After Whistler, where next?

We went to Whistler for 13 days in Feb this year, and had the best holiday ever. My two boys (11 & 13) went to the excellent ski school for 5 days, and the hubby and I skied till we collected the boys. We loved the village atmosphere and the fact that we didn't need a car to go anywhere, the slopes were uncrowded and wide, and everyone super-friendly and the service awesome.

We can't go back next year (the school would frown on the additional holidays for a 2nd year running) so need to consider an European resort. Is there anywhere that can compare?

We have only skied in Austria and Switzerland years ago (without children) so any recommendation would be most welcome. The criteria is accommodation within walking distance of slopes (or a short shuttle ride away), some ski classes for the boys (not critical), and a village-like resort, with good intermediate runs.

Thank you.

Hi Stressymum,
I would have thought lots of places in Europe would fulfill those criteria.

We have been to Courchevel 1550 twice now, and I should think it would be perfect for you. It has a very nice village atmosphere and is well connected to 1850 but not nearly as expensive, and is pretty much ski in and gondola/chairlift (depending which part of 1550 you stay in) out. And the Three Valleys is an enormous ski area - plenty for intermediates. Although we went during the busiest week - Feb half-term - the slopes weren't overcrowded and most of the lift queues were fairly short.

Ally