Rooms, beds and suitability.

Hotels are aimed at couples with the single person being asked for a supplement. Youth Hostels reverse this. The single traveller is automatically accommodated in a multi-bed room at a considerable saving. The room size in the French Youth Hostels also seems a particular favourite for families (usually from 4 to 6 beds but there are a few larger rooms). Unfortunately there are not enough 2 bedded rooms to satisfy demand but some are available in some hostels. Whilst the target market is young people, both individuals and groups, there is no upper age limit.

The French Mountain Youth Hostels recognise that you are not a summer traveller, but a skier on holiday. The beds are comfortable without rock hard plastic mattresses and knot tying sheet sleeping bags (normal bed linen provided instead). The rooms have suitable storage facilities for your belongings (you don't have to live out a suitcase) and are reasonably spacious. A comfortable place in fact to stay for a week.

Meals.

The food is without limit. With packed lunches provided in the price of the package at all the youth hostels and afternoon tea in most, you won't need to buy so much as a Mars Bar all week. Some of the youth hostels adjacent to the slopes become the best mountain restaurant on the piste with an eat-in lunch being an option instead of the giant 'pique-nique' you would otherwise get. The grand finale is the evening meal starting at 7.30pm. It is always a grand occasion.

The self help ethos.

The price lowering but ambience enhancing nature of the youth hostel movement is the incorporation of just a little self help. You make your own beds, clear the table after meals and tidy up afterwards. You may get invited to a little communal fun in the kitchens stacking dishes about once during your stay.

Apres ski.

Besides the reasonably priced friendly bar and the grand occasion of the meal, most of the YHs put on some extra entertainment as well. I've seen singers, karaoke, rock-bands, toboggan evenings with vin chaude (gluwein), a magician, communal blackboard based Pictionary and British teams beat the French in music quizzes in the various evening entertainment programmes.

Equipment Hire.

Most of the French Mountain Youth Hostels either have their own equipment for hire or a special arrangement with a nearby ski hire shop. Hire rates for a full package of skis, boots and sticks is usually about £35 to £55. Snowboards with boots come out a little dearer around the £50 to £65 mark.

Instruction.

A course of lessons can usually be organised by the youth hostel. FUAJ take on a tour company role when they arrange welcome meeting complete with ski instructors. The accompanying drinks are usually free, but after that drinks at the bar are about your only expense. Not that the prices are high, much lower than the very high bar prices usually found in France.

Membership.

Staying at a French Youth Hostel is only available to members of your own national Youth Hostel Association (your country of residence) but anyone can easily join just by telephoning.0870 870 8808 if you live in England and Wales and paying by credit card.