We chose La Plagne because we found out friends were going and had already booked. Knowing nothing about the resort, nor the snow train we booked both, hoping that the eco-friendly way to travel would add a new element of adventure to our ski trip. The snow train did not disappoint - expectations were high due to comments from people who have been taking the train for years - who knew!

We boarded and got over excited that you can get from London St Pancras direct to Aime La Plagne, travelling solely with other excited snow lovers. Our carriage was calm but sociable, we shared some birthday cake with a neighbouring two year old at midday and cracked open some fizz at 1pm (a right of passage as it turned out) while chatting to our fellow travellers.

The raucous buffet cart was entertaining as we drew close to the Alps, snaking around lakes and mountains the train slowed, allowing us to take in the magical landscape. Arriving at dusk we taxi'd up to Belle Plagne in no time and settled into our apartment, grabbing a beer and pizza from the hotel restaurant below.

Belle Plagne was a great choice, with restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes, ski in ski out access and amazing views from our apartment of the nocturnal activities - mainly piste bashing, and the morning sunrise and first skiers on the slopes. Our favourite apres ski spot was Chalet d'Altitude de l'Arpette, which we aptly named the white lodge, just a 200m ski from our apartment, it took in the sun until it finally went down and served the perfect cold beer to those après tunes, the tunes you only ever hear on a ski trip at around 4pm.