IT is amazing how just one little thing can make such a big difference and why you should always listen to experts.

“But why should I grab the outside of my ankle in the turn? What will it achieve?” I cockily asked my instructor.

Now this was a man, it must be said, who was trying to iron out a tiny ‘kink’ in my snowboarding technique (the one where I fall on my pride) although I pondered the fact he was on skis and not, like me, on a snowboard.

Hence the question on his tip. Explain it to me. I'm a smart man, let me in on the secret.

“No, just trust me Jason,” he repeated. “You will find out.” Oh well, I'll suppose I have to. I'm halfway up an alp in France's Maurienne Valley but this next stretch could end in yet more ignominy.

And it did – the ignominy of a perfect run and cutting in to a halt to admit (dammit) sheepishly: “Now I know why. And you were right. It was all about the trust.”

Phew... he took it all in good spirits as no doubt I was not the first slightly bruised boarder who questioned his wisdom.

It was that breakthrough moment that set me up for the rest of a memorable trip to two of the resorts within Maurienne, an area that does not always grab a lot of British attention.

This exchange happened on the slopes of Valloire, an excellent resort and home to champion skier Jean-Baptiste Grange to boot – not that you’d know from the discreet presence of his smiling posters looking down from almost every corner.

Still, it’s something to be proud of. Valloire has a lot to be proud about.

Its slopes and runs are top class, with a good range for all but the very beginner to enjoy across its near 100 miles of slopes.

Yes, it’s busy but it still retains a relaxed feel. Or, more accurately, those of us still finding our feet on the white stuff don’t feel as intimidated by the locals ‘shushing’ past.

Indeed, those feeling just a little confident in their fledgling skills can even feel comfortable taking on the impressive skate park in the middle of the main ski run. And, I’m proud to report, a run down the halfpipe was completed – perhaps without any resemblance to king boarder Shaun White (‘All Hail the King’) – but I got down.

Which is why at that exact point a meal and a cheeky locally-brewed beer was needed at one of the excellent and reasonably-priced restaurants up on the slopes.

The town itself bustles with good quality accommodation and decent eateries and bars.

One evening’s meal of steak tartare was a particularly civilised way to recharge the batteries after a day’s boarding, before bumping into a couple holidaying from Benson in a bar.

It’s not all skiing and boarding though. The scenery is stunning – well, d’oh, it is the Alps – and you can hook yourself up for a snow shoeing march that aims to illuminate the local wildlife.

It is rewarding but be warned, it is very, very tiring.

Valloire, though, is not the only resort within Maurienne.

At the other end of the scale, but no less impressive, is the small resort of La Norma.

It is tiny by comparison but very homely, with a much more backwoods feel to it.

The slopes are split in two halves essentially but with a lovely link run between them. And, for those just getting their confidence, there is one of those wonderful slow runs off the main slopes through woods you can drift down at your own pace to end a satisfying day.

Of course, there is some challenge for advanced skiers and boarders with black runs and off piste, with one valley only the brave or foolish would drop into (in my opinion).

The fact that one of our party took a tumble and ended up stranded on a rock sans one ski and had to helped down only reinforced this view.

Incidentally, the accommodation in La Norma, which is very close to the border with Italy, appears to be more varied than Valloire, with some real budget rooms for those watching their pennies.

But that is not to do the place down.

Kicking the day off in one of the cafes with a croissant is a low-key way of prepping yourself for a full day on the slopes.

Thankfully, both resorts are remarkably easy to get to via easyJet and the airport at Oxford’s twin city of Grenoble.

In fact, it was at Grenoble airport that the seal was put on my trip – one poor chap had his leg in a cast propped up across a couple of spare seats for his flight back to Gatwick.

Obviously, I thought smirking, he just didn’t listen and trust his instructor.

Shame on him.

Getting there...

Flights: easyJet flies to Grenoble from Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted. Prices one-way start from £29.99 and include all taxes. Prices are subject to change.

Visit www.easyJet.com to book.

Staying there...

La Norma: A week’s ski pass starts from €105 child, €118 students & seniors, €131 adults (five per cent off if buying online). Ski equipment hire starts from about €80 in some shops with 40 per cent off in other shops when booked online. Self catering apartments start from €200 based on four people sharing (accommodation + bed linen + tourist tax included).

Valloire: Packages start from €200 per person for four in an apartment and a six-day Galibier-Thabor ski pass (valid in Valloire-Valmeinier, so 150 km of slopes). More information: www.maurienne-tourisme.com