The ski resorts of France are considered one of the best in the world. This is the location of the fabulously beautiful French Alps, where there are very extensive, interconnected ski areas. Fans of alpine skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh and other winter sports can expect more than four thousand varied trails here. Tourists can choose the most suitable descent depending on their level of training, so local resorts will great place for relaxation, both professionals and beginners. On the local alpine slopes we hold competitions of the highest class.
The French Alps have hosted the Olympic Games three times.
Val d'Isere and Tignes
These French ski resorts are located next to each other. Val d'Zer and Tignes are recognized as the kings of alpine skiing among professional athletes. The height of the peaks is 1850 m and 2100 m, respectively. Local ski slopes are not only recognized as the best in France, but also compete with the best resorts world championship. Centers for winter sports fans are located 200 km from Geneva.
If you get to these resorts in France at the beginning of winter, you can watch with your own eyes the World Cup called “First Snow Criterium”. By the way, the trails are covered with snow from November to May. Not only are there no such diverse slopes anywhere else, but all the work revolves around tourists. An important point is the absence of queues for the lifts.
Val d'Zer and Tignes are not in vain discussed as a single entity. These resorts are connected into the "Killie Expanse" by ski lifts. It is in the complex that resorts provide maximum pleasure to active holidaymakers. The funicular (3500 m) called Grand Motte has a fairly high speed. In just 6 minutes you can rise from the station at 2100 m to an altitude of 3300 m. “Killy Space” offers vacationers comfortable trails of sufficient width, with high-quality markings. Their length is up to 300 km. Skiing enthusiasts can enjoy virgin snow skiing, and glacier skiing is also available all year round.
Les Deux Alpes
This ski resort in Alpine France is located literally at the foot of the Mont-de-Lans glacier, which is considered the largest in all of Europe. Height – 1650 m. The easiest way to get to it is from Geneva. To do this, you will have to overcome a distance of at least 220 km. Not only skiers, but also snowboarders love to relax here. A local “snowboard park” has been opened especially for them.
The glacier provides snow all year round, including the summer months, so alpine skiing in France is relevant not only during the frosty season.
The total length of the slopes at the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes is 200 km, including:
- Reds – 21;
- Blue – 25;
- Green – 22;
- Black – 8.
The Loisan massif is home to a high-mountain region of grandiose proportions. It is considered as unique as the White Valley of Mont Blanc. Vacations will not be limited to skiing; the ski resort offers a lot of entertainment for vacationers. There are wellness centers and heated swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) on site. To experience the fabulous atmosphere, you should go down into the artificial ice grotto. Other leisure options include paragliding and skiing with torches.
Kurveshel
“Chosen by the stars” is what this ski resort in modern France is called. It gained such fame thanks to its high-quality service. Here are the most comfortable hotels and restaurants with the best level of service in the world. The resort has 4 levels from 1030 m to 1850 m, which are connected by lifts. The total length of local ski slopes is 600 km. Also located in Courchevel:
- 2 Olympic springboards designed for ski jumping;
- 1 high speed downhill track;
- 3 slalom tracks;
- 2 tracks for snowboarders;
- Climbing wall (13 m);
- Ice climbing tower (39 m).
To make your leisure time unforgettable and vibrant, restaurants and bars, discos and nightclubs, and sports complexes with tennis courts are constantly operating in Courchevel.
Meribel
A ski resort located right in the heart of the Three Valleys. Height - from 1450 to 1800 m. It is famous for its architectural sophistication. This high mountain point in France consists of three parts - Belvedere, Motare and the central part. They are connected to each other using lifts and roads.
Trails of varying difficulty make the picturesque landscapes even more gorgeous. It is the beauty of the French Alps that attracts so many tourists to Meribel. An equally exciting holiday awaits both lovers of comfortable descents and fans of virgin lands at the resort. The length of the tracks is 600 km.
The lift system is designed so that skiers do not have to use taxis and buses.
La Plagne
It was impossible to keep silent about this ski resort, because it is the largest in France. Despite the fact that the number of slopes is simply incredible (123), the quality of the slopes can also amaze you. The resort includes four stations at the foot of the mountains and six high-mountain stations.
