Ski resort in France. The best ski resorts in France. The oldest recreation area in the Alps

Famous winter resorts French Alps, small mountain villages, mountain ranges on the island of Corsica, excellent conditions for both beginner athletes and professionals, opportunities for skiing on the plain, paragliding, snowboarding and other sports, developed infrastructure, a wide selection of après ski - all this is ready to offer tourists ski France.

General information about ski resorts in France

French mining ski resorts are rightfully considered one of the best in the world: more than 400 resorts, the highest mountains (the Alps), first-class and varied tracks 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 allow skiing even in summer. In addition to the well-known Chamonix or Courchevel, there are also 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 advantage of holidays in this region in winter is that prices are significantly lower than at Alpine resorts. Corsica also has resorts that allow ski lovers to relax there from December to March, sometimes until April.

Regarding weather conditions in the Alps, then 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). Best time Skiing begins in February when sunny weather sets in. The Alps enjoy fairly mild weather throughout the season – it rarely drops below - 10 degrees.

Another nice thing is that there are a sufficient number of ski schools offering different levels of training. If you purchase 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 passes - from 1 day or more. The subscription can be for a specific resort or for the entire ski area. Children under 5 years old and adults over 72 years old do not pay anything 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. Novice athletes should pay attention to the resorts of the Murien Valley; in search of luxury and prestigious holidays, go to Courchevel or Val d'Isere; from the Portes du Soleil resorts you will also get to the Swiss mountain peaks.

Ski resorts in France in numbers

Resort Max. height difference, m Length of routes, km Trails Lifts Ski pass for adults, euro
Chamonix 3842 152 74 49 1 day – 46

6 days – 230

13 days – 447

Espace Killy (Val d'Isere, 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

Megève 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

Paradiski 3400 more than 700 238 143 1 day - 54

6 days – 277

13 days – 592

Portes du Soleil 2500 650 273 212 1 day - 48

6 days – 238

13 days – 406

Now let’s talk about the most popular ski resorts in a little more detail.

Three Valleys

It is one of the largest ski areas in France, combining the resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens, with 600 km of slopes, excellent slopes, cross-country skiing trails, skating rinks, hockey rinks, sled racing, jumping hills and trails for slalom Courchevel offers the most luxurious entertainment and hotels, as well as Olympic-quality tracks. Meribel and Val Thorens have excellent conditions for learning and beginner skiers.

A nice bonus - mountain 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 (200 years old), the largest, most famous and most famous 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 varies (some are very good, some are quite mediocre), suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers; both partygoers and connoisseurs of alpine beauty will be happy here.

In Chamonix, unlike many other resorts, there is no single ski area - you will have to get there by ski bus (about 7 minutes), but it is possible 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 cross-country ski trails; ski schools, 300 instructors work; There are children's clubs and a kindergarten.

Espace Killy

This region unites several ski resorts (Val d'Isere and Tignes are the most popular) with a total length of slopes of 300 km. Thanks to state-of-the-art slopes, highly developed infrastructure, many ski schools (with 800 instructors), the opportunity to ski on glaciers even in summer, excellent snowboarding trails and a large selection of après ski (helicopter rides, sled rides or motor sleigh rides), the resorts of this region are considered one of the best one of the best in the whole world, not to mention France. Children's clubs, nurseries, nannies are a self-evident fact, without which it is impossible to imagine any developed ski resort.

Portes du Soleil

The Gates of the Sun - this is how the name of the resort is translated - is 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 most popular resorts in the region on the French side are Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets.

Besides ski slopes, you will find 7 parks for snowboarders, off-piste slopes, 216 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, snowmobiles and hang gliders, nightclubs and restaurants, including those with Russian cuisine (for those who suddenly feel homesick).

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 particularly clear weather observation platforms almost a quarter of the South of France is visible. There is a route laid right through the glacier and featured in one of the parts of Bond, one of the longest descents in France - the 16-kilometer Sarin. Among other things, the conditions here are suitable for children and beginners. Experienced athletes will be pleased with the quantity and quality of the red and black trails.

Another distinctive feature of this resort, and a very pleasant one, is the presence large quantities places for accommodation (much more than in other ski regions). And the ski lifts pick up skiers right from the hotel gates. There are more than enough reasons to come to this resort.

Paradiski

The youngest resort for ski lovers in France, where you can come all year round to hone your skills, thanks to the well-placed glaciers here.

