France is a renowned skiing destination and for good reason. With its impressive terrain and variety of resorts, it comes as no surprise that lovers of the sport go here year after year.
With its excellent mix of family-friendly activities, challenging slopes and high-altitude skiing, France has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to scour charming chalet villages or would prefer to experience some of the busier resorts, you’ll find a plethora of skiing and snowboarding opportunities in France.
There are also a ton of things to do for non-skiers in many of the best ski resorts in France, making it perfect for an array of travel itineraries. With its mouth-watering cuisine, boutique shops, beautiful landscapes and much more, you’ll find various activities and attractions on and off the slopes.
If you’re looking for some of the top ski resorts in France, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the favoured spots for those looking for a magical getaway in the mountains.
With so many incredible places to choose from, finding the best French ski resorts can seem a little daunting. However, each of these fantastic locations has something to offer an array of holiday itineraries.
Keep reading to learn more about where to go, what to do and who these favoured skiing destinations are best for below.
If you’re an avid skier, you’ve probably already heard of one of the most popular ski resorts in France, the fabulous area of Val d’isere. This fantastic destination boasts impressive ski terrain, diverse skiing options, a charming ski village, an excellent mix of challenging and beginner slopes and much more.
Great for families, friends and couples alike, Val d’isere has something for all. Spend your time here on the plethora of varying slopes, all of which cater to an array of skiing abilities. Or, for non-skiers, the pretty village provides a charming setting to enjoy the vibrant apres-ski on offer.
Val d’isere provides skiers with a selection of bigger areas, forest slopes and Olympic pistes, making it an unrivalled destination for those looking for diverse skiing opportunities. Plus, the area is also known for being a prominent Ski World Cup venue, one not to be missed for lovers of the sport.
Another of the best places to ski in France is undoubtedly the resort of Courchevel. Situated in the 3 Vallees ski area, this destination is known for its luxurious vibe, attracting people from all over the world.
Courchevel is one of the most upscale resorts in France, with plenty of wealthy travellers opting for this destination when pursuing a lavish ski break. With its Michelin-starred restaurants, impressive accommodations and access to around 600 km of slopes, there are more than enough things to do and see here.
The skiing terrain in Courchevel is suitable for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers alike, making it an ideal spot for those visiting France with the whole family. There are also options to go off-piste here, ideal for adventurous travellers.
If you’re looking for a ski resort brimming with glitz and glamour, alongside an impressive selection of runs, Courchevel is the place for you.
When looking for some of the biggest ski resorts in France, Serra Chevalier is the place to be. This fantastic area offers a total of 250 km of pistes, alongside an elevation range from 1,200m to 2,800m. Its position next to Les Ecrins National Park also means that visitors are surrounded by outstanding natural beauty when staying in Serre Chevalier.
The main town at Serre Chevalier offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of excellent accommodation options. Spend your time here on any of the 82 runs, at the snowparks or night skiing, providing a plethora of fantastic things to do and see.
With incredible skiing opportunities, impressive elevations, beautiful surrounding landscapes and much more, you’re sure to enjoy all that Serre Chevalier has to offer.
Those looking for where to ski in France should certainly check out the renowned resort of Val Thorens. This beautiful destination is perfect for those looking for exceptional snow quality alongside varied terrain and an outstanding lift system that reaches around 3,000m.
Many of the runs at Val Thorens are suitable for intermediate skiers with steep inclines. There are also some great off-piste options, perfect for those looking for adventure during their time in France. The atmosphere at Val Thorens is also noteworthy, with its vibrant apres-ski scene and lively nightlife.
Val Thorens usually attracts a younger crowd or those looking to immerse themselves in the social aspect of skiing in France. Visit the fantastic bars, restaurants and shops around the resort or head out on some of the best runs that the country has to offer. No matter what type of skiing holiday you’re looking for, Val Thorens has something for an array of itineraries.