If you purchase a special pass in La Plagne, you can ride all the lifts in Les Arcs for free. If the subscription lasts 6 days or more, then you can ride for free during the day at each of the Olympic resorts belonging to the Savoy area. This way you can visit the main ski resorts in France and save significantly. These are places like:
- "Three Valleys";
- Pralonian en Vanoise;
- Le Sesy;
- "Killie Spaces".
Each La Plagne station has one free ski lift and ski kindergarten. Not only skiers come here, but also snowboard lovers. There is a snowboard park for them. To replenish your energy after skiing, La Plagne has 21 restaurants, so it’s difficult to stay hungry here.
Chamonix
This ski resort in the French border zone is considered one of the most visited in Europe. It is located right at the foot of the glaciers of the world famous Mont Blanc mountain. The height of the peak is 4807 m, and the resort itself is at an altitude of 1050 m, occupying the intersection of the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland. The highest point of the local ski lift is 3842 m.
Chamonix is famous for its “White Valley”, which offers tourists as much as 20 km of off-piste skiing. People from all over the world come here to admire nature. But it’s not just about fabulous landscapes, but also about comfort. Chamonix has a well-developed infrastructure, which makes the holiday not only interesting, but also convenient for every tourist.
The following are open for guests' leisure:
- Wellness centers;
- Climbing wall;
- Athletics stadium;
- Indoor ice skating rink;
- Pool;
- Gym.
France is amazing place, truly heavenly, thanks to its so successful geographical location.
Here you will find everything you need for a carefree vacation – the sea, the sun, and the mountains. The beaches of France attract the elite, and the ski resorts are rightfully considered the best in the world.
French ski resorts are highly rated by both amateurs and professionals. France was the host of the white Olympics three times - Chamonix (1924). Grenoble (1968) and Albertville (1992). It was here in Chamonix in 1924 that the tradition of the Winter Olympic Games was first established.
Ski resorts are located in both the Alps and the Pyrenees. Alpine resorts are better known and popular due to their high location, long season and extensive ski areas. However, the Pyrenees also has its fans - those who love snow and sun, and a hassle-free holiday away from noise and crowds come here. We must also pay tribute to a vacation in the Pyrenees that is much cheaper with the same quality.
Ski resorts in France began to develop since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and especially rapidly after the Second World War. Having started much later than the Austrians and Swiss, the French soon surpassed them in terms of equipment and resort infrastructure. It was the French who came up with the idea of uniting the ski areas of small villages, thereby creating an offer that is impossible to resist.
Such ski areas as the Three Valleys and Portes du Soleil, which are the largest in the world, brought France worldwide fame.
Portes du Soleil includes 650 km of ski slopes and 12 separate resorts in the Franco-Swiss region; the most popular French resorts of them are Avoriaz, Morzine and Les Gets.
Three Valleys is the world's largest interconnected ski resort, covering 600 km of ski slopes and linking the famous resorts of Courchevel,
The Paradiski ski area is worthy of special mention: a 420 km ski area combining the resorts of Pesseus Vallandry, La Plagne and Les Arcs. The last two are the most famous, as they offer large and varied terrain above 3000 m with a guarantee of snow cover.
It is impossible not to mention the “number one resort in France” - Espace Killy. A huge combined ski area, two popular ski stations Tignes and Val de Zir, guarantee of snow in winter, long season and glacier skiing in summer, excellent infrastructure and inviting night life– all this attracts winter sports fans like a magnet. Space Killy is positioned as youth resort.
Most French ski resorts, like La Plagne, were purpose-built from scratch in the 1950s and 1960s as ski resorts, and as a result, many are among the highest in Europe, like Val Thorens at 2,300 m or Tignes at 2,100m, which means excellent snow conditions for almost six months.
Most French ski resorts, including Chamonix, are now large and cosmopolitan. Sometimes a small provincial town cannot boast of so many bars, concert venues, discos, sports clubs and shops. And no one is surprised by the Michelin star on the door anymore local restaurant.
However, there are pleasant exceptions, Chatel and Les Gets in the Haute-Savoie department are two examples of small stations that have retained their traditional charm, with Alpine architecture, family-run pensions and typical cuisine of the region produced by farmers living nearby.
