Winter Wonderland: Ski Resorts in the French Alps
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Experience the magic of the mountains on a winter holiday in the French Alps, where you will find top-class skiing, breathtaking scenery and the warmest of welcomes…
France is a paradise in waiting for anyone who loves winter sports. Whether it’s cross-country skiing, whizzing down the slopes, tobogganing or bobsleighing, you will find somewhere to suit your interests. Catering for everyone, from groups of friends to families with youngsters to couples looking for a romantic getaway, and whether you want a snow-clad hideaway or a bustling après-ski scene, les Alpes have you covered.
ALPE D’HUEZ
Just one hour from Grenoble, Alpe d’Huez is known as ‘the Island in the Sunshine’, enjoying an average of 300 sunny days a year. But that doesn’t stop the glorious skiing at this famous resort which dates back to 1936. Here you will find the Sarenne, the longest run in the world at a length of 16km.
At an altitude of 1,450m, overlooking the dramatic Sarenne gorge, Huez is a postcard- perfect mountain village offering shops, bars, restaurants, cosy gites and plenty to do.
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CHAMONIX-MONT BLANC VALLEY
Over the past century, the legendary Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley has witnessed the emergence of some great champions and is a place that all the world’s winter sports fans dream of. From the magical atmosphere of the snow-capped villages, head to the north-facing Les Grands Montets ski area, the ultimate destination for freeride enthusiasts and lovers of steep slopes. Or try Le Brévent and La Flégère, perfect for recreational skiing on the ‘roof of Europe at the foot of the Aiguilles Rouges. From Planpraz, take off in a two-seater paraglider or compare your times in the slalom area at the Balme-Vallorcine ski area. Or try some snow shoe trekking or cross-country skiing.
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Enjoy all the joys of a bustling resort just an hour’s drive from Geneva airport, two hours from Lyon and four hours from Paris by TGV. At the summit of the Grandes Platières, at an altitude of 2,500m, you will be blown away by 360° views over the Mont Blanc, Aravis, Belledonne and Jura mountain ranges. Nestling at altitudes of 1,600m to 2,500m, Flaine enjoys a unique geographical location at the heart of a natural cirque, and best of all, it boasts fantastic snow cover right up until the end of the season.
The thrill of the slopes at Flaine © OT FLAINE/M.DALMASSO
LA PLAGNE
In the Tarentaise valley, facing Mont Blanc, La Plagne is a resort made up of typical Savoyard villages and the ideal spot for a holiday to remember. It is known for its huge ski area, with hundreds of kilometres of runs through forests, sinkholes and glaciers. In Paradiski, you’ll find 425km of runs, 70% of them above 2,000m. Armed with your ski pass and the fantastic Yuge app, seek out the 18 fun zones, challenge your friends on a downhill run and take an ‘in the air’ selfie on the chairlifts. Follow howls of laughter on a toboggan with an incredible descent on the bobsleigh track, an evening in an igloo, relaxation in the spa or a get-together over a fondue.
on top of the world in La Plagne, © VALENTINVION.FR
LES ARCS
In winter, the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry mountain area is the perfect spot to experience some real adrenaline rushes. Discover snow-riding sports, swoop down the slopes (keeping an eye on your speed!) or learn all about the local environment. And that’s not all: Domaine de Montagne integrates an element of environmental awareness into each of its new spaces so you can enjoy your holiday while helping to have a positive impact on the world.
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LES MENUIRES
For 60 years now, Les Menuires ski resort, which sits at an elevation of 1,850m, has been considered the safe bet of the 3 Vallées. Every winter, those looking for fresh snow come and stay at the incredible ski-in, ski-out accommodation for an unforgettable holiday and top-class skiing. Les Menuires is at the centre of the biggest ski area in the world and is the ideal destination for a holiday in the mountains as a family or with friends. With 600km of slopes and breathtaking scenery at every turn, you can expect optimal snow cover and a fantastic skiing experience here.
Les Menuires is an unforgettable destination, © SYLVAIN AYMOZ
MEGÈVE
Nestled at the foot of the Mont-Blanc massif, elegant Megève is full of treasures. Experienced cross-country skiers, fans of the classic style and skaters too will adore the exceptional setting of the Nordic area, under the Aiguilles Croches and the Côte 2000, which offers 45km of trails. From beginners’ routes to very technical loops, from sporty climbs to fun descents, these Nordic tracks crisscross between sunny plateaus, immaculate fields and snowy forests, offering breathtaking panoramas. Whether you like contemplative cross- country skiing or sporty, challenging cross-country skiing, you are bound to find the track of your dreams in Megève. Plus the village is renowned for its gourmet dining!
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MÉRIBEL
Unspoilt landscapes, entertainment to suit all ages and tastes and quality accommodation all combine to make Méribel a wonderful Alpine escape.
Alongside six other resorts (Courchevel, Brides-les-Bains, Saint-Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens and Orelle), Méribel forms part of the 3 Vallées – the largest ski area in the world and a Mecca for winter sports fans. Méribel is perfectly located to reach the summits within minutes and discover the neighbouring resorts, with 600km of slopes on its doorstep.
The village itself is the legacy of architect Charlotte Perriand, who built it in harmony with the Savoyard style, using wood, local stone and mountain slate. For something a little bit different, enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape while horse riding, snowshoeing, ski touring, cross country skiing, biathlon or hiking.
Méribel offers magnificent vistas, © SYLVAIN AYMOZ
TIGNES
Located in the French Alps, at the heart of the Vanoise National Park, Tignes’ ski area is linked with Val d’Isère and is spread over 300km of pistes from its highest point (the Grande Motte glacier at 3,456m) to its lowest (Tignes les Brévières at 1,550m). Adrenaline fans will want to head for the ice-diving site, the Bun J Ride platform or the Expedition Cobra sledging course; while lovers of wide-open spaces will enjoy discovering Tignes from the sky with a paragliding or microlight session, while the youngsters will be charmed by a dog sledding ride or a bungee-trampolining session.
VAL D’ISÈRE
This village nestled in the middle of the peaks, on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, boasts vast landscapes, dramatic slopes and an authentic Alpine atmosphere. Connected to Tignes by 300km of fantastie skiable terrain, you can look forward to snow right through until April/May. Follow the trail left by the legends of world skiing on the mythical face of Bellevarde. There are plenty of activities, delightful après-ski options and a choice of sumptuous hotels and rustic chalets to stay in.
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Find out more about skiing holidays in the French Alps: www.auvergnerhonealpes- tourisme.com/en
Lead photo credit : High-octane fun at Les Arcs © VALENTINVION.FR
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