The best ski resorts in France. Ski resorts in France: overview, prices, service

(4 ratings, average: 4,50 out of 5)

Ski resorts- it's clean air, picturesque views and amazing local attractions. France is not only the most romantic state, but also the world center of winter sports. The article provides a list of mining ski resorts, to which tourists travel from all over the world to conquer Mountain peaks, admire the snowy landscapes and gain new experiences.

There are more than 400 ski resorts in France, most of which are located in the Alps.

A few tips to help make your vacation more enjoyable:

  • prices for tours at the beginning and at the end of the season are much lower;
  • if you buy a ticket in advance, you get a good discount;
  • equipment can be rented;
  • when traveling with a large company, it is more profitable to rent an apartment than a hotel;
  • Prices for lifts will be significantly lower if you buy a subscription for a week.

The best ski resorts in France: list, location on the map, description and prices

The ski resorts in France, the list of which is presented in the table, are considered the best and offer tourists a fun vacation on the snowy slopes of the Alps.

Resort name Location on the map Description Prices*
Chamonix in the valley of the Alps, 80 km from the airport; the ancient resort is suitable for beginners and extreme sportsmen; from 435 euros.
Courchevel in the valley of the Alps, 25 km from motorways; an exclusive resort popular with Parisians and Russians; from 480 euros.
Meribel in the Alps, the center of the Three Valleys; the Three Valleys ski area is suitable for beginners and extreme sportsmen; from 440 euros.
Val d Isère in the Alps, in the valley of the river Isère; a favorite place for professional skiers; from 350 euros.
Val Thorens In the Alps, in the Belivel Valley; ski area Three Valleys for fans of skiing with different physical fitness; from 400 euros.

*Prices are per person per week (may vary depending on the season).

Chatel

Châtel is located in the Alps near the crystalline massif of Mont Blanc. The region is famous ancient architecture, which retained historical heritage. In the village during the day, tourists can visit art workshops and cheese dairies, and at night go skiing and snowboarding in the snow parks.

Under the supervision of an instructor, go paragliding or play golf, and then take part in sled races pulled by northern sled dogs.

The ski resort of Chatel offers tourists 72 slopes:

  • 11 green;
  • 28 red;
  • 6 black;
  • 27 blue.

Ski pass price: adult - 48 euros; children - 42 euros.

Le Gets

Les Gets is located in the western part of the Alps near the village of Upper Savoie. Season: December - April.

Tourists are waiting for the following winter activities:


In Les Gets there is a ski school for children, where you can practice from 3 years old. In the village itself, tourists can visit a bowling alley, a cinema and even a library. In the evening, French restaurants with Alpine gourmet cuisine and night bars are open in Les Gets. An Irish pub with its own local brewery was built in the village.

Les Gets has 68 pistes:

  • 10 green;
  • 36 blue;
  • 12 black;
  • 10 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 43.5 euros; children - 35 euros.

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Abondance is a village in the valley of the river Drance. Season: December - March.

Tourists are provided with the following services:


The resort is known for its slopes, which are part of the Portes du Soleil resort network.

There are 13 pistes in Abondance:

  • 2 green;
  • 4 red;
  • 6 blue;
  • 1 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 23 euros; children - 17 euros.

Monrion

Montrion is a serene Savoyard village that lies near the crystal clean lake in the Portes du Soleil area. Season: December - April.

For guests in the village there is a very developed infrastructure:


Manrion has 50 pistes:

  • 4 green;
  • 26 blue;
  • 6 black;
  • 14 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 45 euros; children - 34 euros.

La Chapelle d'Abondance

La Chapelle d'Abondance is located in the northern Alps. In addition to skiing, tourists will be offered to ride a sled pulled by sled dogs, visit a climbing wall and get acquainted with snowrafting. A ski school has been built here. In the evening, local cozy restaurants with Alpine cuisine and evening parties await guests. entertainment programs.

The resort has 14 slopes:

  • 2 green;
  • 5 blue;
  • 5 red;
  • 2 black.

Ski pass price: adult-45 euros; children - 35 euros.

Saint Jean de Alps

Saint Jean de Alps is located in the northern Alps. Season: November - March.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are other winter sports here:

  • snowmobile rental;
  • paraglider;
  • skate rental;
  • tubing;
  • bicycles for rent.

In Saint Jean de Alps, local bars with Alpine cuisine are open in the evening and animation programs. Saint Jean de Alps has more than 20 pistes with a total length of 40 km, which serve 14 lifts. Ski pass price: adult / child from 30 euros.

