Fabulous France

Continuing our look at Europe’s 51 best ski resorts, when it comes to winter destinations, few countries can match the wealth of world class resorts and destinations that are found in France. The immense variety of slopes and options available mean that whether you’re a world-class winter sportsman seeking top-notch thrills, or a casual skier searching for a charming getaway, France has it all. From the epic scale of Meribel to the intimate charm of Samoens, we look at what 20 of the country’s premier winter destinations have to offer.

When planning a ski break in France, be aware that the popular resorts can fill up quicklly, so it’s vital to plan ahead, and also seek out good bargains. The top resorts can be pricey, but that reflects the world-leading facilities and experiences offered.

Alpe d’Huez

One of the country’s most famous resorts, Alpe d’Huez covers around 10,000 hectares and provides 249 km of fabulous slopes. The Grandes Rosses Massif allegedly receives some 360 days of sunshine every year, which only adds to the natural splendor of this most scenic of regions. Thanks to its elevation at 1,869 meters, the resort maintains excellent snow conditions throughout the season.

A major attraction is the famous Sarennes ski run, Europe’s longest at 16 km. This iconic run provides a focal point for many visitors, and can even be skied by moonlight, a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. At the top of the run lies Pic Blanc, a 3,330-meter peak from which nearly a fifth of France is said to be visible, along with spectacular Alpine vistas. Beginners and intermediates will find plenty of slopes to enjoy, while more experienced enthusiasts can revel in hundreds of kilometers of glorious snow.

Alpe d’Huez boasts year round attractions, from indoor climbing to snow parks and swimming centers; it is of course also a Mecca for cyclists, with the Tour de France passing through annually. The town offers plenty for the discerning visitor, with the bustling Quartier Bergers and Quartier des Jeux offering plenty of bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities. However it’s when you step off the main paths that the resort reveals its hidden charms; the locals tend to reside in Quartier des Vieil Alpe, and it’s here you can find quirky cafes and restaurants and a truly family vibe.

Argentière and Chamonix

The stunning scenery of this 12 km glacial valley frames some of the best expert skiing in the world. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the town of Chamonix may have expanded considerably, yet it retains a charm and vibrancy that continue to attract skiers from far and wide. The one drawback of the resort is also one of its selling points – it’s vast. With pistes and attractions spread across no fewer than five mountains, you may well need to rent a car just to get from one slope to the next!

Chamonix boasts pristine snow throughout much of the season, thanks to many north-facing slopes, and boarders and skiers can enjoy hundreds of kilometers of great runs and trails, both on and off-piste. It is certainly a challenge for even the most experienced skier, and beginners may struggle to find much to offer on the mountains. However, the cosmopolitan town and the satellite villages dotted along the region provide plenty of après-ski, shopping and nightlife to satisfy anyone. It is also within easy reach of Geneva, making it extremely accessible.

Grands Montets offers some of the finest skiing in France, while the linked sites of Le Brévent and La Flégèr also provide a great challenge. Snowparks offer gentler thrills, while the dozens of off-piste tracks are ideal for snowboarders and cross-country skiers. Holders of a Mont Blanc Unlimited pass can also enjoy the quieter slopes of Les Houches.

Avoriaz

One of the many resorts which make up the enormous Portes du Soleil area straddling a huge area of France and Switzerland, Avoriaz is a purpose-built ski village offering quirks and challenge alike in its varied terrain. From the strange sights of horse drawn carriages ferrying tourists past great swathes of contemporary apartments, to the beautifully designed snowparks, Avoriaz was conceived by renowned French skier Jean Vuarnet and is a magnet for those seeking a quirky winter adventure.

One of the major attractions of Avoriaz is its superb facilities for snowboarding; from the first European halfpipe, constructed in 1993, to kicker lines, rails and professional standard facilities in Arare, this is a boarder’s dream. There are two parks especially built for children, making this a superb place for a family vacation, while snowcross and skiing enthusiasts are of course more than well catered for; lower slopes can become fairly sparse towards the end of the season but this is more than compensated by the other attractions on offer, including a renowned waterpark. It can become very crowded at weekends, but if you’re able to visit during the week you will be well rewarded with quick and easy access to all the amenities available.

