Downhill fast – on Olympic sled run

AS FRANCE’S slopes open up again to Britons, here’s a hat-trick of great experiences in our favourite resorts.

THE G Force at 75mph around the sharpest of 19 bends on France’s only Olympic bobsleigh track preserved for recreational use, at La Plagne, is nothing short of breathtaking.

You can choose to slide with friends, sitting up or lying down in different vehicles, but the four-person Bob Racing sled, with professional driver, is the fastest. It’s not cheap – at

£107 per person – but the experience will live in your memory much longer, especially if you’re wearing a helmet head cam! (bobsleigh@la-plagne. com). Seven nights’ half-board in ski-in, ski-out Hotel Belle Plagne

2100 – La Plagne’s highest-altitude satellite village – departing

February 5 costs £849pp based on two sharing including flights and transfers (igluski.com).

One hundred years ago it was Baroness Rothschild’s determination to give French aristocracy an alternative to Switzerland’s St Moritz that created Megeve in the Haute Savoie. The resort is smart and elegant – taxis in the charming pedestrianised village centre are horse-drawn sleighs, and a one-hour scenic discovery sleigh ride at £14 is recommended (megeve.com).

It’s possible to part with hundreds of pounds per night in palatial hotels and chalets, but thanks to the popular Pierre et Vacances property company, seven nights’ self-catering starting February 5 in a two-person studio apartment at Residence Le Mont d’Arbois offers great value at £421pp (pierreetvacances.com). Return transfers from Geneva £36pp, (megevexpress.com). Flights extra.

Grab 12 friends or family to share an impressive, traditional Savoyarde chalet in Meribel Village with easy access to Europe’s largest ski area with 400 miles of slopes. Chalet Lamato enjoys stunning views over Les Allues valley from huge bay windows and some balconies of the six, generously spaced twin/double bedrooms, which are all en suite.

The sun terrace has an outdoor bar, hot tub and sauna. Seven nights fully catered with cooked breakfasts, afternoon teas and dinners with wine starting February 27 costs from £1,750pp (fishandpips.co.uk) including transfers from Geneva (3vt.co.uk). Flights extra.