Porte du Soleil

Porte du Soleil is the largest ski area in Europe, located in the Alps near Lake Lehmann and combines 13 ski resorts, 5 Swiss and 8 French.

Most Popular:

  • Avoriaz;
  • Torgon;
  • Morzine;
  • Chatel.

At the disposal of tourists are 11 snow parks, many restaurants with Alpine cuisine.

Unforgettable winter entertainment awaits guests:

  • skate rental;
  • rock climbing;
  • snowmobile rental;
  • paragliding;
  • snow rafting;
  • snowbike;
  • snow tubing.

Portes du Soleil has 280 pistes:

  • 112 blue;
  • 37 green;
  • 105 red;
  • 26 black.

The ski pass is the same for everyone - 53 euros.

Avoriaz

Avoriaz is located on a mountain near the village of Morzine. Season: December-April. 4 snow parks have been built here and there is a unique world-class superpipe.

Winter recreation:

  • paragliding;
  • rink;
  • golf;
  • diving;
  • helicopter flights;
  • climbing wall;
  • snowmobiles;
  • horseback riding.

In the village, tourists can walk through the snowy valleys, visit local bars and shops.

Avoriaz has 42 pistes:

  • 3 green;
  • 21 blue;
  • 4 black;
  • 14 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 52 euros; children - 39 euros.

morzine

Morzine is located in the Alps between Mont Blanc and Geneva. Season: December-April. There are 3 ski schools for adults and children.

Morzine has an extensive infrastructure for a full-fledged comfortable rest:

  • equipped fitness room;
  • hammam;
  • jacuzzi;
  • SPA-center;
  • restaurants with traditional Alpine cuisine.

Winter recreation:

  • ski touring;
  • paragliding;
  • ice diving;
  • snow tubing;
  • paintball;
  • rink.

Morzine has 288 runs:

  • 28 black;
  • 112 blue;
  • 41 green;
  • 107 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 31 euros; children - 24.7 euros.

three valleys

The ski resorts in France, which are listed below, are included in the second by area in Europe, the Three Valleys ski area:


A huge developed infrastructure awaits everyone:

  • aquapark;
  • rink;
  • clubs;
  • discos;
  • bars;
  • shopping tour;
  • tubing;
  • gym;
  • rental of snowmobiles and snowshoes;
  • concerts of stars;
  • SPA-center.

Three Valleys has 309 slopes:

  • 115 red;
  • 38 green;
  • 32 black;
  • 124 blue.

Ski pass price: adult - 43 euros; children - 32 euros.

Les Menuires

Les Menuires is located in the Belivel Valley. Season: December-April. On the territory of Les Menuires, tourists can visit cozy restaurants, of which there are more than 60. An aqua club with a children's pool, a jacuzzi and a waterfall has been built here.

Tourists will always have something to do besides skiing:


Les Menuires has 77 pistes:

  • 24 red;
  • 35 blue;
  • 6 black;
  • 12 green.

Ski pass price: adult - 49 euros; children - 39 euros.

Val Thorens

Val Thorens is located in Belivell at an altitude of 2300 m. Season: December-April.

Val Thorens has a very developed infrastructure:


There are 78 pistes in Val Thorens:

  • 29 blue;
  • 30 red;
  • 11 green;
  • 8 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 61 euros; children - 52.5 euros.

Brides-les-Bains

Brides-les-Bains is located in the Haute-Savoie region. Season: December - April. Cozy cafes have been built for tourists, in which concerts and exhibitions are regularly held. Several times a week festivities with local treats and mulled wine.

lovers active rest In addition to skiing, you will be able to get acquainted with other sports:


Brides-les-Bains has 150 pistes:

  • 16 green;
  • 69 blue;
  • 20 black;
  • 45 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 45 euros; children - 39 euros.

Evasion Mont Blanc

Evasion Mont Blanc is located near the Savoie region near the French border. The ski area includes several ski resorts, the most famous of them: Megève, Saint-Gervais and Combloux.

Tourists are waiting for a very rich infrastructure:

  • ice rink;
  • swimming pool;
  • art galleries;
  • jazz clubs;
  • a cafe;
  • night clubs.

For active lovers, the resort offers the following winter sports:


There are 210 ski slopes in Evasion Mont Blanc:

  • 30 black;
  • 40 green.
  • 80 red;
  • 60 blue.