Situated at 1,800m, the resort is also well placed for access to the rest of Portes du Soleil.

Châtel

Another gem in the Portes du Soleil region, Châtel is a holiday town that benefits from its relatively hidden location. Just one and a half hours from Geneva, the village has the feel of a classic Swiss mountain resort, and is extremely popular with local visitors. It has yet to be discovered by the hordes of tourists who cram into the other areas across the Portes du Soleil, and retains much of its original charm. The village has plenty of amenities on offer, both for the sports enthusiast and those seeking a little more rest and relaxation on their break.

The resort is sited at fairly low altitude – at just 1,100m it can suffer from a lack of deep snow on occasion, though it compensates with its relatively uncrowded pistes; it also provides a great night skiing experience across many of its 46 slopes, spanning a total length of around 80 km. It offers plenty for skiers and boarders of any experience level, though more expert skiers may find little to thrill them in the immediate vicinity. However, classic destinations such as Avoriaz and the Swiss venue of Torgon are simple to access from Châtel, providing a much enhanced array of slopes to enjoy. With a Portes du Soleil ski pass, you’ll never want for a challenge, whatever your expertise.

Courchevel

The vast Trois Vallées ski area boasts many fine resorts, but few can top the appeal of Courchevel. The resort has often been linked with the wealthy and glamorous crowd due to its expanse of luxury properties and Michelin-starred dining, yet it offers a wonderful array of facilities and pistes for skiers at any level. With fantastic north-facing slopes providing some of the best snow conditions in the region, perfectly groomed slopes offer a gentle introduction for beginners. Venture slightly further afield and there are challenges for intermediate and advanced skiers that will thrill and delight.

Courchevel itself comprises four individual villages, all of which offer their own highlights. Le Praz (also known as 1300) has a quiet feel, while 1550 is sited perfectly for access to the slopes. Moving to 1650 and then 1850 you will find a more cosmopolitan, livelier air, with high end boutiques nestled alongside superb eateries.

If you can afford to holiday in Courchevel, the world class facilities on and off the piste will never disappoint.

Flaine

With an estimated 250 kilometers of slopes, Flaine is a sizeable resort that perfectly caters to intermediates and experienced skiers seeking a lighter challenge. From the Flaine bowl, take a jumbo gondola up the Grand Massif and then make your way down the numerous runs right back to the villages below. Experience the unbroken, gentle 14 km length of the Cascades blue run before sampling the delights of the upper mountain.

Beginners can enjoy green runs and learn their craft amidst some of the best views in all of France – Mont Blanc and the Flaine bowl provide idyllic outlooks and, with mainly treeless terrain, beginner slopes are safe and ideal for purpose. Other attractions include paragliding, spa facilities and ice diving. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers will also enjoy the large expanses of ungroomed and prepared terrain before returning to Flaine to sample the historic buildings and excellent eateries.

Le Grand Bornand

Just a stone’s throw from Geneva, le Grand Bornand is a beautiful village that provides year-round facilities in a special atmosphere – it is very often a repeat destination for those captivated by its many charms. One of the key reasons that the resort is so popular is its great range of challenges, from the superb slopes designed for novice skiers to a wide assortment of more difficult terrain for the advanced.

