With the first snowfall, which throws a fluffy blanket on the majestic peaks, numerous winter resorts come to life in France. We provide interesting and up-to-date information about the most popular ski resorts.
There are five large mountain ranges on the territory of France, and each of them is unique. The largest and most impressive are the Alps. Its highest point, Mont Blanc (“White Mountain”), located on the border with Italy, reaches a height of 4810 meters above sea level.
The Northern French Alps are home to the most beautiful coniferous forests, high-altitude glaciers and gorgeous rock reliefs. It is here that one of the oldest ski resorts in France (more than 200 years old!) is located – Chamonix.
There are other popular areas in the Alps with many fashionable ski resorts: Les Trois Vallées (“Three Valleys”) with the beautiful bases of Courchevel, Méribel and Les Ménuires, as well as Paradiski, where you go to Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry.
The second most important mountain massif on the territory of France is the Pyrenees, a significant barrier between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic. This is the land of picturesque valleys and excellent winter resorts.
The brightest Pyrenean “stars” of snow leisure are La Mongie, Font Romeu and Cauterets ou Saint-Lary.
The proximity of the region to the Principality of Andorra – a duty-free trade zone, where you can save up to 40% on shopping (compared to French prices) is of additional interest to tourists.
The third most important on the list is the Central massif with its breathtaking views.
The highest point of the ridge – Puy de Sancy – reaches 1,886 meters above sea level. Not Mont Blanc, but still. There are three popular bases in the region: Bourboule, Super Besse and Mont Dore. It is an ideal place for relaxing in the bosom of harsh nature, skiing and snowboarding, as well as other winter sports.
In the north-east of France, where the borders of Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland converge, the Vosges mountain range is located.
Arriving here in the winter months, you can go for a walk on snowshoes, go skiing or sledding, and admire the fascinating natural scenes. Almost all types of winter sports are offered to tourists in the Vosges.
The Jura mountain closes the list – the edge of the eternal movement of water surrounded by endless forests and spacious valleys framed by steep cliffs.
In between slaloms among snow-covered fir trees, here you can enjoy delicious Comté, Morbier and Bleu de Gex cheeses, as well as Morteau sausages accompanied by local d’Arbois and du Bugey wines.
The ski resorts of France are very picturesque and romantic. White snow, blue sky, cozy little houses and the best wines. And there is such a variety of skiing tracks that you can ski all your vacation and not repeat the same route. Ski holidays in France began to develop in the 60s of the last century, and now it has achieved great popularity and excellent service. An additional impetus was the Winter Olympic Games in Albertville in 1996. The most famous skiing areas are the 3 Valleys (the largest skiing area in the world), Chamonix, Espasses Killy and La Plagne.
Courchevel
This is the most prestigious of the “Three Valleys” resorts. Located in the Tarantes Valley, where the Olympic Games were held. This is an ideal place for those who seek to combine prestige, sports traditions and comfort. The number of hotels and lifts in the resort is planned so that you will not see queues anywhere. Courchevel offers a whole range of entertainment: cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, night skiing; bars, restaurants, discotheques, night clubs, bowling, tennis and squash courts, skating rink, swimming pool, saunas, etc. are at your service. For those who love vast spaces, they offer delivery to the most beautiful slopes by helicopter.
Chamonix
The oldest ski resort, which traces its history back to the end of the 19th century, which hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. It lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest in France and all of Western Europe. In the town of Chamonix there are many hotels, entertainment, opportunities for various types of sports recreation, as well as a colorful bazaar on Saturdays. Many experts consider the region to be the best ski center in the world, the only drawback is the distance from hotels to the slopes, but most hotels are located near bus stops or deliver their guests by special transport. The region has 8 areas for skiing, of different levels of difficulty, the length of the tracks reaches 680 km, and they are served by 203 lifts. In Chamonix, the traditional Alpine style of all buildings is carefully preserved, so that even new hotels must fit into the architectural appearance of the town. Children’s clubs and schools are available for travelers with children.
How to get there: the nearest airport is in Geneva, 88 km from the resort.
Meribel
The largest of the Three Valleys resorts, the venue for the 1992 Olympic Games. A charming town with traditional stone and wooden chalets. Olympic skating rink, swimming pools, bowling, night descents with torches, bars, restaurants, 2 cinema halls. Even those who do not ski will find entertainment for themselves.
