Ski resorts are not just fun in winter but can be an excellent choice for a summer holiday too, especially if you like the outdoors and are looking for an action-packed break. We took our children aged 11 and 14 on one such holiday and despite several days of inclement weather (where there are mountains there is often rain!) everyone had a great time.

If you like hiking use the cable cars to get up to some of the more interesting trails. One particularly attractive route in the Alps is to Lac Blanc. The turquoise colour of the water easily competes with the more famous Lake Louise in the Rockies. For details of this and other hikes have a look at the website. If you are less energetic or have small children in tow, try the Parc de Merlet in Les Houches which has some trails navigable with pushchairs and lots of opportunities to see the animals of the region.

Alternatively you can still enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery without the exertion by going for a trip on France’s highest train, the Tramway du Mont Blanc, from St Gervais le Fayet to the aptly named Nid d’Aigle (the Eagle’s Nest). Various summer luge tracks are on offer in the Alps and if you go to the one at the  Parc de Loisirs de Chamonix you can also participate in other child-friendly activities such as trampolining, obstacle courses and funfair rides. If the summer luge wasn’t enough to get the adrenalin flowing then perhaps some white water activity on the River Arve will suit you. Cham Aventure organises white water rafting, canyoning and hydroglisse which involves swimming in the river with helmet, flippers and a float! If, like me, you wear glasses, make sure that when you take to the white water, your specs are firmly secured round your head to avoid an unscheduled trip to the optician!

Another activity is to take to the skies and enjoy a spot of  paragliding. There are various paragliding outlets in the region including Summits and Les Ailes du Mont Blanc, both in Chamonix. If you are unlucky with the weather there are plenty indoor activities available at the Centre Sportif Richard Bozon in Chamonix, including an indoor pool, squash courts, skating rink and climbing wall. The only problem that our children found with the climbing wall was that if you don’t have a clue what you are doing and don’t speak great French, you may have difficulty following the instructor who spoke French at break-neck speed.

If after all the sporting activity you fancy a bit of relaxation there is a cinema in Chamonix which shows the latest films in English. There is also an excellent array of  bars and clubs should you have the energy to set foot outside your holiday rental in the evening!