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Top 10 best ski resorts in France 🇫🇷 and largest ski areas

There are about 350 popular ski resorts in France, and of course such a variety of ski resorts make your eyes go wild. And if you do not study in advance which ones are better suited to you, there is a risk of spoiling your vacation, because they are all different: some are more suitable for family vacations, and some for a raucous nightlife.

For 10 years of annual skiing in France with friends and family, we have prepared a rating of the top 10 best ski resorts so that you can plan your next perfect vacation.

Whatever your preference in skiing, winter activities, accommodation the French Alps has a place for you. And wherever you go, one thing you can be sure of is stunning mountain scenery.

Table of ski resorts in France

1. Courchevel is the most famous ski resort

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – April
  • 🎿 150 km of slopes, 52 elevators
  • 🏔 1100 m – 3200 m above sea level (altitude difference 2100 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 110 km from Geneva airport
  • ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, lovers of luxury and high style
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 220 (Read more →)

Les Trois Vallées is a group of interconnected ski resorts that make up the largest alpine ski area in the world, Courchevel being the largest and most famous of them all. With 60 elevators, Courchevel offers skiers and cyclists access to 150 kilometers of alpine pistes and provides links to 600 kilometers in three valleys that include 10 peaks over 2,500 meters high. Four meters of snow per year and expert grooming keep the pistes in excellent condition for skiers of all levels.

Each of the resort’s five separate villages has good places for beginner and intermediate skiers to hone their skills. 23% of Courchevel’s pistes are for beginners and 35% for intermediates. The beginner areas are always located next to the free elevator. An additional safety measure on the elevators are magnetic vests for children.

Experienced skiers come here mainly for the off-piste skiing and steep black runs littered with moguls. Skiing between the trees is also excellent, especially on the Jockey and Jean Blanc slopes, or test your mettle on the Jean Blanc piste, where the World Cup was held.

In addition to skiing, Courchevel is famous for its elegant atmosphere and luxury lodges, five-star and luxury boutique hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants (no fewer than seven restaurants have been awarded stars here).

Accommodation in Courchevel:

Expensive hotels:

  • Hotel Le Chabichou: An exclusive luxury hotel with unique design, first-class services, Michelin restaurants and a luxurious spa complex.
  • Hotel Cheval Blanc: A luxury destination with impeccable service, chic rooms, upscale restaurants and spa.
  • L'Apogée Courchevel: An elegant hotel with great rooms, luxury services, spa and gastronomic restaurants.

Mid-range hotels:

All hotels in Courchevel →

🌐 Official website: www.courchevel.com

2. Val d’Isère – Espace Killy

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – May
  • 🎿 300 km of slopes, 88 lifts
  • 🏔 1850 m – 3456 m above sea level (altitude difference 1606 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 140 km from Geneva airport.
  • ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, freeriders, outdoor enthusiasts
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 210 (Read more →)

Val d’Isère is part of the vast Espace Killy region, named after three-time Olympic gold medalist Jean-Claude Killy, who grew up skiing in these mountains. Val d’Isère shares this area, which occupies a high valley surrounded by peaks over 3,000 meters high, with the neighboring resort of Tignes. More than 150 elevators bring skiers and cyclists to 300 kilometers of pistes located at an altitude of over 1,550 meters.

The altitude, combined with heavy snowfall and Europe’s largest snowmaking capacity, means a long ski season with optimal conditions; skiing on the Pisaya Glacier usually lasts until June.

The variety and number of pistes allows skiers of all skill levels to choose from a variety of options – enough to spend a few days skiing without repeating a single piste. Even novice skiers can enjoy views of the high mountains that are usually reserved for the more experienced.

More than 20 black runs challenge the experts, but it’s the great off-piste skiing that attracts extreme skiing enthusiasts to Val d’Isère. The 45-degree north slope of Pramecou and the snowfields of Tignes are expert favorites. Val d’Isère also offers a wide variety of after-ski activities: numerous restaurants, cafes and accommodation near the elevators.

Accommodation in Val d’Isère:

Expensive hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

  • Hôtel Bellier: Traditional hotel with comfortable rooms, restaurant and elevator access.
  • Hotel Le Tsanteleina: Hotel with comfortable amenities, restaurant and spa treatments.
  • Everest Hotel: Cozy place with close proximity to elevators, restaurants and spa.

