Skiing in the Alps

[sneakers]

There are so many ski hills in the Alps. Can anyone recommend a great ski area with a picturesque village? I don't mind paying a little more for a really lovely ski town.

[peregrine]

Mont Blanc ski area. Stay in Megeve.

[mez]

If you can stretch to the slightly higher costs, some of the most picturesque skiing and towns can be found in the Austrian and Swiss Alps. Some French and Italian resorts are modern, purpose-built and ugly developments which should perhaps be avoided (e.g. avoid Avoriaz - GREAT location for lots of skiing but... yuck!).