ski runs and the gentle, family-friendly inclines. For a traditional Alpine resort and proud owner of one of Europe’s largest skiable glaciers, the village also offers surprisingly good value for money. With the lifts carting you up to 3,600 metres in front of staggering views, it’s clear why Les Deux Alpes is proving a sound choice for ski holidays in France 2013.

The high altitude of Les Deux Alpes and the wider Grande Galaxie ski area brings in thousands every year and the variety of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes offers something for all levels.

While there is inevitable expense as far as the ski pass goes, weekly passes get you access to a daily session at the ice rink or swimming pool, plus extensive visiting options for nearby places like Alpe d’Huez, Vaujany and Montegenevre, so you get a lot more for your money than you might in the Three Valleys.

For many visitors, it is the reliability of the snows in Les Deux Alpes that remains the big draw, but this goes for the budget-conscious as well. That sweeping glacier is what keeps the ski season open for longer here – much of the year, in fact – meaning it’s easier to avoid school half-terms and grab some bargain off-peak deals. It also doesn’t hurt that most of the pistes are south-facing and therefore catch a healthy portion of sunshine.

Accommodation-wise, there are more mid-range three and four-star hotels than anything else, with a couple of well-placed two-star options at the base of the slopes. The apres-ski might include a Michelin-star offering but reasonably-priced restaurants dominate, drink prices are generally low and there are some lively nights to be had at the popular central taverns like Pub Windsor.

The village itself may not make much room for designer shopping or fine dining, but this is what makes it such an appealing destination for those who are into their skiing, but want to avoid the higher price tags that can accompany all those unnecessary extras. With the journey from Grenoble airport hour-long and affordable, Les Deux Alpes is perfectly poised to offer the best of French skiing without blitzing your savings.