How to get there: the nearest Geneva airport is 135 km away
Val Torrance
One of the newest and most high-altitude resorts in France. It belongs to the Three Valleys region, and thanks to the well-developed lift system, you can ski on any of the slopes in this area. There is a huge sports center (9 thousand square meters) with indoor ice rinks, a swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts. You can ski in this area almost all year round, the snow does not melt on the northern slopes, and 20% of the tracks are covered with artificial snow.
Val d’Isere
According to some experts, the most beautiful ski slopes in the world are located here. Val d’Isere is truly impressive – several thousand hectares of marked ski trails and more than 10 thousand hectares of wilderness at an altitude of 1,550 to 3,500 m above sea level. Snow cover is guaranteed from November to May. The average air temperature ranges from -2.40 in January to +5.70 in April. Probably no other resort offers such freedom of movement and variety of slopes for skiers of any level. Going down 133 ski tracks (21 green, 63 blue, 35 red and 14 black – a total of 300 km), you can drive more than 50 km without taking off your skis, more than 10 km without stopping. For cross-country skiing, there are 50-kilometer tracks laid along the valley. One of them is along the Yzer River, the other is in the Manshi valley.
La Plan
It is located in the Isere River valley, between Val d’Isere and Albertville. It was built in 1962, using the method of complex construction, which was tested for the first time at this resort. Everyone will find lifts suitable for the level of the track in the Gran Monte area, and what’s nice is that you can ski almost from the door of the hotel. All the conditions for a democratic vacation have been created here, and the French themselves love the resort for this. In addition, there is a good medical center, kindergartens with English-speaking staff, bars, discos, skating rinks, swimming pools and restaurants.
How to get there: the nearest airports in Geneva are 149 km away. from the resort, in Lyon – 196 km from the resort.
Shadow
One of the resorts of the Espass Killy region. Thanks to the high mountain location, the snow lies here all winter, and on the glacier – all year round. Every year in November, the stages of the World Cup are held here. Everything here is conveniently arranged in order to do as much as possible – state-of-the-art lifts, a free bus that runs around the resort. There is also a large ski school, and of course, all the necessary infrastructure for active recreation. This resort, unlike its neighbors, is built in a modern style.
Mezhev
One of the oldest resorts (early 20th century). The small village has turned into a modern developed resort, but has preserved cultural traditions. Many exhibitions, concerts and other events are held here. So you can perfectly combine active recreation with walking around the city, visiting museums and sightseeing. And you can stay in any of almost 50 hotels, from 2* family hotels to luxurious 4* luxe hotels.
Avoriaz
Ski resort Avoriaz, located at an altitude of 1,800 m, in one of the largest skiing areas Portes du Soleil (Portes du Soleil) – 650 km of tracks. Between Mont Blanc and Lake Leman, that is, between France and Switzerland. If you have a passport with a Swiss visa, tourists will be able to cross the border on skis and ski in one or another country.
Le Arc
This resort gained worldwide popularity after the films “Apocalypse Snow”, which were filmed in these places. Since then, “off-piste skiing” and Le Arc have become practically synonymous for both skiers and snowboarders.
Le Arc is considered the birthplace of European snowboarding. Here is the world’s most famous international downhill speed record track, with a slope of up to 75% in some places.
The complex of villages built according to the typical projects of Charlotte Peria, a follower of the most famous French constructivist architect Le Corbusier, whose influence is visible in the architecture of buildings and the planning of apartments, consists of the villages of Arc Pierre Blanche (1600), Arc 1800 and Arc 2000.
La Cluise
Just an hour’s drive from Geneva Airport and just over the border in Switzerland, La Clos is often overlooked by skiers heading for the flashier and more famous Trois Vallées resorts. But here you can engage in skiing: well-groomed intermediate and advanced slopes and complex long tracks in the La Balm resort area. In total, La Cloise offers five interconnected mountain peaks with 130 kilometers of groomed trails and 84 ski slopes.
But the appeal of La Cluze goes beyond skiing. Unlike modern resorts, this is a real village with its own traditions and local life. This gives it an alpine charm that other nearby resorts lack. But it is not without its tourist amenities, with the only five-star residential area, the chalet-style Hotel Au Coeur du Village, at the foot of the slopes. A full calendar of festivals and events brings locals and skiers together, from a rugby tournament held in the snow to a Rio-style carnival and a cross-country ski race on melted ice at the end of the season.
