Ski resorts in France. The best ski resorts in France French ski resorts

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 give you incredible beautiful landscapes and the atmosphere of a real holiday. Some resorts have a specific theme and are meticulously styled, others retain the natural charm of the French Alps, and some are particularly famous for their après ski. Each boasts extraordinary ski terrain where you'll have a great time. In addition, all resorts have individual activity programs that will keep you and your family members entertained, regardless of age or hobby. We offer a brief overview of the five most popular and luxurious French mountains ski resorts, going to which you will definitely not be disappointed.

Chamonix

It retains the charm of Alpine culture and is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, where the 1924 Olympic Games took place. The stunning, majestic Mont Blanc provides a magnificent landscape, making this place a true paradise for lovers of skiing and spectacular holidays. Chamonix is ​​a luxurious, intimate resort offering great opportunities for skiers of all levels, boasting excellent après ski and offering countless other activities. It has 145 trails with a total length of more than 140 km, which are located in 8 different zones of the valley. Extreme lovers will find very steep and high-speed descents for themselves. Excellent here too transport system: special buses will take you to any of the resorts. You can stay during your vacation in first-class chalets, rented apartments or a hotel.

Climbing up cable car From the valley to the peaks, travelers can enjoy amazing views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.


Well, gourmets should try fondue cheese - 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 amazingly designed resort. Here you will find palaces and 5-star luxury chalets, which make this place especially popular among Parisians and Russians.


In addition to skiing, here you can enjoy excellent cuisine in gourmet local restaurants, excellent shopping and unforgettable relaxing treatments.

Meribel

Part of the Three Valleys, it has a reputation for excellent après ski and is considered the best destination for true hedonists. By the way, this place is also great for both advanced skiers and those 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, many heavenly spa treatments, walks on the glacier and excellent food. Fondue and raclette are again on the list of dishes that you definitely need to try 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 large resort hosted many Olympic events in 1992.

The ski area is quite extensive, so it can satisfy the requirements of any athlete and ordinary ski enthusiast. The place is also famous for its extremely active après ski scene. There is no shortage of bars and other entertainment venues 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 make the resort one of the most attractive for true ski fans.


Val Thorens is one of the most stunning and impressive ski resorts, the feature of which, in addition to its height, can be considered extraordinary environment. Its wide slopes are suitable for skiers of all skill levels, and its delightful atmosphere will make your holiday unforgettable. With its excellent après ski and dog sledding opportunities, this resort is a popular destination for tourists visiting France.

The French Alps attract both beginner and advanced skiers from all over the world. This is understandable: the variety of trails and natural beauty are combined with the modern infrastructure of luxury resorts. In total, there are more than 400 ski resorts in France, from large and famous to very small and no less cozy. For beginners, Alpe d'Huez, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Villars de Lans, Risoul, Les Menuires, Val Cenis and all the resorts of the Murien Valley, where there are a huge number of sunny plateaus, are suitable. prestigious holiday We can recommend Courchevel, Megeve, Val d'Isere - these resorts amaze with the number of luxury hotels, luxury chalets, restaurants and boutiques.

Chamonix

Chamonix is ​​the center of the popular ski region Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Now Chamonix is ​​known as popular and relatively accessible for lovers alpine skiing and snowboard resort. The Chamonix Valley, stretching for 16 km, includes several ski areas: Grand Montet, Les Tours, Les Houches, Brevin, Flegere, as well as the famous White Valley - an off-piste descent about 20 km long from the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3843 m) . Skiing in Chamonix is ​​so varied, you can find slopes for skiers of all levels.

Ski station "Grand Monte" in Chamonix. Photo credit: Daniel Simpson, commons.wikimedia.org

With 157 kilometers ski slopes and virtually unlimited off-piste areas, Chamonix is ​​a very popular year-round ski area. The lift system gives access to the high mountain areas around Mont Blanc.

Ski resorts Chamonix is ​​suitable for children, beginner and intermediate skiers, as well as advanced skiers. There is no single ski area in Chamonix, connected by a network of lifts. To the ski areas (Le Brevent, Les Houches, Le Tours, Argentiere) you need to go 7-15 minutes by ski bus.

Espace Killy

The resorts of Val d'Isère and Tignes form a single ski area, Espace Killy, which is a total of 300 km ski slopes of varying levels of difficulty and about a hundred lifts. Skiing at the resort is guaranteed not only in winter, but also in summer thanks to the Pissaia glacier.

Val d'Isere

In Val d'Isere, the ski lifts are located quite conveniently in relation to apartments and hotels, some of which can be reached on skis. Val d'Isere has several thousand hectares of marked ski slopes and 10 thousand hectares of virgin soil at an altitude of 1550 to 3500 m. Here is the best ski and snowboard school, as well as experienced freeride instructors. Ski season lasts from early December to late March. The halfpipe is located at the end of the Face de Belle-varde piste, and there is also a snow park there. The length of cross-country ski trails is 24 km.

For fans of extreme skiing, there are the breathtaking rock bastions of Galiz and Grande Aiguille Rousse. For beginners - classic routes in the forests of Santon and Vallon. Pros will appreciate the Bellevard rock with the Bernard Roussy downhill (height 2809 m, vertical drop 972 m, length 2905 m, average slope 350, maximum slope 63 degrees).

Val d'Isere retains the atmosphere of a traditional French village. The architectural appearance is unique among other French ski resorts.

Tignes

Tignes (2100 m) - a high mountain resort in Espace Killy - one of best places in France for freeride. The World Cup stages are held here every year. Snowboarders love Tignes for its wide, fairly steep slopes. This resort is ideal for a fun youth holiday.

Snow cover is guaranteed thanks to the glacier, which makes summer skiing possible. Modern ski lifts and many different trails are the advantages of this resort. Tignes consists of several stations: Tignes-le-Lac and Tignes-Lavache (located nearby), Tignes-Val-Clare (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.

