Hey there, fellow powder hounds! Ready to discover some of the world’s largest ski areas and the best of the French Alps? From resorts like Val Thorens, boasting the longest ski runs, to the interconnected valleys that stretch across hundreds of km of ski slopes, the French Alps are home to an incredible variety of terrain.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly ski pass or planning an epic ski touring adventure, this guide to the top French ski resorts will help you plan your next alpine escapade. So grab your gear, and let’s explore some of the most popular ski resorts the Alps have to offer!
Guide to the Best French Alps Ski Resorts ๐
- ๐ The most prestigious:ย Courchevel
- ๐ฟ For beginners:ย La Plagne
- ๐ช Best for families:ย Avoriaz
- ๐ For a night out:ย Val d'Isรจre
- ๐ Best for extremists:ย Chamonix
- ๐๏ธ Best for views:ย Val Thorens
- ๐ Best for freestylers:ย Les Deux Alpes
1. Val d’Isรจre โ The Ultimate All-Rounder
- ๐ Skiing season: November โ May
- ๐ฟ 300 km of slopes, 78 lifts
- ๐ 1850 m โ 3400 m above sea level (altitude difference 1550 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 220 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, particularly good for intermediates and experts
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 250 (Read more โ)
Val d’Isรจre is one of France’s best ski resorts, and I can’t get enough of it. Part of the vast Espace Killy ski area, it offers some of the best skiing in the French Alps.
The resort boasts 300km of pistes, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. I love the variety here โ from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging off-piste terrain for thrill-seekers.
Don’t miss the famous La Face black run, which hosted the men’s downhill in the 1992 Winter Olympics. And after a day on the slopes, the aprรจs-ski scene is unbeatable. The smell of vin chaud and the sound of live music fill the air as skiers unwind.
Best hotels to stay in Val d’Isรจre ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Val d’Isรจre
- Hotel & Spa Le Val d'Isรจre – A 3-star hotel with excellent spa facilities, fitness center, and swimming pool, located in the heart of Val-d’Isรจre.
- Appartement de Charme Hyper Centre – A charming apartment in the center of Val d’Isรจre, perfect for those seeking a home-like atmosphere.
- Hotel L'Avancher – A cozy hotel offering a blend of traditional Alpine charm and modern amenities.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Charmant Appartement Esprit Chalet – A charming chalet-style apartment offering a comfortable stay at a moderate price.
- Les Balcons de Bellevarde – A mid-range option with balcony views, providing good value for money in Val d’Isรจre.
2. Tignes โ The Snow-Sure Paradise
- ๐ Skiing season: October โ May (year-round on glacier)
- ๐ฟ 300 km of slopes, 78 lifts
- ๐ 1550 m โ 3456 m above sea level (altitude difference 1906 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 220 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, great for early and late season skiing
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 200 (Read more โ)
Tignes is a purpose-built ski resort that’s all about the skiing. It’s one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, which means reliable snow conditions from late November to early May.
Tignes shares the Espace Killy ski area with Val d’Isรจre, giving you access to 300km of pistes. The modern lift system is efficient, minimizing queue times even in peak season.
Best hotels to stay in Tignes ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Tignes
- Hรดtel Le Refuge – Excellent location in Tignes Le Lac, with spa facilities, friendly staff, and comfortable rooms. Perfect for ski enthusiasts with ski-in/ski-out access.
- Roches Rouges – A well-located hotel in Tignes, offering comfortable accommodations for ski vacations.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Appartement Petite Charline – A cozy apartment option for those seeking a home-like atmosphere in Tignes.
- Grand Studio Vue sur Lac – A spacious studio apartment with lake views, offering good value for money.
- Appartement T3 pour 6 personnes – A larger apartment suitable for groups or families, accommodating up to 6 people.
3. Chamonix โ The Freeride Capital
- ๐ Skiing season: December โ May
- ๐ฟ 150 km of slopes, 65 lifts
- ๐ 1035 m โ 3842 m above sea level (altitude difference 2807 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 88 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: Advanced and expert, off-piste enthusiasts
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 180 (Read more โ)
Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, is a mecca for off-piste skiing. It’s not just a ski resort; it’s a bustling mountain town steeped in Alpine history.
