To help you plan your next ski holiday, here’s our guide to the best ski resorts in France. France is rightfully one of the most popular ski destinations for British skiers due to its picturesque scenery and varied ski areas. From high altitude ski resorts with excellent snow to traditional Alpine towns, the ski resorts in the French Alps have it all. We have selected the 10 best ski resorts in France for you below.
Best French Alps ski resorts
1. Val d’Isère, France
Ski area: 300km
Located at the end of the Tarentaise valley, Val d’Isère in France offers access to the renowned Espace Killy ski area. With 300km of slopes and 158 runs, this is one of the best ski resorts in France for mixed-ability groups. There’s something here to suit everyone, from the challenging Face de Bellevarde piste, to the gentler cruising slopes in the Solaise sector. The French ski resort is also well known for sport, having hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 2009, and the Critérium de la Première Neige competition every year since 1955. Local restaurants serve up an abundance of rustic Savoyard cuisine, and après ski options include the legendary Dick’s Tea Bar.
Stay At:
No. 5 Club Bellevarde ticks all the boxes for those looking to ski in Val d’Isere. This fantastic chalet is situated on the edge of the Santons piste.
2. Val Thorens, France
Ski area: 600km
Perched at a lofty 2,300m at the head of the Belleville Valley, Val Thorens has the honour of being the highest ski resort in Europe. The French ski resort has access to more than 600km of linked pistes across the Three Valleys ski area with some of the best skiing in France. There’s a wide variety of ski terrain here, from gentle nursery slopes to blacks and challenging glaciers. At 3,200m, the top of the Cime de Caron is not for the faint of heart. Those who brave the cable car journey will be rewarded with some incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. If you enjoy post-ski nightlife, this is one of the best ski resorts in France. The largest nightclub in the Alps, Malaysia, is found here, along with the highest pub in Europe, the Frog and Roastbeef.
Stay At:
Koh-I Nor is a luxury hotel in Val Thorens. The five-star hotel is made up of 63 luxurious rooms and suites.
3. Courchevel, France
Ski area: 600km
Courchevel is a Ski Solutions favourite and has to be one of our top French ski resorts. Part of the Three Valleys ski area – the biggest ski area in France. Courchevel is made up of four different ski areas each with their own distinct feel. Courchevel 1850 with excellent skiing and chic boutiques. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and a great selection of shops and bars, try Courchevel 1650. Otherwise, Courchevel 1550 with a relaxed atmosphere or Courchevel 1300 with an authentic Alpine village. Named one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world with an abundance of Michelin-star restaurants for you to enjoy, Courchevel is the perfect choice for a stylish ski holiday.
Stay At:
Chalet Jacques in Courchevel is a superb ski-in ski-out property with excellent modern facilities as well as alpine charm.
4. La Plagne, France
Ski area: 225km
La Plagne is one of the best ski resorts in France. Made up from ten separate villages, the French ski resort offers multiple ski experiences depending on which you choose to stay in. Montchavin is a great family favourite with its snow garden and sledge area. Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre are the best villages for lively pubs and late-night discos. With access to the vast Paradiski ski area, there is a variety of terrain to keep everyone happy too. The bobsleigh from the 1992 Winter Olympics is a must-do, with three different tracks winding down a 1.5km track from Plagne 1800 to La Roche. One of our sustainable choice ski holidays, taking the train is the most environmentally friendly way of travelling to this resort.
Stay At:
CGH White Pearl Lodge & Spa revolves around eight chalets, each positioned with panoramic views of the Paradise ski area. All apartments are warmly decorated and arranged.
5. Les Gets, France
Ski area: 650km
One of the best ski resorts in France, the small and picturesque village of Les Gets started life as a dairy farming village in the 12th century. The ski resort still retains a rustic charm that sets it apart from the larger purpose-built resorts. There are 650km of pistes to choose from in the Portes du Soleil ski area, with an abundance of intermediate slopes, 66 groomed trails and 12km of cross country skiing. The resort has a reputation for being family-friendly and has a P’tits Montagnards award for child care, as well as a Family Plus Mountain Award. Along with a good selection of bars and restaurants, the quaint town has some traditional Savoyard shops selling French bread and cakes and locally cured meats and cheeses.