Kamblu

Camblou is located in the southeast of France in the Rhone-Alpes region. Season: December-April. Tourists are waiting for ancient buildings here, and in the evenings ensembles, musical groups and circus groups perform on the square.

Kamblu is a center of active recreation, for everyone there are sports complexes, ice arenas and night skiing. Spa centers and restaurants with gourmet cuisine have been built here. local cuisine.

There are 219 pistes in Camblue:

  • 65 blue;
  • 38 green;
  • 34 black;
  • 82 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 38 euros; children - 32 euros.

Saint Gervais Mont Blanc

Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc is located in the southeast of France. Season: December-April.

Tourists are waiting for winter entertainment, in addition to skiing:


And in the evening, those who wish can visit local bars and clubs.

There are 49 different pistes in Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc:

  • 20 red;
  • 18 blue;
  • 3 green;
  • 8 black.

megeve

Megeve is located in the Alps close to mountain range Mont Blanc. Favorite place of public figures. Season: December-April. An advanced sports palace with an ice arena was built on the territory of the complex.

Megeve has a very developed infrastructure that will not leave free time for either young couples or families with children:


Megeve has 135 pistes:

  • 23 green;
  • 41 blue;
  • 17 black;
  • 54 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 43.5 euros; children - 35 euros.

paradisks

Paradiski is located in the Tarentaise Valley in southeastern France. It is the second largest ski area in the world and unites 3 ski regions: Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey Vallandry. Season: December-April.

There are many attractions in Paradiski:


Paradiski offers paragliding and rock climbing. ice caves. Tourists are waiting for sleigh races, animation programs and snowshoe walks. And in the evening after the spa - a cafe with alpine cuisine and a musical program.

There are 236 pistes in Paradiski:

  • 11 green;
  • 123 blue;
  • 37 black;
  • 65 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 68 euros; children - 48 euros.

Sibel

Sibel is located in the Maurienne valley in the Alps. Season: December-April. There are 2 snowparks built on the territory of the resort. Sibel is known for its restaurants with unusual French cuisine.

Winter activities for tourists:

  • tubing;
  • rink;
  • snowbike;
  • paragliding.

There are 111 pistes in Sibel:

  • 43 red;
  • 6 black;
  • 19 green.

Ski pass price: adult - 40 euros; children - 34 euros.

Espace Killy

Espace Killy is located in the Alps at the foot of 7 mountain ranges and 2 glaciers. On the territory, tourists can fly by helicopter, getting acquainted with picturesque surroundings, take a snow tour on dog sledding or choose hiking on snowshoes. Toward evening, local bars and nightclubs begin to work here.

Espace Killy has 156 runs:

  • 23 green;
  • 66 blue;
  • 27 black;
  • 40 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 42.5 euros; children - 34.5 euros.

Tignes

Tignes ski resort is located near Bourg Saint Maurice, 165 km from Geneva. Season: November-May.

Tignes has a very extensive infrastructure and great amount entertainment:


Tignes has 153 pistes:

  • 20 green;
  • 67 blue;
  • 40 red;
  • 26 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 52 euros; children - 41.5 euros.

Val d'Isère

Val d'Isère is an ancient village located at the mouth of the river Isere. Season: November-May. Ancient buildings, churches and museums have been preserved here. Tourists will have the opportunity to visit a local farm and craft center.

Developed infrastructure The Val d'Isera will leave no free time:


There are 135 pistes in Val d'Isère:

  • 40 green;
  • 50 blue;
  • 10 black;
  • 35 red.

Ski pass price: adult - 57 euros; children - 46 euros.

Le Carro D Arash

Le Carro Daras is located near the town of Aras-la-Frace. Season: November-April.

All types of resort winter holiday and recreation areas:


There are 125 pistes in Le Carro d Arash:

  • 45 red;
  • 25 green;
  • 15 black;
  • 40 blue.

Morillon

Morillon is a village located in the Haute-Savoie region. Season: December-April.

The infrastructure of Morillon will not make either adults or children bored:


There are 149 pistes in Morillon:

  • 20 green;
  • 65 blue;
  • 50 red;
  • 14 black.

samoyen

Samoëns is located in the Giffre Valley. Season: December-April.

There are many winter entertainment:

  • paragliding;
  • snowbike;
  • tubing;
  • rink;
  • climbing wall;
  • snow rafting.

Spas, local restaurants and music programs await guests after an active holiday.