Family-type resorts are especially valued in France, specially awarded the "Famille Plus" sign by the French Tourist Council. If you are looking for a resort by affordable prices For family vacation- kindergarten, children's ski school and daily entertainment programs for children, then pay attention to the resorts marked with this \"Famille Plus\" sign, for example, Chatel, Les Gets, Les 2Alpes or Val Thorens.
The 20 ski resorts scattered throughout the French Pyrenees tend to be smaller and less developed than those in the Alps, but they offer a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and large expanses of untouched wilderness. Some of the most popular ski resorts in the French Pyrenees include Saint-Lary, Piau Engely, Gavarnie and Cauterets.
Ski lift prices are similar to Switzerland, Austria or Italy, ranging from €22 to €48 per day.
Airports in Geneva, Lyon, Nice and Milan provide international transport to the French Alps. Buses and transfer services are organized according to the days of arrival from these airports.
By right, the ski resorts of France are considered to be the most prestigious in the world. The Alpine ridge, which runs through this European country, has over four thousand trails, among which there are both very difficult ones, intended for professionals, and very simple ones, where even a child can enjoy skiing.
Brief overview of all recreation areas
More than two hundred recreation areas are concentrated in this area, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics, both geographical and artificially created (hotels, restaurants and other establishments). However, all ski resorts in France, regardless of the degree of prestige, include hotels of various categories (from two to five stars), a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, and, most importantly, different slopes. That is, when arriving anywhere in the French Alps, you can choose the most difficult descent for yourself, as well as the extremely simple one, and enjoy your vacation. Moreover, tourists can move around in this area without any restrictions. You can book a hotel at one resort, and on some day go to the slopes of another.
Landscapes of the world heritage
Now let's look at the most visited and recognizable ski resorts in France. Chamonix is considered the heart of the entire Alpine range, where unique nature and a very pleasant climate welcome every tourist. It is located near the borders of Switzerland and Italy, so in this region you will also be able to notice a slight synthesis of cultures. Despite the fact that this recreation area is perfectly equipped with trails of varying difficulty, the White Valley remains a legendary place here. This point is at an altitude of 3842 meters, and while climbing there, you can descend as much as you like off-road. The place is extreme, but everyone who has experienced all the delights of such skiing wants to return there again and again. Well, and of course, like all ski resorts, it is a center for ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding over snowy peaks and much more.
Young and inexpensive recreation area
If you are looking for a secluded place where the prices are very reasonable, but the service remains... high level, then you will probably be attracted to the next option. The French ski resort of Tignes occupies a vast area within the Alps, which is popularly called the “Killy Space”. This place is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure, which consists of a metro, gondolas and a huge network that regularly transport tourists to various parts of the Alpine range. The resort also has a giant glacier called the Grand Mote, suitable for skiing all year round. At its top there are many so-called blue tracks, which are most often chosen by carving enthusiasts. If you still prefer freeride, then ideal place For descents there will be lower tracks, which are located in the west of the recreation area.
The most visited ski resorts in France
“Three Valleys” is the general name for 600 kilometers of trails, which are located at an altitude of 1300-3230 meters. More than two hundred lifts constantly transport vacationers to different heights, from which you can descend both on skis and snowboards. It is in this region that winter sports championships have been repeatedly held, and it is here that nature most organically combines with the creation of man. The Three Valleys includes recreation areas such as Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel (France). Val Thorens is the highest point in the region. Skiers here climb to a height of 2300 meters, where a stunning view of the entire Mont Blanc opens. The slopes here are calm, without obstacles, but still steep, so only a professional will feel safe here. Courchevel is the center of social life. This is the pride of France. Important ceremonies and parties are constantly taking place here; the hotel business and service sector are simply excellent. In addition to all this, the number of trails of varying difficulty is off the charts. The height of the slopes in Courchevel ranges from 1300-1800 meters, and among them there are not only simple slopes, but also tracks for jumping, for skiing or downhill. There are also many ice arenas and much more.