Both Val d'Isere and Tignes have a large number of both children's (from 3 years old) and adult ski and snowboard schools (7 schools in Tignes with 350 teachers, 12 in Val d'Isere with 450 teachers), in which You can not only acquire or improve your skills, but also fly by helicopter to remote areas to go through the most interesting routes with a guide-instructor. For the youngest children there are kindergartens, nannies and caregivers.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées)

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 Tanya, Meribel, Mottaret, Les Menuires, Val Thorens. From a skiing point of view, it doesn’t matter which town you stay in. A single ski pass for all Three Valleys gives access to all 200 lifts.

Meribel

Meribel is an excellent place for intermediate skiers. Excellent opportunities for ski safaris, there are many wide, not too difficult trails throughout the ski area. It is good to hone your technique on the slopes between Pas du Lac and Platières. Almost every slope has easy descents.

The advantage of Meribel, which has provided the resort with enormous popularity, is its central location in the Three Valleys. While here, you benefit a lot from the ability to choose the direction of travel and ski area depending on the weather, mood and level of skiing or snowboarding. The Meribel resort (1400-1600 m) also includes the Meribel Mottaret station (1700-1800 m).

Val Thorens

Val Thorens, a French ski resort at 2300 m, is the highest in Europe. Val Thorens has 68 ski slopes stretching over 140 km, of which 8 are green (easy), 25 blue (medium), 27 red (difficult), 8 black (for experts). The ski area is equipped with 29 mechanical lifts , With throughput 60,680 people/hour. The resort is equipped with a snowpark and facilities for new types of skiing (bordercross, halfpipe). In the resort of Val Thorens, located in the heart of a large natural park with six glaciers, numerous ski routes are presented.

Courchevel

One of the most prestigious ski resorts in France, Courchevel, is famous for its huge selection of pistes and virgin slopes. The Alpine villages of the Courchevel valley are located at 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 beginner skiers is the wide and smooth blue and green slopes, a large number of which are located under the Jardin Alpin ski lift. The longest and softest slopes lie in the Belcôte and Pralon ski areas. For intermediate skiers, we recommend the slopes in the La Wieselle area. The best red pistes are considered to be Marmot and Creux.

Brides-les-Bains

Brides-les-Bains is a resort whose infrastructure was created specifically for the Winter Olympic Games in 1992. The location of the resort itself was also not chosen by chance - it is ideally located in relation to the Three Valleys. The direct Olympus cable car takes you to Meribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens in just 20 minutes.

Here you can not only ride, but also heal: vacationers have a large wellness center with thermal springs, a swimming pool with mineral water, courses of treatment with healing mud, all types of massage.

Sports opportunities in the region include alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiles, tobogganing, sledding, bobsleigh, rock climbing, hiking. Cheerful resort life in Brides-les-Bains will be provided by bars, restaurants, cafes, discos. Here is the only casino in the mountains (except for the resort of Chamonix). 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 a year and proximity to Grenoble airport make Alpe d'Huez one of the most visited and beloved ski resorts in Europe.

This is one of 20 resorts in the world where ski lifts provide a vertical height difference of over 2000 meters. The stepped arrangement on the mountain and the longest system of internal lifts 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 downplayed; many red pistes at other resorts would be designated black. The longest certified track in Europe is Sarenne (16 km). The Tunnel track, featured in one of the James Bond films, goes through a tunnel in a glacier. Snowpark and halfpipe for snowboarders at Lac Blanc. For fans of cross-country skiing there are three circular tracks with a total length of 54 km.

Megève

One of the most prestigious and picturesque ski resorts with world renown. A pedestrian zone with cobbled streets in the center and ancient architecture create the atmosphere of a real Savoyard village. Mont Joly and other sites offer impressive views of 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, giving a special charm to this place. Megève includes three ski areas: Rochebrune-Côte, Mont-d'Arbois and Les Jayes. This is a good place for beginner skiers and those who prefer a family holiday.

Professionals will enjoy the steepest and most difficult slopes in the Mont Joly and Mont Joux areas; there are black and red slopes in Cote 2000, but they are not very long. For intermediate levels, the slopes in Mont d'Arbois are suitable; the slopes served by the Grand Vorasse ski lift are also interesting; more difficult slopes are in the Combloux and Jeyes areas. In general, Megève is ideal for skiers of this level. There are slopes both below the town and and at the top in all three areas, but only two of them are connected by a lift - Rochebrune and Mont-d'Arbois. Les Jeyes can only be reached by ground transport.

Megève has an Olympic skating rink, dog sledding, sleigh rides, horse riding, helicopter flights, etc.

Les Deux Alpes

The resort of Les Deux Alpes is located in the center of the Alpine mountain range Oisan. 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, chairlifts and rope tows, allow you to rise to a height of 3520 m. The ski area of ​​Les Deux Alpes 3600 extends over 430 hectares. The height difference is from 1300 to 3600 m, the total length of the routes is 225 km.

Winter and summer snowparks are located on the glacier. The snow park's ten ski areas are designed for both beginner snowboarders and freestyle fans, as well as experienced extreme sports enthusiasts. winter sports. Jumps and turns of varying complexity allow for official competitions. There are many schools for beginner skiers. Professional instructors (including Russian-speaking ones) teach beginners how to ski and snowboard, and advanced skiers can take part in individual or group lessons in freeride, slopestyle, etc.

The resort offers tourists a huge range of entertainment: snowshoeing, snowmobiling, an ice skating rink, swimming pools, lessons at a paragliding school, bowling, excursions to an ice grotto located at an altitude of 3400 m.

Villars de Lans

The Villars de Lens ski resort is located in the center of the largest natural park in France - Vercors, on the slopes of the Aigle massif and the Pre-Alpes Dauphiné ridge. What makes this town especially attractive is its location - it is surrounded on all sides by gorges and picturesque mountain ranges.

