Superb food, high-altitude slopes and huge lift-linked mountain ensure that France is one of the most diverse countries for a ski holiday.
You can hop on a short to Geneva and Chambéry, and the bonus of short transfer times to many resorts, mean you will be skiing faster than in many other destinations, which makes for the option of those weekends away.
France has seven of the 10 largest connected ski areas in the world, and continues to invest in lift improvements every season
The Three Valleys is one of the worlds biggest linked lift system it has over 300 runs 175 lifts and over 600km of slopes across the valleys of Méribel Courchevel, and Belleville. Accommodation range from high “ski in ski out” in Val Thorens, to lower and more traditional like Brides Les Bains.
North of the Three Valleys sits the Portes du Soleil which also has over 600km of slopes which it achieves by interconnecting the runs around Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets.
The Paradiski spans the Tarentaise valley between Les Arcs and La Plagne both large ski areas themselves, a huge 200-plus capacity Vanoise Express gondola serves the area. With over 420km of piste there’s tree-lined slopes lower down in the valley and panoramic views from the top of the glacier
Val d’Isère and Tignes offer over 300km of piste and fantastic off piste skiing opportunities. From high altitude glacier skiing to wooded runs into the valley it offers enough for all levels.
Popular resorts
Best for families – Alpe d’Huez and La Plagne are well planned modern resorts, while Flaine and La Tania are were built with families firmly in mind.
Best for après – Les Deux Alpes has a range of bars along its main street, Méribel and Mottaret are at the centre of the Three Valleys’ après ski scene.
Best for beginners – Chamrousse’s offers sheltered slopes which are perfect for beginners to build their confidence, La Rosière’s has a selection of blue runs and gentle gradients.
Best for intermediates – Val Thorens’ high elevation pretty much guarantees good snow cover , Les Arcs and Avoriaz both offer great opportunities to progress.
Best for experts – Chamonix undoubtably deserves its reputation as a mecca for extreme sports and off piste, Tignes and Val d’Isère also offer steep, deep slopes and snow.
Accommodation options
From proper mountain towns like Chamonix or Morzine to purpose-built resorts like Flaine and Avoriaz which make up in ski-in, ski-out convenience what they lack in traditional charm.
Places like St Martin de Belleville, Sainte-Foy and La Clusaz have much in the way of traditional character and charm, but also have access to a huge variety of on and off-piste terrain.
Local culture
It cant be an accident that the winter sports world has a French word for a post ski party. Tignes and Les Deux Alpes offer a more affordable way to combine snow and apres-ski . The likes of Méribel and Val Thorens offer more in the way of up market eating and drinking.
Food and drink
The French love their food, something which shows as much in the mountains as it does in its cities and towns. Wherever you go you will find impressive options for dining .
Raclette, tartiflette or a classic fondue, and great wines are to be found everywhere. Indulgent patisserie treats can be hard to resist, but the French will assure you can be easily worked off on the slopes.