The Golden Mean of the Three Valleys
The ski resort of Meribel is considered the most suitable place for family holidays. At an altitude of 1,400 meters, there are cross-country trails and ordinary slopes, where there are trainers who will help everyone, including small children, learn the basics of winter sports. The architecture of the region is made entirely in french style, it's cozy and beautiful here. The service in hotels and restaurants is at a high level, and at the same time the prices are quite reasonable. They don't forget about amateurs here either. ice entertainment. Special rinks are equipped for hockey players, where they are provided with suitable skates, as well as the necessary uniforms. For those who like to simply cut across the ice, there are many arenas under open air, where both children and adults ride. But the most interesting entertainment in Meribel is sled rides and races. Every child will receive a lot of impressions from such entertainment, although adults can also take part in the races.
Alpine Sun Island
A top class resort located in one of the most sunny places in a world where golden rays envelop the mountain peaks 300 days a year. The Alpe d'Huez recreation area is characterized by trails that are located on the upper plateau. All of them face south, which allows you to enjoy the sun until late in the evening. In this region, many slopes are designed for children and beginners. The fact is that they are all flat and quite wide, there are a minimum of obstacles, and therefore safety is at a high level. It is here that the two most legendary descents are located: Saren, which is 16 kilometers long, and the Tunnel, a route cut through the glacier. The recreation area also has ice arenas, skating rinks for hockey players and much more.
The oldest recreation area in the Alps
Modern ski resorts in France were most often built on the sites of former settlements, which have historical meaning. Some of them completely collapsed under the influence of time, but some were preserved and have survived to this day. For example, the Megève region is a living monument of architecture and art, whose history began in the Middle Ages. In the surrounding villages, all roads are paved with cobblestones, and vehicle traffic is prohibited here. The houses that are rented out to tourists have been here for over 200 years, but they are beautifully restored and perfectly clean. Many guests come here to enjoy the spirit of antiquity, to feel how people lived here before and how wonderful it was. There is also a temple in the town, which was built in the 13th century, a monastery was built next to it, and in the center of the town there is a large clock tower.
Training center for beginner skiers
The recreation area called Portes du Soleil is another place that receives constant sunshine almost all year round. A total of 650 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty are concentrated here, but most importantly, there are a lot of schools where everyone can learn mountaineering or improve their skills. The resort is divided into four ski areas - Morzine, Avoria, Les Gets and Chatel. You need to choose one or the other depending on your skills in as well as the aspirations and peaks that you are going to overcome. Some business here is well developed, however large quantities There are no various events or social establishments here. People come here mainly to get back into shape or learn to ski fluently from scratch. Often, graduates of local schools become Olympic champions or masters of winter sports.
A short afterword
Every year, French ski resorts welcome more and more tourists to their lands. Prices for tours here are quite reasonable (fluctuate around 500 USD per week of vacation), which makes it possible for people not only with high, but also with average incomes to visit this place. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are excellent mountain runs of varying difficulty, and schools for those who want to learn the art of skiing. And, of course, entertainment and social parties are available to vacationers. A lot of interesting things await every tourist with any tastes and preferences here.
Val Thorens is located at an altitude of 2300 meters and is considered the highest ski resort in Europe. There is always a lot of snow here, and skiing safety is ensured by the special Gaz-ex avalanche control system. The "black" and "red" slopes of Val Thorens are located in the areas of Cime de Caron, Lac du Loup and La Mas, and in Pointe de Torrance fans of freeride will find excellent virgin fields. Snowboarders will be delighted by the fun park in the Plateau sector with unusual modules and special tracks for competitions. The resort also has slopes for those who are just starting to ski.
In addition, Val Thorens has a 6-kilometer toboggan run, a snow and ice track for cars, a large sports complex, the best discotheque in France, the Underground, and many wonderful après-ski spots.
Photo gallery of the Val Thorens resort
Les Menuires is a family resort and a paradise for beginners; most of the slopes here are for those who are just starting out or want to improve their skills. It doesn’t take long to get from hotels and apartments to the slopes; they start right outside the door.
