That was a wise move: today, sun-blessed Leysin is one of the most varied destinations in Switzerland, with a young and highly cosmopolitan clientele – not least because of the village’s many colleges – that appreciates the wide pistes as well as the biggest half-pipe in French-speaking Switzerland. Also thrilling, in a different way, are the revolving glass-clad restaurant Le Kuklos on the Berneuse (2,048 m), and the idyllic network of cross-country ski trails (42 km) on the plateau of Les Mosses-La Lécherette.

Free for kids up to 9.

On some days, all seems to be well with the world. The children are having a fabulous time in the snow; the grown-ups are relaxing too, enjoying the winter fun – because they also feel looked after. During the whole season, children up to the age of nine ride skilifts and stay in hotels free of charge in Château d’Oex, Rougemont, Les Mosses, Leysin, Les Diablerets and Villars-Gryon. See conditions at www.alpes.ch.

Adrenalin on ice: the Tobogganing Park in Leysin is the biggest snowtubing venue in Europe, and offers riders the chance to pick up thrilling speeds on several runs of up to 250 m with spectacular banked curves.