France has some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world on its territory. They are located in the Alps, whose peaks often exceed 4,000 metres above sea level.
The French Alps are a dream for all skiers and mountain lovers: fabulous peaks await you, fantastic resorts guaranteeing maximum comfort, hundreds of kilometres of slopes and snowparks, guaranteed indoor and outdoor activities in summer and winter, a gastronomic panorama of excellence and, of course, plenty of snow in the months of the cold season.
In the heart of one of Western Europe’s most impressive mountain ranges, the best ski resorts await you. Indeed, the northern Alps are not only home to France’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, but have the largest concentration of ski resorts in Europe. Its famous ski areas, such as Les 3 Vallées, Portes du Soleil and Espace Killy, offer hundreds of kilometres of slopes.
Whether you are an experienced skier, looking for new adrenaline on the most challenging slopes, or a beginner, in need of prepared schools and world-class instructors, you will find the answer to all your needs here.
The best ski resorts in the French Alps have in common only the immensity of their ski areas, which often intersect. In fact, each resort has its own architecture and atmosphere.
Voted best ski resort in the world for the fourth consecutive year at the World Ski Awards in 2019, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe.
Located at an altitude of 2,300 metres in the sumptuous 3 Valleys ski area, the largest ski area in the world, this Savoyard resort in the Tarentaise valley offers 150 kilometres of alpine skiing, spread over 68 slopes.
It is also one of the French resorts where you can ski the longest: in fact, it is the first to open its slopes and the ski season lasts until the beginning of May.
Courchevel is a true Saint-Tropez of the snows. Less anonymous and more opulent than its rival Megève, this ultra-luxury resort has 17 five-star hotels.
But Courchevel is above all skiing pleasure with a gigantic ski area, the largest in the world: 490 kilometres of downhill slopes and 335 runs.
The 6 villages are connected by ski lifts or shuttles, enough to find relatively reasonably priced accommodation at lower altitudes.
Located, like Val Thorens, in the majestic Tarentaise valley, Val d’Isère is distinguished by its prestigious past. Indeed, the resort hosted the Winter Olympics in Albertville in 1992. In 2009, it was also the site of the Alpine Skiing World Championships.
Its ski area, linked to that of Tignes, offers 300 km of alpine ski slopes spread over 154 slopes in total. Unlike other areas of this size, the entire Espace Killy is naturally connected and does not require tedious transitions.
Lying at the foot of the Roof of Europe, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is certainly the most legendary of French ski resorts. This winter sports queen not only has the privilege of being at the foot of one of the world’s highest peaks, Mont Blanc, but is also close to major tourist sites such as Aiguille du Midi, Tramway du Mont – Blanc, Montenvers.
It is distinguished by its access to four ski areas, each with different characteristics: Le Brévent – la Flégère, Balme, les Grands Montets and les Houches. In all, you have 150 kilometres of skiing at your disposal, on 102 different slopes.
Located on the largest and most important skiable glacier in Europe, Les Deux Alpes offers an exceptional panorama of the Alps at an altitude of 3600 m.
It is home to a fabulous ski area, where you can experience 220 kilometres of pistes, reaching as far as the Lauze Glacier, activities for all tastes and ages, 53 ski lifts, two snow parks, cross-country trails and an 800-hectare off-piste area. Not to mention the après-ski, characterised by an intense nightlife.
Don’t miss the ascent by Jandri gondola to reach the top of the glacier and admire the spectacle of the Ecrins Massif, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.
Considered one of the most beautiful ski resorts in France, Megève‘s fame derives from its majestic snow-covered wooden chalets: this Haute Savoie resort is a fascinating destination for both its atmosphere and winter sports. It is not for nothing that the resort is the meeting place of the world’s elite.
As for its ski area, Évasion Mont-Blanc, it stretches over 400 kilometres and has 185 slopes. In good weather, you can see Mont Blanc from its slopes.
With its 300 km of pistes, all interconnected, Tignes is a beautiful French ski resort linked in the Val d’Isère ski area: the underground funicular railway allows skiers to reach the glacier and reach 3455 metres. In fact, the peculiarity of Tignes is that here, you can ski for practically 10 months of the year.
For those who, in addition to skiing, also love the mountain atmosphere, Tignes guarantees a diversified stay for everyone: from sportsmen and women to party-goers and leisure enthusiasts, the resorts will please everyone.
Nestled in the Tarentaise Valley in the Vanoise National Park, Méribel is an enchanting ski resort characterised by traditional wooden chalets and a party atmosphere:après-ski is celebrated here and the night is always enlivened by wild, young evenings.
The slopes for deep snow lovers are combined with a lively social life: here you will find restaurants, discos, shops and leisure facilities, with top-class accommodation at well above average prices.
At more than 1,800 metres above sea level, you will find the resort of Alpe d’Huez and its green plateaus. A famous ski resort, Alpe d’Huez is also known as a stage of the Tour de France.
Located about 60 kilometres south-east of Grenoble, the village boasts an exceptional welcome for families with children, and offers almost 250 kilometres of marked trails for all levels. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort is perfect for relaxing with rejuvenating spa treatments.
With more than 200 kilometres of marked pistes and an off-piste area, La Plagne is one of the most popular ski resorts in France, consisting of 6 high-altitude hamlets where you can stay (from 1800 to 2100 metres): Plagne Aime 2000, Plagne Centre, Plagne Bellecôte, Belle Plagne, Plagne 1800 and Plagne Village/Sole.
The main one is La Plagne Centre, built in 1961, where you will find excellent resorts and hotels, good restaurants and shops, as well as a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities.
Morzine, within the Portes du Soleil ski resort, is a large ski area straddling France and Switzerland. At an altitude of about 1,000 metres, Morzine has preserved its authentic traditional style, making it a very charming resort. In winter, the atmosphere is very festive thanks to a lively evening music scene.
Located a short distance from Morzine, Avoriaz offers over 650 kilometres of slopes. Since access is prohibited to cars, the entire resort can only be accessed on skis and by horse-drawn sleigh.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.