Of course, it will never be possible to achieve complete unanimity on the issue of the best ski resort in France, because they are all so different! And at the same time, any of them will provide you with excellent conditions for skiing, will present you with incredibly beautiful landscapes and the atmosphere of a real holiday. Some resorts are built in accordance with a special theme, their style is thought out to the smallest detail, others retain the natural charm of the French Alps, some are especially famous for their après-ski. Each of them boasts an extraordinary ski area where you can have a great time. In addition, all resorts have tailor-made programs to keep you and your family entertained, regardless of age or hobby. We offer short review five of the most popular and luxurious French ski resorts that you will definitely not be disappointed with.
Chamonix
It retains the charm of Alpine culture and is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, which hosted the 1924 Olympic Games. The stunning, majestic Mont Blanc provides a magnificent landscape, making it a paradise for ski and entertainment enthusiasts. Chamonix is a luxurious, welcoming resort that offers great opportunities for skiers of all levels, excellent après ski and countless other activities. It has 145 tracks with a total length of more than 140 km, which are located in 8 different zones of the valley. Fans of extreme sports will find very steep and downhill slopes for themselves. There is also an excellent transport system: special buses will take you to any of the resorts. You can stay for your vacation in first-class chalets, as well as in rented apartments or hotel.
Climbing the cable car from the valley to the peaks, travelers can enjoy amazing views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
Well, gourmets should try cheese fondue - a dish for which this area is famous.
Courchevel
Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys ski area
Courchevel 1850 is an exclusive, popular and strikingly sophisticated resort. Here you will find palaces and 5-star luxury chalets that make this place especially popular with Parisians and Russians.
In addition to skiing, you can enjoy great cuisine in fine local restaurants, great shopping and unforgettable relaxing treatments.
Meribel
Part of the Three Valleys, it has a reputation for being a great après ski resort and is considered the best destination for true hedonists. By the way, this place is also great for both advanced skiers and those who are just starting to learn. First-class instructors will do everything necessary for you to confidently master the ski slopes.
In addition to skiing, it offers flights to hot-air balloon, lots of heavenly spa treatments, glacier walks and excellent food. Fondue and raclette are back on the list of must-try dishes while in these places.
Val d'Isere
One of the most popular ski resorts in France, which is especially appreciated by young skiers and snowboarders who want to get excellent physical activity and a lot of vivid impressions.
This big resort became the site of many Olympic events in 1992.
The ski area is quite extensive, so it is able to satisfy the requirements of any athlete and ordinary skiing enthusiast. The place is also famous for its extremely active après skiing. There is no shortage of bars and other entertainment facilities in the city.
Val Thorens
It is the highest ski resort in Europe and the largest ski area. Val Thorens is part of the "Three Valleys", and its treelessness and high location makes the resort one of the most attractive for true fans of skiing.
Val Thorens is one of the most stunning and impressive ski resorts, with an extraordinary environment besides its height. Its wide slopes are suitable for skiers of all skill levels, and the delightful atmosphere will make your holiday unforgettable. This resort, with its excellent après skiing and dog sledding opportunities, is very popular with tourists visiting France.
Ski regions
The French Alps (Rhône-Alpes region and Alps department) are the highest mountains in Western Europe, the ski resorts of France are the largest center in the world winter sports: 380 ski stations, the largest number of ski lifts in the world (3900!) And the shortest queues. This is the largest area for skiing and the widest choice of trails, the highest peak in Western Europe, Mont Blanc (Mont Blanc, 4807 m), stable weather, plenty of sun, guaranteed snow cover from early December to mid-May, plus the possibility of skiing in summer. The most popular resorts in the region are Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Tignes, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne, Megeve, Meribel and others. 175 resorts are equipped with snow cannons. 230 sports centers offer trails for flat skiing ...
In addition to the famous alpine resorts, France has a huge set of excellent skiing resorts, scattered in abundance throughout the mountain ranges of the country. Most often these are small mountain villages used as local recreation areas and by and large not able to compete with the Alps. But on the other hand, such small sports centers are very attractive both as summer mountain climatic and balneological resorts, and as recreation areas for lovers of flat skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and hiking. Usually located in a very scenic spots close to major roads, on weekends and holidays they often collect no fewer guests than the famous alpine centers, but the price level here is usually much lower.
One of the most interesting and intensively developing ski resorts are Pyrenees.
V Central massif due to its natural and climatic characteristics, a "clean" ski vacation is unlikely. However, for the same reason, this area is considered one of the best places France for flat skiing, initial training in alpine skiing and snowboarding, hiking and equestrian routes, and its amazing nature allows you to relax here at any time of the year.
Low Vosges widely renowned as a great destination for cross-country and lowland skiing.
Surprisingly, but even a hot Mediterranean island Corsica has a whole network of its own mountain centers. The relief of the island and the abundance of zones with their own microclimate allow skiing from December (more often from mid-January) to March-April.
Climate
The first snow in the French Alps falls at the end of November and lasts until mid-May. Due to the mild climate, even in winter in valleys at an altitude of about 1500 m, the temperature does not drop below -10 ° C. The most favorable time for skiing begins in mid-February, when stable sunny weather sets in. The height of the snow cover, depending on the height of the terrain, ranges from 0.7 to 4 meters.
Average monthly air temperature at an altitude of about 1500 m (° C): in November 0 ..- 2, in December -2 ..- 4, in January -5 ..- 7, in February -2 ..- 4, in March 0 ..- 2, in April +2 .. + 4.
