Alpine resorts in France. The best ski resorts in 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 is practiced in deep snow in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, the Alpine Skiing World Cup takes place in the Val d'Isère or on the 300 km of the 3 Valleys, cross-country skiers can ski on the slopes of Villars-de-Lance.

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€. An ideal place for a healthy holiday.

Map of ski resorts in France with attractions

Alps on the map of France

Detailed map of the French Alps

French Alps Map

The French Alps on the world map are located in the southeast of the country. This chain is part of the Western Alps. The geographical map of the French Alps will show that the total length of the highlands reaches 330 km. Geographically, the chain is divided into southern and northern. A detailed map of the French Alps will show that in the north there are mountain-glacial uplands. The highest point in the region is the Mont Blanc peak, reaching over 4.8 km. The southern part of the chain, as the map of the French Alps will show, belongs to the Mediterranean type of landscape. Proximity to the sea determines the appropriate climate.

The map of the French Alps with attractions contains both unique natural areas and architectural monuments located in resort towns. Of course, ski tourism is the main industry in the region. A map of the French Alps in Russian from Arrivo will help you navigate the resorts and slopes.

Ski resorts in France are considered to be some of the best in the world. This is the location of the fabulously beautiful French Alps, where there are very extensive, interconnected ski areas. Fans of skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding and other winter sports can expect more than four thousand different tracks here. Tourists can choose the most suitable slope depending on the level of training, so the local resorts will be a great place to relax, both professionals and beginners. On the local alpine slopes, holding competitions of the highest class.

The French Alps have hosted the Olympic Games three times.

Val d'issere and Tignes

These ski resorts in France are next to each other. Val d'Sere and Tignes are recognized as the kings of skiing among professional athletes. The height of the peaks is 1850 m and 2100 m, respectively. Local ski slopes are not only recognized as the best in France, but also compete with the best resorts in the world for the championship. Centers for fans of winter sports are located 200 km from Geneva.

If you get to these resorts in France at the beginning of winter, you can watch with your own eyes the World Cup called "The Criterion of the First Snow". By the way, the tracks are covered with snow from November to May. Not only that there are no such diverse slopes anywhere else, but all the work is moving around tourists. An important point is the absence of queues for the lifts.

Val d'Zer and Tignes are not in vain discussed as a whole. These resorts are connected to "Killi Space" via lifts. It is in the complex that resorts deliver maximum pleasure to active vacationers. Funicular (3500 m) called Grand Mot has a fairly high speed. In just 6 minutes, you can climb from the station at 2100 m to a height of 3300 m. "Killi Space" offers vacationers comfortable trails of sufficient width, with high-quality markings. Their length is up to 300 km. Skiers can ski on the virgin lands, and glacier skiing is also available all year round.

Les Deux Alpes

This ski resort in Alpine France is located literally at the foot of the Mont-de-Lan glacier, which is considered the largest in all of Europe. Height - 1650 m. The easiest way to get to it is from Geneva. To do this, you will have to overcome even a length of 220 km. Not only skiers, but also snowboarders love to relax here. Especially for them, a local "snowboard park" is open.

The glacier provides snow all year round, including the summer months, so skiing in France is relevant not only in the frosty season.

The total length of the slopes in the Les Deux Alpes ski resort is 200 km, among them:

• Reds - 21;
• Blue - 25;
• Greens - 22;
• Black - 8.

In the Loisan massif there is an alpine region of grandiose proportions. It is considered as unique as the White Valley of Mont Blanc. Recreation will not be limited to skiing, the ski resort offers a lot of entertainment for vacationers. On the territory there are health centers, heated swimming pools (indoor and outdoor). To touch the fabulous atmosphere, you should go down into the artificial ice grotto. Other leisure options include paragliding and torch skiing.

Courvechel

"Chosen by the stars" - that's what this ski resort of modern France is called. He gained such fame thanks to high-class service. Here are the most comfortable hotels and restaurants with the best level of service in the world. The resort has 4 levels from 1030 m to 1850 m, which combine lifts. The total length of the local ski area is 600 km. Also located in Courchevel are:

• 2 Olympic hills designed for ski jumping;
• 1 track for downhill at high speed;
• 3 slalom tracks;
• 2 tracks for snowboarders;
• Climbing wall (13 m);
• Ice climbing tower (39 m).

To make your leisure time unforgettable and bright, restaurants and bars, discos and nightclubs, sports complexes with tennis courts are constantly working in Courchevel.

Meribel

Ski resort, which is located right in the heart of the "Three Valleys". Height - from 1450 to 1800 m. It is famous for its sophistication in architectural terms. This high point of France consists of three parts - Belvedere, Motare and the central part. They are interconnected by lifts and roads.

Trails of varying difficulty make the picturesque landscapes even more gorgeous. It is the beauty of the French Alps that attracts so many tourists to Meribel. An equally exciting holiday awaits in the resort, both lovers of comfortable slopes and lovers of virgin lands. The length of the trails is 600 km.

The lift system is designed so that skiers do not have to use taxis and buses.

La Plagne

It was impossible to keep silent about this ski resort, because in France it is the largest. Despite the fact that the number of descents is simply incredible (123), the quality of the slopes is also able to strike on the spot. The resort includes four stations at the foot of the mountains and six high-mountain stations.

