Rating of ski resorts in France. Map of ski resorts in France: elite and prestigious holidays
France is the most interesting country and it has the largest ski areas in the world and a large number of lifts. This country is considered the most visited in the world, because Paris is an elegant and fashionable city, and the Eiffel Tower is a world landmark. Many outdoor enthusiasts, including newlyweds, prefer a ski resort in France during their honeymoon.
Tourists are attracted by hospitality and first-class service, when you can enjoy the variety of complexity of the tracks and the beauty of the landscapes. There are dozens of modern and 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, there are more than four thousand different slopes that will suit both beginners and experts and masters of the ski sport.
This is an indescribable feeling and immense pleasure over several thousand kilometers of specially prepared 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 area in the world, and the Vanoise Express is the fastest and largest double-decker cable car.
It is believed that the ski resorts of France are the world's largest center of winter recreation and sports. With 380 ski stations and 3900 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 high and at the same time guaranteed snow and sunny weather, which lasts from December to May, are provided to you.
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 center of ski recreation, because the mountain range stretches for 430 kilometers along the southwestern border between the Bay of Biscay and the well-known Mediterranean Sea.
This is considered the most colorful 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 a 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 on the flatter grounds like Massif Central. This is the best area for cross-country skiing, as well as for learning to snowboard and ski for beginners and children.
Haute-Provence is located in the south-east of France, sparkling with a variety of landscapes and a wonderful combination of gorges and rocky and mountain ranges.
This place is just perfect for outdoor activities in the winter.
The villages, which are illuminated by sunlight, have trails at an altitude of three thousand meters and attract with their cleanliness and freshness.
Upper Alps
The highest and most massive mountains are located precisely in the Hautes-Alpes, such as Barre des Ecrins four thousand meters high, and Mont Pelvo also four thousand. All these mountains complement each other perfectly, and the view and scenery is simply amazing, and the conditions for winter sports are just perfect.
It is the Upper Alps that attract many athletes with their quality and quantity of mountains. There are trails to choose from, both for beginners and professionals.
Upper Savoie
Haute-Savoie is amazing nature and sights, it is a region of first class degree. After all, it is in Haute Savoie that the highest mountain in all of Europe is located - Mont Blanc, the Annecy lakes, Lake Geneva, the Chamonix valley and the Rhone river.
Here vacationers will fully enjoy a first-class holiday, 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 high-altitude ski center in France.
Trois Valais, 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, Meribel, Brides-les-Bains, Saint Martin, Courchevel, Les Menuires, La Tania, de Belleville and Aurel.
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 high-mountainous resort in the Three Valleys ski area. It is a kind of roof; thanks to modern technologies, there is the most capacious lift in all of Europe, it is designed for about one hundred and fifty people.
The mountains here are mostly steep, starting from three-thousanders, so the terrain here is more designed for experienced skiers. Landscapes for vacationers are stunning beautiful views from the most picturesque peak of Cime de Caron, which 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 families and for not very experienced skiers. This is a quiet place where you can spend time calmly and go not only on ordinary skiing, but also on cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
Here, vacationers are provided with entertainment centers where you can play hockey, go skating or even arrange sledge races. A great place to relax with your family located at an altitude of 1400 meters.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains is a resort located at an altitude of six hundred meters and is the cheapest resort in France, thirty percent cheaper here than in high mountain resorts.
And it is in Brides-les-Bains, especially for vacationers, 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 over the world not only in winter for skiing, but also throughout the year in order to improve their health or just relax.
Courchevel
This high-altitude ski resort consists of four well-groomed villages, which are located on four levels - the first at an altitude of 1300 meters, the second - 1500 meters, the third - 1650 meters and the fourth - 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 slopes there are well-maintained, and the guides are polite, who can speak all foreign languages. This ski resort has become a leader in terms of hotel complexes and entertainment centers.
There is the highest quality service and maintenance, the friendliest staff and famous people rest there. There are several slalom tracks, two Olympic tracks specially prepared for ski jumping, a downhill track, ice arenas and cross-country trails.
Chamonix
Chamonix is the largest resort of the French Alps, known for more than 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 tracks is 152 kilometers, the total area is 762 hectares, the number of lifts is 49. Today it is a popular and relatively affordable holiday for snowboarders and skiers. Landscapes in the evening, restaurants and cafes, everything is created with comfort especially for relaxation.
Paradiski is the largest ski area. The most popular resorts are Les Arcs, La Plagne, Les Coches and a small area in Peisey-Valandry. The name itself is translated from French as "ski paradise".