There are 125 pistes in Samoën:

  • 45 red;
  • 25 green;
  • 15 black.
  • 40 blue.

Ski pass price: adult - 45 euros; children - 39 euros.

Sixt-fer-a-Cheval

The Sixt-Ferre-à-Cheval ski resort is located near Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc mountain range. Season: December-March. The resort is famous due to its location among local attractions: national reserve and the Cascade du Rouge waterfall.

The complex has an extensive infrastructure:


There are 12 pistes in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval:

  • 3 blue;
  • 4 red;
  • 4 green;
  • 1 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 18 euros; children - 12.5 euros.

Grand Array

Ski Grand Massif is located in the Haute-Savoie region. Season: December-March.

Tourists can walk through the alpine villages and visit Botanical Garden as well as winter activities:


There are 133 pistes in the Grand Massif:

  • 45 red;
  • 40 blue;
  • 23 black;
  • 25 green.

Ski pass price: adult - 42 euros; children - 35 euros.

Flaine

Flaine is located in the Northern Alps. Season: December-April. Built in the village historical Museum and monument park. Once a week there are art exhibitions that everyone can visit.

Flaine has many different services and winter activities:

  • ice driving;
  • buggy safari;
  • paragliding;
  • snow kiting;
  • horse rides;
  • climbing wall;
  • golf;
  • SPA-center;
  • a cafe;
  • discos.

Flaine has 64 pistes:

  • 7 green;
  • 30 blue;
  • 22 red;
  • 5 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 47 euros; children - 35.5 euros.

Massif de Aravis

Ski resorts in France, the list of which is presented later in the article, are included in ski area Massif de Aravis, located near Geneva and Lake Annecy:

  • La Clusaz;
  • Legged Grand Bornard;
  • Saint Jean de Sixt.
  • Manigault.

Season: December-March.

The resort has an extensive infrastructure for vacationers:

  • rink;
  • snowshoe rental;
  • snowbike;
  • snow rafting;
  • climbing wall;
  • tubing;
  • sports complex;
  • a cafe;
  • discos.

There are 119 pistes in the Massif de Aravis:

  • 37 red,
  • 7 black;
  • 46 blue;
  • 29 green.

Ski pass price: adult - 43 euros; children - 38 euros.

briancon

Briançon is located in the upper Alps. Season: December-April.

In the resort you can enjoy various types of winter recreation:


In the evening, tourists are waiting for cafes and animation programs.

Briançon has 100 pistes:

  • 35 red;
  • 29 blue;
  • 23 green;
  • 13 black.

Ski pass price: adult - 43 euros; children - 36 euros.

Which resort is better to go with children?

Ski resorts in France should leave unforgettable impressions not only for adults, but also for the smallest members of the family. The list of the best "children's" ski resorts includes: Tignes; Val d'Isère; Val Thorens.

For tours with children, you need to pay attention to restaurants with special meals, amusement parks and even ski schools for kids. This is just part of what will make young travelers happy.

Which resorts offer inexpensive holidays for beginners?

The ski resorts in France, the list of which is presented below, are ideal for beginners and will not bring extra costs:

  • Morzine;
  • Espace Killy;
  • Porte du Soleil;
  • Three Valleys;
  • Megeve;
  • Paradiski;
  • Avoriaz.

The trails here are known for their ease and few difficult slopes. Each resort has its own ski school, where you can take your first "ski" steps under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

Ski resorts located in France ( full list was given in the article) - one of the best places for skiing, which is famous for its alpine scenery, excellent infrastructure and local restaurants.

Article formatting: Mila Fridan

Video about ski resorts in France

TOP 5 resorts in France:

Of course, it will never be possible to achieve complete unanimity on the issue of the best ski resort in France, because they are all so different! And at the same time, any of them will provide you with excellent skiing conditions, give you incredible beautiful landscapes and the atmosphere of a real holiday. Some resorts are themed and styled down to the smallest detail, others retain the natural charm of the French Alps, and some are especially famous for their après ski. Each of them boasts an extraordinary ski area where you will have a great time. In addition, all resorts have individual programs of activities that will not let you and your family members get bored, regardless of age and hobby. We also offer short review five of the most popular and luxurious French ski resorts, going to which you will definitely not be disappointed.