The average height of snow cover at an altitude of about 1500 m (cm): in November 6-80, in December 90-120, in January 140-200, in February 160-220, in March 160-240, in April 140-220.
Subscription
In France, you can buy a pass for half a day, for a day, for two, etc. You can purchase both a general ski pass for the entire ski area, and a separate one for each valley. It is more convenient and profitable to buy a ski pass for the entire ski area at once. Ski-pass for children under 5 years old and for adults over 72 years old is free, there are special rates for adults over 60 years old. There are also special family rates.
The Olympic ski area includes Three Valleys, Espace Killy, Paradiski. A subscription to one of the zones (minimum 6 days) entitles you to one day of skiing in one of the others (during the validity of the subscription).
Equipment rental
Ski and snowboard equipment rental is organized in almost all sports shops. There are also items for servicing inventory: edge sharpening, lubrication, etc. Equipment for athletes is selected individually: depending on weight, height and level of skiing.
Ski schools
There are several levels of training - for beginners, advanced training, for professionals, etc. If you combine the booking of lessons in ski schools with the purchase of a ski-pass ticket, it will be cheaper. Special discounts are available for families of 3-4 people. During the Christmas (Catholic) holidays, when booking a lesson for one adult - one child is enrolled for free.
Ski resorts in France are considered one of the most modern not only in Europe but throughout the world. The French Alps provide tourists with magnificent landscapes, and skiing on the equipped trails is breathtaking. Fans of downhill skiing, snowboarding, as well as bobsleigh and other types of winter sports come here.
All tracks are divided into categories, depending on the level of difficulty. Some of them will be more comfortable for beginners, while others will appeal to professionals. Sports competitions are often held on the local tracks, and the Olympics have also been held here three times. 200 resorts are interconnected so that every traveler can find the perfect one for themselves.
Skiing on plains or steep slopes takes place on trails that are illuminated at night. Modern lifts and comfortable hotels with a high level of service await tourists in.
French Alps ski season
In the mountainous region of France ski season starts in February. It is during this period of the year that the weather is clear here.
- The first snow covers the mountain slopes in November. V the given time falls from six to eighty centimeters of precipitation.
- In December Mountain peaks(at an altitude of 1.5 km.) 90-120 cm of precipitation are covered.
- In January this figure reaches 140-200.
- In February, the ground is covered with 160-240 centimeters of snow.
- And from March to April, the snow cover stays at the level of 140-220 cm.
There are also areas where the volume of snow can exceed four meters. Melting of precipitation begins in the second half of May.
Pricing policy for ski resorts in France
More than two hundred lifts and about 600 kilometers of marked trails await tourists in the Three Valleys region. Even a long stay at the resort does not involve repeating routes, which impresses professional skiers. To relax in the Val Thorens resort in a 3 * hotel, tourists will have to pay about 750 euros for one week, and accommodation in a four-star hotel will cost two hundred euros more.
The most famous French ski resort, Courchevel, offers accommodation in the most luxurious hotels. Also, elite restaurants and boutiques are open here. For a week of rest in a three-star hotel, tourists will spend about 700 euros, in a 4 * hotel - 1300 euros, and in a 5-star hotel - about 2150 euros, per person.
More than three hundred kilometers of modern trails await travelers at the highest mountain resorts of Tignes and Val D "Isère. The snow cover here lasts all season. A week of rest for one person in a 2 * hotel will cost 720 euros, only 10 euros more will cost a room in a hotel 3 *. For accommodation in a four-star hotel, they will ask for about 850 euros, and in a 5 * hotel - 1100 euros.
The best winter resorts in France
Among the most impressive resorts in France are the following Top 7 best:
Meribel
At the heart of the Three Valleys ski system is this stunning resort. Excellent tracks, equipped ski lifts and recreational facilities will give tourists a pleasant pastime. This resort is deservedly called the "pearl" of recreation areas for skiers and snowboarders.
Original route maps connect small town Meribel, Meribel Village and Mottaret. There are 150 kilometers of trails for recreation and skiing. For beginners, there are 8 "green" routes open here. Trails for those with basic skiing skills are marked with blue markings. Twenty-three "red" slopes are suitable for experienced skiers, and nine slopes marked in black will appeal to extreme skiers.
This fabulous location features sunny slopes where warm rays keep skiers warm during the day. The resort has fifteen gondola lifts, as well as chair lifts and 14 drag lifts. To keep the snow cover even, 685 snow installations are involved.
Walking along the equipped paths, flying on a hang glider, traveling by cable car, a bowling alley, an ice rink and a swimming pool, as well as sports shops and many cozy catering establishments - all this awaits guests of the Meribel resort.
This tourist resort equipped with comfortable lifts and cozy hotels for travelers. This place is open to tourists all year round, and invites fans active rest go skiing or snowboarding in winter, and enjoy the beautiful scenery at any time of the year.
In addition to snowboarding and downhill skiing, they offer sports such as telemark or squall riding. Snow remains on the tops of the mountains all year round. There are three hundred kilometers of modern trails and one hundred high-speed lifts (including a funicular with seated cabins). This resort is visited by both beginners and professional athletes. Competitions are often held here.
Val Thorens
This resort is considered the most democratic in France. It can be easily reached from many cities by plane or train. The varied recreation includes leisure activities and winter sports. Most of the hotels here have access to the ski lifts. The overhead lift is capable of transporting 150 people at the same time. For the convenience of skiers and snowboarders, the slopes are equipped with avalanche systems. Snow cannons and other snowmaking systems provide excellent coverage throughout the season, which starts in November and ends in May.
