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.

If you were hoping to travel by air, the closet airport is roughly three hours away. The remote location between the French Alps makes it a bit harder to get to, but the best idea by far is to take the Eurostar from Paris. This world famous train also goes to London and Brussels, but here it drops you off right at the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the heart of the action.

Although skiing is not everyone’s hobby, the range of slopes here are astonishing. Escape Killy and La Plagne provide an combined area of 400 km worth of skiing. This covers everything from gentle cross-country slopes to the most intense black diamond runs, which are usually saved for the world’s best.

Now, if you have never skied before, don’t worry. There are a range of lessons, including private or group, available to first-timers. The view itself is inspiring enough to make anyone want to fasten on a giro ski helmet and hit the snow.

Aside from the breathtaking views and world-class skiing, many are drawn here because of the nightlife. Although it’s no Paris or London, there is a surprising amount to do after the sun goes town. With several towns such as Albertville, Aime and Mo’tiers within a reasonable distance, there are dozens of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. After a day on the slopes, there’s nothing like slipping into your leather brown boots and stopping by the local bar for a drink.

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.