If you buy a special subscription in La Plagne, you can ride all the ski lifts of Les Arcs for free. If the subscription has a duration of 6 days or more, then it will be possible to ride for free during the day at each of the Olympic resorts belonging to the Savoy area. So you can visit the main ski resorts in France, significantly saving. These are places like:

• "Three Valleys";
• Pralonian en Vanoise;
• Le Sesy;
• "Killi spaces".

Each La Plagne station has one free lift and a ski kindergarten. Not only skiers come here, but also snowboarders. They have a snowboard park. To recharge after skiing, La Plagne has 21 restaurants, so it's hard to stay hungry here.

Chamonix

This ski resort in the French border zone is considered one of the most visited in Europe. It is located right at the foot of the glaciers of the world-famous Mont Blanc. The height of the peak is 4807 m, and the resort itself is located at an altitude of 1050 m, occupying the place where the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland cross. The highest point of the local lift is 3842 m.

Chamonix is ​​famous for its "White Valley", which gives tourists as much as 20 km of off-piste skiing. People from all over the world come here to admire nature. But the point is not only in fabulous landscapes, but also in comfort. Chamonix has a well-developed infrastructure, which allows you to make your vacation not only interesting, but also convenient for every tourist.

For the leisure of guests are open:

• Health centers;
• climbing wall;
• Athletics stadium;
• Indoor ice rink;
• Swimming pool;
• Gym.

Ski regions

The French Alps (Rhone-Alpes region and Alpes department) are the highest mountains of 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 summer. The most popular resorts in the region are 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 skiing, scattered in abundance throughout the country's mountain systems. 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 near 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.

AT Central massif due to its natural and climatic features, a "clean" ski holiday is unlikely. However, for the same reason, this area is considered one of the best places in France for cross-country skiing, initial training in skiing and snowboarding, hiking and horseback riding, and its amazing 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 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. Special discounts are available for families of 3-4 people. During the Christmas (Catholic) holidays, when booking a lesson for one adult - one child studies for free.

France is an amazing place, truly heavenly, thanks to its such a good geographical position.

There is everything for a carefree vacation - the sea, the sun, and the mountains. The beaches of France attract the beau monde, and the ski resorts are considered to be the best in the world.

French ski resorts are highly rated by both amateurs and professionals. France has hosted the white Olympics three times - Chamonix (1924). Grenoble (1968) and Albertville (1992). It was here in Chamonix in 1924 that the tradition of the Winter Olympic Games was first laid.

Ski resorts are located both in the Alps and in the Pyrenees. Alpine resorts are more famous and popular due to their high location, long season and extensive ski areas. However, the Pyrenees also have their fans - those who love snow and sun, and a leisurely vacation away from noise and crowds, come here. We must also pay tribute to the rest in the Pyrenees is much cheaper with the same quality.

Ski resorts in France began to develop since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and especially rapidly after the Second World War. Having started much later than the Austrians and Swiss, the French soon surpassed them in terms of equipment and resort infrastructure. It was the French who came up with the idea to unite the ski areas of small villages, thus they formed an offer that is impossible to resist.

The world-wide fame of France was brought by such ski areas as the Three Valleys and Portes du Soleil, which are the largest in the world.

Porte du Soleil includes 650 km of ski slopes and 12 individual resorts in the Franco-Swiss region; the most popular French resorts are Avoriaz, Morzine and Les Gets.

Three Valleys is the world's largest interconnected ski resort, covering 600 km of ski slopes and linking the famous resorts of Courchevel,

Special mention is worthy of the Paradiski skiing area: 420 km skiing area of ​​​​the combination of the resorts of Pesseille Vallandry, La Plagne and Les Arcs. The last two are the best known as they offer a large and varied terrain above 3000m with guaranteed snow cover.

It is impossible not to mention the "number one resort of France" - Espace Killy. A huge combined ski area, two popular ski stations in Tignes and Val de Zire, a guarantee of snow in winter, a long season and glacier skiing in summer, excellent infrastructure and an inviting nightlife - all this attracts winter sports fans like a magnet. Espace Killy is positioned as a youth resort.

Most French ski resorts, like La Plagne, were purpose-built from scratch in the 1950s and 1960s as ski resorts, and as a result, many of them are among the highest in Europe, like Val Thorens at 2,300 m or Tignes at 2,100m, which means excellent snow conditions for almost half a year.

Most French ski resorts, Chamonix being one of them, are large and cosmopolitan today. Such a number of bars, concert venues, discos, sports clubs and shops can sometimes not boast of a small provincial town. And no one is surprised by the Michelin star on the door of a local restaurant.

However, there are pleasant exceptions, Châtel and Les Gets in the Haute-Savoie department are two examples of small stations that have retained their traditional charm, with Alpine architecture, family pensions and typical cuisine of the region produced by farmers living nearby.

Family-type resorts, specially awarded by the French Tourist Board with the "Famille Plus" sign, are especially valued in France. If you are looking for an affordable resort for families - a kindergarten, a children's ski school and daily entertainment programs for children, then look for resorts marked with this "Famille Plus" sign, for example, Châtel, Les Gets, Les 2 Alpes or Val Thorens.

The 20 ski resorts scattered throughout the French Pyrenees tend to be smaller and less developed than the Alps, but they offer a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and large expanses of untouched wilderness. Some of the most popular ski resorts in the French Pyrenees include Saint-Lary, Piau Engely, Gavarnie and Cotret.

Ski lift prices are similar to Switzerland, Austria or Italy, ranging from €22 to €48 per day.

The airports of Geneva, Lyon, Nice and Milan provide international transportation in the French Alps. Buses and transfer services are organized on the day of arrival from these airports.