Ski self catering can offer the benefit of the kitchen and living room in the evenings and extra space and is a great value family ski accommodation option. In ski resorts though do not expect too much space as they are notoriously small as space is always at a premium in ski resorts. Consider though that you are less likely to want to cook and clean after a busy day on the slopes.

You can make a considerable saving on your family ski holiday cost however if you do book self catering accommodation. Check carefully the quality and location of the property though and for example if there is parking available if you are organising your own transfer. Parking can be an expensive item in ski resorts. Eating in can save you a lot of money as restaurants in ski resorts are expensive. Prices in supermarkets are higher up in the mountains and there are options of having privately organised catering in the apartment or getting prepared food in the supermarket or from local shops.

As well as offering first class skiing, the French Alps is home to some of the best quality family-friendly self catering properties. Below are PV-Holidays top ten picks for a family ski holiday this winter. They offer some great value so Click here for special offers on '' French holidays with PV-Holidays ''

1. Avoriaz

The resort is car-free and home to an environmentally friendly snow park with a specially designed Children’s Village to keep the little ones entertained. A skating rink, fully equipped sports centre and sleigh rides will also ensure that children are never bored. PV-Holidays has studios available in the ideally located Balcons du Soleil Residence starting from £560 per week for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four.

2. The Three Valleys

As well as providing first class skiing for the adults, children under five are given access to the ski kindergarten with free ski passes for the duration of their stay at Residence Aconit. Children will also enjoy exploring the full range of activities on offer at the resort including a snow-castle, snow-mobiling and husky dog sledding. Onsite, a swimming pool and an ice-rink are also on offer. Prices at PV-Holidays Residence Aconit start from £468 per week for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four.

3. Les Arcs

The resort offers an ideal base for a family ski holiday with a wide range of activities on offer including a bowling alley, a library and easy access to the nearby Vanoise National Park. The resort is also easy to navigate, making it a great choice for a first ski trip with young children. PV-Holidays offers excellent self-catering accommodation at Residence Le Belmont where prices start from £690 per week for a two-bedroom apartment sleeping six.

4. La Plagne

The ski area is an intermediates paradise with long red and blue slopes to explore, making it a great choice for more experienced skiers and families with snow-mad teenagers. An excellent ski school and crèche are also available for younger children. PV-Holidays offers spacious and comfortable accommodation at Residence Les Hauts Bois, starting from £674 per week for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping five to six.

5. Flaine

Flaine is a modern, car-free resort with fabulous views of Mont Blanc. Highlights for children include a go-karting track, indoor pool and climbing wall, while parents with an eye for art will love the monumental works by Picasso and Dubuffet on display within the resort. PV-Holidays La Forêt accommodation offers doorstep skiing with prices starting from £436 per week for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four to five.

6. Valmorel

Frozen waterfalls, horse drawn sleigh rides and an igloo village are among the highlights of the magical resort of Valmorel. The Athamante & Valeriane residence is baby-friendly, and has a toboggan run just for kids. Prices start from £600 per week for a two-bedroom apartment for six to seven.

7. Alpe d’Huez

A fun, relaxed resort, Alpe d’Huez caters for both experts and novices. The designated ‘slow zone’ is perfect for any first timer, or mini-skier. Attractions include igloos, glacier tours, snow mobiling, and a sports centre with ice rink and heated indoor pool. The ‘Les Eterlous’ children’s village is also nearby. Prices at PV-Holidays Residence Les Melezes start from £400 per week for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four.

8. Courchevel

Ice karting, snow mobiling, snow rafting and tobogganing are just a few of the attractions to keep active kids entertained. Courcheval is a great choice for skiers of all levels and offers excellent crèche facilities and ski schools. There’s also an Olympic ice rink and a cinema. Chalet du Forum is based just 100m from the ski lifts with prices starting from £912 per week for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping five to six.

9. Serre Chevalier

A network of charming villages and hamlets, the resort of Serre Chevalier has a great tree-lined ski area. Families love its peaceful, traditional atmosphere but there’s also plenty to appeal to young thrill-seekers. Horse and carriage rides, and snow scooter trips are among the highlights. Baby-friendly apartments are available at Residence L’Alpaga with prices starting from £447 per week for a one-bedroom apartment sleeping four to five.

10. Vars

This action-packed resort offers snow bikes, tobogganing, and helicopter flights, as well as a host of treats for grown-ups, including saunas, spa treatments and Turkish baths. Prices at PV-Holidays Residence L’Albane start from £447 per week for a one to two bedroom apartment sleeping up to seven people.

Have a look also at our accommodation options article for the pros and cons of Tour Operator/DIY/ self catering/chalet options.