The slopes of Villars de Lans are part of a single ski area with slopes small resort Correncon-en-Vercors. This ski area is perfect for beginners and those with intermediate skiing skills. There are 130 km of trails with elevation differences from 1160 to 2285 meters. About 50 km of them are “green” and “blue”, 49 km are “red”, 31 km are “black”. The slopes are very beautiful, as they pass through forests, picturesque canyons and plateau.

The climate in the resort is quite humid, so in its upper areas there are many virgin areas with plenty of snow. For lovers of cross-country skiing and hiking, there is a 160 km route to Villars de Lans. Any of the slopes can be reached using 29 lifts, most of which are rope tows. The ski season in Villars de Lens lasts from the beginning of December to the first days of April.

In addition to excellent slopes, the resort has a wonderful water park, ice skating rink, fan park (in Correncon-en-Vercors), cinema, bowling alley, casino, sports center, numerous restaurants and bars. Kindergartens and ski schools are open for children, and separate trails and lifts are equipped. You can also visit the Shoranches caves of the Vercors nature reserve and see a light or sound show, visit the robot museum, the water museum and the historical museum.

Paradiski

The combined Paradiski ski region includes the resorts of La Plagne, Peysé-Valandry, Les Coches and Les Arcs. This resort area is very young (created in 2003), and its name was born during an international competition, the winner of which was Paradiski (a combination of the French word Paradis - “paradise” and the English word ski - “skis”). Paradiski has excellent conditions for freeriding and teaching children skiing. Skiing on two glaciers is possible all year round.

The slopes stretch from the peak of the Aiguille de Rouge (2335 m) in the west, the Bellecôte peak (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 at altitudes from 1200 to 3250 meters, with approximately 13% of them being black, 24% being red, 58% being blue and 5% being green. The slopes are served by 144 lifts, and the individual resorts are connected by a single system of lifts (including the largest Vanoise Express cable car in Europe, 1.6 km long and with cabins for 200 people each) and slopes.

Les Arcs consists of several mountain villages - Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Arc-1600, Arc-1800, Arc-1950 and Arc-2000, whose ski areas are located at altitudes from 1200 to 3226 m. Arc-1800 has many slopes for beginners , the descents of Arc-1600 are steeper, Arc-2000 offers to conquer the Olympic slopes of the Aiguille Rouge peak (3226 m). Thanks to its well-groomed pistes and gentle mountainous terrain, Les Arcs has been chosen more than once as the venue for international downhill competitions. Snowboarders can enjoy a fun park and a 180 m long half-pipe in Les Arcs.

The La Plagne resort consists of 10 stations, six of which are connected by an extensive network of ski lifts, and four of which are slightly removed from them. The region is dominated by slopes of medium difficulty, but there are also slopes for professionals, descending from the peaks of Belcôte and Bioley. The “blue” slopes can be easily mastered by a beginner who comes on holiday to La Plagne, while the “Kamikaze” and “Harakiri” slopes will appeal to advanced athletes. One of the local attractions is the bobsled track, where the 1992 Winter Olympics were held.

Portes du Soleil

The Portes du Soleil resort is also known as the “Gateway of the Sun” - it always has sunny weather and excellent slopes for both pros and beginners. Located between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc on the border of France and Switzerland. Portes du Soleil includes eight French and six Swiss resorts.

Many schools, pistes of varying difficulty levels in four ski areas on the French side: Les Gets, Morzine, Avoriaz and Chatel. The choice of local slopes will satisfy skiers of any level, and there is a single ski pass throughout the resort. Due to the low location of the ski areas, the best time to go to Portes du Soleil is from January to March.

Portes du Soleil has 280 pistes, of which 26 are black, 105 red, 112 blue and 37 green. There are 201 lifts in operation, and the resort has 650 km of slopes. Nine snowparks will delight the most experienced snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts. Portes du Soleil has good conditions for off-piste skiing. And after a busy ski day, you can relax in any of the 89 mountain restaurants.

Avoriaz/Morzine

The town 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 at an altitude of just 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 here was opened in 1934. There are many shops and restaurants, as well as hotels and apartments.

Avoriaz is the youngest Portes du Soleil resort, specially built for alpine skiing. Avoriaz is literally entangled with tracks on all sides. The ski in ski out system works here - you can get from your home to the piste and vice versa. Avoriaz is considered the center of European snowboarding - it was here that the first Snowboard World Cup was played in 1989. There are off-piste ski areas not far from the city. Snowboarding enthusiasts will appreciate the snowparks: The Bleu du Lac for experienced snowboarders and The La Chapelle for beginners. For freestyle there is a superpipe. For advanced skiers there are simply unlimited possibilities, the slopes are simple, long, and mostly sunny. A very interesting ski area in Champery and Les Gets, but there is one inconvenience: you can only get to Les Gets through the Morzine station by taking off your skis.

Les Menuires

The resort is located in the Belleville valley a few kilometers from Val Thorens at an altitude of 1850 meters and is connected by a network of ski lifts to Val Thorens, Meribel, La Tanya and Courchevel. Ski season is from December to May. The total length of the trails is 160 km, there are 28 km of cross-country ski trails.

The resort is actively developing the North American beginners village model. There is a designated ski area (about 5,000 sq. m) for beginner skiers, which is served by six free ski lifts. There is also a special one for beginners ski pass for another 11 ski lifts in the region at especially low prices.

Particularly interesting are the red and black trails, which are located on the La Masse massif. While relaxing in the Menuirs resort, you should definitely take a ride along the 3 Marches and Mont de la Chambre routes. The resort is surrounded by numerous slopes, ideal for freeriding, from which you can access the lifts, avoiding the need to use a bus. The vast majority of tracks are blue and red.

Tourists can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, parasailing, hiking, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. Après ski - restaurants, cafes, bars, pastry shops and pizzerias, disco, night club, bars with live music. As well as billiards, two outdoor swimming pools, indoor tennis courts, a fitness center with a Turkish bath, a sauna and a gym, toboggan runs, and an ice skating rink.

La Tanya

The ski resort of La Tanya is located between the ski resorts of Meribel (5 km) and Courchevel (2 km) on the border national park Vanoise 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 routes is more than 600 km. The total length of cross-country ski trails is 118.55 km (of which 26.5 km is in La Tanya itself).

All pistes are well-groomed, there is a lighted one for night skiing, and the lifts are located so that there are no queues. In La Tania there is the opportunity to ski on and off the numerous and varied pistes in neighboring Meribel and Val Thorens. Tourist infrastructure includes luxury hotels and restaurants, expensive shopping mall“Forum”, even its own airfield. And of course, magnificent views of the mountains.

Among the surrounding attractions, the Vanoise National Park is of interest, famous for its population of wild alpine mountain goats - Ibex. The park is home to chamois, alpine marmots, lynxes, snowshoe hares, stoats, bearded vultures, golden eagles and black grouse. Vanoise borders Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park, both of which form the largest protected area in Western Europe.

Half an hour's drive from La Tanya there are two health complex- the Grand Spa des Alpes in Brides-les-Bains and the Thermes de Salins les Bains in Salins-les-Thermes, famous for the healing properties of salt water used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin diseases.

Les Houches

The resort is located at the foot of highest peak Alps - Mont Blanc mountains (4807 m), from where the panoramic view to the landscapes of the foothills of the Chamonix valley. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels come here - from beginners to experts. The reason for this is the unprecedented variety of descents, peaks, routes and slopes. Les Houches is also famous for hosting the annual World Cup downhill skiing competitions. One of the features of the resort is that most of the trails are laid through the forest.

Ski slopes range 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 beginner skiers. This is a more protected resort, in the sense that you can ski here quite comfortably even in bad weather.

From 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, and shops of local artisans. Annual local events - Christmas market, artisan festival, mule fair, markets with a wide variety of local delicacies.

Ski resorts in France are considered one of the most modern not only in Europe, but throughout the world. The French Alps offer tourists magnificent landscapes, and skiing on the equipped trails is breathtaking. Fans of alpine skiing, snowboarding, as well as bobsleigh and other winter sports come here.

All trails are divided into categories, depending on the level of difficulty. Some of them will be most 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 connected to each other so that every traveler can find the perfect option for themselves.

Skiing on plains or steep slopes occurs on trails that are illuminated at night. Modern ski lifts and cozy hotels with a high level of service await tourists in.

Ski season in the French Alps

In the French mountain region, the ski season begins 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. IN given time precipitation falls from six to eighty centimeters.
  • 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 remains at a level of 140-220 cm.

There are also areas where the volume of snow can exceed four meters. The melting of precipitation begins in the second half of May.

Pricing policy of French ski resorts

More than two hundred ski 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 resort of Val Thorens 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's holiday in a three-star hotel, tourists will spend about 700 euros, in a 4-star 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'Isere. The snow cover here lasts the entire season. A week's rest for one person in a 2* hotel will cost 720 euros; a room in a hotel 3 will cost only 10 euros more *. For accommodation in a four-star hotel they will ask about 850 euros, and in a 5* hotel - 1100 euros.

The best winter resorts in France

Among the most impressive resorts in France, we can highlight the following Top 7 best:

  1. Meribel


This stunning resort is located in the “heart” of the Three Valleys ski system. Excellent trails, equipped ski lifts and recreation areas will give tourists a pleasant pastime. This resort is deservedly called the “pearl” of vacation spots for skiers and snowboarders.

Original route diagrams connect small town Meribel, Meribel Village and Mottaret. There are 150 kilometers of trails for recreation and skiing. There are 8 “green” routes open for beginners. The blue markings mark the trails for those who have basic skiing skills. Twenty-three “red” slopes are suitable for experienced skiers, and nine slopes marked in black will appeal to extreme skiers.

This fabulous place is characterized by sunny slopes, where warm rays warm skiers during the day. The resort has fifteen gondola lifts, as well as chair lifts and 14 rope tows. To ensure that the snow cover remains even, 685 snow installations are used.

Walking along equipped paths, hang gliding, cable car travel, a bowling alley, an ice skating 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 ski lifts and cozy hotels for travelers. This place open to tourists all year round, and welcomes lovers active rest skiing or snowboarding in winter, as well as enjoying beautiful scenery at any time of the year.

In addition to snowboarding and alpine skiing, sports such as telemark and squall riding are offered here. Snow remains on the mountain tops 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 often take place here.

  1. 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 recreational activities include relaxing activities and winter sports. Most hotels here have access to ski lifts. The overhead lift is capable of simultaneously moving 150 people. For the convenience of skiers and snowboarders, the slopes are equipped with avalanche control systems. Snow cannons and other snowmaking systems provide excellent coverage throughout the season, which begins in November and ends in May.

The local snowboard parks are distinguished by the presence of jumps, quarter pipes, half pipes and other places for skiing where competitions take place. Val Thorens has thirty-one ski lifts and sixty-six marked pistes, with a total length of 140 kilometers. Relief slopes, difficult trails or a flat area at the foot of the mountain for beginners - all this will appeal to athletes of any level.

There is a ski school for adults and children. Also, the resort has an aqua club (with a swimming pool and sauna), tennis courts, areas for playing squash and volleyball, a climbing wall, a roller rink, gyms and even a paragliding club. Especially for children, there are mini clubs and a Fun Park, where there is a pool filled with balls, slides for kids, trampolines and an inflatable palace. Among other things, there are a large number of cafes, restaurants, bars, discos and night clubs.