While Chamonix is best known for its challenging terrain, don’t overlook the gentler slopes of Le Tour and Les Houches. The views of the Mont Blanc massif are simply breathtaking from every angle.
Best hotels to stay in Chamonix ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Chamonix
- Hรดtel Le Refuge des Aiglons – A 4-star hotel offering modern amenities, spa facilities, and a great location near the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
- Excelsior Chamonix Hรดtel & Spa – A 4-star hotel located in Les Tines area, offering spa facilities, great views, and easy access to ski areas.
- Alpina Eclectic Hotel – A 4-star hotel in the center of Chamonix, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc, spa facilities, and excellent dining options.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Chalet Tissiรจres – A charming chalet-style accommodation offering a cozy mountain experience in Chamonix.
- Hรดtel Pointe Isabelle – A centrally located hotel offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Chamonix’s attractions.
4. Courchevel โ The Luxury Ski Paradise
- ๐ Skiing season: December โ April
- ๐ฟ 150 km of slopes, 58 lifts
- ๐ 1300 m โ 3230 m above sea level (altitude difference 1930 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 180 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, luxury seekers
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 300 (Read more โ)
Courchevel is one of the best French Alps ski resorts, and I can’t get enough of it. Part of the Three Valleys ski area, it offers some of the best skiing in France with 150km of local slopes.
The resort is famous for its luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. But don’t let that intimidate you โ there’s terrain for all levels here. I love ending my day with a run down the perfectly groomed Combe de la Saulire before indulging in some world-class aprรจs ski.
Best hotels to stay in Courchevel ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Courchevel
- Chalet Emilie – A charming chalet-style accommodation offering a cozy mountain experience in Courchevel.
- Les Peupliers – A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Courchevel Le Praz, offering direct access to ski lifts, wellness facilities, and excellent dining options.
- Le Chalet des Peupliers – A luxurious chalet-style accommodation, likely offering a blend of traditional Alpine charm and modern amenities.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Appartement ร Courchevel Saint-Bon – An apartment option for those seeking a home-like atmosphere in Courchevel.
- Lodge Les Merisiers – A mid-range lodge offering comfortable accommodations for ski vacations in Courchevel.
5. Mรฉribel โ The Heart of the Three Valleys
- ๐ Skiing season: December โ April
- ๐ฟ 150 km of slopes, 41 lifts
- ๐ 1450 m โ 3200 m above sea level (altitude difference 1750 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 180 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, families
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 220 (Read more โ)
Mรฉribel holds a special place in my heart. It’s right in the middle of the Three Valleys ski area, giving you easy access to 600km of interconnected slopes โ it’s truly one of the best places for skiing in the French Alps.
The resort has a charming, traditional French feel with its chalet-style architecture. But don’t be fooled โ the ski lift network is state-of-the-art. I always recommend taking a day to explore the extensive ski terrain that stretches across to Courchevel and Val Thorens.
Best hotels to stay in Mรฉribel ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Mรฉribel
- La Grange de Marie 10P Sauna – A spacious chalet-style accommodation with sauna, perfect for larger groups or families.
- Nouveau Mรฉribel Centre Magnifique Duplex Cosy – A cozy duplex apartment in the center of Mรฉribel, offering comfort and convenience.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Charmant Studio Situรฉ ร 2 Pas des Pistes – A charming studio located just steps away from the ski slopes, ideal for ski enthusiasts.
- Apartment Les Brimbelles 9 – An apartment offering a comfortable stay with good access to the ski area.
6. Les Deux Alpes โ The Snowpark Heaven
- ๐ Skiing season: December โ April (summer skiing on glacier)
- ๐ฟ 200 km of slopes, 47 lifts
- ๐ 1300 m โ 3600 m above sea level (altitude difference 2300 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 160 km from Grenoble airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, particularly good for freestylers
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 150 (Read more โ)
Les Deux Alpes is a freestyler’s paradise and one of my favorite French resorts when it comes to skiing. The snowpark here is one of the best in Europe, with features for all levels from beginners to pros.
But it’s not all about tricks. The resort boasts one of the largest skiable glaciers in Europe, ensuring good snow conditions throughout the season. I love ending my day with a top-to-bottom run โ the vertical drop here is an impressive 2,300m!
Best hotels to stay in Les Deux Alpes ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Les Deux Alpes
- Le Joli Nid – A cozy accommodation option in Les Deux Alpes, likely offering a comfortable stay with good amenities.
- T2 4/6P Superbe vue pied des pistes parking privรฉ – An apartment with excellent views, located at the foot of the slopes with private parking.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Hรดtel Les Deux Alpes 1800 – A hotel located at 1800m altitude, likely offering good access to ski slopes.
- Hรดtel La Croisette – A hotel in Mont-de-Lans, part of Les Deux Alpes ski area.
๐๏ธย Best Hostels
- Studio de 32 m2 pour 4 personnes pied des pistes – A 32mยฒ studio apartment for up to 4 people, located at the foot of the slopes.
- Grand appartement aux 2 Alpes 1800 – A large apartment in Les Deux Alpes 1800 area, suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
7. Morzine โ The Charming Traditional Resort
- ๐ Skiing season: December โ April
- ๐ฟ 120 km of slopes, 67 lifts
- ๐ 1000 m โ 2466 m above sea level (altitude difference 1466 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 75 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, families, beginners
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 140 (Read more โ)
Morzine is part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, straddling the French-Swiss border. It’s a great option for families and mixed-ability groups.
The town itself is picture-perfect, with traditional Savoyard architecture. I love wandering through the streets after a day on the slopes, the sound of cowbells echoing in the distance.
While Morzine’s local slopes are best suited to beginners and intermediates, more advanced skiers can easily access the more challenging terrain of Avoriaz.
Best hotels to stay in Morzine ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Morzine
- Le Passionnant – A chalet-style accommodation located 1.1 km from Morzine Ski School, offering free WiFi, a garden, and a terrace.
- Les Mazots des Fรฉes – A 5-star hotel featuring a restaurant, free bikes, a bar and shared lounge. It offers family rooms and a children’s playground.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Hรดtel Igloo – A 3-star hotel located in the heart of Morzine, offering a sauna, hot tub, and rooms with balconies overlooking the mountains.
- Le Renardiรจre – A mid-range option in Morzine, details not provided in the search results.
- Les Trois Chaufatons - Chalets Boutique Propriรฉtรฉs Mont Amour – A boutique chalet property, details not provided in the search results.
8. Avoriaz โ The Car-Free Family Paradise
- ๐ Skiing season: December โ April
- ๐ฟ 75 km of slopes, 34 lifts
- ๐ 1800 m โ 2466 m above sea level (altitude difference 666 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 100 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, families, snowboarders
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 180 (Read more โ)
Avoriaz is a modern ski resort that gets it right. It’s part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski domain, giving you access to 650km of pistes across France and Switzerland. The car-free streets make it safe for kids and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Burton Stash โ a natural snowpark that blends in with the environment. It’s a unique experience that combines freestyle with freeriding. And for families, Avoriaz is one of the best ski resorts in the French Alps, with plenty of gentle slopes and fun activities for kids.
Best hotels to stay in Avoriaz ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Avoriaz
- Avoriaz Portes du Soleil aux pieds des pistes – An apartment located at the foot of the slopes in Avoriaz, offering direct access to the Portes du Soleil ski area.
- Tilia - Quartier Falaise - 2piรจces - 5 voyageurs – A 2-room apartment in the Falaise quarter of Avoriaz, accommodating up to 5 guests.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Penthouse Apartment 28m2 in Avoriaz – A penthouse apartment located next to 3 ski lifts, offering lake views.
- Antares Location – An apartment rental option in Avoriaz.
