If you are a fan of skiing and winter sports, you have probably heard of the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoy region of France. It’s world renowned ski resorts were featured in the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics and continue to attract visitors from around the globe. The range of activities go way beyond snow sports, however, which is why many visitors stay for months at a time.

Unfortunately, because of its remote location, the closest airport to the valley, Chamb’ry international, is nearly three hours away. However, it’s a small price to pay for staying among the French Alps and it offers visitors a good excuse to experience the Eurostar rail, which goes from Paris straight to the town Bourg-Saint-Maurice at the valley center.

First and foremost, skiing reigns in these parts. Escape Killy and La Plagne surround an area of nearly 400 km of slopes combined and cover every hill imaginable. From the fiercest black diamond runs, reserved for Olympic trials, to tranquil cross-country inclines, it’s all within the valley limits.

If you are nervous about skiing, there are private and public lessons available just about everywhere you go. Just step outside, put on your giro ski helmet and pick what suits you.

It’s not just daytime activities that draw so many visitors to this area. Perhaps more than any of other ski community, there is a strong focus on nightlife. The village towns of Albertville, Aime and Mo’tiers all have charming restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Here, a variety of visitors to the valley mingle after dark in their designer coats and leather brown boots.

If, like many a traveler, you get a little tired after a few days, there’s truly no better place than here to take a day off, sit by the fire and read a good book. There’s a reason why so many writers have found this a great place to ponder and create. There’s something about being so far removed from the regular world that makes you want to grab a warm latte and dive in one of your favorite suspense books.

So, when you think about it, the choice of where to go for your winter recreation is obvious. The Tarentaise Valley has the most beautiful scenery and the best night life and is arguably the most artistically inspiring of all the ski communities in the world. Those reasons are enough to draw anyone to this spot, skiers or non-skiers. The only downside to visiting is that you may never want to leave.