The local snowboard parks are distinguished by the presence of jumps, quarter-pipes, half-pipes and other ski areas where competitions are held. Val Thorens has thirty-one lifts and sixty-six marked trails, with a total length of 140 kilometers. Relief descents, challenging trails or a gentle area at the foot of the mountain for beginners - all this will appeal to athletes of all levels.
There is a ski school for adults and children. Also, the resort has an aquaclub (with a pool and a sauna), tennis courts, squash and volleyball zones, a climbing wall, a rollerdrome, GYM's and even a paragliding club. Mini-clubs and Fun Park are organized here especially for children, where there is a pool filled with balls, slides for kids, trampolines and an inflatable palace. Among other things, a large variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs are open here.
Chamonix
This mountain valley will give tourists an unforgettable experience. A fourteen-kilometer natural glacier and a twenty-kilometer ski slope are connected here. The snow cover remains here from December to May. Forty-seven lifts and seventy-eight tracks, with a total length of 140 kilometers, will conquer any skier or snowboarder.
In addition to boarding or skiing, you can go for a snowshoeing, snowmobiling or dog sled ride to the icy summit. Also, tourists are offered hang gliding and helicopter flights. Among other things, there is a bowling alley, an ice rink, a swimming pool, dance floors, bars and restaurants where you can have fun.
Courchevel
Fairest famous resort considered one of the most representative French regions. This elite holiday destination is distinguished by a developed infrastructure, amazing natural resources, as well as large quantity chic restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues, from the windows of which you can see the peak of the famous Mont Blanc.
Here you can go ice skating and go bowling, squash or tennis. A large selection of trails for beginners, as well as extreme routes, are popular with snowboarders and skiers. Sixty-two lifts are open here, and the length of the multi-level tracks is one hundred and fifty kilometers.
Les Arcs
This popular resort is located in the province of Savoy. Several villages, connected to each other, are located on different levels. A large number of lifts (fifty-four in total), professional equipment, as well as tracks with a total length of about 420 kilometers impress tourists. Slopes of all levels are equipped here. You can ride here from December to the end of April.
Professionals practice off-piste skiing on the slopes of the resort. All slopes are illuminated at night. Jogging trails will appeal to skiers. The snowboard park amazes with the number of jumps and tricks, as well as a half-pipe and a border cross track. There are schools for beginner skiers and children.
Among other things, here you can visit an ice cave or a museum, as well as go hang-gliding, ride horses or dog sleds, play paintball, relax in a sauna, swimming pool or solarium.
Megeve
The very "heart" of the Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc can be seen by visiting this fashionable resort. This place is very prestigious, so hotel rooms are booked here in advance. A huge number of various entertainments, as well as unforgettable skiing or snowboarding await tourists here. The length of ski trails is 440 kilometers. A multifaceted vacation will appeal to connoisseurs of luxury.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions from Readers
What is the temperature in French ski resorts in winter?
The Alpine mountains are famous for their wonderful weather all year round. The temperature here remains pleasant even in winter. The following temperature indicators are characteristic for the entire season:
- November and March: from 0 to -2 ⁰С;
- December and February: from -2 to -4 ⁰С;
- January: from -5 to -7 ⁰С (very rarely -10 ⁰С);
- April: from +2 to +4 ⁰С.
Which resorts are best to visit with children?
Anyone who prefers a family vacation should go to resorts where there are children's ski schools, mini-clubs, kindergartens and amusement parks. Such options will include resorts such as:
- Les Arcs;
- La Plagne;
- Avoriaz;
- Val Thorens;
- Samoen.
Which of the resorts are distinguished by the presence of thermal springs?
Among the French mountain resorts that will allow you to combine skiing and SPA-recreation, the following stand out:
- Breed Le Ben. A large city SPA center invites everyone to relax and improve the body immediately after skiing.
- Megeve. Near the resort is the Saint Gervais les Bains thermal park. Tourists will be able to improve their health thanks to the local hot mineral springs.
An extraordinary experience of enchanting mountains and a French lifestyle awaits tourists here. It is worth heading here for the thrill and excitement of gazing at the scenery, guaranteed to have the most amazing skiing experience ever.
France is the most interesting country and it has the largest ski areas in the world and the most ski lifts. This country is considered the most visited in the world, because Paris is a sophisticated and fashionable city, and the Eiffel Tower is a world attraction. Many outdoor enthusiasts, including newlyweds, prefer a ski resort in France during their honeymoon.
Tourists are attracted by the hospitality and first-class service, when you can enjoy the variety of difficulty of the tracks and the beauty of the landscapes. There are several dozen modern and the best ski resorts here, which are known to all skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
Ski resorts in France are not just beautiful landscapes and steep mountains, it is more than four thousand different slopes, which are suitable for both beginners and specialists and masters of skiing.
This is an indescribable sensation and immense pleasure for several thousand kilometers of specially prepared mountain ski slopes.
In France, Mont Blanc is considered the highest mountain in the Alps, while the Three Valleys have become contenders for the title of the largest ski region in the world, and the Vanoise Express is the fastest and largest two-story cable car.
It is believed that the ski resorts of France are the largest center in the world. winter holiday and sports. There are 380 ski stations and 3900 ski lifts, this is the largest area for skiing and snowboarding, and the largest selection of different slopes.
The highest peak in Western Europe is Mont Blanc, it is 4807 meters in height and at the same time guaranteed snow and sunny weather, which lasts from December to May, you are guaranteed.
The most popular resorts in France are Courchevel, Chamonix, Meribel, Megeve, Les Deux Alpes, Val d'Isere, Tignes, La Plagne, Val Thorens, these are exactly the places where you can relax and enjoy the climate and landscapes.
Pyrenees
This is by far the most interesting and developing ski resort, because Mountain chain stretches for 430 kilometers along the southwestern border between the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean Sea known to all.
This is considered the most picturesque region of the country, because the snowy mountains are replaced by green and dry foothills. The nature here is virgin and pure, so fans and tourists are attracted by the variety of recreation and small resort areas.
If you are a beginner and don't know how to snowboard and ski, then your best bet is to learn in more flat areas like the Massif Central. This is the most best area for flat skiing, as well as for teaching snowboard and alpine skiing for beginners and children.
Haute Provence is located in southeastern France, sparkling with a variety of landscapes and perfect combination gorges and rocky and mountain ranges.
This place is just perfect for outdoor activities in the winter.
The villages, which are lit by sunlight, have slopes at an altitude of three thousand meters and attract with their cleanliness and freshness.
High alps
The highest and most massive mountains are located in the Hautes Alps, such as Barré des Ecrins four thousand meters high, and Mont Pelvoy also four thousand. All these mountains complement each other perfectly, and offer simply stunning views and landscapes, and the conditions for various winter sports are just perfect.
It is the Hautes Alps that attract many athletes with their quality and quantity of mountains. There are tracks for every choice, both for beginners and professionals.
Haute Savoie
The Haute-Savoie is of stunning nature and sights, a region of first class. After all, it is in the Haute-Savoy that the most high mountain throughout Europe - Mont Blanc, Annecy lakes, Lake Geneva, the Chamonix valley and the Rhone river.
Here vacationers will fully enjoy the first-class vacation, beautiful scenery and skiing. In this region today are the best ski resorts in the country, such as Porte du Soleil, Chamonix, La Clusaz.
The most visited ski resorts in France
Three Valleys is the most famous alpine ski center in France.
Trois Valleys, the second name of the Three Valleys, is the largest ski area for tourists.
The resort is located in the most famous ski province of Savvoy. There are eight main resorts: Val Thorens, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Saint Martin, Courchevel, Les Menuires, La Tania, de Belleville and Aurelles.
The length of the tracks is 600 km and 200 lifts, which are capable of delivering a quarter of a million people to the mountains every hour. Here every beginner and professional will find a suitable track, travel routes and skiing modes for themselves.
It is very convenient that you can alternate skiing with cross-country skiing and snowboarding. The most powerful ski lift network in the world and especially for snowboarders there are fan parks and half pipes.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens is the most visited alpine resort from the ski area "Three Valleys" it is a kind of roof, here, thanks to modern technologies, there is the most spacious overhead lift in all of Europe, it is designed for about one hundred and fifty people.
The mountains here are mostly steep, starting from the three-thousanders, so the area here is more designed for experienced skiers. The landscapes for vacationers are stunning beautiful view from the most picturesque peak of the Cime de Caron, opens directly to Mont Blanc.
Meribel
Meribel is the heart of the Three Valleys, as it is the largest and most famous of all ski resorts in France. This resort is mainly for family vacation and for not really experienced skiers... This quiet place, where you can calmly spend time and go not only on ordinary alpine skiing, but also on cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
Here vacationers are provided entertainment centers where you can play hockey, go ice skating or even have a sled race. A great place to relax with a family located at an altitude of 1400 meters.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains this resort, located at an altitude of six hundred meters and this is the most cheap resort in France, here it is thirty percent cheaper than in high-altitude resorts.
And it is in Brides-les-Bains especially for holidaymakers that there is not only a ski resort, but also the most famous thermal resort with a special sports and recreation complex and a wonderful recreation park.
Vacationers and tourists come here from all countries not only in winter for skiing, but also throughout the year in order to improve their health or just have a nice rest.
Courchevel
This alpine ski resort consists of four well-groomed villages, which are located on four levels - the first at an altitude of 1300 meters, the second at 1500 meters, the third at 1650 meters and the fourth at 1850 meters. This resort is considered the most prestigious and luxurious ski resort in the world.
Many people know that Courchevel is the most expensive and sophisticated resort, and the tracks are well-groomed, and the guides are polite, who can speak all foreign languages. This ski resort is one of the leaders in terms of level hotel complexes and entertainment centers.
There is the highest quality service and service, the most friendly staff and famous people rest there. There are several slalom trails, two Olympic trails specially prepared for ski jumping, a downhill trail, ice arenas and cross-country skiing trails.
Chamonix
Chamonix is the largest resort in the French Alps, known for over two hundred years, it is located right at the foot of the famous huge Mont Blanc massif. The fact is that Chamonix is the site of the very first Winter Olympic Games in the world.
The length of the slopes is 152 kilometers, the total area is 762 hectares, the number of lifts is 49. Today it is popular and is relatively money-wise. affordable rest for snowboard and ski lovers. Evening landscapes, restaurants and cafes, everything is created with comfort especially for relaxation.
Paradiski is the largest skiing area. The most popular resorts: Les Arcs, La Plagne, Les Coches and a small area at Peyse-Valandry. The name itself is translated from French as "ski paradise".
Paradiski - a ski paradise
There are two glaciers, 425 kilometers of trails of varying complexity, at an altitude ranging from 1200 to 3250 meters and 144 overhead lifts. Abundant snow cover from December to April, tracks of varying difficulty, it will be comfortable here for both beginners and professionals. There are also cross-country skiing and snowboarding trails.
And the famous Flying Kilometer track for breaking speed records has a maximum incline of 76 degrees. Excellent conditions for children will allow the whole family to relax, because for them there are twenty-three kindergartens, thirty-four lifts, two playgrounds, nine "rolling mats". Ski schools teach children from the age of three, so you can come here with the whole family and have a great time.
Climate in the French mountains
Snow in the Alps falls in November and lasts until May, and the mild climate provides comfort, because even high in the mountains the air temperature does not drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
But the most best time February is considered for skiing, then the sun rises and the sunny weather lasts for a very long time.
The snow cover reaches from 0.7 to 4 meters, depending on the height of the area itself. The air temperature, depending on the season from November to April, ranges from -7 ° C .. to + 4 ° C. The coldest weather in January is -5 .. -7 ° C, and the height of the snow cover from November to April is from 0.06 to 2.20 meters.
Subscriptions and Ski-pass, equipment rental and training school
In France, you can easily and simply buy a half-day, day and two-day pass, etc. as much as your soul desires. You can purchase a ski pass for each valley separately and for the entire ski area, the Ski-pass for children under five years old and for adults over seventy years old is free, and for couples and for pensioners there are special rates and promotions.
It is best to order the Ski-pass in advance and have a photo with you, because it will cost much more on the mountain, and the more days you want to spend there, the cheaper it will cost you. The Olympic ski area is Paradiski, Espace Killy and Three Valleys. If you purchase a subscription to one of these zones, then you can spend one day in any other.
For alpine skiing and snowboarding, there is a rental in absolutely all sports stores, there you will be provided with many additional services such as inventory maintenance.
There is no need to worry about a suit, because in any sports store you will find a ski suit for your height, weight and level of skiing. In all corners of the resort towns there are similar shops that work especially for you.
Also in France in any city there are ski schools and there you can book lessons, and if you combine this with the purchase of a ski-pass, it will be much cheaper.
There are very convenient discounts for families, during the holidays when booking a lesson for an adult - the child can go for free. The ski school has several levels of training - this is a level for beginners who first become on skiing France, for advanced training, and for professionals who want to learn different tricks.
Courchevel and affordable skiing are real
Courchevel has everything from obscenely expensive hotels and restaurants to grocery stores and cozy chalets in old Le Pra. But first of all it is a gon-ski resort. Air, snow and mountains are free here, and the cost of the lifts is no higher than at any other major European resort.
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The French Alps attract both beginners and advanced skiers from all over the world. This is understandable: the variety of trails and the beauty of nature are combined with modern infrastructure. luxury resorts... In total, there are more than 400 ski resorts in France, from large and well-known to very small and no less cozy. For beginners, Alpe d'Huez, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Villars de Lans, Risoul, Le Menuir, Val Cenis and all the resorts of the Murien Valley, where there are a huge number of sunny plateaus, are suitable. - These resorts amaze with the number of luxury hotels, luxury chalets, restaurants and boutiques.
Chamonix
Chamonix is the center of the popular Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski region. Now Chamonix is known as a popular and relatively accessible resort for alpine skiing and snowboarding. The Chamonix Valley, stretching for 16 km, includes several ski regions: Grand Monte, Le Tours, Les Houches, Brevin, Flégères, as well as the famous White Valley - about 20 km off-piste descent from the top of Aiguille du Midi (3843 m) ... Skiing in Chamonix is so varied that you can find trails for skiers of all levels.
Ski station "Grand Monte" in Chamonix. Photo by: Daniel Simpson, commons.wikimedia.org
With 157 kilometers of ski slopes and virtually unlimited off-piste skiing areas, Chamonix is a very popular ski area all year round. The lift system gives access to the highlands around Mont Blanc.
Chamonix ski resorts are suitable for both children, beginner and intermediate skiers and advanced skiers. In Chamonix, there is no single ski area linked by a network of lifts. To the ski areas (Le Brevent, Les Houches, Le Tour, Argentiere) you need to go 7-15 minutes by ski bus.
Espace Killy
Val d'Isere and Tignes form a single ski area Espace Killy, which is a total of 300 km ski slopes of various levels of difficulty and about a hundred lifts. Skiing in the resort is guaranteed not only in winter, but also in summer thanks to the Pisseia glacier.
Val d'Isere
In Val d'Isere, the ski lifts are quite convenient in relation to apartments and hotels, some of which can be reached on skis. Val d'Isere is several thousand hectares of marked ski slopes and 10 thousand hectares of virgin land at an altitude of 1550 to 3500 m. Here is the best school for teaching skiing and snowboarding, as well as experienced freeride instructors. The ski season lasts from early December to late March. The halfpipe is located at the end of the Face de Belle-varde trail, and there is also a snow park. The length of cross-country skiing trails is 24 km.
For fans of extreme skiing - the breathtaking rocky bastions Galiz and Grand Eguy Russ. For beginners - the classic trails in the forests of Santon and Vallon. Pros will appreciate the Bellevard cliff with Bernard Roussy's downhill slope (height 2809 m, vertical drop 972 m, length 2905 m, average slope angle 350, maximum slope angle 63 degrees).
In Val d'Isere, the atmosphere of a traditional French village has been preserved. The architectural appearance is unique among other French ski resorts.
Tignes
Tignes (2100 m) is a high-altitude resort in Espace Killy - one of the best places in France for freeriding. The stages of the World Cup are held here annually. Snowboarders are very fond of Tignes for its wide, rather steep slopes. This resort is ideal for a fun-filled youth holiday.
Snow cover is guaranteed thanks to the glacier, which makes summer skiing possible. Modern lifts, many different trails are the advantages of this resort. Tignes consists of several stations: Tignes-le-Lac and Tignes-Lavache (located nearby), Tignes-Val-Claret (located 2 km from the first two in the valley above the lake). There are few hotels in Tignes, the main type of accommodation is apartments, there are many inexpensive options.
And in Val d'Isere, and in Tignes a large number of both for children (from 3 years old) and for adults ski and snowboard schools (7 schools in Tignes with 350 teachers, 12 in Val d'Isere with 450 teachers), where you can not only acquire or improve your skills, but also fly to helicopter to remote areas in order to pass the most interesting routes with a guide-instructor. There are kindergartens, nannies and nurses for the youngest children.
Three Valleys (Le Trois Vallee)
Three Valleys is the largest ski resort in the world. It unites more than 200 lifts, more than 600 km of marked trails. This is the site of the 1992 Olympic Games. On the territory of the Three Valleys, there are many world famous ski villages - Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1850, La Tania, Meribel, Mottaret, Les Menuires, Val Thorens. From the point of view of skiing, it doesn't matter which town to stay in. A single ski pass for all Three Valleys gives access to all 200 lifts.
Meribel
Méribel is an excellent destination for intermediate skiers. Excellent features for a ski safari, there are many wide, not too difficult trails throughout the ski area. It's good to hone your technique on the trails between Pas du Lac and Platiers. There are easy descents on almost every slope.
The advantage of Méribel, which has made the resort so popular, is its central location in the Three Valleys. While here, you will benefit a lot from the ability to choose the direction of travel and skiing territory depending on the weather, mood and level of ski or snowboarding. The Méribel resort (1400-1600 m) also includes the Méribel Mottaret station (1700-1800 m).
Val Thorens
Val Thorens, a French ski station at 2,300 m, is the highest in Europe. Val Thorens has 68 ski slopes stretching for 140 km, of which green (light) - 8, blue (medium) - 25, red (difficult) - 27, black (for experts) - 8. Ski area is equipped with 29 mechanical lifts , with a capacity of 60 680 people / hour. The resort is equipped with a snow park and facilities for new types of skiing (boardercross, halfpipe). In the resort of Val Thorens, located in the heart of a major natural park with six glaciers, numerous ski routes are presented.
Courchevel
One of the most prestigious ski resorts in France - Courchevel - is famous for a huge selection of trails and virgin slopes. The alpine villages of the Courchevel Valley are located on five different levels: Le Praz - 1030 m, Saint-Bon - 1300 m, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850.
The main advantage of the resort for beginners is the wide and flat blue and green slopes, a large number of which are located under the Jardin Alpin ski lift. The longest and softest runs are in the Bellecot and Pralon ski areas. For intermediate skiers, we recommend the slopes in the La Wiesel area. The best red runs are considered to be Marmot and Kre.
Breed les Bains
Brides les Bains is a resort, the infrastructure of which was created specifically for the 1992 Winter Olympic Games. The very location of the resort was also not chosen by chance - it is ideally located in relation to the Three Valleys. The Olympus direct cable car will take you to Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens in just 20 minutes.
Here you can not only ride, but also heal: a large wellness center with thermal springs, a swimming pool with mineral water, healing mud treatments, all types of massage.
The sports opportunities of the region are downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiles, tobogganing, sledding, bobsledding, rock climbing, hiking. A fun resort life in Brides les Bains will provide bars, restaurants, cafes, discos. Here is the only casino in the mountains (except for the Chamonix resort). As well as shops, cinemas, excursions. The resort hosts ski competitions and music festivals.
Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez is the largest ski resort in France, located at an altitude of 1860 m, on the sunny plateau of the Grandes Rousses massif. This is one of the oldest alpine resorts. 300 sunny days of the year and the proximity to Grenoble airport make Alpe d'Huez one of the most visited and loved ski resorts in Europe.
This is one of the 20 resorts in the world, where lifts serve a vertical drop of over 2000 meters. The stepped location on the mountain and the longest internal lift system allow skiing directly from the hotel. There is a huge beginner ski area right next to the resort. Season from late November to late April. Summer skiing on the Sarenne Glacier is possible in July and August.
The difficulty of the pistes according to the local classification is understated; many red pistes in other resorts would have a black designation. The longest certified track in Europe is Sarenne (16 km). The "Tunnel" track, filmed in one of the James Bond films, goes through a tunnel in a glacier. Snowpark and halfpipe for snowboarders at Lac Blanc. For lovers of flat skis, there are three circular tracks with a total length of 54 km.
Megeve
One of the world's most prestigious and picturesque ski resorts. The pedestrian area with cobbled streets in the center and the ancient architecture create the atmosphere of a real Savoyard village. From Mont Joly and other sites open impressive views to Mont Blanc. The mountains rise to a height of 1000-2500 meters, up to 1850 meters the mountains are covered with spruce and fir forests, which give a special charm to this place. Megève includes three ski areas: Rochebrune-Cote, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Jail. It is good for beginner skiers and those who prefer family vacations.
Professionals will love the steepest and most difficult slopes in the Mont Joly and Mont Jou areas, there are black and red slopes in Côte 2000, but they are not very long. For the intermediate level, the slopes in Mont-d'Arbois are suitable, the slopes served by the Grand Vorasse lift are also interesting; the slopes are more difficult - in the Comble and Geillet areas. In general, Megève is ideal for skiers of this level. and above in all three districts, but only two of them are connected by a lift - Rochebrune and Mont-d'Arbois.
Megeve has an Olympic ice rink, dog sledding, sleigh rides, horseback riding, helicopter rides, etc. are also possible.
Les Deux Alpes
The resort Les Deux Alpes is located in the center of the Oisans alpine mountain range. The station is located at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, at the foot of one of the largest glaciers in Europe, and provides skiers and snowboarders with the opportunity to ski all year round. Mechanical lifts, including a cable car, funicular, chair and drag lifts, allow you to climb to an altitude of 3520 m. Ski area Les Deux Alpes 3600 extends over 430 hectares. The height difference is from 1300 to 3600 m, the total length of the tracks is 225 km.
Winter and summer snowparks are equipped on the glacier. The ten skiing areas of the snow park are designed for both beginner snowboarders and freestyle fans, as well as experienced fans of extreme winter sports. Jumps and bends of various difficulty levels allow holding official competitions. There are many schools for beginner skiers. Professional instructors (including Russian-speaking ones) teach beginners in skiing and snowboarding, and advanced skiers can take part in individual or group lessons in freeride, slopestyle, etc.
The resort offers tourists a huge palette of entertainment: snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skating rink, swimming pools, paragliding school lessons, bowling, excursions to the ice grotto located at an altitude of 3400 m.
Villars de Lens
The ski resort of Villars de Lens is located in the center of the largest natural park in France - Vercors, on the slopes of the Aigle massif and the Dauphiné Predalpes ridge. This town is especially attractive for its location - on all sides it is surrounded by gorges and picturesque mountain ranges.
The slopes of Villars de Lans are part of a single ski area with the slopes of the small resort of Correncón en Vercors. This ski area is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. There are 130 km of tracks with a height difference from 1160 to 2285 meters. About 50 km of them belong to "green" and "blue", 49 km - to "red", 31 km - to "black". The slopes are very beautiful, as they pass through forests, picturesque canyons and plateaus.
The climate in the resort is rather humid, so there are many virgin areas with an abundance of snow on its upper parts. For cross-country skiers and hiking in Villars de Lens there is a route of 160 km. Any of the slopes can be reached using 29 lifts, most of which are drag lifts. The skiing season in Villars de Lens lasts from early December to early April.
In addition to the excellent slopes, the resort has a wonderful water park, ice rink, fan park (in Correncón-en-Vercors), cinema, bowling, casino, sports center, numerous restaurants and bars. Kindergartens, ski schools are open for children, separate tracks and lifts are equipped. You can also visit the Shoransh caves of the Vercors reserve and see a light or sound show, visit the robot museum, the water museum and the history museum.
Paradisk
The combined skiing region of Paradiski includes the resorts of La Plagne, Peyse-Valandry, Les Coches and Les Arcs. This resort area is quite young (created in 2003), and its name was born in the course of an international competition, in which Paradiski became the winner (a combination of the French word Paradis - "paradise" and English ski - "ski"). Paradiski has excellent conditions for freeriding and teaching children to ski. Skiing on two glaciers is possible all year round.
The trails stretch from the summit of Aiguille de Rouge (2335 m) in the west, the peak of Bellecot (3417 m) in the center and Les Verdon mountains (2500 m) in the east to the foot of the Tarentaise valley, forming an extended ski area running down the wooded slopes to small towns in the valley. In total, Paradiski offers 425 km of ski slopes ranging from 1200 to 3250 meters, with approximately 13% black, 24% red, 58% blue and 5% green. The slopes are served by 144 lifts, and the individual resorts are connected by a single system of lifts (including the largest cable car in Europe, the Vanoise Express, 1.6 km long and cabins for 200 people each) and slopes.
Les Arcs consists of several mountain villages - Bour-Saint-Maurice, Arc-1600, Arc-1800, Arc-1950 and Arc-2000, whose ski areas are located at altitudes from 1200 to 3226 m.In Arc-1800 there are many slopes for beginners , the slopes of the Arc-1600 are steeper, the Arc-2000 offers to conquer the Olympic tracks of the Aiguille Rouge peak (3226 m). Thanks to well-groomed trails and smooth mountainous terrain Les Arcs has been selected as the venue for international downhill skiing competitions more than once. For snowboarders, Les Arcs has a fun park and a 180 m half pipe.
La Plagne resort is formed by 10 stations, six of which are connected by an extensive network of lifts, and four are slightly removed from them. The region is dominated by slopes of medium difficulty, but there are also slopes for the pros, descending from the peaks of Bellecot and Biolay. The "blue" slopes can be mastered by a beginner who has come to rest in La Plagne, and the slopes "Kamikaze" and "Harakiri" will appeal to advanced athletes. One of the local attractions is the bobsleigh track, which hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Port du Soleil
The Portes du Soleil resort is also known as the "Gate of the Sun" - there is always sunny weather and excellent slopes for both pros and beginners. Located between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc on the border of France and Switzerland. The Portes du Soleil includes eight French and six Swiss resorts.
