Guide to Ski Resorts in France
France boasts a large number of world class ski resorts to cater for all tastes and budgets. From the uber expensive Courchevel 1850, popular with wealthly oligarchs and celebrities, to the smaller family friendly resorts such as Morzine and Les Gets. The food is a big draw for many with most resorts having a good choice of restaurants and apres skis options to choose from. France is home to some of the world's most renowned ski resorts, attracting millions of winter sports enthusiasts every year. The country's diverse terrain, ranging from the majestic peaks of the Alps to the stunning Pyrenees, offers something for every skier, from beginners to experts. French ski resorts are famous for their extensive and well-maintained slopes, modern infrastructure, and vibrant après-ski culture. Les Trois Vallées Les Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, is a prime destination for skiers and snowboarders. This interconnected ski domain comprises eight resorts, including Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. Courchevel is known for its luxury, with upscale accommodations, Michelin-starred restaurants, and designer boutiques. Méribel offers a more traditional alpine village feel with its charming wooden chalets. Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, guarantees excellent snow conditions and vibrant nightlife. With over 600 kilometers of interconnected slopes, Les Trois Vallées caters to all skill levels and ensures a diverse skiing experience. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, often referred to simply as Chamonix, is one of the oldest and most famous ski resorts in France. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, Chamonix boasts stunning scenery and challenging terrain. It's a mecca for advanced skiers and mountaineers, offering some of the most demanding slopes and off-piste routes in the Alps. The Vallée Blanche, a 20-kilometer off-piste run, is a must-try for experienced skiers. In addition to skiing, Chamonix offers a range of winter activities such as ice climbing, snowshoeing, and paragliding. Val d'Isère and Tignes Val d'Isère and Tignes together form the Espace Killy, named after the French Olympic skier Jean-Claude Killy. This area is renowned for its high-altitude skiing and reliable snow conditions, with over 300 kilometers of pistes. Val d'Isère is famous for its lively après-ski scene, luxury hotels, and traditional alpine architecture. Tignes, on the other hand, is known for its modern amenities and extensive ski-in/ski-out accommodations. The Grande Motte glacier in Tignes allows for year-round skiing, making it a popular destination even in the summer months. Les Arcs and La Plagne Les Arcs and La Plagne are part of the Paradiski area, offering a combined 425 kilometers of pistes. Les Arcs is known for its diverse terrain, catering to both beginners and advanced skiers. The resort's Aiguille Rouge, a peak standing at 3,226 meters, offers a thrilling descent of over 2,000 meters. La Plagne is ideal for families and intermediate skiers, with its wide, gentle slopes and excellent ski schools. The Vanoise Express cable car connects the two resorts, allowing skiers to easily explore the entire Paradiski area. Megève Megève is one of the more glamorous ski resorts in France, often compared to St. Moritz in Switzerland. It has a rich history and was one of the first purpose-built ski resorts in the Alps. Megève offers a blend of luxury and tradition, with its cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and high-end boutiques. The resort's extensive ski area, combined with its sophisticated dining and shopping options, makes it a favorite among affluent skiers. Alpe d'Huez Alpe d'Huez, known as the "Island in the Sun" due to its sunny weather, is a popular destination for skiers of all levels. The resort boasts the Sarenne, the longest black run in the Alps at 16 kilometers. Alpe d'Huez is also famous for its lively après-ski scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs. In addition to skiing, the resort offers a range of activities such as ice skating, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. In conclusion, France's ski resorts offer an unparalleled combination of world-class skiing, stunning landscapes, and vibrant après-ski culture. Whether you're seeking luxury, challenging terrain, or a family-friendly environment, there's a French ski resort to suit every taste and preference.
France ski area overview
| Airports in France: | Chambery, Lyon, Geneva(CH) | Find flights | |
| Number of ski resorts in France: | 364 | ||
| Highest resort in France: | Val Thorens (2300m) | ||
| KM of pistes in France: | |||
| Number of mountain ranges in France: | 5 |
Largest Ski Areas in France:
Les Trois Vallées is one of the largest interconnected ski resorts in the world. With 180 lifts and 600 km (373 ml) of prepared pistes
| Les 3 Vallees Ski area | ||
| Les Portes du Soleil | ||
| Paradiski | ||
| Val d’Isère/Tignes (Espace Killy) | ||
| Grand Massif | ||
Top 10 resorts in France:
Here are 10 fantastic resorts in France which should be on your radar for your next trip:
| Chamonix | ||
| Val D'Isere | ||
| Val Thorens | ||
| Tignes | ||
| Courchevel | ||
| Meribel | ||
| La Rosiere | ||
| Les Deux Alpes | ||
| Morzine | ||
| Avoriaz |