Effortless group ski holidays with packed

Alpe d'Huez is another French favourite and a good all-rounder if your group is at different stages of their ski training. Nicknamed the 'Island in the Sun' due to its impressive number of sunny days annually, it's also home to the longest black run in the Alps - 16km-long Sarenne. Not at that stage yet? Alpe d'Huez is blessed with great nursery slopes and ski schools.

Another great resort for groups of varying abilities, Les Arcs forms one half of the huge Paradiski area. You'll have no shortage of runs to try, plus, if you exhaust Les Arcs' pistes, you can hop on a lift to neighbouring La Plagne. The resort itself is split up into different villages which each have their own unique allures - try Les Arcs 1950 if you're holidaying with family and 1800 if you're keen to party.

For traditional Tyrolean chalets and an abundance of pistes for all abilities, it doesn't get much better than Mayrhofen. This Austrian resort sits in a valley between two major mountains and boasts the country's steepest ski slope - the epic Harakiri. Mayrhofen village is particularly picturesque, plus you'll find plenty of places to dig into a slice of strudel or knock back a few steins.

If you'd like to try skiing somewhere other than the Alps, Pas de la Casa is a great shout. It's located in Andorra's Grandvalira ski region and is one of only a handful of resorts in the Pyrenees. As most of the resort sits at 2000m above sea level, snow-sure slopes and high altitude skiing are major benefits. Thanks to influences from neighbouring France, Pas de la Casa also has a very decent - and affordable - après ski scene.

Claiming the title of the highest ski resort in Europe, great snow coverage is pretty much a given in Val Thorens, in the Three Valleys. Its lofty location also makes it a winner with more experienced skiers, although there's a whole bunch of cruisey blues to suit novices, too. Beyond the pistes, Val Thorens is a charming and compact ski town with everything you'll need to let your hair down after dark.

Non-skiing activities are numerous in this French ski resort - especially if you're hoping to try more traditional alpine pastimes like husky sledding. Another popular thing to do is take the cable car all the way up to the top of the Aiguille du Midi for panoramic views of the pistes and iconic Mont Blanc. Back at the resort, why not cover some terrain on a snowmobile, soar through the sky paragliding or whizz down the Grands Montets at the end of the ski day on a sledge?

This resort may be part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area, but it also packs a real punch when it comes to non-skiing escapades. Fans of ice skating will find two amazing rinks within the resort, as well as a first-rate sports centre that's home to two swimming pools and a spa. You could also wrap up and explore the great outdoors on Morzine's winter hiking trails, test your mettle with ice diving or spend the evening watching the latest blockbuster at the resort's plush cinema.

Non-skiers after a nice mix of relaxation and adrenaline-rushing exploits might find Tignes a better fit. While the skiers among you can check out the resort's incredible array of skiing, others can explore them during an ice climbing or mountaineering session instead. Tignes additionally has some sensational spas, as well as the impressive Le Lagon swimming pool if you're keen to keep up with your fitness.

If some of your group have simply come along for the ride, there'll be lots to keep them occupied off the slopes in Val d'Isère. Active adventures include things like snowshoeing and dog sledding through stunning, snowy vistas. If that's not their kind of thing, Val d'Isère has no shortage of great restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered.