The French Alps

The number one choice for a winter holiday for British skiers, France and the French Alps continue to hold a particular charm and appeal each winter, in part due to the established ski resorts, first-class terrain and quality conditions. Home to some huge world-renowned ski areas, and extensive linked networks full of modern facilities, the French Alps boast something for everyone, from rustic Alpine villages to convenient and high-altitude purpose-built towns. Skiing in the French Alps in France features famous ski areas such as the Three Valleys, the Portes du Soleil and Chamonix Valley, and internationally renowned resorts such as Val d'Isere, Tignes and Courchevel.

 

The French Alps are home to a huge range of resorts, and offer high-altitude skiing on many peaks towering above 3,000m, featuring extensive runs for all levels, and an array of challenging off-piste terrain. The largest connected ski area in the French Alps is the Three Valleys, thought by many to be the best in the world, boasting over 600km of skiable terrain and 338 pistes and encompassing resorts such as Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens, as well as Brides-les-Bains, Saint-Martin-de-Bellville, La Tania and Les Menuires. Les Portes du Soleil has slightly more terrain, at 650km, but is not connected, and covers the ski resorts of Avoriaz, Chatel, Morzine and Les Gets, whilst Paradiski, with 420km of slopes takes in the ski resorts of La Plagne and Les Arcs, and L'Espace Killy, with its 300km, covers Tignes and Val d'Isere. Other popular resorts in the French Alps include Chamonix, Montgenevre, Megeve, Flaine, Alpe d'Huez, Risoul, Vars, and Les Deux Alpes.

 

As well as the impressive ski slopes and spectacular scenery, the French Alps offer a true charm and character, from the rustic mountain towns full of local architecture, to the cosy bistros serving up hearty Savoyard fare such as raclette, tartiflette and fondue, and traditional chalets dotting the mountains, offering comfort and convenience and a warm welcome each season. For serious skiers looking for quick entry to the ski areas, the French Alps also include high-altitude purpose-built resorts with condos and apartments ideally placed for easy access to the lifts and slopes.