Skiing in France can be a fantastic experience, with many different ski resorts. Each ski resort has unique charm and features, making it the perfect place for a ski holiday. With so many choices, deciding where to go skiing in France can be challenging. To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the best ski resorts in France based on our personal experiences.
The 9 Best Places To Ski In France
Val d’Isere
Val d’isere is a world-renowned ski resort in the french alps. Situated in the Tarentaise valley, Val d’isere is one of Europe’s most popular ski destinations and is well-known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.
The resort has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century, when it was first developed as a summer mountain retreat for wealthy Europeans. During winter, the resort is transformed into a mecca for skiing and snowboarding, with kilometers of slopes to explore. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone at Val d’isere.
The resort is also home to several world-class events, including the famous world cup alpine ski races.
If you’re looking for a genuinely memorable skiing or snowboarding experience, Val d’isere is the place to be.
La Rosiere
La Rosiere is a French ski resort near the Italian border in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps. It is located in the Haute-Savoie department of France.
The resort was developed in the 1950s and became a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over Europe. La Rosiere has a variety of slopes to suit all levels, from beginner to expert, and is also home to several parks and pipes for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
La Rosiere is known for its friendly atmosphere and its beautiful surroundings. The resort has many bars, restaurants, a cinema, and a bowling alley. There is also a wide range of accommodation available, from camping and hostels to luxury hotels.
La Rosiere is an ideal resort for a family holiday or a romantic getaway. There are several activities for children and adults, and the resort is easy to reach by road or rail from major cities such as Geneva, Lyon, or Paris.
Les Trois Vallees
Les Trois Vallees is a skiing area in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, encompassing the valleys of Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens. It is the largest linked ski area in the world.
The Three Valleys are located in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps. The valley is home to some of the best skiing in the world, and the Three Valleys is the largest linked ski area in the world. The valleys of Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens make up the Three Valleys, each offering a unique skiing experience.
Courchevel is the most famous of the Three Valleys and is known for its luxury ski resorts. Meribel is the largest of the Three Valleys and offers a more traditional French skiing experience. Val Thorens is the highest resort in the Three Valleys and is perfect for those who want to experience the best of what the Alps offer.
No matter which valley you choose to ski in, you will have an unforgettable experience. The Three Valleys is a must-visit for any skier or snowboarder.
Avoriaz
Avoriaz is a French mountain resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area in the Haute-Savoie département of south-eastern France. It is a purpose-built resort created in the 1960s as part of the massive development of skiing in France during that era.
The resort is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,906 ft), making it one of the highest resorts in Europe. It is located just above the tree line, and all buildings are constructed from wood to blend in with the natural environment.
Avoriaz has a good selection of shops and restaurants, a swimming pool, a cinema, and an ice rink. It is also a popular base for mountain biking in the summer, with many trails crisscrossing the nearby forests.
The resort is easily accessible by road, just an hour’s drive from Geneva airport. A regular shuttle bus service also serves it from nearby Morzine.
Skiing in Avoriaz is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts. There are a variety of slopes to suit all abilities, as well as several off-piste areas for those looking for a more adventurous ski trip.
With its convenient location and excellent facilities, Avoriaz is the perfect place to enjoy a ski holiday in France.
Chamonix
Chamonix is a town and commune in the Haute-Savoie département in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France. It is located in the French Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Farmers first settled in the town in the early 12th century. It later became a popular destination for tourists and mountain climbers due to its proximity to Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe
Today, Chamonix is a popular ski resort and attracts visitors from all over the world. The town has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a cinema and bowling alley. There is also a wide range of accommodation available, from camping and hostels to luxury hotels.
Chamonix is easily accessible by road or rail from major cities such as Geneva, Lyon, or Paris. The town is also served by a regular shuttle bus from nearby Geneva airport.
Skiing in Chamonix is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts. The town has several ski schools and a ski area with various slopes to suit all abilities.
With its convenient location and excellent facilities, Chamonix is the perfect place to enjoy a ski holiday in France.
Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is a French ski resort located in the Isère department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It is situated about 100 kilometers southeast of Lyon, close to Grenoble and Mont Blanc. The village lies at an altitude of 1,650 meters, and its highest lift-served point is 3,600 meters. Les Deux Alpes is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and was the venue for the first-ever World Championships in 1966. It is also known for its sizeable skiable glacier, open for skiing all year round.
