France has an impressive and well-deserved reputation when it comes to skiing. Vast ski areas at high altitude, awe-inspiring views and an extensive choice of resorts have all made ski holidays in France ever popular. The diversity of French ski resorts means that there is something for all tastes whether you prefer a traditional mountain village such as Megeve or a purpose-built resort like Val Thorens. And with many French ski resorts inter-connecting, France is also home to some of the world’s largest linked ski areas such as the Three Valleys and the Espace Killy, which offer world-class skiing to suit all ski levels.
Good flight links from the UK to airports such as Geneva, Chambery and Grenoble, make it incredibly easy to access numerous French ski resorts. Or for those who prefer alternative modes of transport, the Eurostar ski train also takes you directly into the French Alps.
- Some of the largest linked ski areas in the world - hundreds of kilometres of pistes.
- Diverse ski resorts from purpose built towns to traditional mountain villages.
- Fantastic snow records and high altitude glaciers.
- Some resorts have longer transfer times than their European counterparts.
- Resorts can get crowded during the school holidays.
- The major resorts can be expensive on the mountains.
Best for lively après ski - Chamonix has a buzzy metropolitan atmosphere whilst Val Thorens, Meribel and Val d'Isere host flamboyant slopeside parties at la Folie Douce.
Best for short transfers - Chamonix, Megeve, Morzine and Avoriaz all have transfer times under 1 hour 40 minutes; you can get to ski on your arrival/departure days.
Best for beginners - Courchevel has some great learning terrain, Megeve is full of blues and you don't even need a lift pass for the magic carpets in Val Thorens.
Best for intermediates - Meribel opens up the three valleys for improving skiers whilst in Les Arcs or Morzine/Avoriaz the slopes are made for cruising around all day.
Best for the adventurous - Chamonix is the mountaineering capital and deservedly so with off-piste runs such as the Vallee Blanche. Tignes and Val d'Isere also have their fair share of steeps.
Alpe d'Huez is the ideal ski destination for skiers of all levels looking for a lively resort in Europe.
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Perched on the upper reaches of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz is ski in, ski out, car free and compact.
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Chamonix is seriously big, running along the valley floor, with excellent apres and a charming village with so much to choose from you'll be stumped!
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The epitome of skiing luxury, Courchevel has no shortage of stunning accommodation & world-class Three Valleys skiing, plus loads of activities.
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Flaine is located in the Haute-Savoie region of France - a stone's throw away from Geneva, making it ideal for a long weekend or short break ski trip.
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La Clusaz is perfect for short ski breaks and ski weekends being just 1 hour from Geneva airport. Plus, it's got bags of traditional charm.
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With terrain to suit all levels La Plagne offers something for everyone. Its a perfect first resort for novices and an off-piste mecca for experts.
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We love the ski area of Les Arcs; long descents, gentle tree lined runs, steep chutes and plenty of kilometres to explore.
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If you are looking for easy access to the slopes and a base from which to explore the 3 Valleys, then a ski holiday in Les Menuires could be for you.
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The majority of Megeve’s skiing is beautifully wooded, the slopes are a wonder to ski in sunshine or snowfall - the trees provide great visibility.
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Undoubtedly the prettiest village in the Three Valleys, Meribel ski resort is full of attractive chalet-style buildings and snow-covered trees.
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If you’re looking for a traditional French resort with access to an extensive ski area, then a ski holiday in Morzine could be for you.
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Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc Saint Gervais is part of a huge 445km ski area and is an affordable alternative to its glitzy neighbour Megeve.
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Great for families and with phenomenal skiing, plus fast links to Val d'Isere, Tignes is a great destination for experienced skiers.
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Val d'Isere is a classic, with a legendary apres scene & sensational skiing. It's highly sought after, with its extensive thrilling off-piste terrain.
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Situated at 2,300m, Val Thorens, France, is the highest ski resort in Europe with an enviable snow record and a lively après scene.
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