Paradiski - ski paradise
There are two glaciers, 425 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty, at an altitude ranging from 1200 to 3250 meters, and 144 overhead lifts. Abundant snow cover from December to April, trails of varying difficulty, it will be comfortable here for both beginners and professionals. There are also trails for cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
And the famous Flying Kilometer track for breaking speed records has a maximum slope of 76 degrees. Excellent conditions for children will allow the whole family to relax, because for them there are twenty-three kindergartens, thirty-four ski 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 February is considered the best time for skiing, when the sun rises and the sunny weather lasts a very long time.
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 snow depth 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 easily buy half-day, one-day and two-day passes, etc. as much as your heart desires. You can purchase a subscription for each valley separately and for the entire skiing area, Ski-pass for children under five years old and for adults over seventy years old is free, and special rates and promotions are provided for couples and pensioners.
It is best to book a Ski-pass in advance and have a photo with you, because on the mountain it will cost much more, and the more days you want to spend there, the cheaper it will cost you. The Olympic ski area is Paradiski, Espas-Killi and Three Valleys. If you purchase a subscription to one of these zones, then you can spend one day in any other.
For skiing and snowboarding, there is a rental in absolutely all sports shops, where you will be provided with many additional services, such as equipment maintenance.
Do not worry about the suit, because in any sports shop you will find a ski suit for height, weight and skiing level. 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 you can book lessons there, and if you combine this with buying a ski-pass, it will turn out much cheaper.
Very convenient discounts are provided for families, during the holidays when booking a lesson for an adult, a child can go for free. The ski school has several levels of training - this is the level for beginners who are skiing in France for the first time, for advanced training, and for professionals who want to learn different tricks.
Courchevel and affordable skiing is real
Courchevel has everything from obscenely expensive hotels and restaurants to grocery stores and cozy chalets in the old Le Praz. But first of all it is a ski resort. Air, snow and mountains are free here, and the cost of lifts is not nearly higher than in any other major European resort.
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By right, the ski resorts of France are considered to be the most prestigious in the world. The Alpine ridge that passes through this European country has over four thousand tracks, among which there are both very difficult ones designed for professionals, and very simple ones, where even a child can enjoy skiing.
A brief overview of all recreation areas
More than two hundred recreation areas are concentrated in this area, each of which is characterized by its own features, both geographical and artificially created (hotels, restaurants and other establishments). However, all ski resorts in France, regardless of the degree of prestige, include hotels of various categories (from two to five stars), a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, and, most importantly, different tracks. That is, when you come to any point of the French Alps, you can choose for yourself both the most difficult descent and the extremely simple one, and enjoy your vacation. Moreover, tourists can move around in this area without any restrictions. You can book a hotel in one resort, and one day go to the pistes of another.
world heritage landscapes
Now consider the most visited and recognizable ski resorts in France. Chamonix is considered the heart of the entire Alpine range, where unique nature and a very pleasant climate welcome every tourist. It is located near the borders of Switzerland and Italy, so in this region you can also notice a slight synthesis of cultures. Despite the fact that this recreation area is perfectly equipped with slopes of varying difficulty, the White Valley remains a legendary place here. This point is located at an altitude of 3842 meters, and by climbing there, you can descend off-road as much as you like. The place is extreme, but everyone who has experienced all the delights of such skiing wants to return there again and again. Well, and of course, like all ski resorts, it is the center of ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, steam gliding over snowy peaks and much more.
Young and inexpensive recreation area
If you are looking for a secluded place where prices are very reasonable, but at the same time the service remains at a high level, then the next option will surely attract you. The French ski resort of Tignes occupies a vast area within the Alps, which is colloquially referred to as the “Killi Space”. This place is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure, which consists of a subway, gondolas and a huge network that regularly transport tourists to various parts of the Alpine Range. The property of the resort is also a giant glacier called "Grand Mote", suitable for skiing all year round. At its top there are many so-called blue runs, which are most often chosen by carving enthusiasts. If you still prefer freeride, then the ideal place for descents will be the lower slopes, which are located in the west of the recreation area.
The most visited ski resorts in France
"Three Valleys" - the generalized name of 600 kilometers of trails, which are located at an altitude of 1300-3230 meters. More than two hundred lifts constantly transport vacationers to various heights, from which you can ski and snowboard. It is in this region that winter sports championships have been repeatedly held, and it is here that nature is most organically combined with the creation of a human hand. The "Three Valleys" includes such recreation areas as Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel (France). Val Thorens is the highest point in the region. Skiers here climb to a height of 2300 meters, where a stunning view of the entire Mont Blanc opens up. The slopes here are calm, without obstacles, but still steep, so only a professional will feel safe here. Courchevel is the center of social life. This is the pride of France. Important ceremonies and parties are constantly held here, the hotel business and the service sector are just on top. In addition to all this, the number of tracks of varying difficulty is off scale. The height of the slopes of Courchevel ranges from 1300-1800 meters, and among them there are not only simple slopes, but also paths for jumping, for lard or downhill. There are also many ice arenas and much more.