All hotels in Val d'Isère →

🌐 Official website: www.valdisere.com

3. Chamonix

  • 📅 Ski season: December – April
  • 🎿 152 km of slopes, 63 elevators
  • 🏔 1035 m – 3842 m above sea level (altitude difference 2807 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 88 km from Geneva airport.
  • ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, freeriders, extreme sports lovers
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 175 (Read more →)

It’s no surprise that a ski resort on the slopes of the highest mountain in the Alps is known as a territory for expert skiers. Chamonix is located on Mont Blanc, 4,807 meters high, and in addition to its legendary status, was the site of the first Winter Olympics. The first Olympians will be recognized for Chamonix’s breathtaking scenery, but not the world-class infrastructure that has since grown up around it.

While Chamonix is known for its excellent expert pistes and off-piste skiing, that doesn’t mean less experienced skiers can’t find a fit here. The high-altitude location, aided by the cooling effect of four glaciers, provides the best snow conditions in the Alps.

Chamonix is home to several ski villages and the best pistes for beginners are at Le Tour, in the northern part of the valley at Domaine de Balme, where the gentle slopes are ideal for beginners. The gentle, family-friendly slopes of Les Houches are routed through forests. There’s a new beginner area in Lognan, but skiers gaining confidence will find suitable terrain in any of the various areas, as will intermediate skiers.

But truly Chamonix shines on the expert pistes. The black slopes of the Grande Montes offer the largest vertical drop in the world: from 3,300 meters to 1,235 meters in a short time. The Verte course, used for World Cup races, is 3.5 kilometers of jumps and steep slopes.

Accommodation in Chamonix:

Expensive hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

All hotels in Chamonix →

🌐 Official website: www.chamonix.com

4. Les Arcs and La Plagne – the pearl of the French alps Paradiski

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – April
  • 🎿 225 km of slopes, 43 ski lifts
  • 🏔 1250 m – 3250 m above sea level (altitude difference 2000 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 149 km from Geneva airport.
  • ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, families
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 150 (Read more →)

In the Tarentaise Valley, La Plagne and the neighboring resorts of Les Arcs and Pisey-Vallandry form the Paradiski area, the third biggest linked ski area in France. The combined area offers 425 kilometers of pistes at altitudes ranging from 1,200 meters to 3,226 meters. La Plagne is a resort for intermediate and beginner skiers. The gentle upper slopes are on a plateau and become steeper as they enter the forest on both sides.

Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs, France
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Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs, France

With few beginner slopes, the steeper terrain at Les Arcs is a paradise for intermediate and expert skiers, with open pistes and sheltered forest trails at lower altitudes. Experts will find long black runs and off-piste skiing here. Inexperienced skiers should be prepared for long, narrow runs on the blue slopes, and some of the red slopes are straight downhill.

At the top is the Bellecote Glacier, where experts may find more challenges in the form of steep couloirs and long off-piste runs. Roche de Mio offers more black runs; a guide is required for off-piste skiing here.

But La Plagne is the most popular resort for families, with wide pistes, gentle slopes and ski-in/ski-out accommodation in 11 villages. Fun Slope is a good place to gain confidence on non-threatening terrain. It is a gentle, groomed and sculpted slope with jumps and challenges that develop skills without instilling terror.

Two parks have been created for different levels of experience, Le Petit Park for beginners and Le Grand Park at the top of Belle Plagne for the more advanced, with rails, tables, air cushions and a boardercross course.

Accommodation in Les Arcs and La Plagne:

Expensive Hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

All hotels in Les Arcs and La Plagne →

🌐 Official website: https://www.la-plagne.com

5. Morzine and Avoriaz in Portes du Soleil

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – April
  • 🎿 650 km of pistes, 197 elevators (Porte du Soleil)
  • 🏔 1000 m – 2466 m above sea level (altitude difference 1466 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 80 km from Geneva airport.
  • ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, families
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 160 (Read more →)

Seven ski resorts in France and five in Switzerland make up the Portes du Soleil ski area, some of which are linked by elevators and pistes, making cross-border skiing easy. An added convenience is the regional ticket, which includes all 12 resorts, a total of 650 kilometers of pistes and 197 elevators.

The most famous on the French side are the nearby resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz. Avoriaz’s 75 kilometers of pistes are mostly red and blue runs for intermediate levels, as well as beginner and expert runs; snowboarders come here for the five different parks and superpipe. Two parks are specifically designed for children.