Les Deux Alpes has a long and rich history as a ski resort. The first recorded attempt to climb Mont de la Dale was made in 1744, and the first successful ascent was completed in 1834. In 1864, the first ski lift was built in the area, and in 1934 the first chairlift was installed. The resort played host to the 1966 World Championships and has hosted several World Cup events.
The resort has a wide range of accommodation options, from camping and hostels to luxury hotels. There is also a range of restaurants, bars, and shops selling everything from ski equipment to souvenirs.
Les Deux Alpes is an excellent destination for beginner and experienced skiers and snowboarders. The slopes are well-groomed, and various runs suit all abilities. The resort also has a Snowpark and a halfpipe, popular with freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
Les Deux Alpes is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a ski resort with a long history, good facilities, and a great location. Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced skier, or a snowboarder, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained at this popular French resort.
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez is a ski resort and town in the Isère department in south-eastern France. It is a commune of the Grand Domaine ski area, which consists of Alpe d’Huez and nine surrounding villages. Alpe d’Huez is also known as the “Island in the Sun” or “Le Domaine du Soleil,” referring to its average of 300 days of sunshine a year.
The resort is served by two gondola lifts, the 8-seater Alpe Express and the 10-seater DMC, which connect it to the nearby village of Huez. There are also several chairlifts, surface lifts, a ski school, and a beginner’s area.
Alpe d’Huez is one of the classic stages of the Tour de France and has been featured in the race 21 times since 1952. It is also a frequent stage in the Vuelta a España and the Critérium du Dauphiné.
The resort is located at an altitude of 1,860 meters (6,100 ft) and has a skiable area of 245 hectares (600 acres). It comprises four main skiing areas: Les Grandes Jorasses, Les Sept Laux-Pipay, Alpe du Grand Serre, and La Garde.
Ski season in Alpe d’Huez usually runs from mid-December to early April. The annual snowfall is around 1.5 meters (4.9 ft), with most skiing on north-facing slopes.
Alpe d’Huez is home to the “Skiing in the Sun” museum, which chronicles the history of skiing in the area and the resort’s development. It also has a large outdoor ice rink, open to the public throughout the winter.
Alpe d’Huez is a popular mountain biking destination, with several trails of varying difficulty crisscrossing the area. In addition, there are several purpose-built mountain bike parks, such as the Bike Park Alpe d’Huez and the Bike Park Les Deux Alpes.
Alpe d’Huez has many accommodation options, from camping and hostels to luxury hotels. There are also several apartments and chalets available for rental.
The town also boasts an 18-hole golf course open to the public from May to October.
La Plagne
This ski resort is located in the French Alps and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is an excellent destination for beginner and experienced skiers, as various ski slopes are available. La Plagne is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere and après ski activities.
La Plagne was created in 1961 by linking the villages of Belle Plagne and Aime2000. Plagne Centre was added in 1973, followed by Plagne Soleil in 1974. The resort has grown to include ten villages connected by a high-speed gondola lift system.
La Plagne is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, with various slopes to suit all abilities. The resort also offers some non-skiing activities, such as dog sledding, ice skating, and snowshoeing.
The best time to visit La Plagne is during the winter months, from December to April. However, the resort is open all year round, with several activities on offer during the summer months.
Les Arcs
Les Arcs is a French ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, south-eastern France. It comprises four separate villages, 1300m – 1800m: Arc 1600, Arc 1800 (the main village and commercial center), Arc 1950, and Arc 2000. Les Arcs was created in 1968 to bring year-round tourism to the Tarentaise Valley by offering winter and summer activities. The resort has become a popular tourist destination, with over two million visitors annually.
The Les Arcs ski area is located in the French Alps and offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The site is lift-linked to the neighboring resort of La Plagne, forming the enormous Paradiski skiing area, one of the world’s largest.
There is 425km of pistes in the Les Arcs ski area, with 205km for beginners, 176km for intermediate skiers, and 44km for advanced skiers. The site is also home to several off-piste runs and freerides areas, as well as a snowpark and halfpipe.
The Les Arcs ski season typically runs from late November to early April, although the exact dates vary depending on conditions.
If you’re planning a trip to Les Arcs, book your accommodation in advance as the resort can get very busy during peak times. Many accommodation options are available, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury chalets.
If you’re looking for a French ski resort with great skiing and snowboarding, beautiful scenery, and a lively après-ski scene, then Les Arcs is the perfect place!
Conclusion
France is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, offering something for everyone, from beginner skiers to experienced riders. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly resort or a lively après-ski scene, France has it all. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the slopes!