In addition, this is the second largest ski area (after the Three Valleys). Popular resorts The valleys of Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peysée Vallandry are connected by the largest cable car in Europe. In addition to alpine 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 ice cave. There are also tracks for freestyle skiers, creating conditions for both beginner skiers and professionals.

A huge number of different resorts, a combination of traditions that have developed over many centuries and modern trends, opportunities for skiing all year round, and before you is one of the leaders in alpine skiing in the world.

Climate in France

​The climate in France differs markedly in each region due to the influence of the seas and oceans, 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 going on cruises in the Mediterranean Sea and to Africa, fishing boats starting every morning in search of the next, and it should be noted, considerable catch, excellent beaches offering not only a standard set of services for vacationers, but also the opportunity to ride a kayak or walk under the sail - this is how the second most important and largest city in France - Marseille - greets guests. This city has a lot of Arabic delicacies and other exotic things - it’s not for nothing that it is considered the gateway to Africa.

Toulouse

City with rich history and original architecture, one of the most striking and romantic cities France, Toulouse amazes with its mixture of traditions and styles. Roman ruins, ancient cathedrals and churches with delightful stained glass windows, elegant mansions of pale blue and red brick houses - the city amazes with its unique flavor. And each of its squares and streets is imbued with history: Duke Henri de Montmorency was executed here - the most notorious execution in the country; The ancient monastery, the Augustinian Museum, houses paintings by the most famous French artists.

France is one of the most best countries peace for ski holiday. Every year the slopes of this country attract lovers active recreation– More than two hundred ski resorts have been created in the French Alps. Excellent alpine landscapes, fresh mountain air, developed infrastructure and magnificent slopes await you. So that everyone can choose for themselves best option to your liking and enjoy extreme riding or calm riding along picturesque plains, in this article we will only consider best ski resorts in France.

1. Chamonix

One of the most visited ski resorts in France is the famous Chamonix, which is famous for its historical title of capital extreme species sports and claims to be one of the world's most famous sports areas winter holiday. In fact, this resort is the heart of the largest ski holiday area in the French Alps and is located at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, the highest point in the Alps. Chamonix is ​​a place for contemplative travelers. The tops of the resort offer magnificent panoramas and snowy landscapes. Helicopter tours will delight real thrill-seekers. In total, the resort has 100 trails for skiing of any difficulty level with a total length of 170 kilometers. The ski season here lasts from December to May, in summer months Chamonix attracts fans of mountain biking and extreme climbing.

2. Courchevel

There is hardly a single person who has never heard of the famous ski resort of Courchevel in France. This is a recognized world leader in the level of service among ski centers; here you can often meet famous politicians and world stars. It is famous for its special lifestyle with a kaleidoscope of entertainment for every taste, where many cultural events constantly take place. The presence of 102 ski trails with a total length of 150 kilometers of varying degrees of difficulty will allow both amateurs and real masters to have an interesting time. The resort is ready to welcome lovers of winter recreation from November to April.

3. Val Thorens

Superb Val Thorens is the highest. It is located in a unique natural area - in the center of a large natural park with six glaciers. On the slopes of this picturesque resort There is always a stable and high-quality snow cover; part of the snow coverage is provided by snow cannons. The concept of “skiing from the door” is perfectly implemented here - skis are put on immediately upon leaving the hotel, and upon completion of the route you just need to drive up to the threshold of the residence. Val Thorens has 68 ski slopes, the total length of which is 150 kilometers. The skiing season lasts from December to early May.

4. Meribel

Meribel is a winter resort full of French charm and charm, with its own unique architectural style and flavor. It's calm and quiet place perfect for family vacation. The resort offers 150 kilometers of well-prepared ski slopes that offer fantastic opportunities for both beginners and experts. In addition to traditional winter species sports Meribel offers many other entertainments. IN Olympic Park there is a large swimming pool with water slide, sauna and ice skating rink. Unforgettable impressions They will leave sleigh rides or dog sled rides. And after your sporting achievements, it’s worth taking a walk through the nearby mountain villages; the local trails are very beautiful.

5. Alpe d'Huez

The largest ski resort in France, Alpe d'Huez, offers excellent conditions for the most comfortable holiday for the whole family. Alpe d'Huez has excellent quality natural snow cover, but snow cannons are installed in low areas. Skiers are offered routes of all difficulty levels, from amateur to professional. The total length of ski trails is 240 kilometers. An interesting fact is that the sun shines in Alpe d'Huez 300 days a year, it is truly the sunniest resort. The season here starts at the end of November and lasts until the beginning of May. But you can enjoy the beauty of Alpe d’Huez in the summer.