  1. Chamonix


This mountain valley will give to tourists unforgettable experience. A fourteen-kilometer natural glacier and a twenty-kilometer ski slope connect here. The snow cover here remains from December to May. Forty-seven lifts and seventy-eight trails, with a total length of 140 kilometers, will conquer any skier or snowboarder.

In addition to boarding or skiing, you can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding to the icy peak. Also, tourists are offered hang gliding and helicopter flights. Among other things, there is a bowling alley, an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, dance floors, bars and restaurants where you can have fun.

  1. Courchevel


Most beautiful famous resort is considered one of the most representative French regions. This elite holiday destination has a developed infrastructure, amazing natural resources, and big amount chic restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues, from the windows of which you can see the peak of the famous Mont Blanc mountain.

Here you can go ice skating and play bowling, squash or tennis. A large selection of trails for beginners, as well as extreme routes, appeal to snowboarders and skiers. There are sixty-two lifts open here, and the length of multi-level trails is one hundred and fifty kilometers.

  1. Les Arcs


This popular resort located in the province of Savoy. Several villages, connected to each other, are located at different levels. A large number of lifts (there are fifty-four in total), professional equipment, as well as trails with a total length of about 420 kilometers impress tourists. There are slopes of all levels 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. Cross-country trails will appeal to cross-country skiers. The snowboard park has amazing facilities for jumps and tricks, as well as a half-pipe and a boarder 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, and relax in the sauna, swimming pool or solarium.

  1. Megève


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 here are booked in advance. A huge variety of entertainment, as well as unforgettable skiing or snowboarding, awaits tourists here. The length of the ski trails is 440 kilometers. A multi-faceted holiday will appeal to connoisseurs of luxury.

Answers to frequently asked questions from readers

What is the temperature in French ski resorts in winter?

The Alps offer wonderful weather all year round. Pleasant temperatures remain here even in winter. The following temperature indicators are typical 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 holiday 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 resorts are distinguished by the presence of thermal springs?

Among the French mountain resorts, which will allow you to combine skiing and SPA holidays, the following stand out:

  • Brid Le Ben. The large city SPA center offers everyone who wants to relax and improve their health immediately after skiing.
  • Megève. Near the resort is the thermal park "Saint Gervais les Bains". Tourists can improve their health thanks to the local hot mineral springs.

An extraordinary experience of charming mountains and the French lifestyle awaits tourists here. It’s worth going here for the thrill and wonderful emotions of contemplating the landscapes, and you are guaranteed to get the most amazing ski tour.

(4 ratings, average: 4,50 out of 5)

Ski resorts offer clean air, scenic views and amazing local attractions. France is not only the most romantic country, but also the world center of winter sports. The article presents a list of ski resorts to which tourists travel from all over the world to conquer mountain peaks, admire snowy landscapes and gain new experiences.

There are more than 400 ski villages in France, most of which are located in the Alps.

A few tips will help make your vacation more enjoyable:

  • prices for tours at the beginning and end of the season are significantly lower;
  • if you buy a ticket in advance, you will get a good discount;
  • equipment can be rented;
  • when traveling with a large group, it is more profitable to rent an apartment than a hotel;
  • lift prices will be significantly lower if you buy a weekly pass.

The best ski resorts in France: list, location on the map, descriptions and prices

The ski resorts of France, the list of which is presented in the table, are considered the best and offer tourists a fun holiday on the snow-capped slopes of the Alps.

Resort name Location on the map Description Prices*
Chamonix in the Alpine Valley, 80 km from the airport; the ancient resort is suitable for beginners and extreme sports enthusiasts; from 435 euros.
Courchevel in the valley of the Alps, 25 km from roads; an exclusive resort popular among Parisians and Russians; from 480 euros.
Meribel in the Alps, center of the Three Valleys; The Three Valleys ski area is suitable for beginners and extreme sports enthusiasts; from 440 euros.
Val d'Isere in the Alps, in the valley of the Iser River; a favorite place for professional skiers; from 350 euros.
Val Thorens In the Alps, in the Belivel valley; the Three Valleys ski area for fans of skiing with different physical abilities; from 400 euros.

*Prices are per person per week (may vary depending on the season).

Chatel

Chatel is located in the Alps near the Mont Blanc crystalline massif. The region is famous for its ancient architecture, which has preserved historical heritage. In the village during the day, tourists can visit art workshops and cheese factories, and at night ski and snowboard in snow parks.

Under the supervision of an instructor, go paragliding or play golf, and then take part in a sleigh race pulled by northern sled dogs.

The Chatel ski resort offers tourists 72 slopes:

  • 11 green;
  • 28 red;
  • 6 black;
  • 27 blue.

Ski pass price: adult – 48 euros; children - 42 euros.

Le Get

Les Gets is located in the western part of the Alps near the village of Haute-Savoie. Season: December - April.

Tourists can enjoy the following winter activities:


There is a ski school for children in Les Gets, where you can practice from the age of 3. In the village itself, tourists can visit a bowling alley, a cinema and even a library. In the evening, Les Gets has French restaurants serving Alpine gourmet cuisine and night bars. An Irish pub with its own local brewery was built in the village.

There are 68 pistes in Les Gets:

  • 10 green;
  • 36 blue;
  • 12 black;
  • 10 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 43.5 euros; children - 35 euros.

Abondance

Abondance is a village in the valley of the Drance River. Season: December - March.

Tourists are provided with the following services:


The resort is famous for its slopes, which are united in the Portes du Soleil resort network.

There are 13 tracks in Abondance:

  • 2 green;
  • 4 red;
  • 6 blue;
  • 1 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 23 euros; for children - 17 euros.

Monrion

Monrion is a serene Savoyard village located near the crystal clean lake in the Portes du Soleil area. Season: December - April.