Les Menuires also has tracks for professionals; they are located on the slopes of Mont de la Chambre, and for snowboarders, there is an excellent fun park in the same area. Les Menuires offers beginner skiers a special ski area with an area of about 5000 square meters. m and a conveyor lift. The village has a sports center with an aqua club, a children's club, restaurants and bars.
Photo gallery of Les Menuires resort
Meribel is a great family ski resort. It is located in the center of the Three Valleys region and consists of three villages. This place is perfect for those who are just learning winter mountain sports or want to introduce children to skiing. Wide pistes in the Altiport and Rond-Point areas and a free ski lift for beginners will help any tourist to join the charm of skiing. However, there are also steep slopes in Meribel for professional athletes, for example, the La Face Olympic women's circuit or the descent to Combe du Valon. Meribel will also delight snowboarders - there are two special areas, Platier Snowpark and Arpasson Moonpark. In the first, a 650-meter track with obstacles, a half-pipe and a baby pipe is open to snowboarders, and in the second, a kilometer-long track with obstacles and two half-pipes.
Meribel has a sports complex, bowling alley, cinemas and nightclubs. The resort's restaurants are generally open after 17:00. Fans of parties and noisy parties can recommend the village of Mottare, where there are many discos, bars and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of Meribel resort
Brides-les-Bains is a superbly located ski resort with ideal access to the Three Valleys. The direct Olympus cable car takes skiers and snowboarders to Meribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel. The town was built for the 1992 Olympic Games and offers budget accommodation at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level.
The total area of the resort's slopes is 77 km; there are 58 lifts with a capacity of 64 thousand people per hour. There are two fun parks for snowboarders and 33 km of ski trails for cross-country skiers.
In Brides-les-Bains you can not only have great skiing, but also improve your health; there is a large wellness center with thermal springs.
Val d'Isere is one of the most sporting resorts in the French Alps. Every year in November, the first starts of the World Cup are held here; in 1992, the resort hosted the Winter Olympics, in 2009 – the World Alpine Ski Championships. The sports tracks located in the Belleward area are open to everyone in the afternoon. At the same time, Val d’Isere has special ski areas for beginners, as well as excellent ski schools that will teach everything necessary for both children and adults. Resort guests have at their disposal a well-designed lift system that connects Val d'Isere with all ski areas, and 150 km of well-prepared slopes, including 12 green, 24 blue, 28 red and 15 black slopes. Val d'Pistes The Isères are known for their diversity, with a height difference of up to 1300 m.
Three ski areas: Bellevard, Solace and Col de Lisérant offer sports lovers a variety of trails. There are freeride areas, sports slopes, challenging black runs and magnificent panoramic slopes that will not leave you indifferent. Snowpark Val d'Isere is located in the Bellevard area. The resort is famous for its beautiful architectural appearance, excellent choice comfortable hotels and apartments and excellent restaurants. Outdoor skating rink, aquatic center, night club, many restaurants and cafes will allow you to have a great time after skiing. Tourists can be sure that Val d'Isere offers a truly diverse range of leisure activities.
Photo gallery of the Val d'Isere resort
Megève is an excellent alpine resort where both skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of opportunities for interesting skiing. The city itself looks great with buildings in the Savoyard style. There are great hotels here, wonderful entertainment centers, restaurants and shops.
The resort offers its guests 222 pistes and is located in the center of the large Evasion-Mont Blanc ski area, where there are about 445 km of marked pistes of varying difficulty levels and 113 lifts. The ski season here lasts from December to April. The most interesting, beautiful and at the same time difficult slopes can be found in the Mont Joly and Mont Joux areas. There is another section with “red” and “black” tracks in Kot-2000. Those who are not so confident in their abilities should pay attention to the descents to Mont-d'Arbois or Comploux. Beginners will also find a place to ski in Megeve; easy “green” and “blue” slopes can be found not only below the town, but also in all three ski areas.
Snowboarders will appreciate the slopes in Combloux-Les-Jaillers, as well as the Piste de Fentin boarder route in Côte 2000 - Rochebrune. In addition to the Sports Palace with a swimming pool, saunas, gymnasium and fitness center, Megève has cinemas, a bowling alley, an indoor Olympic skating rink and even an aviation club. Fans of evening entertainment will find casinos, jazz and bridge clubs, discos and many boutiques. Magnificent views of Mont Blanc can be seen from Mont Joly, and in Saint-Gervais you can swim in the thermal springs.