6. Megève

This excellent and prestigious French resort for ski holidays includes three ski areas. Megève is for skiers different levels skill, some of the trails are laid along fairly gentle and wooded slopes, and the rest will satisfy the requirements of the most experienced athletes. From December to April, there are 135 slopes for ski lovers, the total length of which is 445 kilometers. The town itself is famous for its exquisite architecture, and is surrounded on all sides high mountains and fir forests. Travelers who are tired from skiing can be recommended to take a walk along the cobbled streets of the old city and visit local attractions.

7. Les Deux Alpes

This is an international-level ski resort, lying at the foot of one of the largest glaciers in Europe and welcoming guests all year round. Les Deux Alpes has 104 pistes with a length of 225 kilometers. The local slopes offer excellent routes for beginners, ideal for learning and strengthening your skills. There are many training schools in the region where you can take group or individual lessons. By the end of the training, the student will be able not only to ride confidently, but also to truly enjoy the descent. Young people especially love this resort, choosing it because of its cheerful atmosphere and relatively low prices.

8. Avoriaz

Modern ski center Avoriaz in France has excellent opportunities for winter recreation, developed infrastructure and comfortable hotels with a “door-to-door” system. The total length of the ski slopes here is more than 650 km. This is due to the location of the resort in the center of the ski area, which unites several complexes. Snow cover here is guaranteed from December to April. Walking around Avoriaz will bring great pleasure after skiing. This place is especially attractive for family holidays; there is an entire area dedicated to children. The Children's Village offers little visitors skiing, towed by ponies, and there are also special children's tracks with Disney characters.

9. Les Arcs

The French ski resort Les Arcs, founded in 1960, continues to develop dynamically and can now offer its guests modern infrastructure at a high level. The resort has ski schools and children's clubs, where animators conduct many playful and educational activities. On the slopes of Les Arcs there are 106 pistes with a length of 200 kilometers. For high-level skiers, the descent from the top of the legendary Aiguille Rouge black piste will be attractive. Several world records have been set here and important and spectacular competitions are often held. Les Arcs is accessible to skiers from mid-December to early May. This resort can be recommended to lovers of a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and untouched wild nature.

10. Val d'Isere

Val d'Isere is a ski resort in the south-east of France, combining a distinctive architectural style, traditional Alpine hospitality and high-quality technical equipment. It is located in a picturesque valley, where the ski area has a length of over 300 kilometers of interconnected ski trails, along which you can move without taking off your skis. Val d'Isere opens its slopes from December to May. A special charm of Val d'Isere is given by walks along the streets of the resort, which preserve the spirit of antiquity and transport guests to past eras.

France offers many ski resorts located in different parts of the country - in the southeast, in the Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, on the border with Switzerland and Italy. The remaining locations are located in the Pyrenees region, near the border with Andorra.

220 ski resorts await ski lovers in France, there is a truly huge selection of all winter ski sports. Freeride practiced in deep snow in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, World Cup alpine skiing takes place in Val d'Isère or on the 300 km pistes of the Three Valleys, cross-country skiers can enjoy the slopes of Villars-de-Lans.

Many ski resorts have a long history. The oldest resort is Chamonix, where the first Olympic Games in France were held in 1924. This became a fundamental point for the development of other resorts that offer much more than just a winter holiday.

The most famous ski resorts in France

Northern Alps

The Northern Alps are home to the best ski resorts in the world. There are first-class large and small ski stations here. All places are connected by highways and pedestrian paths.


Tignes - for experienced skiers

The height of the descents is from 1500 to 3500 meters (150 km). 155 tracks, including:

  • blacks - 26;
  • red - 40;
  • blue - 67;
  • children's or green - 22.

The total number of lifts is 45. The approximate maximum amount per day is 43 €. The tourist resort will appeal to fans of freeride, ice diving, snowmobiling, and paragliding. Also in your free time you can do heli-skiing, ice climbing, and speed riding. A ski holiday in Tignes offers tourists numerous leisure opportunities in France: cinemas, hotels, restaurants, playgrounds, clubs, shops, indoor swimming pools.

Val D'isere is the best

The length of the tracks is from 1550 to 3450 meters. The number of tracks is 154, of which:

  • green - 20;
  • blue - 67;
  • red - 41;
  • blacks - 26.

Lifts - 79. Approximate maximum amount per day - 49 €. WITH long stories, extraordinary slopes and exceptional services, Val d'Isere is one of the best ski resorts in France.