The golden mean of "Three Valleys"
The Meribel ski resort is considered the most suitable place for a family holiday. At an altitude of 1400 meters, there are running tracks and ordinary slopes, where trainers work to help everyone, including young children, learn the basics of winter sports. The architecture of the region is made entirely in the French style, it is cozy and beautiful here. Service in hotels and restaurants is at the level, and at the same time the prices are quite reasonable. Don't forget about ice lovers here. For hockey players, special rinks are equipped, where suitable skates are issued, as well as the necessary uniforms. For those who like to simply cut through the ice, there are many open-air arenas where both children and adults ride. But the most interesting entertainment in Meribel is sledding. Each child will get a lot of impressions from such entertainment, although adults can also take part in the races.
Alpine Sun Island
The premium resort is located in one of the sunniest places in the world, where golden rays envelop the mountain peaks 300 days a year. The Alpe d'Huez recreation area is characterized by pistes that are located on the upper plateau. All of them are facing south, which allows you to enjoy the sun here until late in the evening. In this region, a lot of slopes are designed for children and beginners. The fact is that they are all flat and wide enough, there are a minimum of obstacles, and therefore security is at a high level. It is here that two of the most legendary descents are located: Saren, whose length is 16 kilometers, as well as the Tunnel - a route that was cut through the glacier. On the territory of the recreation area there are also ice arenas, ice rinks for hockey players and much more.
The oldest recreation area in the Alps
Modern ski resorts in France were most often built on the sites of former settlements, which are of historical importance. Some of them completely collapsed under the influence of time, but something survived and survived to this day. For example, the Megeve region is a living monument of architecture and art, whose history began in the Middle Ages. In the surrounding villages, all roads are paved with cobblestones, and motor vehicles are prohibited here. The houses that are rented to tourists have been standing here for more than 200 years, but at the same time they are beautifully restored and perfectly clean. Many guests come here to enjoy the spirit of antiquity, to feel how people used to live here and how wonderful it was. Also in the town there is a temple, which was built in the 13th century, a monastery was built next to it, and in the center of the town there is a large clock tower.
Training center for beginner skiers
A recreation area called Portes du Soleil is another place that almost all year round is constantly illuminated by the sun. A total of 650 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty are concentrated here, but most importantly, there are a lot of schools where everyone can learn mountain skiing or improve their skills. The resort is divided into four ski areas - Morzine, Avoria, Les Gets and Chatel. You need to choose one or the other depending on your skills in as well as on the aspirations and peaks that you are going to overcome. A separate business is well developed here, but there are not a large number of various events and social institutions here. People come here mainly in order to restore their sports form or learn to ski freely from scratch. Quite often, graduates of local schools become Olympic champions or masters of winter sports.
A small afterword
Every year, more and more tourists are welcomed to their lands by ski resorts in France. The prices for tours here are quite reasonable (they fluctuate within 500 USD per week of rest), which makes it possible to visit this place for people not only with high, but also with an average income. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are excellent mountain launches of varying complexity, schools for those who wish to learn the art of skiing. And, of course, entertainment, secular parties are at the service of vacationers. A lot of interesting things are waiting for every tourist with any tastes and preferences.
Val Thorens is located at an altitude of 2300 meters and is considered the highest ski resort in Europe. There is always a lot of snow here, and skiing safety is ensured by a special Gaz-ex anti-avalanche system. The "black" and "red" slopes of Val Thorens are located in the areas of Sims de Caron, Lac du Loup and La Mas, and in Pointe de Torrance lovers of freeride will find excellent virgin fields. Snowboarders will enjoy the fun park in the Plateau sector with unusual modules and special tracks for competitions. The resort also has slopes for those who are just starting to ski.
In addition, Val Thorens has a 6-kilometer toboggan run, a snow and ice track for cars, a large sports complex, the best disco in France Underground and many wonderful places for après-ski.
Photo gallery of Val Thorens resort
Les Menuires is a family resort and a paradise for beginners, most of the slopes here are for those who are starting to ski or want to improve their skills. It doesn't take long to get from hotels and apartments to the slopes, they start right outside the threshold.
