Verbier (Tzoumaz), Switzerland

La Tzoumaz (or Mayen de Riddes as it is also sometimes known) is a small ski village at the foot of the North facing slopes of the Savoleyres mountain of Verbier. There are modern lifts that access the Savoleyres ski area and from here you can ski across the top of Verbier, connecting to lifts that access the main 4 Valleys ski area. There is no need to ski down to Verbier's Medran cable car and so large queues can be avoided, a relief, especially in high season.

As a smallish resort the apres ski and nightlife scene is a little quiet. There is also not the glitzy shopping of neighbouring Verbier. However, it's a great value place to stay for accessing one of the world's best ski areas and is great for families. There are also some fantastic luxury chalets now in Tzoumaz. The off-piste terrain on the North facing slopes above the resort is excellent and compared to Verbier's main area is little skied on a powder day. So experts take note!