Morzine is located between Avoriaz and Les Gues, connecting to both. 52 of its 80 runs are intermediate (red and blue) and 9 runs are for beginners and experts, making these two areas a paradise for amateur skiers.

Morzine is a classic alpine village with rustic chalets and lodges, while Alvoriaz has a more modern feel with purpose-built hotels, including some ultra-luxury options.

Accommodation in Morzine and Avoriaz:

Expensive hotels:

  • Hôtel Le Dahu: An elegant place with comfortable facilities, restaurants and a relaxing spa.
  • Hotel le Petit Dru: Luxury accommodations with unique design, restaurants and spa.
  • Hôtel le Samoyède: A traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurant and spa treatments.

Mid-range hotels:

All hotels in Morzine →

🌐 Official website: https://en.morzine-avoriaz.com

6. Meribel

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – April
  • 🎿 600 km of slopes, 196 elevators (Porte du Soleil)
  • 🏔 1100 m – 3230 m above sea level (altitude difference 2130 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 140 km from Geneva airport.
  • ⛷ Type of skiers: experienced skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, families.
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 190 (Read more →)

Sharing the huge Les Trois Vallées ski area with Courchevel and many others, Meribel includes terrain between 1,100 and 3,230 meters. That’s high enough to promise good conditions, and artificial snowmaking with over 50 percent coverage keeps conditions excellent all season long.

It’s particularly suitable for children: there are two different beginner areas, both with free elevators, one located in the Méribel-Mottaret area and the other in the Altiport area. Kids can ski Moon Wild, a piste with life-size “animals” hidden in the forest, and P’tit Moon, a mini-boardercross with sharp turns designed for children aged 7 to 12. The eight runs marked in green offer more beginner-friendly terrain: the Saulire Express 1 gondola elevator provides access to the green Blanchot run, which provides access to both base areas.

Most of the two dozen blue runs are easier runs. The red runs are for intermediate to advanced skiers, and several good wide cruises start at the top of Saulire. The highest skiing in Meribel starts at 2,952 meters on Mont Vallon, with a 1,000 meter descent that is breathtaking in both its difficulty and unrivaled alpine panorama.

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The village of Meribel is one of the most beautiful in the French Alps. Life in the ski resorts here is more relaxed than in many of the more glitzy resorts.

Accommodation in Meribel:

Expensive hotels:

  • Le Kaila: An exclusive hotel with luxury services, spa and gastronomic restaurants.
  • Hôtel l'Hélios: A luxurious place with luxury rooms, spa and gastronomic restaurants.
  • Hotel Alpen Ruitor: A hotel with cozy rooms, restaurants and a relaxing spa.

Mid-range hotels:

All hotels in Meribel →

🌐 Official website: https://www.les3vallees.com/en/ski-resort/meribel/

7. Alpe d’Huez – ideal for experts

  • 📅 Skiing season: December to April
  • 🎿 250 km of pistes, 84 elevators
  • 🏔 1860 m – 3330 m above sea level (altitude difference 1470 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 150 km from Lyon airport
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 160 (Read more →)

Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain combines six resorts into one interconnected winter playground. The 250 kilometers of combined pistes include 41 green, 34 blue, 40 red and 16 black runs. There are also two snow parks, a boardercross park and a halfpipe. A total of 84 elevators connect the six base villages with high sections up to the 3,330-meter-high Pic Blanc peak, which offers a panorama of Mont Blanc; from the summit of Pic Blanc, there’s a 2,175-meter descent to L’Enversin d’Oz at 1,125 meters.

The Sarennes, at 16 kilometers, is the longest ski run in Europe, and the most challenging is the Tunnel under the Pic Blanc cable car, a steep slope dotted with mega-moguls in the afternoon. Experts will also find an almost endless number of off-piste skiing runs here.

Staying in the main resort gives you access to a wider range of pistes, but all villages have good access to elevators and the piste network, and the smaller villages have an alpine village atmosphere. A good choice among them is the village of Voyanj, connected to Alpe d’Huez by a chairlift. Alpe d’Huez is popular with families for its wide range of facilities and accommodation to suit all budgets.