Photo gallery of the Megève resort
Courchevel is perhaps the most prestigious French resort, very popular among Russian tourists. A variety of slopes, an excellent selection of tracks, beautiful virgin slopes - all this allows both beginners and experienced ski lovers to get a lot of pleasure from their holiday. The shopping and social life of Courchevel is amazing.
Beginners will enjoy the wide green and blue pistes in the Belcôte and Pralon ski areas. Those who are confident in skiing and snowboarding should look at the beautiful forest slope of Buc Blanc and the “red” slopes in Marmot and Creux. Professionals will appreciate the “black” slopes of Col de la Loz, Les Aval, Col du Pass du Lac, as well as descents from Saulir stations. 65 lifts take tourists to the Alpine peaks. Courchevel has a snowpark, a half-pipe, many snow cannons, and a 2-kilometer-long toboggan run. An indoor sports complex, bowling alley, fitness center, skating rink, concert hall and cinema, numerous discos, galleries and restaurants will not let you get bored after skating.
The resort has more than 100 shops, where all the world's famous brands are represented. Courchevel's restaurants and boutiques are designed for high-income tourists. The nearest train station, Moutieres Salins, is half an hour's drive from the resort.
Courchevel Village is a cozy family ski resort, which is located at an altitude of 1550 m. Until 2013, it was better known as Courchevel 1550. This is a small Alpine town in Savoyard style with an economical hotel, excellent apartments and modern luxury chalets.
Two lifts connect Courchevel Village with the main ski areas of the region. There is a ski school, a tourist information office, a rental shop, restaurants, bars, a disco and an ice skating rink. The resort will appeal to family tourists and lovers of a secluded holiday, however, from here you can easily reach the noisier parts of Courchevel with famous restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of the Courchevel resort
The popular ski resort of Tignes is located at an altitude of 2100 m in the Espace Killy ski area. Spacious wide trails, great opportunities freeride and long season make it an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders. The three ski areas of Tignes - Tignes-le-Lac, Val Claret and Lavache - are connected by a system of lifts and are located next to a picturesque lake. On the Grand Motte glacier, the ski season opens at the beginning of October, in other areas - at the end of November and lasts until the first third of May.
Sports lovers will find 76 slopes in Tignes, most of them blue and red, a snow park with a half-pipe, a mogul slope and an excellent ski school. Here you can also go cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowskiing, ice climbing, or paragliding or helicoptering.
Cozy cafes and restaurants, noisy discos and bars will not let you get bored after skiing. The resort's infrastructure is famous for its compact and convenient location, and the prices for accommodation here are quite affordable.
Les Arcs is a group of resorts located in the heart of the French Alps, in the Haute Tarentaise valley. The resort towns are located here at altitudes from 1600 to 2000 meters above sea level and are connected by ski slopes and lifts. The skiing season is from mid-December to the end of April. Fans of mountain winter sports in Les Arcs will find 121 ski and snowboard trails, a wide variety of ski lifts, and two snow parks with halfpipes. There are also opportunities for activities here. unusual species sports, for example, speedwriting and skijoring.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular ski resort in the Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc. The first tourists appeared in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in early XIX century, and since then the resort has only been gaining popularity. In 1924, it was here that the 1st winter Olympic Games. Today Chamonix-Mont-Blanc welcomes up to 5 million tourists and athletes a year.
There are several ski areas in the Chamonix Valley: Grand Montet, Les Tours, Breven, Les Houches, Flegeres, as well as the famous off-piste descent from the top of the Aiguille du Midi, 20 kilometers long - the White Valley. It is because of the White Valley that the resort is considered the capital of extreme skiing in France.
There is no single ski area in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, however, ski buses will take tourists to the ski lifts in 7-15 minutes. Nice hotels and great bars, interesting museums and mountain Railway to Mont Blanc (at an altitude of 2372 m) will make your holiday in Chamonix interesting and enjoyable, even if you are not going to ski all day long.