Families planning a ski holiday in France will love Les Arcs. This beautiful resort offers high-altitude skiing with fantastic snow conditions and runs catering to all levels. Whether you’re looking for slopes for beginners, advanced skiers or off-piste options, there’s something for everyone in Les Arcs.
For those looking to immerse themselves in lively apres ski, diverse accommodation options and an array of gentle and challenging slopes, Les Arcs is an excellent choice. With options to explore seven villages without the hustle and bustle, families can navigate all that this beautiful part of France offers with ease.
Some of the best skiing in France can be found at the stunning resort of Meribel. This outstanding area dates back to 1938 when it was founded by British Colonel Peter Lindsay. Situated in the forested valley of Les Allues, Meribel offers a unique blend of history and breathtaking natural beauty.
The resort is part of the 3 Vallees, attracting an array of skiers from all over the world. Being in one of the largest ski areas in France, visitors will find a ton of exceptional runs at Meribel with altitudes ranging from 1,450m to 1,700m, providing exceptional views of the mighty peaks here.
Aside from skiing, there are also plenty of things to see and do. Indulge in fine dining at the many restaurants here, enjoy a vibrant apres-ski scene or unwind in catered chalets in Meribel. No matter how you spend your time in Meribel, you’re sure to enjoy all that this gorgeous destination has in store.
If you’re looking to head off-piste, there are also some great terrain parks including both easy slopes and steep runs. Whether you’re travelling with family and friends or enjoying a solo trip, you’ll find it all in Meribel.
Les Deux Alpes is known for being one of the best ski resorts in France for those looking for high-altitude skiing, great for adventure seekers. However, there are also lots to see and do here off the slopes. With catered chalets and luxury hotels, impressive apres-ski options and much more, you’re sure to enjoy all that this beautiful destination has to offer.
The ski terrain at Les Deux Alpes comprises a unique layout with steep pistes at the bottom and easier routes higher up. With an array of challenging runs, the resort is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Plus, if all that isn’t enough, Les Deux Alpes is also positioned near Europe’s largest skiable glacier, a noteworthy attraction for many.
No ski trip would be complete without a trip to Chamonix, undoubtedly one of the best places to ski in France. Its position under the iconic Mont Blanc makes this a popular resort for an array of skiing enthusiasts. Plus, the area is also well-known for its mountaineering history, making Chamonix a noteworthy destination for a plethora of travellers.
Chamonix offers an array of ski-terrain with some of the steepest runs and technical off-piste slopes. This makes it an excellent destination for advanced skiers and those looking to challenge themselves when skiing in France.
When off the slopes, visitors will find a beautiful town with mountainous views in Chamonix, alongside an array of amenities and things to do. The bustling town offers a vibrant atmosphere, providing an excellent setting for those looking for lots to do outside of skiing.
With around 249 km of pistes, Alpe d’Huez is a paradise for skiers. This impressive location is home to some of the highest runs in France with altitudes up to 3,300m. If you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking for some exhilarating skiing opportunities, Alpe d’Huez won’t disappoint.
Alpe d’Huez is also known for being one of the largest resorts in the Grand Domaine ski area, providing more than enough places for visitors to get out on the slopes. Plus, with easy access to some of the other nearby resorts, you’re sure to have a ton of skiing adventures when staying here.
With off-piste terrain available alongside an excellent lift system, tasty restaurants and much more, you’ll find something for all types of holiday itineraries in Alpe d’Huez. Choose from a selection of green, blue, red and black pistes, providing more than enough options for all skiing abilities.
We hope that after reading this article you now know a bit more about where to ski in France. With so many resorts to choose from, you’ll find yourself returning to this outstanding destination time after time. What’s more, visitors will discover an array of resorts suited to all types of holiday-makers.
This makes France an excellent choice for those looking for breaks with the family, fun with friends or solo adventures on the slopes. Plus, no matter where you decide to go, you’re sure to enjoy all that this gorgeous part of Europe has to offer.
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