In Les Menuires there are also slopes for professionals, they are located on the slopes of Mont de la Chambre, and for snowboarders in the same area there is an excellent fun park. Les Menuires offers beginner skiers a special ski area with an area of about 5000 square meters. m and a conveyor lift. The village has a sports center with aqua club, kids club, restaurants and bars.
Photo gallery of Les Menuires
Meribel is a great family ski resort. It is located in the center of the Three Valleys region and consists of three villages. This place is perfect for those who are just learning winter mountain sports or want to put children on skis. Wide pistes in the Altiport and Rond-Point areas and a free ski lift for beginners will help any tourist to join the charm of skiing. However, Méribel also has steep slopes for professional athletes, for example, the La Fas Olympic women's slope or the descent to Combes-du-Valon. Meribel will delight snowboarders as well – there are two special areas here, the Plader Snowpark and the Arpasson Moonpark. In the first, a 650-meter obstacle course, a half-pipe and a baby pipe are open for snowboarders, and in the second, a kilometer-long obstacle course and two half-pipes.
Meribel has a sports complex, bowling, cinemas and nightclubs. The resort restaurants are usually open after 17:00. Fans of parties and noisy parties can recommend the village of Mottare, where there are many discos, bars and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of Meribel resort
Brides-les-Bains is a superbly located ski resort with ideal access to the 3 Valleys. The Olympus direct cable car will take skiers and snowboarders to Méribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel. The town was built for the 1992 Olympic Games and offers budget accommodation at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level.
The total area of the slopes of the resort is 77 km, there are 58 lifts with a capacity of 64 thousand people per hour. There are two fan parks for snowboarders and 33 km of ski tracks for cross-country skiers.
In Brides-les-Bains, you can not only have a great ride, but also improve your health, there is a large wellness center with thermal springs.
Val d'Isère is one of the most sporting resorts in the French Alps. Every year in November, the first starts of the World Cup are held here, in 1992 the resort hosted the Winter Olympics, in 2009 - the Alpine Skiing World Championship. The sports tracks located in the Bellevard area are open to all comers in the afternoon. At the same time, Val d'Isere has special ski areas for beginners, as well as excellent ski schools, where they will teach everything necessary for both children and adults. The resort guests have at their disposal a well-thought-out system of lifts that connects the Val d'Isère with all ski areas, and 150 km of well-prepared pistes, including 12 green, 24 blue, 28 red and 15 black slopes. Iseras are known for their diversity, the height difference reaches 1300 m.
Three ski areas: Bellevard, Soleis and Col de Liseran offer sports enthusiasts a variety of pistes. There are freeride areas, sports slopes, difficult black runs and magnificent panoramic slopes that will not leave you indifferent. The snowpark Val d'Isère is located in the Bellevard area. The resort is famous for its beautiful architectural appearance, an excellent selection of comfortable hotels and apartments and excellent restaurants. An outdoor skating rink, an aquatic center, a night club, many restaurants and cafes will allow you to have a great time after skiing. Tourists can be sure that in Val d'Isère they will find a truly varied leisure.
Photo gallery of the Val d'Isère resort
Megeve is an excellent alpine resort where both skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of opportunities for interesting skiing. The city itself looks great with buildings in the Savoyard style. There are magnificent hotels, wonderful entertainment centers, restaurants and shops.
The resort offers its guests 222 pistes and is located in the center of the large Evasion-Mont-Blanc ski area, where there are about 445 km of marked pistes of various difficulty levels and 113 lifts. The ski season here lasts from December to April. The most interesting, beautiful and at the same time difficult slopes can be found in the areas of Mont-Joli and Mont-Jou. There is another section with "red" and "black" tracks in Kot-2000. Those who are not so confident in their abilities should pay attention to the descents in Mont-d'Arbois or Complus. Beginners will also find where to ride in Megeve, easy "green" and "blue" tracks can be found not only below the town, but also in all three ski areas.
Snowboarders will appreciate the slopes at Combloux-les-Jayers, as well as the boarder-piste-de-Fentin in Côte 2000 - Rochebrune. In addition to the Sports Palace with a swimming pool, saunas, a gym and a fitness center, Megeve has cinemas, a bowling center, an indoor Olympic skating rink and even a flying club. For lovers of evening entertainment, there are casinos, jazz and bridge clubs, discos and many boutiques. Magnificent views of Mont Blanc open from Mont Joly, and in Saint-Gervais you can swim in the thermal springs.
Megeve resort photo gallery
Courchevel is perhaps the most prestigious French resort, very popular with Russian tourists. A variety of slopes, a great choice of trails, beautiful virgin slopes - all this allows both beginners and experienced ski lovers to get a lot of pleasure from their holidays. The shopping and social life of Courchevel is amazing.
