Popular ski resorts in France. Ski resorts in France: overview, prices, service. How to choose a ski resort in France for your holiday? Season tickets and Ski-pass, equipment rental and training school

The Alpine ski resorts of France are rightly spoken of as some of the best winter resorts in the world. The French Alps are the world's largest center winter holiday: more than three hundred ski stations, almost 4 thousand lifts, and the shortest queues for them. There are more than four thousand trails connected and varying in difficulty level for lovers of alpine skiing, snowboarding and other types of extreme winter recreation. If you are ever faced with a choice of resorts in France, use this article!

Various competitions are often held on the slopes of the Alps, including world championships and the Olympics.

Popular resorts regions - Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes, La Plagne, Megeve, Meribel, etc.

Chamonix

Chamonix- the largest ski resort in France, located in the heart of the French Alps at the top of the famous crystalline massif of Mont Blanc.

Chamonix Valley- a unique natural area near the borders of Italy and Switzerland is included in the list of landscapes that constitute a world heritage. The longest descents reach several tens of kilometers. The highest point of Chamonix is ​​the famous “White Valley”.

Its height reaches 3842 m, and its length is more than 20. Extreme sports such as ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding, and canyoning are developed here. In summer, the resort welcomes fans of mountain biking and climbers.

You can stay in the Chamonix resort in the following hotels:

• Les Chamonix Sud
• La Riviere
• Res. Chamois Blanc
• Le Cristal D'argentiere
• Res. La Ginabelle

Espace Killy

Espace Killy is an area in the French Alps, associated with its three-time world ski champion Jean-Claude Killy, which rightfully deserves the reputation of one of the most wonderful resorts not only in the Alps, but throughout the world. On its territory are the popular resort towns of Val d'Isere and Tignes - ultra-modern slopes suitable not only for beginners, but also for downhill professionals.

You can ski on the glaciers of this region not only in winter, but also in summer (thanks to the Pissaillas glacier), and beginners in skiing have the opportunity to study at ski schools located right on the gentle slopes. Snowboarders can enjoy the state-of-the-art corridors Le Lasvancher, Les Danaides, La Table and Kern. The resort is visited not only by sports enthusiasts, but also by those who want to try helicopter rides, dog sledding, motor sleigh rides or snowshoeing.

Espace Killy can be reached from the following airports: Geneva - 160 km, Grenoble - 143 km, Chambery - 120 km and Lyon - 340 km. Alternatively, take the highway through Albertville or Moutiers. To resort area Bus routes run from Geneva and Lyon airports 3-4 times a day.

You can stay in the following hotels:

• AVENUE LODGE 5*
• AIGLE DES NEIGES 4*
• CRETES BLANCHES 3*
• BREVIERES CLUB HOTEL MMV (2*)

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees)

Three Valleys (Le Trois Vallée) is the world's largest region of ski slopes with a total length of 600 km, located at altitudes of 1.3-3.2 km.

It includes a resort Val Thorens- “Roof of the Three Valleys”, located at an altitude of 2,300 km, Its peak is the picturesque mountain peak of Cime de Caron, offering a magnificent view of Mont Blanc.

Second resort - Meribel- “The Heart of the Three Valleys.” It is located at an altitude of 1.4 km and is divided into the classic French Meribel Center and the more modern Meribel-Mottaray, both areas are completely covered with perfectly smooth slopes and cross-country trails. In addition, here you can play hockey, just ride the skating rink and even take part in sled racing.

And finally, the famous Courchevel- being one of the most prestigious resorts France, with developed infrastructure, hotels of the highest level, excellent quality of service and a developed entertainment network. Courchevel is located at altitudes from 1300 to 1850 m. At the same time, a lover of ski slopes can ski on various slopes every day for a month, conquering new heights and slopes every day, without ever repeating his route.

In addition to traditional tracks, professionals can appreciate two Olympic jumping tracks. There are several icy slopes for slalom and downhill,

Alpe d'Huez– one of the few resorts where a rich variety of trails is presented in a relatively small area. A cozy compact village in the shape of a triangle is located above the Romanche Valley, the bulk of hotels and residences are located next to the highway or ski lift.

Among the French themselves, Alpe-du-Huez has earned the romantic name “Rack of the Sun” due to the fact that the slopes located on the upper plateau and facing south are bathed in the sun’s rays from early morning until late evening.

It is the fifth largest French ski region. Here are the most famous tracks in Europe: the Saren descent, which is 16 km long, and the Tunnel track, cut through a glacier.