Accommodation in Alpe d’Huez:

Expensive hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

All hotels in Alpe d'Huez →

🌐 Official website: https://www.alpedhueznet.com/ski-area/

8. Serre Chevalier – for a relaxing vacation

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – April
  • 🎿 250 km of slopes, 67 elevators
  • 🏔 1200 m – 2800 m above sea level (altitude difference of 1600 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 150 km from Lyon airport
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 145 (Read more →)

Don’t look for big hotels or flashy entertainment in the dozens of small villages that make up Serre Chevalier, but you’ll find 250 kilometers of well-traveled pistes and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

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serre chevalier
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serre chevalier

Located near the Italian border in the Upper Alps, Serre Chevalier is further south than the better-known areas of the Savoy Alps, but its altitude of 1,200 to 2,800 meters above sea level, northern location and a third of the entire ski area covered by one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in France provide good skiing conditions. Being outside of Haute-Savoie, skiing and accommodation here is cheaper.

The lower ski runs wind through a large larch forest on the north side of a long high ridge, and the high walls above the forests offer more challenging terrain. Skiers will find numerous valleys, good downhill skiing through the trees, and the resort itself is known for its off-piste skiing.

Many of the smaller villages are connected by bus service, so you can easily choose different terrains while vacationing here. You can also reach other parts of the Grande Galaxie ski area, a vast region with 530 kilometers of alpine skiing served by 151 elevators. For snowboarders, there’s a freestyle area in Villeneuve and a boardercross area in Chantemerle.

Accommodation in Serre Chevalier:

Expensive hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

All hotels in Serre Chevalier →

🌐 Official website: https://www.serre-chevalier.com/it/index.htm

9. Les Deux Alpes

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – April
  • 🎿 200 km of slopes, 67 elevators
  • 🏔 1250 m – 2750 m above sea level (altitude difference 1500 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 220 km from Lyon airport
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 140 (Read more →)

In Les Deux Alpes, intermediate, beginner and even advanced skiers have an opportunity they won’t find in many other Alpine resorts: a wide variety of gentle terrain at the top.

Due to the unusual shape of the mountain here, the most challenging pistes are located on the lowest slopes. The elevator takes skiers directly to the gentle blue slopes at the foot of the glacier and returns them to the village at the end of a day of skiing. They can also ski all the way down to the blue slopes, but the 2,000 meter descent may be too long at the end of a ski day.

This is one of the largest glaciers in Europe, which gives Les Deux Alpes another unusual feature: year-round skiing. The resort is known for its summer ski camps and glacier skiing, not only for experts but for all levels of ability.

Les Deux Alpes resort offers 96 pistes and 47 elevators and a glacier funicular, 17 are green, 45 are blue, 22 are red and 12 are black. But for experts, wide open spaces are available in the rugged off-piste terrain of La Grave, where a guide is needed to explore the long and challenging descents from the 3,568-meter Dome de la Lauze.

Snowboarders and freestylers will be happy at Les 2 Alpes Freestyle Land snowpark on the glacier, which features a halfpipe and superpipe.

Accommodation in Les Deux Alpes:

Expensive Hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

  • Hotel Adret: A cozy place with a central location, restaurant and relaxing atmosphere.
  • Hotel Les Flocons: A traditional place with a family atmosphere, restaurants and pool.

All hotels in Les Deux Alpes →

🌐 Official website: www.les2alpes.com

10. La Cluse

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – April
  • 🎿 125 km of slopes, 49 elevators
  • 🏔 1100 m – 2600 m above sea level (altitude difference 1500 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 50 km from Geneva airport
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 130 (Read more →)

Much less well known than the ski resorts of Haute-Savoie, La Cluse attracts skiers of all levels, especially those who prefer the atmosphere of a traditional Alpine town to purpose-built ski resorts. Its location just an hour’s drive from Geneva airport, across the Swiss border, is another attractive factor for skiers coming from abroad.

While there’s terrain for everyone, intermediate skiers will find the best on five interconnected peaks and 132 kilometers of groomed pistes. Half of the pistes are blue graded and a third are red for advanced intermediate skiers. Only 10 percent of the pistes are graded black, but in the La Balme resort area, experts will find challenging long runs where every skier will be satisfied.

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Don’t underestimate the charm of La Cluse, a lively alpine town that exists for more than just skiers. The Place de l’Eglise hosts a weekly market on Mondays and the surrounding streets are full of restaurants, stores and accommodation that attract locals and skiers alike.

Accommodation in La Clouse:

Expensive hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

All hotels in La Cluse →

🌐 Official website: www.laclusaz.com.