For beginners, the wide green and blue pistes in the Belcote and Pralonne ski areas are suitable. Those who are skiing and snowboarding with confidence should look at the beautiful forest slope of Bouc-Blanc and the "red" slopes in Marmot and Creux. Professionals will appreciate the "black" slopes of the Col de la Loze, Les Aval, Col du Pas du Lac, as well as the slopes from the Solire stations. 65 lifts lift tourists to the Alpine peaks. Courchevel has a snowpark, a halfpipe, plenty of snow cannons, and a 2km toboggan run. Indoor sports complex, bowling, fitness center, skating rink, concert hall and cinema, numerous discos, galleries and restaurants will not let you get bored after skiing.
The resort has more than 100 shops, where all the famous world brands are represented. The restaurants of Courchevel and its boutiques are designed for tourists with a high income. The nearest train station, Moutier Salines, is half an hour away from the resort.
Courchevel Village is a cozy family ski resort located at an altitude of 1550 m. Until 2013, it was better known as Courchevel 1550. It is a small Savoyard-style Alpine town with an economical hotel, excellent apartments and modern luxury chalets.
Two ski lifts connect Courchevel Village with the region's main ski areas. There is a ski school, a tourist information office, a rental office, restaurants, bars, a disco and an ice rink. The resort will appeal to family tourists and lovers of secluded relaxation, however, from here you can easily get to the noisier parts of Courchevel with famous restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of Courchevel resort
The popular ski resort of Tignes is located at an altitude of 2100 m in the Espace Killy ski area. Spacious wide pistes, great freeride opportunities and a long season make it a great choice for skiers and snowboarders. The three ski areas of Tignes - Tignes-le-Lac, Val Claret and Lavache are connected by a system of lifts and are located next to a picturesque lake. On the Grand Motte glacier, the ski season opens in early October, in other areas - at the end of November and lasts until the first third of May.
Sports enthusiasts will find 76 pistes in Tignes, most of which are blue and red, a snow park with a half-pipe, a mogul slope and an excellent ski school. Here you can also go cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowkite, ice climbing, paragliding or helicopter flying.
Cozy cafes and restaurants, noisy discos and bars will not let you get bored after skiing. The infrastructure of the resort is famous for its compact and convenient location, and the prices for accommodation here are quite budgetary.
Les Arcs is a group of resorts located in the heart of the French Alps, in the Ote Tarentaise valley. Resort towns are located here at altitudes from 1600 to 2000 meters above sea level and are united by ski slopes and ski lifts. The skiing season is from mid-December to the end of April. 121 ski and snowboard slopes, a variety of lifts, two snow parks with halfpipes await in Les Arcs for mountain winter sports enthusiasts. There are also opportunities to practice unusual sports, such as speedwriting and skijoring.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular ski resort in the Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc. The first tourists appeared in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at the beginning of the 19th century, and since then the resort has only been gaining popularity. In 1924, it was here that the 1st Winter Olympic Games were held. Today Chamonix-Mont-Blanc receives up to 5 million tourists and sportsmen a year.
There are several skiing regions in the Chamonix Valley: Grand Monte, Le Tour, Breven, Les Houches, Flegere, as well as the famous off-piste descent from the top of the Aiguille du Midi, 20 kilometers long - the White Valley. It is because of the White Valley that the resort is considered the capital of extreme skiing in France.
There is no single ski area in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, however, ski buses will take tourists to the ski lifts in 7-15 minutes. Good hotels and great bars, interesting museums and the mountain railway to Mont Blanc (2372 m) will make your stay in Chamonix interesting and enjoyable, even if you are not going to ski all day long.
Famous winter resorts of the French Alps, small mountain villages, mountain ranges on the island of Corsica, excellent conditions for both beginners and professionals, opportunities for skiing on the plain, paragliding, snowboarding and other sports, developed infrastructure, a wide selection of après-ski - skiing France is ready to offer tourists all this.
General information about ski resorts in France
French ski resorts are rightfully considered among the best in the world: more than 400 resorts, the highest mountains (the Alps), first-class and diverse slopes that have hosted more than one Olympic Games - indeed, there is something to be proud of.
The largest area for skiing is, of course, the Alps. Also here is the highest peak - Mont Blanc, the largest selection of slopes, a huge number of lifts - almost 4000. About half of all resorts are equipped with snow cannons, and some skiing is possible even in summer. In addition to the well-known Chamonix or Courchevel, there are less popular places for skiing in other regions of the country. For example, the Pyrenees is a great option for those who prefer flat skiing or are just learning to ski or snowboard. Another plus of a holiday in this region in winter is that the prices are much lower than in the Alpine resorts. Corsica also has resorts that allow skiers to relax there from December to March, sometimes until April.