In conjunction with the adjoining La Clusaz, the region offers around 220 km of pistes on the slopes of Mont Lachat. There is even terrain to ideally suit freestylers and those who prefer to go off-piste. Back in the town, the traditional and modern meet in a great variety of family friendly cafes and restaurants, and lively, but not overbearing, bars and clubs. The resort is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Les Deux Alpes

Situated high up in the Oisans mountain range, Les Deux Alpes is perfectly located on a glacier, guaranteeing snow all year ’round. Featuring more than 415 hectares of groomed snow, 96 individual pistes, and a myriad of off-piste and snowboarding routes, this is a haven for the winter sports lover. A superb gondola system allows skiers and boarders to ascend to a dizzying 3,600 meters, from where they can descend almost two miles to pretty Mont de Lans. Indeed, such is the mountain’s unusual topography that many of the gentler runs begin higher up, while the tougher difficulty slopes tend to feature much lower down the glacier. Many guides are on hand to take experienced skiers off-piste for an additional level of excitement.

Les Deux Alpes is much more than a ski center; it offers a wide array of other activities, including children’s facilities, snow parks, snowmobiling and indoor and outdoor attractions galore. Its main opening times are from mid-June to August and then the main season from November to April. It offers facilities for enthusiasts at all levels, from beginner to highly experienced, and is also renowned for a vibrant and lively array of après-ski bars and cafes. Perhaps most excitingly, a planned link with nearby Alpe d’Huez could open as soon as 2018, opening up the region into one vast resort.

Les Gets

Another resort within the expansive Portes du Soleil area, and within easy reach of Geneva, Les Gets is a terrific destination for families and experienced skiers alike. The area’s family-friendly credentials are reinforced by a traffic-free village center, excellent shuttle network and well-maintained nursery slopes. Parents can even take advantage of chalet accommodation which comes with its own nanny services. A Native American-themed fun park will also provide entertainment for the family.

A modest drawback of the resort is its relatively low altitude. At just 1,172 meters, snow cover is not guaranteed, but a short trip further up the mountain to Chavannes will more than make up for this – there are perfect slopes for beginners as well as some serious black runs for the adventurous expert. More than 190 lifts service the mountain, and there is also a good selection of pistes for intermediates.

Les Houches

The Chamonix Valley contains many world class resorts, but few have the universal appeal of Les Houches. From the stunning views of Mont Blanc and Mont Joly to the international black run facility and all types of terrain on and off-piste, Les Houches caters for everyone. The resort is used by the French national ski team, as well as European club sides, and its “Kandahar” run features in the annual World Cup downhill circuit.

The area comprises 22 runs of varying difficulty, two terrain parks, cross-country routes and even a collection of nursery areas especially designed for the novice and junior skiers. The sheltered aspect means that there are some exciting runs to be had through tree-lined terrain, while the village is family friendly and caters well in all weather. Cable car systems ascend to around 1,900 meters, while the village center has beginner slopes right on the doorstep. Accommodation is reasonable, and there’s a pleasing selection of shops and eateries for all tastes.

Megève

Sometimes labeled the birthplace of skiing in France, Megève comprises various linked resorts right in the center of the Mont Blanc Massif, including Mont Joly, Jaillet, St. Gervais and Rochebrune. Its vast area means that skiers can experience all types of terrain across some 445 kilometers. Megève is especially suited for families and less experienced skiers, thanks to a liberal collection of snow parks and fun areas to complement the steeper slopes.
The medieval market town itself oozes charm and appeal, while the region is seasoned with isolated farmhouses, restaurants and ancient rocks, which add a great deal to the skiing experience. Off-piste adventurers can find plenty to thrill the senses, with numerous pistes wending in and out of tree-lined terrain. Its high altitude also ensures good snow coverage throughout the year, making Megève a truly world class destination in all seasons.

Meribel

With its hundreds of slopes, the Trois Vallées area of France is among the world’s largest. Meribel is an ideal base to explore the region, yet those who choose to stay here will find plenty of variety available to make this a great destination in itself. There are dozens of excellent slopes at around 1,500 meters of altitude, graded across all levels of expertise, though the intermediate level skier is especially well catered for. Snow coverage is generally excellent.

There are numerous great bars and restaurants, all with a friendly, lively vibe, with live bands and even traditional English pub atmospheres available within the resort. The great location and good facilities do come at a premium, with accommodation priced among the region’s highest, but those on a less restrictive budget will find Meribel a fabulous base for excitement on and off the slopes. The region is a particular haven for international visitors, with far fewer locals than many similar resorts.

