SLUSH-COVERED streets are no joke when you’re trying to battle your way to work, says EMMA WALL.

But  flying down an exhilarating Alpine ski slope is a sure-fire way to fall back in love with the white stuff.

An action-packed trip to Morzine in France is bound to blast away the winter blues as you warm to its cold-weather comforts. The picturesque resort is ideal for hardcore adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers bec ause of its huge network of slopes to explore.

Adventurous boarders and skiers will love the vast Portes du Soleil region, which stretches across the border from France to Switzerland.

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You can ski between the two countries or pop over on a chairlift as you take in the stunning mountain scenery that makes you feel on top of the world.

There are almost 300 runs, covering 650km, dotted around 12 resorts that offer plenty of enticing pit-stops in between.

Wild
A great introduction is to get a lesson with an exper ienced Ecole du SkiFrançais instructor tocherry-pick the best routes.

If you book a private lesson their English-speaking guides will show you everything the mountain has to offer while whipping your technique into shape.

Snow-lovers can also take a walk on the wild side by trying out the unpisted snowcross routes.

They provide a safe way to try the thrills of off-piste while sticking to a marked run that is graded to make sure you don’t get out of your depth.

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But if you are up for a real adventure, choose from plenty more options.

There are a whopping 10 snowparks where the brave can try their hands at a variety of jumps, frombeginner flops to the downright scary.

Even if you don’t want to risk it they are still impressive places to stop off to check out the somersaulting experts in action.

More fun for all levels can also be found at The Stash, a mass of swirling rat-runs through the trees, dotted with jumps, rails and trick pit-stops. But if you’re no expert  don’t be put off. Like all the stunt areas, you’ll see more folk trying to build up the courage to give it a go than actual show-off pros.

At the more extreme end, the region also boasts the Swiss Wall, said to be one of the hardest runs in the world.

It is so tricky it is sometimes graded orange, which is even harder than black.

Because of the hype it’s often seen as the ultimate trophy run for those who manage to make it down in one piece.

But if that doesn’t appeal, a cute chalet peeping over the top provides a perfect perch to watch the more reckless giving it a whirl while you down a stiff drink. Beginners can also take it easy by sticking to the lower slopes and learning the ropes at ski school.

And if it all gets too much, chill out at the snow-front bars and cafes.

If you make it over to the Plaine Dranse area, it’s worth checking out quirky Chez Babette, also know as Le Vieux Chalet (The Old Chalet).

The chalet’s eccentric charms start outside, where hundreds of bedraggled-looking teddy bears are draped over the walls and exposed to the snow.

Hectic
But, despite the odd decor, the hectic interior is the ideal place to wait out a blizzard with a hefty plate of food.

You can refuel with one of the many cheese-heavy Savoyarde specialities while watching what the wacky self-publicising owner Babette – whose face is plastered everywhere – gets up to.

Morzine itself is also a top spot to relax and wait for any aches and pains to subside. The village is packed with snow-dusted chalets and inviting bars from which you can watch the world go by without struggling into ski boots.

Just up the road, the lux­ury Chilly Powder chalets are nestled in Les Prodains with easy links to theAvoriaz ski area.

The handy ski-to-the-door location means it is just a short stumble to the cable car up the mountain.

It is even possible to slide within touching distance of the door to avoid an icy trek home. And the friendly staff can arrange for a ski hire firm to come to you on your first day as well as sorting out your lift pass to save any extra hassle.

If you prefer taking it easy, staying somewhere so welcoming also means it’s no hardship staying closer to home.

The cosy bolt-hole even has an outdoor hot tub where you can enjoy the stunning mountain scenery at a more leisurely pace while sipping a warming vin chaud (mulled wine) – although the sumptuous four-course dinners and home-made cakes could soon send you rushing back to the slopes to burn off the calories.

Staying in a chalet is also a great way to pick up tips as you join up with fellow guests for the rowdy communal meals.

The temptation to boast about your adventures can sometimes get a bit too much as the wine flows freely in the evenings.

Games
But be warned, you’ll still have to face each other again if your ego (or the rest of your body) gets bruised later in the week.

Chilly Powder is also a draw for ski-mad families as it has an on-site crèche with its own nannies for kids who are too young to hit the slopes.

The youngsters have a separate evening meal and a games room to keep them happy while their parents relax after their own adventures.

And there are plenty of activities for big kids, with an adults-only pool table, DVD library, bar and sauna to sweat off any post-ski twinges.

If you stay in a catered chalet for a week you’ll also be let loose on one evening to sample the local fare.

Book ahead to nab a spot at Morzine eaterie Le Clin d’Oeil to sample some tasty traditional grub or take a lucky dip with some fab ulous fondue.

After an exhausting week the resort also has another big plus. It’s only a short hop of just over an hour to Geneva airport.

But as you pack up your skis and down your last vin chaud you’re likely to find yourself longing to have more time on the piste.

FACT FILE

GETTING THERE: easyJet flies to Geneva from Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol, Birmingham, Gtawick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Luton and Stanstead. Prices start from £46.98 return including taxes. To book visit easyJet.com.

WHERE TO STAY: Chilly Powder prices start from £580 per person per week. There are reductions for familes and children. Call 020 7289 6958 or visit chillypowder.com