As for the weather conditions in the Alps, you can safely come here from the end of November to the beginning of May (depending on the specific resort, the start of the season may vary). The best skiing time starts in February with the establishment of sunny weather. The Alps enjoy quite mild weather throughout the season - it rarely falls below -10 degrees here.
Another nice point is a sufficient number of ski schools offering different levels of training. If you buy a ski pass for the lessons, the cost of the first ones will be much lower. You can reduce the cost of ski passes by purchasing ski passes - from 1 day or more. A subscription can be either for a specific resort or for the entire skiing area. Children under 5 and adults over 72 pay nothing for a ski pass.
Where to ski in France
The most popular and sought after ski resorts in France are located in the Alps, as already mentioned. Beginning athletes should pay attention to the resorts of the Murienne valley, in search of luxury and prestigious holidays, go to Courchevel or Val d'Isère, from the resorts of Portes du Soleil you will also get to the Swiss mountain peaks.
Ski resorts in France in numbers
| Resort | Max. height difference, m | Length of tracks, km | Tracks | Lifts | Ski pass for adults, euro |
| Chamonix | 3842 | 152 | 74 | 49 | 1 day - 46 6 days - 230 13 days - 447 |
| Espace Killy (Val d'Isère, Tignes) | 3450 | 300 | 135 | 100 | 1 day - 51 6 days - 251 13 days - 469 |
| Courchevel | 1638 | 150 | 102 | 65 | 1 day - 48 6 days - 234 13 days - 496 |
| Meribel | 2349 | 150 | 69 | 46 | 1 day - 48 6 days - 277 13 days - 470 |
| Alpe d'Huez | 2200 | 250 | 113 | 81 | 2 days - 92 6 days - 239 8 days - 299 |
| megeve | 2350 | 300 | 125 | 81 | 1 day - 43 6 days - 205 8 days - 263 |
| Les Deux Alpes | 2298 | 200 | 76 | 63 | 1 day - 45 6 days - 225 13 days - 468 |
| paradisks | 3400 | over 700 | 238 | 143 | 1 day - 54 6 days - 277 13 days - 592 |
| Porte du Soleil | 2500 | 650 | 273 | 212 | 1 day - 48 6 days - 238 13 days - 406 |
And now let's talk about the most popular ski resorts in a little more detail.
Three Valleys
This is one of the largest skiing regions in France, uniting the resorts of Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens, with 600 km of slopes, excellent slopes, cross-country skiing tracks, ice rinks, hockey fields, sled races, jumping hills and tracks for slalom. Courchevel has the most luxurious entertainment and hotels, as well as Olympic quality slopes. Méribel and Val Thorens offer excellent conditions for learning and beginner skiers.
A nice bonus is ski schools for children from 3 years old and a large number of kindergartens, so you can safely come to the resorts of the Three Valleys with the whole family.
Chamonix
The oldest (it is 200 years old), the largest, most famous and most eminent resort in France (it was here that the first Winter Olympics were held), the highest descent in the Alps (about 20 km) - this is enough to go here. The resort is very diverse: the quality of the slopes is different (there are very good ones, there are also rather mediocre ones), suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers, both party lovers and connoisseurs of alpine beauty will be satisfied here.
In Chamonix, unlike many other resorts, there is no single ski area - you have to get on the ski bus (about 7 minutes), but there is an opportunity to get to the ski resorts of Italy and Switzerland. In addition, Chamonix has excellent conditions for snowboarders: there is a half-pipe, pistes and off-piste skiing; 42 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing; ski schools, 300 instructors work; there are kids clubs and a kindergarten.
Espace Killy
This region brings together several ski resorts (Val d'Isère and Tignes are the most popular) with a total length of 300 km of pistes. Thanks to ultra-modern slopes, highly developed infrastructure, many ski schools (with 800 instructors), the opportunity to ride on glaciers even in summer, excellent snowboarding tracks and a large selection of après-ski (helicopter rides, sledding or snowmobile rides), the resorts of this region are considered one of of the best in the whole world, not to mention France. Children's clubs, nurseries, nannies are a matter of course, without which it is impossible to imagine any developed ski resort.
Porte du Soleil
The gates of the sun - this is how the name of the resort is translated - are located in two countries at once: France and Switzerland. A unified skiing system is well developed here, and the opportunity to visit two countries at once in one day attracts tourists even more. The region's most popular resorts on the French side are Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets.