Resort hotels:

• Res. L'ours Blanc
• Res. Le Cristal De L'alpe
• Res. Les Bergers
• Res. Les Horizons D'huez
• Res. Les Melezes

Location:

The resort can be reached from Geneva, from where there are regular flights daily. On Saturdays you can get there very quickly (only 1.5 hours) from Grenoble by charter flight.

Megeve

Megève is an excellent ski resort consisting of three ski areas. These are Rochebrune-Côte, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Jay. On its territory there is also a museum under open air. Megève is rightfully considered the most elegant and sophisticated mountain resort in France.

This is one of the oldest resorts in the French Alps, and recently rightfully entered the club of privileged ski resorts “The Best of the Alps”. The resort has a classic alpine village atmosphere. For example, it is prohibited to drive on the main street and you can only ride on horse-drawn carriages. The central streets of the town are paved with ancient cobblestones; some houses were built here at least 200 years ago.

Main attractions - old church, built in the 13th century, medieval monastery And city ​​tower . The ski areas are located at an altitude of 1-2.3 km, and there are many slopes for both beginners and real extreme sports enthusiasts.

Mine ski holiday in Megève can be planned on three massifs at once, making up ski area Evasion: Rochebrune-Cote 2000, Mont d'Arbois, Le Jaillet.

Ski tours to Megève will satisfy skiers of any level, as the resort can offer a wide variety of slopes.

For professionals - the Mont Joly and Mont Joux areas, black and red slopes are in Rochebrune - Cote 2000.

For intermediate level - the routes in Mont d'Arbois, more difficult routes - in the areas of Combloux and Les Jaillet.

For beginners - Rochebrune and Mont d'Arbois, connected to the ski lift.

Location:

Megeve Located 70 km from Geneva airport and a few km from neighboring Chamonix.

Megeve Hotels:

• Relais & Chateaux Flocons de Sel
• Chalet d'Antoine
• Les Cimes
• Les Fermes de Marie
• Alpaga

Climate in the Alps

The tourist season in the Alps begins in December and ends in March. For a Russian tourist, the climate of the Alps will always be favorable. Winter here is much milder and warmer than in Russia. Average temperature in winter + 1 degree Celsius. And although sub-zero temperatures can occur at any time, they never drop below -10. The winds in the Alps are also not very strong. You can relax with children at any time of the tourist season.

Tourist impressions

The French Alps leave only pleasant impressions on Russian tourists. Russians associate snow-white snow with severe frost or dirty roads covered in slush. In the Alps, snow resembles clouds. Firstly, the climate of the Alps is very mild and warm, and secondly, the air and everything around here are very clean.

Service at Alpine resorts is of the truest European quality. There are comfortable hotels, gourmet cuisine, and stunning ski slopes. For Russians, the French Alps are like winter at home, only cleansed of all its shortcomings...

If you like holidays in the mountains, regardless of the time of year, we recommend that you read the following articles:

• - by going to Italy you can look at the Alps from a different perspective.
• - a wonderful Polish resort with decent service.
• - as you know, Bavaria is famous not only for its castles, but also for its extremely beautiful mountain landscapes.

Don't rush to leave! Here are some more interesting articles:

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

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 most high mountains(Alps), first-class and diverse trails 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 - great option for those who prefer cross-country 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 in 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

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 is ski schools for children over 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 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.

In addition to the 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 track laid right across 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 availability of a large number of accommodation places (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). The popular resorts of the valley - Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peyze 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

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.

Ski resorts France is 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, bobsleigh and other sports come here winter sports.

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 ideal option for yourself.

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.
• In December mountain peaks(at an altitude of 1.5 km) 90-120 cm of precipitation are covered.
• In January, this figure reaches 140-200.
• In February, the ground is covered with 160-240 centimeters of snow.
• And from March to April the snow cover 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 of 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 pistes, 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, traveling around cable car, 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 recreation 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 moving 150 people at a time. 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 skating 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 also a large number 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 is located in the province of Savoy. Several villages, connected to each other, are located on different levels. Large quantity 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 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?

To everyone who prefers family vacation, it is worth going 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.

The ski resorts of France are considered one of the best in the world. This is the location of the fabulously beautiful French Alps, where there are very extensive, interconnected ski areas. Fans of alpine skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh and other winter sports can expect more than four thousand varied trails here. Tourists can choose the most suitable descent depending on their level of training, so local resorts will great place for relaxation, both professionals and beginners. On the local alpine slopes we hold competitions of the highest class.

