Les Brigues

I've stayed in these apartments for my annual ski holiday for more than ten years. They're reasonably priced for self-catering, and if you're on a budget, they may suit you. The apartments are small, but two adults and two children fit easily. With more people, someone will have to sleep in the living room. A regular ski bus stops outside and goes to the lifts and town. Moderate skiers can also take a red run down to the apartments and continue down the same run to a lower lift. The run usually closes later in the season. I sometimes go around the barrier, but there can be rocks and patches without snow. Parking is the main issue. Try to arrive early on your first day if you want a spot in their lot, as it fills quickly. There's plenty of roadside parking too.

The good bits: you're right on the slope, the view is nice, and the apartment was clean. There's a dishwasher with tablets, a filter coffee maker, and a washing machine with powder. A bus stop is nearby. The separate bedroom is tiny, with just a double bed and no room for anything else, but there's a very large living room sofa that can sleep two. The downsides add up. This isn't really suitable for six, four people at most. The bunk bed in the hall is only 30 cm from the front door, with no heating and a strong draft, so it was impossible to sleep there. The toilet lock was broken, there was only one mirror in the bathroom, very few outlets, no coffee filters, and the tea cups were tiny. The ski locker is an unheated wooden box outside, small enough for only two or three pairs of skis or snowboards. The elevator only runs between the second and sixth floors, so you have to carry your luggage up from the ground floor to the second. The supermarket is a 10-12 minute walk downhill, and there was rubbish on the balcony left by previous guests.

The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and the location is great, with amazing views.

A really easy place to stay, with simple access to the slopes in both directions.