Hit the slopes in style on your next winter holiday and visit the best ski resorts in France. From the Alps to the Pyrenees, we’ve got a range of mountain terrains for you to explore. So whether you’re travelling with kids or heading out for some off-piste fun, there’s something for everyone. Add a range of other activities, and you’ll have a holiday to remember.
Best ski resorts in France: The Alps
An iconic mountain range in France, the Alps welcome thousands of visitors yearly to enjoy the pristine skiing and snowboarding conditions. You can experience guaranteed snowfall, incredible slopes and delightful villages in the Alps. Ideal for all experience levels, the French Alps cater for the masses. With a selection of non-skiing activities for people to participate in too, a trip to this mountain range has something for everyone.
Courchevel
Our list of best ski resorts in France starts with Courchevel, the largest and most renowned of the Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys) group of ski resorts. Offering 60 ski lifts and 150km (93 miles) of alpine runs, this is the perfect resort for those seeking adventure. With ten summits that reach heights of up to 2,500 metres above sea level, you’ll truly feel like you’re skiing with the gods.
With around four metres of snowfall annually, which is expertly maintained, it’s the perfect piece of piste for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Temperatures tend to reach lows of about -9°C, so pack accordingly. Off the slopes, there’s plenty to do too, with five separate villages for you to explore. It’s an upmarket resort that oozes sophistication, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to wine and dine with that special someone after a long day in this winter wonderland.
There’s a range of other activities that can keep non-skiers entertained too. Take a ride on a husky-drawn sledge and explore the surrounding forests. If you want a bit more adrenaline, you can opt for a snowmobile and go on an adventure to remember. Alternatively, pop on some snowshoes and go for a hike with a difference.
Chamonix
Next up on our list of the best ski resorts in the French Alps is one that needs no introduction. Chamonix is an impressive 4,807 metres above sea level, so it’s no surprise to find some of the most epic runs here. Having hosted the first Winter Olympics, it’s a resort that welcomes skiers of the highest level each year. Offering some of the best ski conditions in Europe, thanks to two metres of annual snowfall and the cooling effect of its four glaciers, it’s rightly become a favourite amongst ski lovers.
Temperatures tend to drop to about -7°C during the coldest months, meaning the snow stays throughout the season. With about 157km (98 miles) of slopes to enjoy, there is something for skiers of all levels. A luxury resort that also offers budget options is the perfect location for every sportsperson to ply their trade.
As the resort encompasses several villages, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do if you don’t want to hit the slopes one day. You can get a pedestrian pass and jump on a lift to see epic views from the top of the mountain. Après-ski isn’t exclusively for those on the slopes, and you can join in throughout the day and night. Or if you want a more low-key afternoon, there are museums and cinemas that you can go to, which are the perfect places to relax.
Les Arcs and La Plagne
With this resort, you get two for the price of one. Les Arcs and its neighbour La Plagne make up two-thirds of the Paradiski area, the third-largest ski domain in France. With over 264 miles (425km) of ski slopes across the resorts, there are runs that are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The highest runs reach altitudes of up to 3,226 metres above sea level.
If you’re with your family or just starting your love affair with the slopes, then La Plagne is the better option for you as it provides more gentle terrain. However, Les Arcs is a haven for those more experienced, providing expert black runs and lots of off-piste terrains. With up to five metres of annual snowfall and temperatures that reach -12°C, you can always be sure of a great skiing experience at these resorts.
There’s plenty for you to do if you want to take a break from skiing or snowboarding. If you want to keep your adrenaline pumping, you can grab a toboggan and ride down the pistes. If you want an adventure off the slopes, you can put on some snowshoes and go for a guided hike in the mountain range. Alternatively, for a more relaxing activity, you can enjoy some alpine freshness at the Nama Springs, where you can take advantage of saunas, flotation pools and much more.
Tignes
Another resort that is great for skiing in France is Tignes, which is ideal for intermediate and off-piste skiing. However, this resort also has a great family element, so you can take the little ones for their first taste of the snow. With an array of accommodation options, from budget to boutique, it’s also great for those seeking an affordable holiday. Offering around 300km (186 miles) of perfect piste that reaches altitudes of about 3,400 metres above sea level, Tignes has a range of slopes to meet everyone’s needs.
With approximately six metres of snowfall each year and temperatures that reach as low as -7°C, you’ll be guaranteed ideal conditions for your trip throughout the season. There’s also loads to do if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding. Go under the ice and dive in Tignes’ frozen lake, go above the ice and put your ice skates on for a romantic date, or satisfy your thrill-seeking side on Tignes’ Bun J Ride.
Meribel
We couldn’t talk about the best ski resorts in France without mentioning the famous Alps resort of Meribel. Boasting slopes as high as 3,230 metres above sea level, around four metres of annual snowfall and temperatures that dip to a cool -8°C, you’ll have excellent conditions for most of the season. Known for being a great ski resort not only for adults but children too, your kids will love the ski trail, which takes them past life-sized animals hidden in the woods. With eight pistes reserved for beginners, it’s also the ideal place to find your feet when you’re new to the sport.
