The Via Lattea or Milky Way Ski Area is a beautiful region stretching across the Alps at the French-Italian border, home to six excellent ski resort towns. Claviere is a family-friendly destination which offers night skiing and a collection of lively bars. Montegenvre, a snowboarders paradise, is the only Milky Way resort in France (it is also one of the smallest and cheapest in the country). Those looking for something picturesque and walkable should head to the serene, cobbled, car-free centre of Sansicario, surrounded by rolling wooded hills and boasting some challenging black runs. Night owls will delight in the pumping nightlife at Sauze d'Oulx. Experts should take full advantage of the steep, north-facing, high-altitude slopes at Sestriere. Cesana is a pretty and quiet location home to the famous Cesana Pariol.