In addition to the ski slopes, you will find 7 parks for snowboarders, off-piste slopes, 216 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails, snowmobiles and hang gliders, nightclubs and restaurants, including those with Russian cuisine (for those who suddenly miss their homeland).
Alpe d'Huez
Known as one of the sunniest ski resorts in France - the sun shines here 300 days a year (longer than on some beaches). In especially clear weather, almost a quarter of the South of France can be seen from the observation platforms. There is a track here, laid right through the glacier and lit up in one of the parts of the Bond, one of the longest slopes in France - the 16-kilometer Sarin. Among other things, there are suitable conditions for children and beginners. Experienced athletes will be pleased with the quantity and quality of red and black runs.
Another distinctive feature of this resort, and very pleasant, is the presence of a large number of places for accommodation (much more than in other skiing regions). And the ski lifts pick up skiers right from the gates of the hotels. There are more than enough reasons to come to this resort.
paradisks
The youngest resort for skiers in France, where you can come all year round to hone your skills, thanks to the glaciers well located here.
In addition, this is the second largest ski area (after the Three Valleys). The popular resorts of the valley - Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey Vallandry are connected by the largest cable car in Europe. In addition to skiing, here you can try your hand at the Olympic bobsleigh track or skijoring, when skis are attached to a horse), go to frozen waterfalls or organize a descent into an ice cave. There are also trails for freestylers, conditions are created for both beginner skiers and professionals.
A huge number of different resorts, a combination of centuries-old traditions and modern trends, opportunities for skiing all year round, and in front of you is one of the leaders in skiing in the world.
Climate in France
The climate in France differs markedly in each region due to the influence of the seas and the ocean, as well as mountain ranges, but in general it can be called moderate: there will be no suffocating heat in summer and sharp frosts in winter, which undoubtedly affects the popularity of France among tourists from all over the world.Marseilles
Snow-white liners that go on cruises in the Mediterranean and Africa, fishing boats that start every morning in search of another, and it should be noted, a considerable catch, excellent beaches that offer not only a standard set of services for vacationers, but also the opportunity to ride a kayak or walk under sail, - this is how the second largest city of France, Marseille, greets guests. There are a lot of Arab delicacies and other exotics in this city - it is not for nothing that it is considered the gateway to Africa.
Toulouse
A city with a rich history and original architecture, one of the most vibrant and romantic cities in France, Toulouse impresses with a mixture of traditions and styles. Roman ruins, ancient cathedrals and churches with delightful stained-glass windows, graceful mansions of pale blue color and houses made of red brick - the city impresses with its unique color. And each of its squares and streets is permeated with history: Duke Henri de Montmorency was executed here - the loudest execution in the country; in the old monastery - the Augustinian Museum - paintings by famous French artists are kept.
Ski resorts in France: all about ski holidays in France, as well as reviews of tourists and experts.
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Ski resorts in France are considered among the best winter resorts in the world. It is here, in the French Alps, that there are extensive and interconnected skiing areas: more than four thousand tracks for skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding and other winter activities. The trails vary in difficulty level, allowing both beginners and real aces to have a comfortable time. Often on the slopes of the Alps, competitions in winter sports of various classes are held - up to championships and the Olympics.
The French Alps have hosted the Olympic Games three times. Moreover, the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924 took place right here in Chamonix, in 1968 they took place in Grenoble, and in 1992 - in Aberville, near which many excellent tracks have been preserved.
In total, more than two hundred ski resorts have been created on the slopes of the French Alps. Many of them are interconnected, so visiting one, you can easily move to another. So every ski lover will be able to find a suitable option here and get real pleasure from downhill or flat skiing.
Chamonix
Chamonix is the heart of the largest ski area in the French Alps at the top of the famous Mont Blanc. The Chamonix Valley is a unique natural area near the borders of Italy and Switzerland, included in the list of landscapes that make up the world heritage. The total length of the ski slopes is hundreds of kilometers on slopes of varying difficulty. The highest point of the resort is the legendary "White Valley", 20 km of off-piste skiing at an altitude of 3842 m. Ice mountaineering, rock climbing, canyoning, winter rafting and paragliding are also developed here - that is, a large selection of extreme sports for every taste. During the summer months, Chamonix is a popular holiday destination for climbers, mountain biking enthusiasts (including off-road freeride).