Stay At:
A modern development; Aviemore is a luxury set of apartments set on the piste in the family orientated resort of Les Gets.
6. Morzine, France
Ski area: 650km
Morzine is a wonderful Alpine town with traditional chalets around a village square. Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine’s setting allows you to ski in both France and Switzerland on the same day. With 600km of skiing to explore, there is something for all skiers. Morzine is a lively town with plenty of après ski options after a day on the slopes. Alongside a plethora of bars and restaurants you’ll find lovely spas and ice climbing, ice skating, tobogganing and snowmobiling too. This really is one of the best French ski resorts.
Stay At:
Set back from the centre of Morzine, Lodge Des Nants is a brand new chalet, encapsulating the essence of luxury ski holidays.
7. La Clusaz, France
Ski area: 125km
La Clusaz is one of the best ski resorts in the French Alps. This traditional French village is bursting with Alpine charm complete with a pretty square and Savoyard church. The ski area has 125km of slopes and is well suited to beginners and intermediates. There’s plenty of excellent off-piste to keep advanced skiers busy around the La Balme ski area. The village itself is home to delicious Savoyard restaurants and rustic bars to while away the evening in, as our expert Sophie writes about. Located just one hour from Geneva, this is a great ski resort for a weekend away in the France.
Stay At:
Hotel Coeur du Village is a brilliant hotel sitting in the heart of La Clusaz.
8. Tignes, France
Ski area: 300km
One of the 10 best ski resorts in France, this high-altitude ski resort has some of the most impressive snow coverage in Europe. Located in the Espace Killy ski area alongside Val d’Isère, skiers can access over 300 km of pistes as well as 10,000 hectares of off-piste terrain. Tignes is split up into villages with varying altitudes. With wide pistes and skiing to suit all abilities, there will be a run that offers a challenge for all skiers.
Stay At:
A mountain getaway in Tignes, France, Hotel VoulezVous is the perfect luxury ski holiday stay.
9. Chamonix, France
Ski area: 150km
Located just 1hr 30mins from Geneva airport, Chamonix is ideal for a short break in the French Alps. The ski area has access to over 150km of piste. This stylish town can be found nestled at the bottom of the iconic Mont Blanc. With a history that harks back to the 19th century, it is one of France’s oldest resorts. The French ski resort is perfect for skiers looking for challenging terrain on and off piste. In town, the atmosphere is lively with a variety of restaurants, shops and après bars to sample. Head into Chamonix’s pedestrianised centre that stays alive well into the night. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the bars, shops and restaurants in the resort’s town centre won’t disappoint.
Stay At:
Chalet Alta is a wonderfully stylish and architecturally designed chalet which offers guests privacy whilst still being able to enjoy the stunning mountain views of the Chamonix valley.
10. Les Deux Alpes, France
Ski area: 223km
One of our 10 best ski resorts in France, this high-altitude ski resort in the south of France has Europe’s largest skiable glacier. Les Deux Alpes also boasts one of the world’s greatest on-piste vertical drops: an exhilarating descent of 2,268m. The ski resort has one of the largest snow parks in the French Alps and offers a wealth of impressive off-piste terrain. With slopes to suit all levels, the Les Deux Alpes ski area is an ideal choice for mixed ability groups. Renowned for its lively après-ski and nightlife, there are plenty of bars and restaurants for all budgets. This is one of the best French ski resorts.
Stay At:
Situated in the centre of Les Deux Alpes on the Place Venosc, the charming chalet Le Loup Lodge is the perfect spot for a family ski holiday in the French Alps.
To find out more about the 10 best ski resorts in France speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700. Find out more about the best French Alps ski resorts in the finest ski areas.