Chamonix

Keeps the charm of Alpine culture and is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, where the 1924 Olympic Games were held. Stunning, majestic Mont Blanc provides a magnificent scenery, making this place a real paradise for lovers of skiing and entertainment. Chamonix is ​​a luxurious, intimate resort with great opportunities for skiers of all levels, excellent après ski and countless other activities. It has 145 tracks with a total length of more than 140 km, which are located in 8 different zones of the valley. Extreme lovers will find very steep and high-speed descents for themselves. Here is also great transport system: special buses will take you to any of the resorts. You can stay on vacation in first-class chalets, as well as in rented apartments or hotels.

Climbing up cable car from the valley to the peaks, travelers can enjoy amazing views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.


Well, gourmets should try fondue cheese - a dish that this area is famous for.

Courchevel

Courchevel is part of the 3 Valleys ski area.

And a very serious contender in the ranking of the most glamorous places in the world. The length of its tracks is 150 km, and the resort itself is so huge and diverse that it will satisfy an athlete of any level of training.

Courchevel 1850 is an exclusive, popular and amazingly designed resort. Here you will find palaces and 5-star luxury chalets that make this place especially popular among Parisians and Russians.


In addition to skiing, here you can enjoy excellent cuisine in gourmet local restaurants, great shopping and unforgettable relaxing treatments.

Meribel

Part of the "Three Valleys", has a reputation as a resort with excellent après-ski and is considered the best place for real hedonists. By the way, this place is also great for both advanced skiers and those who are just starting to learn. First-class instructors will do everything necessary for your confident mastering of the ski slopes.


In addition to skiing, offers flights to hot-air balloon, many heavenly spa treatments, glacier walks and excellent food. Fondue and raclette are again on the list of must-try dishes while in these places.

Val d'Isere

One of the most popular ski resorts in France, which is especially appreciated by young skiers and snowboarders who want to get an excellent physical activity and a lot of vivid impressions.


This large resort hosted many Olympic events in 1992.

The ski area is quite extensive, so it is able to satisfy the requirements of any sportsman and ordinary skier. The place is also famous for its extremely active après-ski. There is no shortage of bars and other entertainment venues in the city.

Val Thorens

It is the highest ski resort in Europe and the largest ski area. Val Thorens is part of the "Three Valleys", and its treelessness and high location makes the resort one of the most attractive for real fans of skiing.


Val Thorens is one of the most stunning and impressive ski resorts, which, in addition to height, can be considered an extraordinary environment. Its wide slopes are suitable for skiers of all skill levels, and the delightful atmosphere will make your stay unforgettable. This resort, with its excellent après ski and dog sledding opportunities, is very popular with tourists visiting France.

France offers many ski resorts located in different parts of the country - in the southeast, in the Rhone-Alpes region, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, on the border with Switzerland and Italy. The rest of the places are located in the Pyrenees region, near the border with Andorra.

220 ski resorts are waiting for ski lovers in France, there is really a huge selection of all kinds of winter skiing. Freeride practiced in deep snow in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, World Cup skiing takes place in Val d'Isère or on the 300 km of 3 Valleys pistes, cross-country skiers can ski on the slopes of Villars de Lans.

Many ski resorts have a long history. The oldest resort is Chamonix, where the first Olympic Games in France were held in 1924. This has become a fundamental point for the development of other resorts that offer much more than just a winter holiday.

The most famous ski resorts in France

Northern Alps

The best ski resorts in the world are located in the Northern Alps. There are first-class large and small ski stations. All places are interconnected by tracks and footpaths.


Tignes - for experienced skiers

The height of the slopes is from 1500 to 3500 meters (150 km). 155 tracks, of which:

  • black - 26;
  • red - 40;
  • blue - 67;
  • children's or green - 22.

The total number of lifts is 45. The approximate maximum amount per day is 43€. The tourist resort will appeal to lovers of freeride, ice diving, snowmobiling, paragliding. Also in your free time you can do heli-skiing, ice climbing, speed riding. Ski holidays in Tignes offer tourists numerous opportunities for holidays in France: cinemas, hotels, restaurants, playgrounds, clubs, shops, indoor pools.

Val D'isère is the best

The length of the tracks is from 1550 to 3450 meters. Number of tracks - 154, of which:

  • green - 20;
  • blue - 67;
  • red - 41;
  • black - 26.

Lifts - 79. Estimated maximum amount per day - 49 €. With a long history, extraordinary slopes and exceptional services, Val d'Isère is one of the best ski resorts in France.

