Unlike many purpose-built ski resorts, Val Thorens has a very buoyant summer season. During the warmer months you can be as active or as chilled out as you like. Relax over lunch on a restaurant terrace gazing at the mountains views, or get a guide and get kitted up to go off exploring the glacier with crampons and an ice pick.

Each resort in the 3 Valleys, including Meribel and Courchevel, has lifts open during the summer season so you can access hikes and walks, or take your mountain bike up and have a go at the downhill trails (not for the fainthearted!). One of uur favourite hikes is a walk over to Lac Blanc starting from Rue de Gebroulaz. The hike takes you up nearly 480m via Lac de Montaulever and from the top, the panoramic views are spectacular.

Saint Martin de Belleville

This very pretty village with 22 hamlets sits at 1450m in the middle of a forest and is just 17kms down the valley from Val Thorens past Les Menuires. Its full of traditional Savoy charm, rich in culture and during July and August the summer entertainment programme includes festivals and music concerts. For lunch, the village has fantastic restaurants serving up traditional Savoy cuisine!

Albertville

Home to the 1992 Winter Olympics, the modern city of Albertville also boasts the medieval city of Conflans within its boundaries where some of the buildings date as far back as the 14th century. Wander around the narrow winding streets which are lined with cafes and experience alfresco dining in one of the fabulous ancient squares. Being just over an hours drive from Val Thorens makes Albertville an easy day out.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning town which resembles a smaller version of Venice with pretty waterways cutting through the historic centre. Lake Annecy is a cool place to hang out with lots of summer time bands and amusements plus you can hire a small motorboat and go for a spin around the lake. Getting to Annecy from Val Thorens takes a little over 90 minutes via Albertville.

• the Belleville infant association welcomes children from 24 to 36 months. The day starts from 8am and finishes at 6.30pm, Mondays to Fridays (excluding bank holidays)
• for the 3 to 12 year olds, there is the Yétis Club in nearby Saint Martin de Belleville open from 8.30am to 6pm. There is a shuttle bus that leaves Val Thorens at 9am and returns at 6pm; and
• for the 6 to 12 year olds (free with the Valley Multiloisirs Card) Val Thorens arranges day activities ranging from sporting events to educational programmes

In Saint Martin de Belleville, there are many summer activities for children including the high ropes which can be booked through adventure companies such as La Foret des Aventuriers.