Many schools, slopes of various difficulty levels in four ski areas on the French side: Le Jeu, Morzine, Avoriaz and Châtel. The choice of the local slopes will satisfy the skier of any level, and there is a single ski pass throughout the resort. Due to the low location of the ski areas in Portes du Soleil, it is best to go from January to March.
Porte du Soleil has 280 runs, of which 26 are black, 105 are red, 112 are blue and 37 are green. 201 ski lifts are in operation, 650 km of slopes have been laid in the resort. Nine snow parks will delight the most sophisticated snowboarders and freestyle lovers. In the Porte du Soleil good conditions for off-piste skiing. And after a busy day of skiing, you can relax in any of the 89 mountain restaurants.
Avoriaz / Morzine
The city of Morzine lies in a spacious valley at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level. One of largest resorts Porte du Soleil, Morzine, is located at an altitude of only 1000 meters and is the center of the French part of the region. The city is known for its traditional ski resort atmosphere - the first ski lift was opened here in 1934. There are many shops and restaurants, as well as hotels and apartments.
Avoriaz is the youngest resort of Portes du Soleil, specially built for skiing. Avoriaz is literally entangled in trails from all sides. The ski in ski out system works here - you can get from home to the track and vice versa. Avoriaz is considered the center of European snowboarding - it was here in 1989 that the first Snowboard World Cup was played. There are off-piste skiing areas near the city. Snowboard enthusiasts will appreciate the snowparks: The Bleu du Lac for experienced snowboarders and The La Chapelle for beginners. There is a superpipe for freestyle. For advanced skiers, there are simply unlimited possibilities, the tracks are simple, long, for the most part sunny. A very interesting ski area in Champery and Le Jets, but there is one inconvenience: you can get to Le Jets only through the Morzine station, having removed your skis.
Le Menuir
The resort is located in the Bellevile Valley a few kilometers from Val Thorens at an altitude of 1850 meters and is connected by a network of lifts to Val Thorens, Méribel, La Tania and Courchevel. The ski season is from December to May. The total length of trails is 160 km, there are 28 km of cross-country skiing trails.
The resort is actively developing the North American beginners village model. A ski area (about 5000 sq. M) is reserved for beginners, which is served by six free ski lifts. Also for beginners there is a special ski pass for 11 more ski lifts in the region at especially low prices.
Particularly interesting are the red and black trails on the La Mass. While relaxing in the Menouir resort, be sure to take a ride on the 3 Marches and Mont de la Chambre pistes. The resort is surrounded by many slopes, ideal for freeriding, from where you can descend to the slopes, thus avoiding the need to use the bus. The overwhelming majority of slopes are blue and red.
It offers tourists snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, descent from the slopes by parachute, hiking, dog sledding, snowmobiling. Après ski - restaurants, cafes, bars, pastry shops and pizzerias, disco, nightclub, bars with live music. As well as billiards, two outdoor pools, indoor tennis courts, a fitness center with a Turkish bath, sauna and gym, toboggan runs, an ice rink.
La Tania
La Tania ski resort is located between the ski resorts of Meribel (5 km) and Courchevel (2 km) on the border national park Vanoise and belongs to the Three Valleys ski region. The resort is located at an altitude of 1400 meters. The ski season is from mid-December to the end of April. The number of ski slopes is 318 (30 black, 108 red, 129 blue, 51 green). The total length of the tracks is over 600 km. The total length of cross-country skiing trails is 118.55 km (of which 26.5 km are in La Tanier itself).
All trails are well-groomed, there is a lighted one for night skiing, the lifts are located so that there are no queues. In La Tanier, it is possible to ski on and off the many and varied trails in neighboring Meribel and Val Thorens. The tourist infrastructure includes luxury hotels and restaurants, the expensive Forum shopping center, and even its own airfield. And of course, magnificent views of the mountains.
Of the surrounding attractions, of interest is National park Vanoise, known for its population of wild Alpine ibexes. The park is inhabited by chamois, alpine marmots, lynxes, white hares, ermines, bearded vultures, golden eagles and black grouse. Vanoise borders Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park, and both of them make up the largest protected area in Western Europe.
In half an hour's drive from La Tania, there are two wellness complex- the Grand Spa des Alpes in Brides-les-Bains and the Thermes de Salins les Bains in Salins-les-Thermes, renowned for the healing properties of salt water used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin diseases.
Les Houches
The resort is at the foot of highest peak Alps - Mont Blanc mountains (4807 m), from where a panoramic view of the landscapes of the foothills of the Chamonix valley opens. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels - from beginners to experts - strive here. The reason for this is the unprecedented variety of slopes, peaks, trails and slopes. Les Houches is also famous for the fact that it hosts the annual World Cup downhill skiing competition. One of the features of the resort is that most of the trails are laid through the forest.
Ski slopes from 950 to 1900 meters in length, a large area for beginners and amateurs. There are 2 short slopes for beginners right at the top of the Prarion and Bellevue lifts. Les Houches is suitable for beginners in skiing. This is a more protected resort, in the sense that you can ride here quite comfortably even in bad weather.
Additional entertainment - cafes and restaurants, dog sledding, helicopter flights over the Chamonix valley. Near Les Houches, there is the picturesque village of Servoz, where you can visit the picturesque gorge Les Gorges de Diosaz, the Alpine Museum, shops of local artisans. Annual local events - Christmas market, artisan festival, mule fair, markets with a variety of local delicacies.
