Main Ski Destinations

Skiing in France

France has some of the best skiing in the world, offering every type of skier or snowboarder a playground in the mountains.

The ski areas are varied and extensive, often receiving the best snow conditions, and as such, are enjoyed by millions of visitors each year. France has over 40 main resorts and ski areas offering a choice between traditional alpine ski resorts or purpose-built ski-in ski-out resorts.

Ski areas in France

France has a wide range of ski areas (ski domains), which interlink smaller ski resorts and areas together. The main ski areas in France are the The Three Valleys, L’Espace Killy, Paradiski, Portes du Soleil. and Mont Blanc Massif.

The Three Valleys Ski Area

The Three Vallees or Les Trois Vallées, is the largest ski area in the world which is connected solely by ski lifts and slopes. It has over 600km of piste with skiing of up to 3,230 metres, and since 1973, it has been possible to ski the interlinked valleys using a single ski pass. The Three Valleys incorporates the famous ski resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Meribel and Val Thorens.

Courchevel ski resort
Courchevel Ski Resort
One of the most prestigious ski resorts in the Alps set over 4 different altitudes; the traditional Courchevel 1300 (Le Praz), the family friendly resorts Courchevel 1550 and Courchevel 1650, and the chic, cosmopolitan Courchevel 1850, the highest of Courchevel’s 4 villages. Courchevel 1850 has become known as the ‘winter playground to the rich and famous.
La Tania ski resort
La Tania Ski Resort
La Tania is a smaller family-friendly resort, purpose built for the 1992 Winter Olympics and situated at an altitude of 1,400m between Courchevel 1300 and Meribel. Access to the skiing is fantastic, with most chalets within 200m from the pistes. La Tania is suited to families and groups who want a more relaxed ski holiday with great skiing.
Meribel ski resort
Meribel Ski Resort
A traditionally ‘British’ resort set over 3 villages; the main Méribel Centre, the slightly quieter Méribel-Mottaret (built 1972), and the peaceful Meribel Village (built 1998). With excellent nursery slopes for beginners, access to the vast Three Valleys for advanced skiers, plus an impressive nightlife, Meribel has everything for a great ski holiday.
Val Thorens ski resort
Val Thorens Ski Resort and Val Thorens Valley
The highest ski resort in the French Alps situated at 2,300 metres and so has the best snow around. Purpose built in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Val Thorens offers exceptional doorstep skiing throughout the whole season. The western-most resort of the huge 3 Valleys ski domain.

L’Espace Killy Ski Area

The Espace Killy is a ski area in Savoie in the French Alps, named after the legendary skier, Jean-Claude Killy. It covers the popular resorts of Val d’Isere and Tignes. There are few areas in the world that can rival this one for sheer size and diversity of terrain with around 300 km of piste and skiing altitudes of up to 3,455 metres.

Val d’Isere ski resort
Val d’Isere Ski Resort
One of France’s most popular resorts boasting extensive and varied skiing with accommodation to suit all budgets including a selection of the finest luxury chalets in France. Val d’Isere is composed of La Daille, Val d’Isère centre and Le Fornet - all linked by a free bus service and offering plenty for the non-skier. Val is renowned for its nightlife, which ranges from lively clubs to cosy crêperies and traditional restaurants.
Tignes ski resort
Tignes Ski Resort
Based high in the L’Espace Killy ski area (2,100 metres), Tignes is one of Europe’s premier resorts. The 3 main villages of Val Claret, Le Lavachet and Tignes-le-Lac all offer excellent access to the vast ski area and with skiing up to an altitude of almost 3,500 metres it is classed as a ‘snow-sure’ resort. Tignes is ideal for families and groups alike offering a vast variety of piste terrain, suitable for all levels of skiers.