The famous winter resorts of the French Alps, small mountain villages, mountain ranges on the island of Corsica, excellent conditions for both beginners and professionals, opportunities for flat skiing, paragliding, snowboarding and other sports, developed infrastructure, a wide selection of après ski – ski France is ready to offer all this to tourists.
General information about ski resorts in France
French ski resorts are rightfully considered one of the best in the world: more than 400 resorts, the highest mountains (the Alps), first-class and varied slopes that have hosted more than one Olympic Games - indeed, there is something to be proud of.
The largest area for skiing is, of course, the Alps. Also here is the highest peak - Mont Blanc, the largest selection of slopes, a huge number of lifts - almost 4000. About half of all resorts are equipped with snow cannons, and some allow skiing even in summer. In addition to the well-known Chamonix or Courchevel, there are also less popular places for skiing in other regions of the country. For example, the Pyrenees is a great option for those who prefer flat skiing or are just learning to ski or snowboard. Another advantage of holidays in this region in winter is that prices are significantly lower than in Alpine resorts. Corsica also has resorts that allow ski lovers to relax there from December to March, sometimes until April.
Concerning weather conditions in the Alps, then you can safely come here from the end of November to the beginning of May (depending on the specific resort, the start of the season may vary). The best time for skiing begins in February when the weather becomes sunny. The Alps enjoy fairly mild weather throughout the season – it rarely drops below - 10 degrees.
Another nice moment– a sufficient number of ski schools offering different levels of training. If you purchase a ski pass for the lessons, the cost of the first ones will be much lower. You can reduce the cost of ski passes by purchasing passes - from 1 day or more. The subscription can be for a specific resort or for the entire ski area. Children under 5 years old and adults over 72 years old do not pay anything for a ski pass.
Where to ski in France
The most popular and sought after ski resorts in France are located in the Alps, as already mentioned. Novice athletes should pay attention to the resorts of the Murien Valley; in search of luxury and prestigious holidays, go to Courchevel or Val d’Isere; from the Portes du Soleil resorts you will also get to the Swiss mountain peaks.
Ski resorts in France in numbers
| Resort | Max. height difference, m | Length of routes, km | Trails | Lifts | Ski pass for adults, euro |
| Chamonix | 3842 | 152 | 74 | 49 | 1 day – 46 6 days – 230 13 days – 447 |
| Espace Killy (Val d'Isere, Tignes) | 3450 | 300 | 135 | 100 | 1 day – 51 6 days – 251 13 days – 469 |
| Courchevel | 1638 | 150 | 102 | 65 | 1 day – 48 6 days – 234 13 days – 496 |
| Meribel | 2349 | 150 | 69 | 46 | 1 day – 48 6 days – 277 13 days – 470 |
| Alpe d'Huez | 2200 | 250 | 113 | 81 | 2 days – 92 6 days – 239 8 days – 299 |
| Megève | 2350 | 300 | 125 | 81 | 1 day – 43 6 days – 205 8 days – 263 |
| Les Deux Alpes | 2298 | 200 | 76 | 63 | 1 day – 45 6 days – 225 13 days – 468 |
| Paradiski | 3400 | more than 700 | 238 | 143 | 1 day - 54 6 days – 277 13 days – 592 |
| Portes du Soleil | 2500 | 650 | 273 | 212 | 1 day - 48 6 days – 238 13 days – 406 |
Now let’s talk about the most popular ski resorts in a little more detail.
Three Valleys
It is one of the largest ski areas in France, combining the resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens, with 600 km of slopes, excellent slopes, cross-country skiing trails, skating rinks, hockey rinks, sled racing, jumping hills and trails for slalom Courchevel offers the most luxurious entertainment and hotels, as well as Olympic-quality tracks. Meribel and Val Thorens have excellent conditions for learning and beginner skiers.
A nice bonus is ski schools for children over 3 years old and a large number of kindergartens, so you can safely come to the resorts of the Three Valleys with the whole family.
Chamonix
The oldest (200 years old), the largest, most famous and most famous resort in France (it was here that the first Winter Olympics were held), the highest descent in the Alps (about 20 km) - this is enough to go here. The resort is very diverse: the quality of the slopes varies (some are very good, some are quite mediocre), suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers, both partygoers and connoisseurs of alpine beauty will be happy here.
