Snow skiing is one of the world's oldest sports. It began in Europe at least five thousand years ago. We know this because equipment from that period has been recovered in France and Switzerland. Incredibly, the sport is still growing after all these years.

Of course, when people first started skiing, it was not a recreational activity, but rather a way to get from A to B. For people who lived at high altitudes in the French Alps, strapping on a pair of skis was the easiest way to get down hill. Getting uphill was another matter entirely. Skiers typically used a pair of snowshoes and slowly climbed back up.

Fortunately, the French ski holidays of today do not included snowshoes. Guests can simply take a ski lift and be at the top of the tallest peak in about a quarter of an hour. On the run, a skier spends three times as much time getting down as he does going up, thanks to the ski lift.

Europe is home to many fantastic skiing destinations, but none can compare to the French Alps, in our humble opinion. Home to the highest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc, the region welcomes tens of thousands of guests each season.

In addition to the height of its mountains, the French Alps also offer a wide range of accommodation. From hotels to farmhouse to vacation rentals and classic ski chalets, the French Alps has something for everyone.