The French Alps have hosted the Olympic Games three times.

Val d'Isere and Tignes

These French ski resorts are located next to each other. Val d'Zer and Tignes are recognized as the kings of alpine skiing among professional athletes. The height of the peaks is 1850 m and 2100 m, respectively. Local ski slopes are not only recognized as the best in France, but also compete with the best resorts world championship. Centers for winter sports fans are located 200 km from Geneva.

If you get to these resorts in France at the beginning of winter, you can watch with your own eyes the World Cup called “First Snow Criterium”. By the way, the trails are covered with snow from November to May. Not only are there no such diverse slopes anywhere else, but all the work revolves around tourists. An important point is the absence of queues for the lifts.

Val d'Zer and Tignes are not in vain discussed as a single entity. These resorts are connected into the "Killie Expanse" by ski lifts. It is in the complex that resorts provide maximum pleasure to active holidaymakers. The funicular (3500 m) called Grand Motte has a fairly high speed. In just 6 minutes you can rise from the station at 2100 m to an altitude of 3300 m. “Killy Space” offers vacationers comfortable trails of sufficient width, with high-quality markings. Their length is up to 300 km. Skiing enthusiasts can enjoy virgin snow skiing, and glacier skiing is also available all year round.

Les Deux Alpes

This ski resort in Alpine France is located literally at the foot of the Mont-de-Lans glacier, which is considered the largest in all of Europe. Height – 1650 m. The easiest way to get to it is from Geneva. To do this, you will have to overcome a distance of at least 220 km. Not only skiers, but also snowboarders love to relax here. A local “snowboard park” has been opened especially for them.

The glacier provides snow all year round, including summer months, so alpine skiing in France is relevant not only in the frosty season.

The total length of the slopes at the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes is 200 km, including:

• Reds – 21;
• Blue – 25;
• Green – 22;
• Black – 8.

The Loisan massif is home to a high-mountain region of grandiose proportions. It is considered as unique as the White Valley of Mont Blanc. Vacations will not be limited to skiing; the ski resort offers a lot of entertainment for vacationers. There are wellness centers and heated swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) on site. To experience the fabulous atmosphere, you should go down into the artificial ice grotto. Other leisure options include paragliding and skiing with torches.

Kurveshel

“Chosen by the stars” is what this ski resort in modern France is called. It gained such fame thanks to its high-quality service. Here are the most comfortable hotels and restaurants with the best level of service in the world. The resort has 4 levels from 1030 m to 1850 m, which are connected by lifts. The total length of local ski slopes is 600 km. Also located in Courchevel:

• 2 Olympic springboards designed for ski jumping;
• 1 high speed downhill track;
• 3 slalom tracks;
• 2 tracks for snowboarders;
• Climbing wall (13 m);
• Ice climbing tower (39 m).

To make your leisure time unforgettable and vibrant, restaurants and bars, discos and nightclubs are constantly operating in Courchevel, sports complexes with tennis courts.

Meribel

A ski resort located right in the heart of the Three Valleys. Height - from 1450 to 1800 m. It is famous for its architectural sophistication. This high mountain point in France consists of three parts - Belvedere, Motare and central part. They are connected to each other using lifts and roads.

Trails of varying difficulty make it even more gorgeous picturesque landscapes. It is the beauty of the French Alps that attracts so many tourists to Meribel. An equally exciting holiday awaits both lovers of comfortable descents and fans of virgin lands at the resort. The length of the tracks is 600 km.

The lift system is designed so that skiers do not have to use taxis and buses.

La Plagne

It was impossible to keep silent about this ski resort, because it is the largest in France. Despite the fact that the number of descents is simply incredible (123), the quality of the slopes can also amaze you. The resort includes four stations at the foot of the mountains and six high-mountain stations.

If you purchase a special pass in La Plagne, you can ride all the lifts in Les Arcs for free. If the subscription lasts 6 days or more, then you can ride for free during the day at each of the Olympic resorts belonging to the Savoy area. This way you can visit the main ski resorts in France and save significantly. These are places like:

• "Three Valleys";
• Pralonian en Vanoise;
• Le Sesy;
• "Killie Spaces".

Each La Plagne station has one free ski lift and a ski kindergarten. Not only skiers come here, but also snowboard lovers. There is a snowboard park for them. To replenish your energy after skiing, La Plagne has 21 restaurants, so it’s difficult to stay hungry here.