In Chamonix, unlike many other resorts, there is no single ski area - you will have to get there by ski bus (about 7 minutes), but it is possible to get to the ski resorts of Italy and Switzerland. In addition, Chamonix has excellent conditions for snowboarders: there is a half-pipe, pistes and off-piste skiing; 42 kilometers of cross-country ski trails; ski schools, 300 instructors work; There are children's clubs and a kindergarten.
Espace Killy
This region unites several ski resorts (Val d'Isere and Tignes are the most popular) with a total length of slopes of 300 km. Thanks to state-of-the-art slopes, highly developed infrastructure, many ski schools (with 800 instructors), the opportunity to ski on glaciers even in summer, excellent snowboarding trails and large selection après-ski (helicopter rides, sledding or motor sleigh rides), the resorts in this region are considered one of the best in the whole world, not to mention France. Children's clubs, nurseries, nannies are a self-evident fact, without which it is impossible to imagine any developed ski resort.
Portes du Soleil
The Gates of the Sun - this is how the name of the resort is translated - is located in two countries at once: France and Switzerland. A unified skiing system is well developed here, and the opportunity to visit two countries at once in one day attracts tourists even more. The most popular resorts in the region on the French side are Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets.
In addition to the ski slopes, you will find 7 parks for snowboarders, off-piste slopes, 216 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, snowmobiles and hang gliders, nightclubs and restaurants, including those with Russian cuisine (for those who suddenly feel homesick).
Alpe d'Huez
Known as one of the most solar resorts ski France - the sun shines here 300 days a year (longer than on some beaches). In particularly clear weather observation platforms almost a quarter of the South of France is visible. There is a route laid right through the glacier and featured in one of the parts of Bond, one of the longest descents in France - the 16-kilometer Sarin. Among other things, here suitable conditions for children and beginners. Experienced athletes will be pleased with the quantity and quality of the red and black trails.
Another one distinguishing feature This resort, and a very pleasant one, is the availability of a large number of accommodation places (much more than in other ski regions). And the ski lifts pick up skiers right from the hotel gates. There are more than enough reasons to come to this resort.
Paradiski
The youngest resort for ski lovers in France, where you can come all year round to hone your skills, thanks to the well-placed glaciers here.
In addition, this is the second largest ski area (after the Three Valleys). The valley's popular resorts of Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peysée Vallandry are connected by Europe's largest cable car. In addition to alpine skiing, here you can try your hand at the Olympic bobsleigh track or skijoring, when skis are attached to a horse), go to frozen waterfalls or organize a descent into an ice cave. There are also tracks for freestyle skiers, creating conditions for both beginner skiers and professionals.
A huge number of different resorts, a combination of traditions that have evolved over centuries, and modern trends, opportunities for skiing all year round, and before you is one of the leaders in alpine skiing in the world.
Climate in France
The climate in France is noticeably different in each region due to the influence of the seas and oceans, as well as mountain ranges, but in general it can be called moderate: there will be no stifling heat in the summer and sharp frosts in the winter, which undoubtedly affects the popularity of France among tourists from all over the world.Marseilles
Snow-white liners going on cruises in the Mediterranean Sea and to Africa, fishing boats starting every morning in search of the next, and it should be noted, considerable catch, excellent beaches offering not only standard set services for vacationers, but also the opportunity to go kayaking or sailing - this is how the second most important and largest city in France - Marseille - welcomes guests. This city has a lot of Arabic delicacies and other exotic things - it’s not for nothing that it is considered the gateway to Africa.
Toulouse
A city with a rich history and original architecture, one of the most vibrant and romantic cities in France, Toulouse amazes with its mixture of traditions and styles. Roman ruins, ancient cathedrals and churches with delightful stained glass windows, elegant mansions of pale blue and red brick houses - the city amazes with its unique flavor. And each of its squares and streets is imbued with history: Duke Henri de Montmorency was executed here - the most notorious execution in the country; The ancient monastery, the Augustinian Museum, houses paintings by the most famous French artists.
Loading...