9. La Plagne โ The Family-Friendly Giant
- ๐ Skiing season: December โ April
- ๐ฟ 225 km of slopes, 105 lifts
- ๐ 1250 m โ 3250 m above sea level (altitude difference 2000 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 200 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, particularly good for families and beginners
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 160 (Read more โ)
La Plagne is actually made up of 11 villages, each with its own character. It’s part of the Paradiski ski area, one of the largest in the world with 425km of pistes. The extensive ski slopes cater to all levels, making it one of the best French Alps ski resorts for families.
I love the wide, cruisy blues above Plagne Centre โ perfect for building confidence. And for a unique experience, try the Olympic bobsleigh track. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other, and a great way to appreciate the skill of Olympic athletes.
Best hotels to stay in La Plagne ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in La Plagne
- La Foyรจre – A highly-rated hotel in La Plagne, likely offering excellent amenities and service.
- Maison Lennox – Another top-tier accommodation option in La Plagne, possibly featuring unique or luxurious offerings.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Appartement entier Aime La Plagne – An entire apartment available for rent in Aime La Plagne, offering a more home-like stay experience.
- Le Foehn La Plagne Tarentaise – A mid-range hotel option in La Plagne Tarentaise, likely providing comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price.
10. Val Thorens โ The Highest Resort in Europe
- ๐ Skiing season: November โ May
- ๐ฟ 150 km of slopes, 30 lifts
- ๐ 2300 m โ 3230 m above sea level (altitude difference 930 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 200 km from Geneva airport
- โท Type of skiers: All levels, snow-sure skiing enthusiasts
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 200 (Read more โ)
At 2,300m, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, guaranteeing snow from November to May. It’s a purpose-built resort done right, with ski-in/ski-out access from most accommodations. The 3 Vallรฉes ski area it’s part of is the largest connected ski area in the world.
For a truly memorable experience, take the ski lift up to the Cime Caron at 3,200m. The panoramic views of the Alps are breathtaking, stretching as far as the eye can see. And when planning your next ski holiday, remember that Val Thorens often has the longest ski season in the Alps.
Best hotels to stay in Val Thorens ๐จ
โญย Best hotels in Val Thorens
- Hotel Pashmina Le Refuge – A 5-star luxury hotel offering world-class amenities, including a wellness center, fitness center, hot tub, sauna, and ski-to-door access. Located in the heart of Val Thorens, it provides various room types and highly-rated dining options.
- Hotel 3 Vallรฉes – A well-located hotel in Val Thorens, likely offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to ski areas.
- Fahrenheit Seven Val Thorens – A 4-star hotel with ski-to-door access, located at the foot of Val Thorens slopes. Features two restaurants, a spa with hammam and sauna, and rooms with panoramic mountain views.
๐จย Best middle-range hotels
- Rรฉsidence Les Balcons de Val Thorens – A mid-range option in Val Thorens, likely offering apartment-style accommodations for ski vacations.
- Hรดtel Le Portillo – Another mid-range choice in Val Thorens, providing comfortable stays with easy access to ski areas.
FAQs About Best Ski Resort French Alps โ
What are the top ski resorts in the Northern French Alps, and how do they compare to popular French Alps ski resorts in terms of terrain and amenities?
The top ski resorts in the Northern French Alps include Val d’Isรจre, Tignes, and Chamonix, offering world-class terrain and amenities. These popular ski destinations are known for their extensive ski slopes, modern lift systems, and vibrant aprรจs-ski scenes.
Can you recommend the best French ski resorts for a family ski holiday, considering factors like ski schools, accommodation, and non-skiing activities?
For family ski holidays, consider Avoriaz, La Plagne, and Les Gets. These resorts offer excellent ski schools, family-friendly accommodations, and a variety of non-skiing activities, making them some of the best ski resorts in French Alps for families.
How do the Southern French Alps ski resorts differ from those in the Northern French Alps, and which are considered the best places for skiing in France?
Southern French Alps resorts like Les Orres and Serre Chevalier tend to be less crowded and more budget-friendly than their northern counterparts.