Chamonix

This ski resort in the French border zone is considered one of the most visited in Europe. It is located right at the foot of the world's glaciers famous mountain Mont Blanc. The height of the peak is 4807 m, and the resort itself is at an altitude of 1050 m, occupying the intersection of the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland. The most high point local ski lift – 3842 m.

Chamonix is ​​famous for its “White Valley”, which offers tourists as much as 20 km of off-piste skiing. People from all over the world come here to admire nature. But it’s not just about fabulous landscapes, but also about comfort. Chamonix has a well-developed infrastructure, which makes the holiday not only interesting, but also convenient for every tourist.

The following are open for guests' leisure:

• Wellness centers;
• Climbing wall;
• Athletics stadium;
• Indoor ice skating rink;
• Pool;
• Gym.

Ski regions

French Alps (Rhône-Alpes region and Alpes department) - highest mountains Western Europe, the ski resorts of France are the world's largest winter sports center: 380 ski stations, the largest number of lifts in the world (3900!) and the shortest queues for them. This is the largest area for skiing and the widest selection of tracks, the most high peak Western Europe Mont Blanc (Mont Blanc, 4807 m), stable weather, lots of sun, guaranteed snow cover from early December to mid-May, plus the possibility of skiing in the summer. The most popular resorts in the region are Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isère, Tignes, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne, Megève, Meribel, etc. 175 resorts are equipped with snow cannons. 230 sports centers offer cross-country ski trails .

In addition to the famous Alpine resorts, France has a huge range of wonderful ski holiday destinations, scattered in abundance throughout mountain systems countries. Most often these are small mountain villages, used as local holiday destinations and, by and large, unable to compete with the Alps. But such small sports centers are very attractive both as summer mountain climatic and balneological resorts, and as recreation areas for lovers of cross-country skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and walking tours. Usually located in very picturesque places close to major roads, on weekends and holidays they often attract no less guests than the famous alpine centers, but the price level here is usually significantly lower.

One of the most interesting and rapidly developing centers ski holiday are Pyrenees.

IN Massif Central Due to its natural and climatic features, a “pure” ski holiday is unlikely. However, for the same reason, this area is considered one of best places France for cross-country skiing, initial training alpine skiing and snowboarding, hiking and horse riding routes, and its amazing nature allows you to relax here at any time of the year.

Short Vosges commonly known as great place for fans of cross-country and cross-country skiing.

Surprisingly, even a hot Mediterranean island Corsica has a whole network of its own mountain centers. The topography of the island and the abundance of zones with their own microclimate make it possible to ski from December (usually from mid-January) to March-April.

Climate

First snow in French Alps falls at the end of November and lasts until mid-May. Thanks to the mild climate, even in winter in the valleys at an altitude of about 1500 m, the temperature does not drop below -10°C. The most favorable time for skiing begins in mid-February, when stable sunny weather sets in. The height of the snow cover, depending on the height of the area, ranges from 0.7 to 4 meters.

Average monthly air temperature at an altitude of about 1500 m (°C): in November 0..-2, in December -2..-4, in January -5..-7, in February -2..-4, in March 0..-2, in April +2..+4.

The average height of snow cover at an altitude of about 1500 m (cm): in November 6-80, in December 90-120, in January 140-200, in February 160-220, in March 160-240, in April 140-220.

Subscription

In France, a subscription can be purchased for half a day, for a day, for two, etc. You can purchase either a general pass for the entire ski area or a separate one for each valley. It is more convenient and profitable to buy a subscription for the entire ski area at once. Ski-pass for children under 5 years of age and for adults over 72 years of age is free, special rates are available for adults over 60 years of age. There are also special family rates.

The Olympic ski area includes the Three Valleys, Espas Killy, and Paradiski. A subscription to one of the zones (minimum 6 days) gives the right to one day of skiing in one of the others (during the validity period of the subscription).

Equipment rental

Rental of equipment for alpine skiing and snowboarding is organized in almost all sports stores. There are also points for servicing equipment: edge sharpening, lubrication, etc. Equipment for athletes is selected individually: depending on weight, height and level of skating.

Ski schools

There are several levels of training - for beginners, advanced training, for professionals, etc. If you combine booking lessons at ski schools with purchasing a ski-pass ticket, it will be cheaper. Special discounts are available for families of 3-4 people. During the Christmas (Catholic) holidays, when booking a lesson for one adult, one child studies for free.