I visited the chocolate-box resort in Europe with husky-sledding, igloo villages and snow-mobiles

I RACED around the corner where snow-dusted trees gave way to a deep valley beautifully framed by craggy mountains.

With thick snow muffling every sound, the heavy silence emphasised the stillness of the scene in front of me, which was drenched in the sun’s amber glow.

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This was exactly why my ski-fanatic friends had been nagging me to visit Morzine — a chocolate box resort in the French Alps — for so very long.

So I was there sampling one of the newest activities to hit this alpine region — husky-sledding.

Towed by the blue-eyed, furry, white Chaussette (“Sock” in French) and his team of fellow huskies, I had weaved my way along the Vallee de la Manche through the freshest of snow.

Most of the skiers and snowboarders had headed north of here to get their kicks on the slopes of Le Pleney or Avoriaz, which meant I pretty much had this peaceful forest to myself.

That is bar the animals, odd group of snow-shoers and my mum, who was tucked into the sled alongside me, wrapped up in a blanket.

Skiing was no longer an option for Mum after a knee injury, but that didn’t mean she had to miss out on all the fun of a family trip to the Alps. This region is teeming with winter activities — and summer ones, too.

Morzine was the first resort in France to build a permanent downhill track for mountain bikers, which draws the crowds over the sunshine months.

In winter there’s ice-skating, snowmobiling and paragliding, while those who prefer a more relaxed holiday itinerary can potter in the artisanal market (every Wednesday morning in Morzine town), book in for a pamper day at one of the plush spas or get a massage team to come directly to you.

Morzine Massage has mobile therapists that give in-chalet sports, Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone massages from €90 (£75) per hour (morzinemassage.co.uk).

In all honesty though, we didn’t need any more pampering after a few days in our 17-person chalet.

Complete with its own Finnish sauna and large hot tub, Cairn Lodge had all the gear to soothe muscles after a tough day on the slopes or meandering through the market.

It is one of a handful of lodges from Reach4thealps offering fully catered stays, meaning that you’ll be doted on by chalet hosts who will cook you breakfast and a three-course dinner, washed down with wine and champagne, each day.

There’s also freshly baked cake every afternoon, but save room for lunch and apres ski. It’s worth heading up the slopes for a chocolat chaud or fondue, even if you aren’t skiing — you’ll just need to purchase a walking pass for the pistes.

The Pointe de Nyon has an excellent restaurant at the top of the gondola serving fresh seafood platters of lobsters, oysters and clams as well as local specialties such as Arctic char, a fish plucked from the alpine lakes nearby, and molten cheese dishes.

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Keep your eyes peeled through the window, or better still, grab a table outside as the restaurant is home to several birds of prey, including bald eagles and falcons, which perform daily shows.

Farther north, we caught the cable car up to the purpose-built resort of Avoriaz, where you can ski from the hotels all the way to the local restaurant, supermarket and ski runs. Walkers needn’t worry, there are plenty of walking paths too.

If you’re up for a very short, but nonetheless challenging, hike, pop to Avoriaz’s Igloo Village for a warming cocktail or lunch of gooey grilled cheese toasties, ham-filled baguettes and potatoes dolloped with sourcream and onions.

Deckchairs are laid out on the snow in front of the icy caves so you can soak up impeccable views of the sparkling white resort. Inside you’ll find a bar with ice sculptures carved into the snowy walls.

No cars are allowed here, but if you’re not up for trudging through snow then Avoriaz has its own answer to Uber — horse-drawn sleighs rides. Just flag one down.

We hitched a ride to take us on a tour of the vast resort and at one point we even joined a flat part of the ski slope, where we plodded alongside the skiers and snowboarders, separated only by a thin rope.

Mum’s skiing Fomo was cured in a heartbeat.

You couldn’t ask for more as a non-skier who doesn’t want to miss out on the slopes.