Valmorel
Valmorel can safely be called one of the most family ski resorts. Therefore, if you are looking for a place to relax with children, this is what you need: there is a large selection of residences for accommodation, a full range of entertainment for children from four months of age, trails of varying difficulty and a SPA area.
Children’s clubs are a special bonus. While you explore the mountain slopes, your children are under close supervision. The cost of the clubs is included in the “Premium All Inclusive” system. As well as a buffet (breakfast, lunch, dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks of the highest class, ski-pass for the entire skiing area, classes in groups with an instructor for adults and children from 4 years old. The same system works for other resorts.
Pesey-Vallandry
Another family resort in an alpine ski valley worth visiting. Rest among the pines, near the ski slopes. Evenings by a burning fireplace, dizzying Savoy trails and relaxing spa rituals await you between the mountain peaks. Everyone will find something interesting for themselves here, and even the smallest children will be able to make their first descents.
On the doorstep of the Vanoise National Park, in the Savoie region of France, is a comfortable resort with modern decor, where you can enjoy mountain views in a beautiful natural environment.
Nearest airports: Lyon, Geneva, Chambery. Train station: Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
More about Pesei-Vallandry resort
Le Menuir
Le Menuire ski resort is located in the Three Valleys skiing area between Méribel and Val Thorens. The resort area includes two towns connected by lifts: Menuir (altitude 1850 m) and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (1400 m), but in fact the resort is divided into three zones – the central area of Le Croisette (most hotels and shops are concentrated here ), le Bruyere and Reberty (residential area), which stretched in a row across the middle part of the valley. The only resort in the Three Valleys, where 5 high-rise hotels have been built, which should provide a sufficient number of reasonably affordable places to stay. Le Menuire offers a wide variety of hotels and apartments in terms of comfort. Almost all hotels and apartments are located near the lift stations. In addition to skiing, here you can ride snowmobiles, go paragliding, participate in all kinds of sports and entertainment activities. The resort has a free ski bus. Le Menuire has a fairly developed infrastructure. There are many bars and several discotheques, two cinemas, fashion and sportswear stores, grocery stores. However, the night life of the resort is quite quiet. Les M? Nuires is a member of the “Famille Plus Montagne” resort association, which means guaranteed quality services for families vacationing with children. A huge list of activities is offered for them: classes with animators, relay races and competitions. There are safe ski and sledding slopes, ESF schools and kindergartens. classes with animators, relay races and competitions. There are safe ski and sledding slopes, ESF schools and kindergartens. classes with animators, relay races and competitions. There are safe ski and sledding slopes, ESF schools and kindergartens.
Brid Le Bain
The location of the resort was also not chosen by chance – it is ideally located in relation to the Three Valleys (the direct cable car “Olympus” will take you to Meribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens in just 20 minutes). So Brid Le Bain is a combination of low prices for tourist services with the opportunity to ride in the Three Valleys. Here you can not only ride, but also get medical treatment – there are thermal springs in Brid-les-Bains. The main advantage is affordable prices. Accommodation here will cost you at least a quarter cheaper than in neighboring resorts.
The LE GRAND SPA DES ALPES thermal complex is located at the resort: a thermal complex with an area of 2100 sq.m. m beauty and intimacy are combined with the majesty of the surrounding environment. The Grand Spa des Alpes concept is based on four rituals: procedures based on mineral water, massage of the world, hammam-hommage, procedures using Sothys cosmetics. Nightlife is limited to two discos (Le Blue Night and le Cythere Club), bars, a cinema and a casino. Concerts are held regularly and exhibitions are organized. This natural spa resort is becoming increasingly popular among those who want to experience the unique atmosphere of France in addition to their ski resort vacation.
More about the resort of Brid Le Bain
Morzine
The combination of picturesque slopes with buildings of houses and hotels, the famous alpine sloping roofs, built in the classic Tyrolean style, clearly distinguish this resort from others. There are no huge complexes of glass and concrete hotels here, but cozy streets with many shops and small shops, bars and small restaurants. A skiing holiday in Morzine is the entry of tourists into the unique atmosphere of a charming town, the low-rise buildings of which are built in the style of a chalet, which gives the resort the charm of an alpine village. The democratic atmosphere, inexpensive accommodation prices, developed infrastructure, special conditions for groups attract tourists from all over the world to ski tours in Morzine. The Morzine ski resort is popular among all categories of skiers, it is also known for its special attention to the organization of family recreation – all the conditions for learning are created for children here. From Morzine, it’s easy to get into the vast and interesting skiing region that starts in Avoriaz, with its legendary brown pistes and a snowboarder’s paradise. The focus of the resort is active family recreation.