Courchevel - luxury holiday

The length of the tracks is from 1850 to 2740 meters. Number of tracks - 98, of which:

  • green - 19;
  • blue 37;
  • red - 31;
  • black - 8.

Lifts - 87. Approximate maximum amount per day - 70 €. Courchevel is a place where people who value quality holidays in an elite environment meet.


Southern Alps

The meeting of the Alps and the Mediterranean climate gives these places a special character with a southern accent. Here all the modern ski resorts are located next to charming little old French villages.


Oron - democratic holiday

The length of the tracks is from 1600 to 2450 meters (135 km). Number of tracks - 42, of which:

  • black - 8;
  • red - 16;
  • blue - 16;
  • green - 2.

The total number of ski lifts is 11. Oron is located near Nice and its international airport. It is located in the heart of four French ski resorts, which offer a variety of excellent quality ski slopes.


Pyrenees

A natural border between France, Spain, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Pyrenees is an array of contrasts. The villages are home to the most modern, but accessible to most tourists, ski resorts.


Ax-les-Thermes - for lovers of cross-country skiing

The length of the tracks is from 1400 to 2400 meters (80 km). Number of tracks - 35, of which:

  • black - 6;
  • red - 10;
  • blue - 10;
  • green - 9.

The total number of lifts is 17. The French resort offers a snow park and gentle slopes of Bonaskre and Baggins.


Massif Central

The Massif Central has everything you need for winter sports activities - cross-country skiing, dog sledding, paragliding, not to mention gastronomic diversity and the natural and architectural heritage of France.


Mon-dor - universal

The length of the tracks is from 1200 to 1840 meters (41 km). Number of tracks - 31, of which:

  • black - 1;
  • red - 6;
  • blue - 8;
  • green - 16.

Total number of lifts - 15. Estimated price max - 30€. The resort is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers; they will teach you how to choose ski equipment, offer sledding, skijoring, ice climbing, and mountain tourism.


Vosges

The Vosges resort in France juts out over vast forests and lakes, miles of trails and snow, and offers superb skiing. There are especially many family stations here.

Saint-Maurice - for cross-country lovers

The length of the tracks is from 1100 to 1250 meters (23 km). Number of tracks - 11, of which:

  • black - 1;
  • red - 2;
  • blue - 3;
  • green - 5.

Total number of lifts - 5. Estimated price max - 19.5 €. An ideal place for a healthy holiday.

By right, the ski resorts of France are considered to be the most prestigious in the world. Alpine ridge that runs through this European country, has over four thousand trails, among which there are both very difficult ones, intended for professionals, and very simple ones, where even a child can enjoy skiing.

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 characteristics, both geographical and artificially created (hotels, restaurants and other establishments). However, all ski resorts in France, regardless of the degree of prestige, include hotels various categories(from two to five stars), a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, and, most importantly, different tracks. That is, when arriving anywhere in the French Alps, you can choose the most difficult descent for yourself, as well as the extremely simple one, and enjoy your vacation. Moreover, tourists can move around in this area without any restrictions. You can book a hotel at one resort, and on some day go to the slopes of another.

Landscapes of the world heritage

Now let's look at 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 this region You will also be able to notice a slight synthesis of cultures. Despite the fact that this recreation area is perfectly equipped with trails of varying difficulty, legendary place“White Valley” remains here. This point is at an altitude of 3842 meters, and while climbing there, you can descend as much as you like off-road. 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 a center of ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding above 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 you will probably be attracted to the following option. The French ski resort of Tignes occupies a vast area within the Alps, which is popularly called the “Killie Space”. This place is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure, which consists of a metro, gondolas and a huge network that regularly transport tourists to various parts of the Alpine range. The resort also has a giant glacier called the Grand Mote, suitable for skiing all year round. At its top there are many so-called blue tracks, which are most often chosen by carving enthusiasts. If you still prefer freeride, then ideal place For descents there will be lower tracks, which are located in the west of the recreation area.

The most visited ski resorts in France

“Three Valleys” is the general name for 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 they can descend both on skis and snowboards. It is in this region that winter sports championships have been repeatedly held, and it is here that nature most organically combines with the creation of man. The Three Valleys includes recreation areas such as Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel (France). Val Thorens is the most high point region. Skiers here climb to a height of 2300 meters, where a stunning view of the entire Mont Blanc opens. 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 taking place here; the hotel business and service sector are simply excellent. In addition to all this, the number of trails of varying difficulty is off the charts. The height of the slopes in Courchevel ranges from 1300-1800 meters, and among them there are not only simple slopes, but also tracks for jumping, skiing or downhill. There are also many ice arenas and much more.