There is a very developed infrastructure for guests in the village:


There are 50 trails in Manrion:

  • 4 green;
  • 26 blue;
  • 6 black;
  • 14 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 45 euros; for children - 34 euros.

La Chapelle d'Abondance

La Chapelle d'Abondance is located in the northern Alps. In addition to skiing, tourists will be offered a ride on a sled pulled by sled dogs, visit a climbing wall and get acquainted with snow rafting. A ski school was built here. In the evening, guests can enjoy local cozy restaurants with Alpine cuisine and evening entertainment programs.

The resort has 14 trails:

  • 2 green;
  • 5 blue;
  • 5 red;
  • 2 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 45 euros; children - 35 euros.

Saint Jean de Alpes

Saint Jean des Alpes is located in the northern Alps. Season: November - March.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are other winter sports here:

  • snowmobile rental;
  • paraglider;
  • skate rental;
  • tubings;
  • bicycles for rent.

In Saint Jean des Alps, in the evening there are local bars with Alpine cuisine and events animation programs. Saint Jean des Alps has more than 20 trails with a total length of 40 km, served by 14 ski lifts. Ski pass price: adult/child from 30 euros.

Port du Soleil

Porte du Soleil is the largest ski area in Europe, located in the Alps near Lake Lehmann and unites 13 ski resorts, 5 Swiss and 8 French.

Most Popular:

  • Avoriaz;
  • Torgon;
  • Morzine;
  • Chatel.

Tourists have 11 snow parks and many restaurants with alpine cuisine at their disposal.

Unforgettable winter entertainment awaits guests:

  • skate rental;
  • rock climbing;
  • snowmobile rental;
  • paragliding;
  • snow rafting;
  • snowbike;
  • snow tubing.

There are 280 pistes in Portes du Soleil:

  • 112 blue;
  • 37 green;
  • 105 red;
  • 26 black.

The ski pass is the same for everyone - 53 euros.

Avoriaz

Avoriaz is located on a mountain near the village of Morzine. Season: December-April. There are 4 snow parks built here and a unique world-class superpipe.

Winter activities:

  • paragliding;
  • ice rink;
  • golf;
  • diving;
  • helicopter flights;
  • climbing wall;
  • snowmobiles;
  • horseback riding.

In the village, tourists can walk through snowy valleys and visit local bars and shops.

There are 42 pistes in Avoriaz:

  • 3 green;
  • 21 blue;
  • 4 black;
  • 14 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 52 euros; for children - 39 euros.

Morzine

Morzine is located in the Alps between Mont Blanc and Geneva. Season: December-April. There are 3 ski schools for adults and children built here.

Morzine has an extensive infrastructure for a complete comfortable holiday:

  • equipped fitness room;
  • hammam;
  • jacuzzi;
  • SPA-center;
  • restaurants with traditional Alpine cuisine.

Winter activities:

  • ski touring;
  • paragliding;
  • ice diving;
  • snow tubing;
  • paintball;
  • ice rink.

There are 288 trails in Morzine:

  • 28 black;
  • 112 blue;
  • 41 green;
  • 107 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 31 euros; for children - 24.7 euros.

Three Valleys

Ski resorts in France, the list of which is presented below, are included in the second By area in Europe, the Three Valleys ski area is:


A huge developed infrastructure awaits everyone:

  • aquapark;
  • ice rink;
  • clubs;
  • discos;
  • bars;
  • shopping tour;
  • tubing;
  • gym;
  • rental of snowmobiles and snowshoes;
  • star concerts;
  • SPA-center.

There are 309 trails in the Three Valleys:

  • 115 red;
  • 38 green;
  • 32 black;
  • 124 blue.

Ski pass price: adult - 43 euros; for children - 32 euros.

Les Menuires

Les Menuires is located in the Belivel Valley. Season: December-April. On the territory of Les Menuires, tourists can visit cozy restaurants, of which there are more than 60. There is an aqua club with a children's pool, a jacuzzi and a waterfall.

Tourists will always have something to do besides skiing:


There are 77 pistes in Les Menuires:

  • 24 red;
  • 35 blue;
  • 6 black;
  • 12 green.

Ski pass price: adult - 49 euros; for children - 39 euros.

Val Thorens

Val Thorens is located in Belivel at an altitude of 2300 m. Season: December-April.

Val Thorens has a very developed infrastructure:


There are 78 pistes in Val Thorens:

  • 29 blue;
  • 30 red;
  • 11 green;
  • 8 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 61 euros; for children – 52.5 euros.

Brides-les-Bains

Brides-les-Bains is located in the Haute-Savoie region. Season: December – April. Cozy cafes have been built for tourists, where concerts and exhibitions are regularly held. Several times a week there are festivities with local treats and mulled wine.

In addition to skiing, lovers of active recreation will be able to get acquainted with other sports:


There are 150 trails in Brides-les-Bains:

  • 16 green;
  • 69 blue;
  • 20 black;
  • 45 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 45 euros; for children – 39 euros.

Evasion Mont Blanc

Evasion Mont Blanc is located near the Savoie region near the French border. The ski area includes several ski resorts, the most famous of which are Megeve, Saint-Gervais and Combleux.

A very rich infrastructure awaits tourists here:

  • ice rink;
  • pool;
  • art galleries;
  • jazz clubs;
  • cafe;
  • night clubs.

For active lovers, the resort offers the following types of winter sports:


Evasion Mont Blanc has 210 ski slopes:

  • 30 black;
  • 40 green.
  • 80 red;
  • 60 blue.

Camblue

Camblue is located in southeastern France in the Rhône-Alpes region. Season: December-April. Ancient buildings await tourists here, and in the evenings ensembles, musical groups and circus groups perform on the square.

Camblue is a center for active recreation; sports complexes, ice arenas and night skiing are available for everyone. There are spa centers and restaurants serving gourmet local cuisine.