Paradiski Ski Area

Paradiski is a massive ski area at the centre of the Savoie French Alps. The Pardiski ski area came alive when the two already giant ski resorts La Plagne and Les Arcs were joined by the Vanoise Express cable car. With the freedom of over 425km of piste and skiing altitudes up to 3,250 metres, Paradiski beholds a mind-blowing amount of skiing and snowboarding to suit every taste.

La Plagne ski resort
La Plagne Ski Resort
A massive ski area, a part of the Paradiski circuit, comprising of some ten villages, each with its own character and offering excellent ski accommodation. The skiing is vast, with pistes suited to all types of skiers and snowboarders. The Vanoise Express cable car links the resort to Les Arcs.
Les Arcs ski resort
Les Arcs Ski Resort
A resort that has something for everyone, offering an exceptional variety with an excellent choice of pistes, and plenty of off-piste for the more adventurous. A part of the massive Paradiski, and linked to La Plagne, Les Arcs is made up several villages, all with exceptionally good access to the slopes. Good value accommodation on offer in all villages.

Portes du Soleil Ski Area

Portes du Soleil or ‘gates of the sun’ is a giant ski area straddling the French-Swiss border and encompassing more than 14 ski resorts, the best known resorts being Morzine, Avoriaz Ski Resort, Les Gets Ski Resort and Chatel Ski Resort. Portes du Soleil boasts over 650 km of piste with skiing altitudes of up to 2,300 metres. The big attraction is the variety of terrain with good beginner slopes as well as expert only on and off piste zones.

Morzine ski resort
Morzine Ski Resort
A traditional Savoyard town in the middle of the Portes du Soleil. Morzine is an excellent all-round resort offering great value and a wide range of ski accommodation, popular with self-drive guests and families. The resort has a distinct charm and offers easy access to the excellent skiing. The nearby resorts of Avoriaz and Les Gets mean extensive skiing although non-skiers will enjoy the bustling streets, with plenty of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.

Mont Blanc Massif Ski Area

The Mont Blanc Massif lies between the regions of Aosta Valley in Italy and Haute-Savoie in France, separated by the dominance of Mont Blanc itself (4,808 metres). The two most famous ski resorts in the region are Courmayeur, in Aosta Valley, Italy, and Chamonix, in Haute-Savoie, France - the site of the first Winter Olympics. The Mont Blanc Tunnel runs through the mountain between these two resorts, and it is possible to cross the mountain from Chamonix to Courmayeur by cable car.

Chamonix ski resort
Chamonix Ski Resort and The Chamonix Valley
Dominated by the spectacular Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in Western Europe), Chamonix as a ski resort has everything; incredible skiing with vast off piste, great nightlife and history. Although the skiing is world class (not for beginners!), the resort is spread out along the Arve valley and consists of 4 separate areas: Le Tour (near the nearby hamlet of Montroc), Le Grands Montets (above Argentiere), Brevent-Flegere and Les Houches. The Vallee Blanche (which starts from the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 metres) is one of the world’s longest off-piste runs, at 24km from top to bottom.

Ski Holidays in France

France has more choice of ski resorts that any other ski destination, whether you are looking for a family ski holiday or group ski holiday, from beginner to off-piste level, there is something for everyone. Our collection of catered chalets in France range from cheap and cheerful budget chalet-apartments to top quality luxury chalet accommodation. We have chalets with hot tubs, saunas, ski-in ski-out access, family friendly and some with plenty of free wine! Use the Chalet Search to take a look at our extensive collection of ski chalets in France.

France Ski Holiday Facts

Language
French although English is widely spoken
Currency
The Euro
Flight Times
Approx 2 hours from London to Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble or Chambery (The main ski airports)
Drive time
Approx 9 hours from Calais to the main ski resorts in the French Alps
Ski Season
Early December–late April. Although Summer skiing can be enjoyed on the high glaciers in some resorts
Weather
Typically alpine conditions in the winter, so be prepared for extreme cold (-20°C). Spring conditions can typically see very bright and sunny conditions, so remember to apply the sunscreen

Map of Ski Resorts in France

Click a resort below to see the full details