If you’re still not tempted to test out the tracks, then there’s also lots for non-skiers to do as well. This resort has got the lot, from snowshoeing and ice skating to swimming and sledging. You can even take a hot air balloon flight over the mountains to get a view that will take your breath away. Then, in the evening, indulge yourself in the superb après-ski atmosphere, go bowling with friends and family or treat yourself to a beauty treatment at one of the resort’s spas.
Les Deux Alpes
One of the best resorts for intermediate skiers and above is Les Deux Alps, which offers a range of gentle terrain at the top of the mountain. One of Europe’s largest skiable glaciers, it offers year-round skiing, which is one of the advantages of this resort. Boasting 96 slopes and lots of off-piste options, you’ll find plenty of choices for adventure during your trip. With around four metres of annual snowfall, and temperatures reaching lows of -11°C, this resort offers great conditions for you to hone your skills.
Slopes reach an altitude of up to 3,200 metres above sea level, so you’ll be skiing amongst the clouds and enjoying spectacular views. There are also many other activities you can take part in during your visit, so you can leave your skis or snowboard at home to enjoy other activities. Visit the Glacier Cave on foot and marvel at a range of ice sculptures. Go hiking on an organised tour and take in some of the finest vistas in the area. Or head over to Musee Maison de la Montagne, which has lots of information about the local mountains.
Best ski resorts in France: The Pyrenees
Heading further south to the French Pyrenees, there are some awesome pistes which are perfect for a winter getaway. Often considered a cheaper but just-as-fun alternative to the Alps, the Pyrenees is ideal for those travelling on a budget. With a range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders and loads of family-friendly runs, these resorts could be the perfect place to begin your love affair with these iconic winter sports. However, if skiing isn’t for you, fear not, as there are loads of indoor and outdoor activities that you can do to keep you occupied too.
Grand Tourmalet
Down in the Pyrenees, one of the best ski resorts in France is Grand Tourmalet. It’s the largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, and you can stay in villages such as Bareges and La Mongie. Offering over 120km (75 miles) of pistes, it’s ideal for intermediates and above. The slopes reach an altitude of up to 2,500 metres above sea level. With around five metres of snowfall each year, and temperatures reaching lows of approximately -4°C, it makes for perfect skiing conditions.
There’s plenty for people to do who prefer to spend their time off the slopes, with the Pic du Midi Observatory being the highlight. This mountain base offers incredible views of the nearby peaks during the day and magnificent star gazing at night. The towns offer some great activities for a day off the slope, with paragliding, snowmobiles and show-shoeing just some of the winter options. Add to that squash, laserball and even a cinema, and you’ll be fully entertained.
Saint-Lary
A renowned skiing town in France, partly because it’s the home of the famous de le Rue snowboarding brothers, this is a great option for those wanting a winter break. Offering about 100km (62 miles) of terrain, Saint-Lary has plenty of track for families and beginners too. Temperatures are milder in this resort, at about 2°C, but this doesn’t stop it from getting some epic snowfall. With around two metres of snow at around 2,500 metres above sea level, this resort offers some of the finest all-round skiing and snowboarding in the Pyrenees.
Don’t want to be on the slopes every day? Fear not, as there are loads of other activities that you can do as well. The town has plenty of restaurants, which cater to all budgets, so it’s ideal. For physical activities, you can go trekking in the mountains, canyoning, or snowshoeing. Alternatively, treat your kids to a day out at MountagneParc, where they can go-cart, play golf and enjoy the slides.
Peyragudes
Nearing the end of our list of the best ski resort in the French Pyrenees, we bring you Peyragudes. This resort is known for quality over quantity when it comes to snowfall, so you’ll be able to enjoy the perfect run down from the summit. Whilst the resort is quite small, it still offers 60km (37 miles) of slopes for you to tackle. In addition, there are 6km (3.8 miles) of off-piste bliss for those that really want an adventure.
Temperatures tend to get as low as -5°C in the coldest months, with up to four metres of snowfall on average. The summits are about 1,600 metres above sea level, so the snow is great throughout the season. Other winter activities that you can do at this resort include Nordic skiing, tubing and snow-showing. If you want something that will give you a bit more of an adrenaline hit, you can try out dog-sledging, snow scooting, speed riding or snake-gliding.
Piau Engaly
Last but certainly not least in our list of the best ski resort in France is Piau Engaly. This resort is one of the highest in the French Pyrenees, with an altitude of 1,850 metres. It’s known for its raw beauty and welcomes skiers from across Europe each year. It’s a great place for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with suitable terrain for everyone.
However, if you’re at an advanced level in your chosen winter sport, you can enjoy a variety of off-piste areas. Temperatures can reach a chilly -8°C during the colder months, with about five metres of snowfall each year, so you can be sure of great conditions throughout the ski season.
There’s also lots to do if you don’t want to ski or want a day off the slopes. You can try out other winter sports, hike to the top of the mountain, go sledging with some huskies, or pop on some snow shoes. For something completely different, take a trip to the Chapelle des Templiers, a hospital and chapel dating back to the 1700s.
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