The Golden Mean of the Three Valleys

The Meribel ski resort is considered the most suitable place for a family holiday. At an altitude of 1400 meters, there are cross-country trails and ordinary slopes, where trainers work who will help everyone, including small children, learn the basics winter sports. The architecture of the region is made entirely in the French style; it is cozy and beautiful. The service in hotels and restaurants is at a high level, and at the same time the prices are quite reasonable. Fans of ice activities are not forgotten here either. Special rinks are equipped for hockey players, where they are provided with suitable skates, as well as the necessary uniforms. For those who like to simply cut across the ice, there are many arenas under open air, where both children and adults ride. But most interesting entertainment Meribel is a walking and sled racing event. Every child will receive 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 mountain peaks 300 days a year. The Alpe d'Huez recreation area is characterized by trails that are located on the upper plateau. All of them face south, which allows you to enjoy the sun until late in the evening. In this region, many slopes are designed for children and beginners. The fact is that they are all flat and quite wide, there are a minimum of obstacles, and therefore safety is at a high level. It is here that the two most legendary descents are located: Saren, which is 16 kilometers long, and the Tunnel, a route cut through the glacier. The recreation area also has ice arenas, skating 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 that have historical significance. Some of them completely collapsed under the influence of time, but some were preserved and have survived to this day. For example, the Megève 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 vehicle traffic is prohibited here. The houses that are rented out to tourists have been here for over 200 years, but they are beautifully restored and perfectly clean. Many guests come here to enjoy the spirit of antiquity, to feel how people lived here before and how wonderful it was. There is also a temple in the town, 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

The recreation area called Portes du Soleil is another place that receives constant sunshine almost all year round. 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 mountaineering 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 the aspirations and peaks that you are going to overcome. Individual business is well developed here, but there are not a large number of different events and social establishments here. People come here mainly to get back into shape or learn to ski fluently from scratch. Often, graduates of local schools become Olympic champions or masters of winter sports.

A short afterword

Every year, French ski resorts welcome more and more tourists to their lands. Prices for tours here are quite reasonable (fluctuate around 500 USD per week of vacation), which makes it possible for people not only with high, but also with average incomes to visit this place. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are excellent mountain runs of varying difficulty, and schools for those who want to learn the art of skiing. And, of course, entertainment and social parties are available to vacationers. A lot of interesting things await every tourist with any tastes and preferences here.

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 the special Gaz-ex avalanche control system. The "black" and "red" slopes of Val Thorens are located in the areas of Cime de Caron, Lac du Loup and La Mas, and in Pointe de Torrance fans of freeride will find excellent virgin fields. Snowboarders will be delighted by 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 km 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 the Val Thorens resort

Les Menuires – family resort and a paradise for beginners, most of the trails here are for those who are just starting out 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 door.
Les Menuires also has tracks for professionals; they are located on the slopes of Mont de la Chambre, and for snowboarders, there is an excellent fun park in the same area. 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 an aqua club, kids club, restaurants and bars.
Photo gallery of Les Menuires resort

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 mastering winter mountain views sports or wants 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, there are also steep slopes in Meribel for professional athletes, for example, the La Face Olympic women's circuit or the descent to Combe du Valon. Meribel will also delight snowboarders - there are two special areas, Platier Snowpark and Arpasson Moonpark. In the first, a 650-meter track with obstacles, a half-pipe and a baby pipe is open to snowboarders, and in the second, a kilometer-long track with obstacles and two half-pipes.
Meribel has a sports complex, bowling alley, cinemas and nightclubs. The resort's restaurants are generally 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 Three Valleys. Straight cable car Olympus will take skiers and snowboarders to Meribel, 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 resort's slopes is 77 km, there are 58 ski lifts with throughput at 64 thousand people per hour. There are two fun parks for snowboarders and 33 km of ski trails for cross-country skiers.
In Brides-les-Bains you can not only have great skiing, but also improve your health; there is a large wellness center with thermal springs.