There are 219 trails in Camblue:

  • 65 blue;
  • 38 green;
  • 34 black;
  • 82 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 38 euros; for children – 32 euros.

Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc

Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc is located in the southeast of France. Season: December-April.

Tourists can enjoy winter activities in addition to skiing:


In the evening, those interested can visit local bars and clubs.

There are 49 different slopes in Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc:

  • 20 red;
  • 18 blue;
  • 3 green;
  • 8 black.

Megève

Megève is located in the Alps near the Mont Blanc mountain range. Favorite place public figures. Season: December-April. An advanced sports palace with an ice arena was built on the territory of the complex.

Megève has a very developed infrastructure, which will leave no free time for either young couples or families with children:


There are 135 trails in Megève:

  • 23 green;
  • 41 blue;
  • 17 black;
  • 54 red.

Ski pass price: adult – 43.5 euros; for children – 35 euros.

Paradiski

Paradiski is located in the Tarentaise Valley in southeastern France. It is the second largest ski area in the world and unites 3 ski regions: Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peysay Vallandry. Season: December-April.

There are many attractions in Paradiski:


In Paradiski you can go paragliding and rock climbing ice caves. Tourists can enjoy sleigh races, animation programs and hiking on snowshoes. And in the evening, after the spa center, there is a cafe with Alpine cuisine and a music program.

There are 236 trails in Paradiski:

  • 11 green;
  • 123 blue;
  • 37 black;
  • 65 red.

Ski pass price: adult – 68 euros; for children – 48 euros.

Sibel

Sibel is located in the Maurienne Valley in the Alps. Season: December-April. There are 2 snow parks built on the resort territory. Sibel is known for its restaurants with unusual French cuisine.

Winter activities for tourists:

  • tubing;
  • ice rink;
  • snowbike;
  • paragliding.

There are 111 trails in Sibeli:

  • 43 red;
  • 6 black;
  • 19 green.

Ski pass price: adult - 40 euros; for children – 34 euros.

Espace Killy

Espace Killy is located in the Alps at the foot of 7 mountain ranges and 2 glaciers. On the territory, tourists can fly by helicopter, getting acquainted with the picturesque surroundings, take a snowy dog ​​sled tour, or choose hiking on snowshoes. Towards evening, local bars and nightclubs begin to open here.

There are 156 pistes in Espace Killy:

  • 23 green;
  • 66 blue;
  • 27 black;
  • 40 red.

Ski pass price: adult – 42.5 euros; for children – 34.5 euros.

Tignes

The ski resort of Tignes is located near Bourg Saint-Maurice, 165 km from Geneva. Season: November-May.

Tignes has a very extensive infrastructure and a huge amount of entertainment:


There are 153 pistes in Tignes:

  • 20 green;
  • 67 blue;
  • 40 red;
  • 26 black.

Ski pass price: adult – 52 euros; for children – 41.5 euros.

Val d'Isere

Val d'Isere is old village, which is located at the mouth of the Iser River. Season: November-May. Ancient buildings, churches and museums have been preserved here. Tourists will have the opportunity to visit a local farm and craft center.

The developed infrastructure of Val d'Isère will leave you with no free time:


There are 135 pistes in Val d'Isere:

  • 40 green;
  • 50 blue;
  • 10 black;
  • 35 red.

Ski pass price: adult – 57 euros; for children – 46 euros.

Le Carreau D Arache

Le Carreau Darache is located near the town of Araches-la-France. Season: November-April.

All types at the resort winter holiday and recreation areas:


There are 125 pistes in Le Carro d'Araches:

  • 45 red;
  • 25 green;
  • 15 black;
  • 40 blue.

Morillon

Morillon is a village located in the Haute-Savoie region. Season: December-April.

The infrastructure of Morillon will not make either adults or children bored:


There are 149 pistes in Morillon:

  • 20 green;
  • 65 blue;
  • 50 red;
  • 14 black.

Samoyen

Samoens is located in the Giffre Valley. Season: December-April.

There are many winter activities:

  • paragliding;
  • snowbike;
  • tubings;
  • ice rink;
  • climbing wall;
  • snowrafting.

After an active holiday, guests can enjoy spas, local restaurants and music programs.


There are 125 trails in Samoena:

  • 45 red;
  • 25 green;
  • 15 black.
  • 40 blue.

Ski pass price: adult – 45 euros; for children – 39 euros.

Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

The ski resort Sixt-Fère-à-Cheval is located near Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc mountain range. Season: December-March. The resort is famous due to its location among local attractions: national reserve and the Cascade du Rouget waterfall.

The complex has extensive infrastructure:


There are 12 trails in Sixt-Fère-à-Cheval:

  • 3 blue;
  • 4 red;
  • 4 green;
  • 1 black.

Ski pass price: adult – 18 euros; for children – 12.5 euros.

Grand Massif

The Grand Massif ski area is located in the Haute-Savoie region. Season: December-March.

Tourists can stroll through alpine villages and visit Botanical Garden, as well as engage in winter activities:


There are 133 pistes in the Grand Massif:

  • 45 red;
  • 40 blue;
  • 23 black;
  • 25 green.

Ski pass price: adult – 42 euros; for children – 35 euros.

Flayn

Flain is located in the Northern Alps. Season: December-April. Built in the village historical Museum and Monument Park. Once a week there are art exhibitions that everyone can visit.

There are many different services and winter activities in Flaine:

  • driving on ice;
  • buggy safari;
  • paragliding;
  • snow kiting;
  • horse rides;
  • climbing wall;
  • golf;
  • SPA-center;
  • cafe;
  • discos.

There are 64 trails in Flaine:

  • 7 green;
  • 30 blue;
  • 22 red;
  • 5 black.

Ski pass price: adult – 47 euros; for children – 35.5 euros.