Courchevel - luxury holidays

The length of the tracks is from 1850 to 2740 meters. Number of tracks - 98, of which:

  • green - 19;
  • blue 37;
  • red - 31;
  • black - 8.

Lifts - 87. Estimated maximum amount per day - 70 €. Courchevel is a place where people who appreciate quality holidays in an elite setting meet.


Southern Alps

The meeting of the Alps and the Mediterranean climate gives these places a special character with a southern accent. Here, all modern ski resorts are located near the charming little old villages of France.


Auron - democratic rest

The length of the tracks is from 1600 to 2450 meters (135 km). Number of tracks - 42, of which:

  • black - 8;
  • red - 16;
  • blue - 16;
  • green - 2.

The total number of lifts is 11. Auron is located near Nice and its international airport. It is located in the heart of four French ski resorts, which offer a variety of ski slopes of excellent quality.


Pyrenees

A natural border between France, Spain, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Pyrenees are an array of contrasts. In the villages there are the most modern, but accessible to most tourists, ski resorts.


Ax-les-Termes - for lovers of flat skiing

The length of the tracks is from 1400 to 2400 meters (80 km). Number of tracks - 35, of which:

  • black - 6;
  • red - 10;
  • blue - 10;
  • green - 9.

The total number of lifts is 17. The resort of France offers a snow park and gentle slopes of Bonascre and Baggins.


central massif

The Massif Central has everything you need for winter sports activities - cross-country skiing, dog sledding, paragliding, not to mention the gastronomic diversity and the natural and architectural heritage of France.


Mon-dor - universal

The length of the tracks is from 1200 to 1840 meters (41 km). Number of tracks - 31, of which:

  • black - 1;
  • red - 6;
  • blue - 8;
  • green - 16.

Total number of lifts - 15. Approximate price max - 30€. The resort is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers, they will teach you how to choose ski equipment, offer sledding, skijoring, ice climbing, mountain hiking.


Vosges

The resort of the Vosges in France juts out over vast forests and lakes, miles of trails and snow, and offers excellent skiing. There are especially many family stations here.

Saint Maurice - for lovers of cross-country

The length of the tracks is from 1100 to 1250 meters (23 km). Number of tracks - 11, of which:

  • black - 1;
  • red - 2;
  • blue - 3;
  • green - 5.

The total number of lifts - 5. Estimated price max - 19.5€. The perfect place for a healthy holiday.

Ski regions

The French Alps (Rhone-Alpes region and Alpes department) are the most high mountains Western Europe, the ski resorts of France are the world's largest winter sports center: 380 ski stations, the world's largest number of lifts (3900!) And the shortest queues for them. This is the largest area for skiing and the widest selection of slopes, the highest peak in 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 region - Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isère, Tignes, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne, Megeve, Meribel and others. 175 resorts are equipped with snow cannons. 230 sports centers offer trails for flat skiing.

In addition to the famous Alpine resorts, France has a huge range of beautiful places for ski holidays, scattered in abundance throughout mountain systems country. Most often these are small mountain villages used as local recreational areas and, by and large, are not able to compete with the Alps. But on the other hand, such small sports centers are very attractive both as summer mountain climatic and balneological resorts, and as recreation areas for lovers of flat skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and hiking. Usually located in very picturesque places close to major roads, on weekends and holidays they often gather no less guests than the famous Alpine centers, but the price level here is usually much lower.

One of the most interesting and intensively developing ski recreation centers are Pyrenees.

IN Central massif due to its natural and climatic features "clean" ski vacation unlikely. However, for the same reason, this area is considered one of the best places in France for flat skiing, initial training in alpine skiing and snowboarding, hiking and horseback riding, and its wonderful nature allows you to relax here at any time of the year.

Low Vosges widely known as a great place for fans of flat skiing and cross-country.

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

Climate

The first snow in the 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 fall below -10°C. The most favorable time for skiing starts from mid-February, when stable sunny weather sets in. The height of the snow cover, depending on the height of the terrain, ranges from 0.7 to 4 meters.

The 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 the 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, you can buy a subscription for half a day, a day, two, etc. You can purchase both a general subscription for the entire skiing area, and a separate one for each valley. It is more convenient and more profitable to buy a subscription for the entire skiing area at once. Ski-pass for children under 5 years old and for adults over 72 years old is free, there are special rates for adults over 60 years old. There are also special family rates.

The Olympic ski area includes Three Valleys, Espas-Killi, Paradiski. A pass for one of the zones (6 days minimum) entitles you to one day of skiing in one of the others (during the validity of the pass).