Val d'Isere 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 World Alpine Ski Championships. The sports tracks located in the Bellewarde area are open to everyone in the afternoon. At the same time, Val d’Isere has special ski areas for beginners, as well as excellent ski schools that will teach everything necessary for both children and adults. Resort guests have at their disposal a well-designed lift system that connects Val d'Isere with all ski areas, and 150 km of well-prepared pistes, including 12 green, 24 blue, 28 red and 15 black slopes. Val d'Pistes The Isères are known for their diversity, with an altitude difference of up to 1300 m.
Three ski areas: Bellevard, Solace and Col de Lisérant offer sports lovers a variety of trails. There are freeride areas, sports slopes, challenging black runs and magnificent panoramic slopes that will not leave you indifferent. Snowpark Val d'Isere 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. Outdoor skating rink, aquatic center, nightclub, many restaurants and cafes will allow you to have a great time after skiing. Tourists can be sure that Val d'Isere offers a truly diverse range of leisure activities.
Photo gallery of the Val d'Isere resort

Megève 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 great hotels here, 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 varying 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 Mont Joly and Mont Joux areas. 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 to Mont-d'Arbois or Comploux. Beginners will also find a place to ski in Megeve; easy “green” and “blue” slopes can be found not only below the town, but also in all three ski areas.
Snowboarders will appreciate the slopes in Combloux-Les-Jaillers, as well as the Piste de Fentin boarder route in Côte 2000 - Rochebrune. In addition to the Sports Palace with a swimming pool, saunas, gymnasium and fitness center, Megève has cinemas, a bowling alley, an indoor Olympic skating rink and even an aviation club. Fans of evening entertainment will find casinos, jazz and bridge clubs, discos and many boutiques. Magnificent views of Mont Blanc can be seen from Mont Joly, and in Saint-Gervais you can swim in the thermal springs.
Photo gallery of the Megève resort

Courchevel is perhaps the most prestigious French resort, very popular among Russian tourists. A variety of slopes, an excellent selection of trails, beautiful virgin slopes - all this allows both beginners and experienced ski lovers to get a lot of pleasure from their holiday. The shopping and social life of Courchevel is amazing.
Beginners will enjoy the wide green and blue pistes in the Belcôte and Pralon ski areas. Those who are confident in skiing and snowboarding should look at the beautiful forest slope of Buc Blanc and the “red” slopes in Marmot and Creux. Professionals will appreciate the “black” slopes of Col de la Loze, Les Aval, Col du Pass du Lac, as well as descents from Saulir stations. 65 lifts take tourists to the Alpine peaks. Courchevel has a snowpark, a half-pipe, many snow cannons, and a 2-kilometer-long toboggan run. Indoor sports complex, bowling alley, fitness center, skating rink, concert hall and a cinema, numerous discos, galleries and restaurants will not let you get bored after skiing.
The resort has more than 100 shops, where all the world's famous brands are represented. Courchevel's restaurants and boutiques are designed for high-income tourists. The closest railway station, Moutieres Salines, is located half an hour from the resort.
Courchevel Village is a cozy family ski resort, which is located at an altitude of 1550 m. Until 2013, it was better known as Courchevel 1550. This is a small Alpine town in Savoyard style with an economical hotel, excellent apartments and modern luxury chalets.
Two lifts connect Courchevel Village with the main ski areas of the region. There is a ski school, information tourist office, rental point, restaurants, bars, disco and skating rink. The resort will appeal to family tourists and lovers of a secluded holiday, however, from here you can easily reach the noisier parts of Courchevel with famous restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of the 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, excellent freeride opportunities and a long season make it an excellent 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 ski season opens at the beginning of October, in other zones - at the end of November and lasts until the first third of May.
Sports lovers will find 76 slopes in Tignes, most of them 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, snowskiing, ice climbing, or paragliding or helicoptering.
Cozy cafes and restaurants, noisy discos and bars will not let you get bored after skiing. The resort's infrastructure is famous for its compact and convenient location, and the prices for accommodation here are quite affordable.

Les Arcs is a group of resorts located in the heart of the French Alps, in the Haute Tarentaise valley. The resort towns are located here at altitudes from 1600 to 2000 meters above sea level and are connected by ski slopes and lifts. The skiing season is from mid-December to the end of April. Fans of mountain winter sports in Les Arcs will find 121 ski and snowboard trails, a wide variety of ski lifts, and two snow parks with halfpipes. There are also opportunities for activities here. unusual species sports, for example, 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, the First Winter Olympic Games were held here. Today Chamonix-Mont-Blanc welcomes up to 5 million tourists and athletes a year.
There are several ski areas in the Chamonix Valley: Grand Montet, Le Tours, Breven, Les Houches, Flègeres, 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. Nice hotels and great bars, interesting museums and mountain railway to Mont Blanc (at an altitude of 2372 m) will make your holiday in Chamonix interesting and enjoyable, even if you are not going to ski all day long.