Les des Alpes
Les des Alpes is located on the largest skiable glacier in Europe, which means you can ski here all year round. Les des Alpes is also the second oldest ski resort in France after Chamonix. The village is located at an altitude of 1,650 meters, and the skiing area reaches the mark of 3,600 meters, while the length of the tracks is 223 kilometers. The tracks meet all standards, excellent opportunities are provided for family recreation and skiing for beginners. Aces have the opportunity to hit the stunning off-piste skiing area of La Grave. There is an artificial ice grotto located at an altitude of 3400 m. The night life of the resort is the most boisterous, perhaps, in all of France – it is one of the loudest and funnest French resorts. After dark, Les des Alpes is lively and cosmopolitan with a huge selection of bars, restaurants and clubs. The Secret Bar is popular for live music concerts that take place here throughout the year, The Avalanche Club is considered the best club in the resort. And skiing here is also one of the best, the length of the slopes is 200 kilometers.
More about Les des Alpes resort
If there were no French Alps in the world, the charm and beauty of winter would be far from complete.
France is rightfully considered one of the largest regions for ski holidays, and its ski resorts form a separate, small and amazing country within the country.
Therefore, if you are going to go on a skiing vacation at the beginning of winter, we recommend that you pay attention to skiing tours to France.
Yes, ski resorts in France have one drawback – these are obscenely high prices not only for the services provided, but also for the products.
And even at the most budget French ski resorts, the prices will not be very low.
But this is where all the disadvantages of the ski resorts of France end, then rest in the ski resorts of France consists of only one advantages.
Having visited the French Alps just once, you will return home with 100% conviction that this vacation here is worth such money, and to top it all off, you will also have the thought that you even slightly underpaid for such a first-class and flighty experience vacation.
Skiing France is famous for more than 200 ski resorts, which have the largest number of ski lifts among European ski resorts (more than 2.5 thousand) and more than 4 thousand km of tracks equipped with the latest ski equipment.
The most popular areas for skiing holidays are Espace-Cilley, Chamonix, Three Valleys, which includes some of the most famous French ski resorts of Courchevel, Megeve, Port du Soleil and Alpe d’Huez.
In the French Alps, the season opens in late autumn.
In December, the height of the snow cover at an altitude of approximately 1.5 km is on average from 0.9 to 1.25 m.
The temperature regime in December in French ski resorts ranges from -2 ˚C to -4 ˚C.
A skiing holiday in December in France is not only stunning and amazing and, most importantly, equal opportunities for skiing not only for all categories of skiers, both beginners and great professionals, but also care for other fans of winter sports – climbers, freestylers, snowboarders, for which there are specially equipped playgrounds and parks.
If you are a beginner or want to improve your skills, you can apply to ski schools, which are located in almost all local ski resorts.
School instructors work with both children and the elderly.
French ski resorts are also visited with great pleasure by people who do not have a particular passion for skiing.
For this category of tourists, there are exciting rides on horses, as well as on foot, sledding and even dog sledding, bowling and tennis, ice rinks and swimming pools.
And young and energetic tourists will be able to have fun in entertainment establishments open until morning.
Also, on vacation in the French Alps, you will be surrounded everywhere by the hospitality of the French people, the unique charm, and you will be able to enjoy all the masterpieces of the stunning French cuisine.
Also, a winter holiday in France is an opportunity to personally conquer the highest peak of Western Europe – Mont Blanc, the height of which exceeds 4.8 km.
Ski tours to France in December are also a great opportunity to raise a New Year’s glass of champagne amid the magical splendor of the snowy French Alps.
During the Christmas and New Year holidays, ski towns in France are enveloped in a fabulous festive atmosphere, garlands are hung everywhere, trees are flashing with hundreds of colorful lights, buildings are constantly changing their color and appearance with the help of illumination and lighting, in general, it gives the impression that you are in a fairy-tale winter kingdom .