Equipment rental

Ski and snowboard equipment rental is available in almost all sports shops. Equipment maintenance points are also located there: edge sharpening, lubrication, etc. Equipment for athletes is selected individually: depending on weight, height and level of skiing.

Ski schools

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

- these names are known not only to avid skiers or snowboarders, but also to people far from sports. In this article, we will tell you about the best resorts France, where in winter it is pleasant not only to relax, but to ride with the breeze.

Chamonix, overlooking Mont Blanc

The town of Chamonix enjoys a great location overlooking the highest peak in Western Europe- Mont Blanc. Height above sea level - 1035 meters. Chamonix is ​​a mecca for climbers in summer and skiers in winter.

In addition, nearby nature reserve Mer de Glace (Sea of ​​Ice) is one of the most visited in the world.

Near Chamonix you will find a bunch of not only ski activities. You can go to the town of Annecy, climb Mont Blanc by train, take walks in the caves and a lot more.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) - the largest ski resort

The Three Valleys (or le Trois Valais) is a huge resort that combines several bases at once in the Vanoise mountain range. This includes:

  • Courchevel (Courchevel - hotels at this link),
  • Meribel (Meribel - hotels),
  • Les Menuires (Les Ménuires - hotels),
  • Val Thorens (Val Thorens - ),
  • La Tania (La Tania - hotels),
  • Brides (Brides - hotels)
  • and Orelle (Orelle - hotel offers).

Avoriaz - calmness

Situated at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, Avoriaz is a modern resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Between the forest and the mountains, the village, completely closed to cars, fits perfectly into the alpine nature. After you ski on the ski slopes of Portes du Soleil (total length - 650 km), you can visit Aquariaz - hot springs center, with a temperature of 29°C.

Although you will not see a single car in Avoriaz, there are other modes of transport. The proximity of the resort to nature is its main advantage.

Avoriaz resort official website: www.avoriaz.com

Les 2 Alpes - the largest snowpark

In the Oisans Mountains, on the border between the Southern and Northern Alps, is the dynamic resort of Les 2 Alpes. This is the largest chain of ski slopes in Europe. The resort is located at 3600 m above sea level. So there's almost snow here all year round, so skiers can be found here both in winter and in summer.

The station also continues to develop its snow park: a large playground, snow tube, wall, slide area for beginners and large pads (a huge 15m mattress) are installed at the bottom of the slopes.

Chamrousse - a real Olympic village

On the southern edge of the Belledonne mountain range is the resort of Chamrous, built in the forest. It offers an exceptional view of the Grenoble valley. The station was used during the Winter Olympic Games 1968. Many future Olympic champions have performed or trained here.

Official website of the resort Sharmus: www.chamrousse.com

Saint-Dalmas le Selvage - cross-country skiing

Saint-Dalmat-les-Selvages is the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes (1347 m - 2916 m). The place is ideal resort for lovers of cross-country skiing. In the heart of nature, with untouched landscapes such as the isthmus of Braïssa (2599 m), Mount Aunos (2514 m), Cross Carl (2529 m), Moutière isthmuses (2454 m), the icy waterfall of Gialorgues, you must find your happiness.

Great place for snowboarding too.

Official website of Saint-Dalma-les-Selvage: hiver.saintdalmasleselvage.com

Le Sauze - family resort

A ski resort located in the Ubaye Valley. Soze has become famous as a family resort. In addition to the joy of skiing, don't miss the Igloo Inuksuk village tour, a real village with six igloos and Inuit traditions!

Official website of Les Sauzes: www.sauze.com

Megève - the most exclusive resort

Megeve has retained its charm of an authentic mountain village. Surrounded by three mountain ranges with gentle slopes and green forests, stands a fourteenth-century medieval village with luxurious shops, cobbled streets, a unique atmosphere and, of course, wonderful trails.

This is a fashionable resort where chalets, hotels and restaurants tirelessly fight for their prestige.

Megeve resort official website: www.megeve.com

Serre-Chevalier - the sunniest resort

It is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps with 250 km of ski slopes. Located at altitudes from 1200 to 2800 m above sea level. At the foot the highest peaks is sun-drenched national park Ecrins.

Serre Chevalier is one of the sunniest places in the Alps, with 300 days of sunshine a year!

Serre Chevalier official website: www.serre-chevalier.com

Enjoy your holiday in the French Alps!