11. Megeve

  • 📅 Ski season: December – April
  • 🎿 265 km of slopes, 80 elevators
  • 🏔 1100 m – 2466 m above sea level (altitude difference 1366 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 85 km from Geneva airport
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 140 (Read more →)

Megeve, just an hour’s drive from Geneva, started out as a rival to St Moritz, a ski resort reserved for wealthy Parisians. It’s a great place to ski and snowboard. The resort has grown out of that first exclusive enclave, but the village has retained the charm of its medieval origins along with Michelin-starred restaurants.

There are three main ski areas with hundreds of kilometers of excellent beginner and intermediate pistes, most of which are below the tree line, protecting them from the weather that can close down neighboring resorts at higher altitudes.

From the village center, you can take an elevator to the slopes of Rochebrunn, and from there a cable car to a more extensive area on Mont d’Arbois. More scenic is the transportation to the third area, Le Jaillet, which can be reached by horse-drawn carriage or regular bus.

Despite its trendy atmosphere, Megève is a family favorite, with cheap beginner tickets and free beginner elevators just outside the village. Snowboard parks are available in all three districts.

Accommodation in Megeve:

Expensive Hotels:

  • L'Alpaga: Luxury accommodations with unique design, restaurants and spa.
  • Les Fermes de Marie: A luxurious place with cozy rooms, restaurants and mountain views.

Mid-range hotels:

  • Au Coin Du Feu: Traditional place with outdoor facilities, restaurants and pool.
  • La Ferme du Golf: A cozy place with a relaxing spa, restaurants and elevator access.

All hotels in Megeve →

🌐 Official website: https://forfaits.megeve.com

12. Le Menuire

  • 📅 Skiing season: December – April
  • 🎿 600 km of slopes, 196 elevators (Porte du Soleil)
  • 🏔 1450 m – 3230 m above sea level (altitude difference 1780 m)
  • 🛫 Nearest airport: 143 km from Geneva airport
  • 🏨 Average price/night: € 150 (Read more →)

Le Menuire is an attractive ski resort, part of the famous Porte du Soleil ski area. Located at altitudes between 1450 and 3230 meters, the resort offers excellent conditions for winter fun from December to April.

Le Menuire offers over 600 kilometers of pistes and 196 elevators, making it a great choice for experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Accommodation in Le Menuire:

Expensive Hotels:

Mid-range hotels:

  • Hillary Hotel : Traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurant and elevator access.
  • HIGALIK HOTEL : A cozy place with a central location, restaurant and relaxing atmosphere.

All hotels in Le Menuire →

That’s all for now, write your reviews about your vacation in France and ask questions in the comments!

What is the most famous ski resort in France?

The most famous ski resort in France is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. This resort is located in the Alps, on the border with Italy and Switzerland, and is considered one of the most popular and prestigious ski vacation destinations in the world. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is known for its magnificent mountain scenery, outstanding skiing opportunities and unique views of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc. Here you will find a variety of slopes, including runs for experienced skiers and snowboarders as well as wide slopes for beginners.

What ski resorts in France are worth visiting for a vacation with children?

France offers many wonderful ski resorts that are ideal for vacations with children. It is important to choose places that provide safe and comfortable conditions for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Some of these resorts include Les Arcs and La Plagne, Les Gets, Avoriaz, Megève and Le Menuires. These resorts provide kid-friendly, beginner and family friendly facilities. In addition to skiing opportunities, they also offer plenty of entertainment and activities for children to make their vacations unforgettable.

The most budget-friendly ski resorts in France?

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option for a ski vacation in France, it is important to consider various factors such as accommodation costs, elevator prices and other expenses. Here are a few resorts that are generally considered relatively budget-friendly in France: Le Corbier, La Tania, La Rosière, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Val Cenis, Cheserey.

What ski resorts in France are available for summer skiing?

Surprisingly, some ski resorts in France can be skied in the summer. This is done on glaciers that retain enough snow and cold to maintain ski conditions even during the warmer months. Although it is not as common as in winter, some resorts offer summer ski runs on their glaciers. Here are a few of them: Les Deux Alpes, Tignes, Val Thorens. It is important to note that summer skiing is limited in time and depends on snow conditions and weather. It is best to check information about the availability of summer ski slopes on the official websites of the resorts or before traveling.

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