There are endless reasons to head to property in France during the winter months. While the summer is all about beach breaks and city visits, the colder weather is when things really come alive, with Christmas markets, winter sports demonstrations and plenty of snow in the nation’s resorts.

Whether you’re heading to the continent to try ski jumping, tobogganing or simply to have a snowball fight with friends or family, property in France can provide the perfect place to rest at the end of the day in a cosy, snug environment that leaves the winter weather outside where it belongs.

Property in France’s family-friendly Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere has been working hard on its profile internationally and has re-envisioned itself as a family-friendly location for property in France’s Alpine region. The resort’s tourism press officer, Sophie Martin, says that Val d’Isere received "fantastic news" moving into the winter season of 2010 when it was granted Famille Plus Montagne accreditation.

This recognises the best family mountain destinations in France – and is something to look out for if taking loved ones to property in France’s high-altitude regions. Other Famille Plus designations are reserved for city breaks, seaside resorts and the country’s areas of greatest natural beauty.

Back in Val d’Isere, the entertainment is by no means limited to skiing and snowboarding. A new toboggan run offers an alternative for adrenalin-seekers who are not so sure-footed on the slopes. Meanwhile, the Children’s Village, or Village des Enfants, gives toddlers as young as 18 months somewhere to play in the snow.

Ms Martin adds that, where skiing is concerned, she is keen that people understand Val d’Isere is not only for the professionals as, despite its international reputation as a high-standard venue for competitions, it is equally welcoming to beginners and families who want to head out on to the slopes.

Property in France’s glacial destination Tignes

The likelihood of taking to the slopes in the middle of summer might not sound particularly probable to people heading out to property in France outside of the peak ski season. However, Tignes is one place where winter sports can be enjoyed all year round – although its summertime piste could prove to be an unusual experience for anyone accustomed to the freshly fallen snow of midwinter.

Instead, the year-round slope at Tignes is the Grande Motte glacier. A tourist spokeswoman for Tignes Developpement explains that this allows skiers to dash down the mountainside at any time of year, well outside of the usual seasonal skiing offered by some resorts. It also means that you could find yourself out on the slopes when the ambient air temperature is actually relatively warm.

Of course, there is still a peak season for the high-altitude resort, which begins around September 25th and continues through until May 8th the following year – a 32-week ski season.

Property in France’s Grand Prix resort Courchevel

Heading to property in France’s ski resort of Courchevel offers the chance to take to the same slopes as the professionals. The destination hosted the Summer Grand Prix in Ski Jumping in 2010, which more advanced enthusiasts might want to emulate during their own time there.

Alternatively, there is again the chance to take the weight off your skis by trying the toboggan run. Toboggan Grangettes covers 300 m of elevation from Courchevel 1850 to Courchevel 1550, with a two-kilometre track. The average incline is about 15 per cent, while the entire surface is illuminated, meaning sledging can continue into the darker hours of late evening if you wish.