Espace Killy
Espace Killy is an area of the French Alps, named after the three-time world champion in skiing Jean-Claude Killy, and is considered one of the best winter resorts not only in the Alps, but throughout the world. The region includes the famous resorts of Val d'Isère and Tignes, and four less popular places for skiing, which, meanwhile, are ultra-modern slopes with excellent infrastructure not only for amateurs, but also for mountain slopes professionals. The special charm of the region is that that it is possible to ski on the glaciers not only in winter, but also in summer.For young skiers there is a free ski pass and many ski schools, and for snowboarders the famous corridors of Les Danaides, Le Lasvancher, La Table and Kern are equipped. with the surroundings, here you can choose a helicopter ride, dog sledding, snowshoeing or snowshoeing.
Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees)
Three Valleys (or Le Trois-Vallee), the Savoyard ski area is the world's largest unified ski region with 600 km of slopes at altitudes of 1300-3230 m. snowboard. The history of the resort has half a century, and in 1992 these slopes were conquered by Olympic champions.
The structure of the Three Valleys includes the high-altitude Val Thorens (Val Thorens) - the "Roof of the Three Valleys" at an altitude of 2300 m, the sports part of the resort area. Its peak is the picturesque peak of Cime de Caron, from where a magnificent view of Mont Blanc opens up.
The second resort - Meribel (Meribel) - "The Heart of the Three Valleys", is located at an altitude of 1400 m and is divided into the zones Meribel Center in the traditional French style and the more modern Meribel-Mottareu, both zones offer excellent slopes and cross-country trails, as well as all kinds of entertainment such as hockey fields and skating rinks, sled racing, etc.
And finally, chic Courchevel is one of the most prestigious resorts in the French Alps, a leader in terms of hotels, quality of service and various entertainments among the world's ski centers. However, spreading at altitudes from 1300 to 1850 m, Courchevel is not only social life and famous parties: a ski lover can stay here for a whole month and never ride the same track, conquering new heights and descents every day. In addition to traditional tracks, there are two Olympic ski jumping tracks, several slalom and downhill tracks, cross-country skiing trails, open-air ice arenas, etc.
Alpe D'Huez
Alpe d'Huez is a first-class ski resort in the southern Alps, one of the sunniest in the world: the sun shines here up to 300 days a year! The French themselves call it the "Island of the Sun" - the slopes are located on the upper plateau and are mostly facing south , which allows you to ski in the sun until late in the evening.This is the fifth largest ski area in France, where you can find the most famous slopes in Europe: the 16-kilometer Sarin slope and the Tunnel run through the glacier.
The Alpe d'Huez Tunnel is a famous filming location for one of the James Bond films.
In addition, this resort is a good solution for beginners in skiing, children, as well as those who prefer other types of winter recreation: tens of kilometers of flat tracks, an excellent ice stadium.
Megeve
Megève is an excellent ski resort that includes three ski areas: Rochebrune-Cote, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Jaye, as well as an open-air museum. The center of the town is paved with old cobblestones, freed from vehicles, and some houses here are at least 200 years old. The main attractions are the church of the 13th century, the medieval monastery and the city tower. Skiing areas are located at 1113-2350 m, and there are many slopes for both beginners and the youngest skiers, as well as for real extreme sports - for example, the JOLY slopes and the descent of the World Cup “la Gote 2000”, which excites the imagination.
Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is a world-class resort located at the foot of the largest glacier in Europe and inviting ski lovers to ski all year round. These are 104 ski slopes at an altitude of 3600 m, suitable for both traditional slopes and snowboarding, freestyle, freeride and others. There are many schools here, including for those who have never skied and snowboarded in their lives - by the end of training, the newly-made athlete will be able to not only ride decently, but also get real pleasure from the descent.
Paradiski
Paradiski is the youngest alpine area for skiing, which means "ski paradise" in translation. This is the name of the unified skiing region, which includes the resorts of La Plagne, Peisey-Valandry, Les Coches and Les Arcs. These are glacial snows that do not melt all year round, allowing you to learn the basics of skiing whenever you want. Regardless of seasonality.
The Portes du Soleil
Portes du Soleil is also known as a resort called "Gate of the Sun" - always sunny slopes for both pros and beginners. Many schools, 650 km of prepared slopes of various difficulty levels in four ski areas: Les Gets, Morzine, Avoria and Châtel.
Every year, the French slopes attract many tourists and ski lovers. All the necessary conditions have been created for them, lifts have been installed, excellent tracks have been equipped and all the necessary industry has been built. In addition, it is not only sports achievements and snow-sparkling slopes all day long: here you can walk through the charming alpine villages, visit cozy restaurants, enjoy the unique French cuisine, and find entertainment for any age, taste and budget.