Massif de Aravis

Ski resorts in France, a list of which is presented later in the article, are included in ski area of ​​the Massif de Aravis, located near Geneva and Lake Annecy:

  • La Clusaz;
  • Leg Grand Bornard;
  • Saint-Jean-de-Sixte.
  • Manigault.

Season: December-March.

The resort has an extensive infrastructure for vacationers:

  • ice rink;
  • snowshoe rental;
  • snowbike;
  • snow rafting;
  • climbing wall;
  • tubing;
  • sports complex;
  • cafe;
  • discos.

There are 119 pistes in the Massif de Aravis:

  • 37 red,
  • 7 black;
  • 46 blue;
  • 29 green.

Ski pass price: adult – 43 euros; for children – 38 euros.

Briançon

Briançon is located in the Hautes Alps. Season: December-April.

At the resort you can enjoy various types winter holidays:


In the evening, tourists will find a cafe and animation programs.

There are 100 trails in Briançon:

  • 35 red;
  • 29 blue;
  • 23 green;
  • 13 black.

Ski pass price: adult – 43 euros; for children – 36 euros.

Which resort is better to go to with children?

Ski resorts in France should leave an unforgettable experience not only for adults, but also for the youngest members of the family. The list of the best “children’s” ski resorts includes: Tignes; Val d'Isère; Val Thorens.

For tours with children, you need to pay attention to restaurants with special meals, amusement parks and even ski schools for kids. These are just some of the things that will make young travelers happy.

Which resorts offer inexpensive holidays for beginners?

Ski resorts in France, the list of which is presented below, are ideal for beginners and will not bring extra costs:

  • Morzine;
  • Espace Killy;
  • Portes du Soleil;
  • Three Valleys;
  • Megève;
  • Paradiski;
  • Avoriaz.

The trails here are known for their ease and few difficult slopes. Each resort has its own ski school, where you can take your first ski steps under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

Ski resorts located in France ( full list was cited in the article) is one of the best places for skiing, famous for its alpine scenery, excellent infrastructure and local restaurants.

Article format: Mila Friedan

Video about ski resorts in France

TOP 5 resorts in France:

France is amazing place, truly heavenly, thanks to its so successful geographical location.

Here you will find everything you need for a carefree vacation – the sea, the sun, and the mountains. The beaches of France attract the elite, and the ski resorts are rightfully considered the best in the world.

French ski resorts are highly rated by both amateurs and professionals. France was the host of the white Olympics three times - Chamonix (1924). Grenoble (1968) and Albertville (1992). It was here in Chamonix in 1924 that the tradition of the Winter Olympic Games was first established.

Ski resorts are located in both the Alps and the Pyrenees. Alpine resorts are better known and popular due to their high location, long season and vast areas skating. However, the Pyrenees also has its fans - those who love snow and sun, and a hassle-free holiday away from noise and crowds come here. We must also pay tribute to a vacation in the Pyrenees that is much cheaper with the same quality.

Ski resorts in France began to develop since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and especially rapidly after the Second World War. Having started much later than the Austrians and Swiss, the French soon surpassed them in terms of equipment and resort infrastructure. It was the French who came up with the idea of ​​uniting the ski areas of small villages, thereby creating an offer that is impossible to resist.

France has gained worldwide fame from ski areas such as the Three Valleys and Portes du Soleil, which are the largest in the world.

Portes du Soleil includes 650 km of ski slopes and 12 separate resorts in the Franco-Swiss region; most popular French resorts of these are Avoriaz, Morzine and Les Gets.

Three Valleys is the world's largest interconnected ski resort, covering 600 km of ski slopes and linking the famous resorts of Courchevel,

The Paradiski ski area is worthy of special mention: a 420 km ski area combining the resorts of Pesseus Vallandry, La Plagne and Les Arcs. The last two are the most famous, as they offer large and varied terrain above 3000 m with a guarantee of snow cover.

It is impossible not to mention the “number one resort in France” - Espace Killy. A huge combined ski area, two popular ski stations Tignes and Val de Zir, guarantee of snow in winter, long season and glacier skiing in summer, excellent infrastructure and inviting night life– all this attracts fans like a magnet winter species sports Space Killy is positioned as youth resort.

Most French ski resorts, like La Plagne, were purpose-built from scratch in the 1950s and 1960s as ski resorts, and as a result, many are among the highest in Europe, like Val Thorens at 2,300 m or Tignes at 2,100m, which means excellent snow conditions for almost six months.

Most French ski resorts, including Chamonix, are now large and cosmopolitan. So many bars concert venues, discos, sports clubs And sometimes a small provincial town cannot boast of shops. And no one is surprised by the Michelin star on the door anymore local restaurant.

However, there are pleasant exceptions, Chatel and Les Gets in the Haute-Savoie department are two examples of small stations that have retained their traditional charm, with Alpine architecture, family-run pensions and typical cuisine of the region produced by farmers living nearby.

Family-type resorts, specially awarded by the French Federation, are especially valued in France. Tourist Council sign \"Famille Plus\". If you are looking for a resort at affordable prices for family vacation - kindergarten, children's ski school and daily entertainment programs for children, then pay attention to the resorts marked with this \"Famille Plus\" sign, for example, Chatel, Les Gets, Les 2Alpes or Val Thorens.

The 20 ski resorts scattered throughout the French Pyrenees tend to be smaller and less developed than those in the Alps, but they offer a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and large expanses of untouched terrain. wildlife. Some of the most popular ski resorts in the French Pyrenees include Saint-Lary, Piau Engely, Gavarnie and Cauterets.

Ski lift prices are similar to Switzerland, Austria or Italy, ranging from €22 to €48 per day.

The airports of Geneva, Lyon, Nice and Milan provide international transport to French Alps. Buses and transfer services are organized according to the days of arrival from these airports.