Morzine

Morzine is another terrific resort and very much the capital of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area. It is very well sited for easy access for travelers from the UK, and provides a huge amount of variety among its facilities. It is one of the lowest resorts on our list, at just 1,000 meters, which means that snow cover can be low at times, but there’s still plenty to take advantage of.

The slopes are suited for all levels, from veteran skiers to novice snowboarders, and if you’re seeking an alternative experience, why not try the superb ice rink, ice diving, snowmobile adventures and even some great off-piste trails that meander around the resort. More than 650 km of slopes are available with a regional pass, though you’ll need to invest in transportation to get around. In more wintry conditions, Morzine itself shines, but those looking for plentiful snow in the warmer months should head deeper into the mountains.

Samoens

One of the more intimate French destinations among our top 51, Samoens is located around an hour by car from Geneva and blends a historic past with gateway access to superb ski facilities. It is very much a favorite with the locals, thanks to its enduring charm and village atmosphere. It is one of the five resorts that make up the Grand Massif region, and is much the quietest. A majority of slopes are north-facing, which means that snow coverage is excellent.

A 14 km blue run starting at almost 2,500 meters altitude at Grandes Platières offers a good challenge, while beginners will enjoy the gentler slopes. Peak period waiting times can be eased by car access into the mountains, while a good array of lifts and gondolas will get everyone up the slopes quickly. The real charm of a break to Samoens, though, is the wonderful atmosphere and charm of the village itself. It’s traffic free, with a great array of historical sites, gourmet cafes and restaurants and excellent shops. Make sure you take in the only Alpine botanical garden, created more than 100 years ago and proudly displaying some 5,000 plants.

Saint Gervais

Want top class skiing and less boisterous après-ski? Saint Gervais is the place to head for. Overshadowed by Mont Blanc, the town feeds into the huge ski region that surrounds the peak, with more than 445 kilometers of slopes across six main centers. Shuttle buses link almost 220 runs with the various ski areas, ensuring quick and easy access to some of Europe’s finest skiing. The resort is also one of the most child-friendly in France, with excellent ski schools and kindergarten facilities.

Saint Gervais is picturesque and full of charm. It’s an old spa town refurbished with every modern convenience, but it still puts the sporting side first. Superbly maintained runs and groomed slopes allow excellent on-piste activities, while boarders and freeriders will enjoy around 30 km of exciting trails and slopes. There’s a very good terrain park boasting a 120-meter halfpipe, while plenty of other outdoor activities such as hot air ballooning and walking are at hand. For those who wish to pamper, the excellent spa offers a wide range of wellness treatments and courses, all within view of the magnificent Mont Blanc.

Serre Chevalier

If you’re seeking a quieter, more laid back atmosphere than many of the larger French resorts, Serre Chevalier may be your perfect fit. It is made up of a dozen villages close to the Southern Alpine town of Briançon and shares some 250 kilometers of slopes. These offer plenty of challenge for intermediate level skiers, although there are opportunities for the more advanced enthusiast to shine. Head for Monêtier Les Bains if you want to blend your on-piste activity with the relaxation of a spa resort.

Serre Chevalier offers plenty of rest and relaxation amidst the slopes. It attracts a friendlier clientele than other major resorts, while still providing a host of modern facilities and excellent skiing. Accommodation varies from modern chalets and guest houses to an ancient converted monastery. Pistes rise to around 2,750 meters, ensuring terrific snow throughout the year, and there are plenty of snowmaking facilities for milder conditions. Sixty-two lifts serve the resort, and there is a pleasing mix of green and black runs among the majority of intermediate slopes.

