High in the Rhone Alps, expect cold, snow-filled winters ideal for skiing. Down in the resort towns you'll need to dress for the crisp winter weather, but the sun often shines and temperatures are regularly above freezing during the day, making the weather here pleasant if you're prepared with warm coats, hats and gloves. In summer, the Rhone Alps are warm and sunny, with temperatures dropping as you gain altitude.

Off the mountain peaks, expect warmer weather. Winters are cold but not biting, while summers regularly see temperatures rising above 85?F. Spring and autumn tend to be pleasant, though be aware that snow in the Rhone Alps may not melt until early summer, making hiking at times difficult. Also beware of the Mistral winds, which can blow year-round, especially in the valleys.

The Rhone Alps are well-connected to the rest of France and to Switzerland by air and by highway. The Mont Blanc tunnel, which burrows through the Alps to link France and Italy, makes it possible to drive here from other places in Europe.

Most visitors to the Rhone Alps fly into either Lyon or Geneva, just across the Swiss border. Numerous cheap flights head to both destinations from the UK; flying time is about 2 1/2 hours from London.

Once in the Rhone Alps you may want to hire a car, especially if you're planning to explore the villages and natural parks of the area. If your plan is to find a lively resort and stay put, then taxis and public transportation (there are excellent train services) should be fine.

Without a doubt, the Rhone Alps area is best known for its incredible downhill skiing. Resorts like Chamonix and Morzine have international reputations as top skiing resorts with challenging slopes and lively town centres. With the variety here (the Rhone Alps is the largest skiing area in the world), it should be no surprise that skiers from all over the planet are drawn to the Rhone Alp ski slopes. Other winter sports, like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, are also popular, especially in parks like the Vercors Regional Natural Park and in the Haute-Savoie sub-region.

After the snow melts there is still plenty to keep you busy. Hiking, mountain biking mountain and climbing are popular in the Rhone Alps, and in summer the ski resorts change their tones slightly and host legions of mountaineering enthusiasts. Numerous guide companies and outfitters can provide you with equipment and route advice. River sports are also popular; melting snow causes high water levels ideal for rafting. In smaller streams, you can fly fish too. And the abundance of resort towns means that golf courses, spas, and swimming pools are never far from reach.