Beneath the snow-capped balustrade, perfectly formed icicles shimmered in the morning sun as I sipped a mug of steaming hot chocolate. Beyond them, brilliant blue sky framed my view of the majestic Tarentaise Mountains, whose rugged peak hugged the horizon.

I embraced this view from a mountain top café in La Rosiere, a small ski resort in the Rhone-Alps region of France. And it was breathtakingly beautiful.

Nestled high above the town of Bourg St Maurice, La Rosiere's main street is lined with traditional French chalets housing accommodation and restaurants. Shingled rooftops veiled with thick snow are dotted with chimneys sending tendrils of smoke into the freezing air. Restaurants serve traditional fare such as frogs' legs, crusty baguettes and array of cheeses that send your taste buds into a frenzy. Most offer outdoor dining to take in the superb view. At night, fairy lights transform the street blanketed with powder white snow into a colourful winter wonderland - perfect for sampling the superb French wines on offer.

The French love their aperitifs so I recommend Arpins Bar where you can mix with the locals and try a shot of Genepie: a clear liqueur made from flowers grown in the nearby mountains. Otherwise, try a steaming mug of Vin Chaud, a red wine similar to the mulled variety. But if you love croissants and chocolate, indulge yourself with a pain chocolate, a delectable piece of fluffy pastry filled with chocolate. Then follow the French tradition of dipping your croissant into a freshly brewed coffee. C'est tres bon!

For skiing buffs, La Rosiere is nestled on the border of France and Italy so you can boast you have skied two countries in one day. Another plus is the fact La Rosiere faces south, so it basked in glorious winter sunshine when feathery snowflakes are not creating a skiers paradise.

Mont Blanc ,western Europe's highest mountain, forms a magnificent backdrop to the slopes, which are ideal for beginners and children. Steeper slopes off-piste test the skills of the more experienced skier, so the skiing is perfect for both parents and children. Even if you have never dinned a pair of ski boots, don't despair for ski schools at the resort are their to ensure even the most inexperienced to navigate the slopes.

I can personally attest to this, as after only an hour of instruction, I was whizzing down the slopes like a pro - sometimes on my skis, sometimes not. But at least my unique skiing style seemed to delight the many children who did whiz past me, upright and confident.

La Rosiere is still very much an undiscovered resort. Its more famous neighbours, Val D'Isere and Corchival, are only an hour away and attract greater tourist numbers.

As I continued to watch icicles glisten while my hot chocolate quickly cooled in the sub-zero temperature, I realised I was at one of the most stunning places on Earth.

So if you are after a family skiing holiday that offers breathtakingly beautiful scenery and wonderful French hospitality, head to La Rosiere.

C'est Magnifique.