St. Martin-de-Belleville

One of France’s best-situated resorts, St. Martin-de-Belleville has a wonderful setting with panoramic views of peaks rising to 4,000 meters and beyond. The drama of the peaks and glaciers is complemented by excellent facilities off-piste, including plenty of attractions for children and families. The village center is car-free, and there’s a decent range of beginner level slopes and runs designed with the junior or novice in mind.

More experienced skiers will find less on-piste challenges in this resort, though few visitors can resist the awe-inspiring scenery. However, the recent development of a gondola system means that visitors can easily and swiftly tap into the other pistes of the adjoining Trois Vallées region. The village center has plenty of accommodation, and is a good base for exploring the many delights of the surrounding area.

Tignes

One of the highest French resorts, with the slopes topping out at 3,450 meters, Tignes affords almost year-round skiing. Tignes shares the Espace Killy ski zone with neighbouring Val d’Isère, with combined access to almost 300 km of runs and pistes, served by 90 lifts. The Grande Motte glacier provides superb challenging runs some 1,400 meters down to the Val Claret funicular; from that point slopes stretch down the mountain to other villages and destinations.
The resorts boasts several excellent villages with accommodation, from the modern conveniences of Val Claret with its 5-star hotels to the charming Les Boisses. Après-ski is terrific, with gourmets able to sample the Michelin-starred delights of “La Table en Montagne”, the clear highlight among a range of good eateries. Tignes’ 10-month season provides excellent facilities for skiers at every level, with very good facilities for those of intermediate level and above in particular.

Val d’Isère

In conjunction with neighboring Tignes, skiers have access to 300 km of the finest runs in Europe. Val d’Isère is world famous for its championship quality pistes and its slopes are a particular haven for British and Western European tourists seeking the best skiing France has to offer. Aside from the world class black runs, there’s a host of runs geared towards the intermediate level skier, with 90 lifts across both resorts providing rapid access.

The resort features several regions; those seeking a slightly easier pace should head for Le Fornet or La Daille, while the central base is home to numerous instructors and clubs who can help you make the most of the resort’s most challenging slopes. There’s plenty to keep freeriders and snowboarders happy, too, with lots of exciting terrain off-piste. Great snow coverage for 10 months a year makes the valley a great destination when other resorts close down, and the high quality restaurants and shops on offer add to the appeal of this internationally-renowned resort.

Val Louron

Located in the Louron Valley in the Hautes-Pyrénées, Val Louron provides family friendly winter life amidst a laid back atmosphere. With stations ranging from 1,450 to 2,100 meters, the resort’s altitude generally guarantees ideal snow coverage across the 22 kilometers of beautifully groomed slopes. Twelve lifts serve the pistes, and there are 19 runs of varying difficulty, many ideal for junior and novice skiers.

Val Louron also benefits from more affordable accommodation and in-resort costs than many of the more sizeable alternatives. It is a great base for families or those wanting to start their ski career in friendly surroundings. There are plenty of activities to keep the younger visitors entertained, with sufficient après-ski for the whole family. As a cost-effective, gentle introduction to French skiing, Val Louron is hard to beat.

Val Thorens

Val Thorens ski resort is the highest in Europe, at an astonishing 2,300 meters. Located within the huge Trois Vallées ski area, Val Thorens provides excellent skiing throughout the winter and spring, and is a great choice for those looking to get away towards the end of the season. Visitors can also use the resort as a base for exploring the 600-km expanse of Trois Vallées with its hundreds of wonderful pistes and centers.

The resort is especially known for its sumptuous scenery and outlook, with amazing views of over 100 mountain peaks and the breathtaking Glacier de Péclet. However, the scenery is complemented with world-class facilities, for competitors or casual skiers alike. There are more than 150 km of runs within the resort center itself, almost all sited above 2,000 meters for excellent deep snow coverage. Beginners can find numerous runs to suit them, while the more advanced will revel in great conditions and groomed snow both on and off-piste. There’s a terrain park, snowboarding sites, guided tours and powder snow to entertain everyone, while the resort center has all the modern conveniences, shops and restaurants you’d expect of a leading resort.

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