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When it comes to skiing, the French Alps are unequaled, with each region offering its own unique charm and skiing experiences. This guide highlights the distinct features of each area, from the Northern French Alps to the Southern Alps, Dauphiné Alps, and Provence Alps, and provides all the essential information you need to plan your next ski holiday. Covering everything from the best resorts to ski in France, the best skiing times, and necessary travel documentation, this guide has it all.
The Northern French Alps are home to some of the world's most famous ski resorts, including Chamonix, Val d'Isère, and Courchevel. This region is dominated by the majestic Mont Blanc and is known for its extensive ski lift networks and vast slopes. Key destinations like Annecy, Chambéry, and Albertville are gateways to both bustling large resorts and smaller, quieter ones. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area, part of this region, extends to include resorts like Les Gets, Megève, and Châtel, offering a variety of skiing experiences.
The Southern French Alps, ideal for those seeking sunny climates and fewer crowds, feature picturesque landscapes in areas like the Écrins National Park and Queyras Regional Park. Renowned resorts such as Serre Chevalier highlight the region's relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, also part of the Southern Alps, offers unique skiing experiences at high-altitude resorts like Isola 2000 and family-friendly destinations such as Auron and Pra Loup.
The Dauphiné Alps in southeastern France boast popular ski destinations such as Alpe d'Huez, with its sunny weather and high-altitude terrain, and Les Deux Alpes, known for snow reliability and expansive pistes. This region offers a mix of challenging and beginner-friendly slopes, appealing to a wide range of skiers.
The Provence Alps, extending into Italy, feature the unique Cottian Alps with resorts like Montgenèvre that blend French and Italian Alpine cultures.
Alpe d'Huez is a popular ski resort located in the French Alps, known for its sunny weather and extensive ski terrain. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 2,230 meters (7,316 ft) and has a total of 250 km (155 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching 3,330 meters (10,925 ft). The nearest airport is Grenoble-Isère Airport, which is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) away. Other nearby airports include Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport and Geneva Airport, both of which are approximately 160 km (99 mi) away.
Avoriaz is a unique and innovative car-free ski resort located in the French Alps, renowned for its excellent snow conditions and access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,080 meters (3,543 ft) and has a total of 650 km (403 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift at Avoriaz reaching 2,466 meters (8,090 ft). The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) away.
Set at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a renowned ski resort in the French Alps, offering breathtaking views, diverse terrain, and a charming alpine village. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 2,807 meters (9,209 ft) and has a total of 119 km (73 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,842 meters (12,604 ft). The nearest airport to Chamonix is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 90 km (55 mi) away.
Courchevel is a luxurious ski resort, renowned for its outstanding skiing, fine dining, and stylish accommodations. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,747 meters (5,731 ft) and has a total of 150 km (93 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,738 meters (8,982 ft). The nearest airport is Chambery Airport, which is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) away.
Flaine is a modern purpose-built ski resort, renowned for its excellent snow conditions and easy access to the expansive Grand Massif ski area. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,800 meters (5,905 ft) and has a total of 265 km (164 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching 2,500 meters (8,202 ft). The nearest airport to Flaine is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 90 km (55 mi) away.
La Clusaz is a charming Alpine village, renowned for its perfect blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) and has a total of 132 km (82 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,480 meters (8,136 ft). The nearest airport to La Clusaz is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 70 km (43 mi) away.
La Plagne is a family-friendly ski resort, composed of 11 unique villages and offering diverse terrain and modern facilities. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 2,083 meters (6,833 ft) and has a total of 225 km (139 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,250 meters (10,662 ft). The nearest airport to La Plagne is Chambery Airport, which is located approximately 110 km (68 mi) away.
Les Arcs is a modern ski resort, offering varied terrain, breathtaking views, and convenient ski-in/ski-out access. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 2,017 meters (6,617 ft) and has a total of 200 km (124 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,226 meters (10,583 ft). The nearest airport is Chambery Airport, which is located approximately 120 km (74 mi) away.
Les Deux Alpes is a renowned ski resort, offering an extensive ski area, lively atmosphere, and glacier slopes suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 2,300 meters (7,545 ft) and has a total of 200 km (124 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching 3,568 meters (11,706 ft). The nearest airport is Grenoble-Isère Airport, which is located approximately 120 km (74 mi) away.
Les Menuires is a family-friendly ski resort, offering varied slopes, modern facilities, and budget-friendly accommodation. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,850 meters (6,069 ft) and has a total of 160 km (99 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 ft). The nearest airport to Les Menuires is Chambery Airport, which is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) away.
Morzine is a traditional ski village, offering extensive ski terrain, a lively atmosphere, and access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) and has a total of 270 km (167 mi) of pistes, with the highest reaching an elevation of 2,277 meters (7,470 ft). The nearest airport to Morzine is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 80 km (49 mi) away.
Méribel is a picturesque ski resort, offering excellent skiing, lively après-ski, and easy access to the vast Three Valleys ski area. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,450 meters (4,757 ft) and has a total of 150 km (93 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,952 meters (9,685 ft). The nearest airport is Chambery Airport, which is located approximately 110 km (68 mi) away.
Megève is a chic and picturesque ski resort, renowned for its luxury, stunning natural beauty, and extensive ski area. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,170 meters (3,838 ft) and has a total of 445 km (276 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching 2,350 meters (7,709 ft). The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 70 km (43 mi) away.
Samoëns is a beautiful historic village, offering a family-friendly atmosphere, excellent skiing, and a range of activities for all ages. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,675 meters (5,495 ft) and has a total of 265 km (164 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,500 meters (8,202 ft). The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 80 km (49 mi) away.
Serre Chevalier is a picturesque ski resort, offering varied terrain, excellent snow conditions, and a relaxed atmosphere. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) and has a total of 250 km (155 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,800 meters (9,186 ft). The nearest airport is Turin Airport, which is located approximately 110 km (68 mi) away.
Tignes is a popular ski resort, offering reliable snow, glacier skiing, and a vast ski area catering to snowsports enthusiasts of all abilities. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,900 meters (6,233 ft) and has a total of 300 km (186 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,456 meters (11,338 ft). The nearest airport to Tignes is Chambery Airport, which is located approximately 140 km (86 mi) away.
Val Thorens is Europe's highest ski resort, offering guaranteed snow, vast slopes, and modern ski lifts. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,800 meters (5,905 ft) and has a total of 150 km (93 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,230 meters (10,597 ft). The nearest airport is Chambery Airport, which is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) away.
Val d'Isere is a luxurious ski resort, offering an extensive ski area, challenging slopes, and a vibrant nightlife. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,900 meters (6,233 ft) and has a total of 300 km (186 mi) of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,550 meters (11,646 ft). The nearest airport is Chambery Airport, which is located approximately 140 km (86 mi) away.
The best time to visit France for a ski holiday is typically from mid-December to late April, with the peak season being from mid-February to early March. French resorts are generally open during this time and every month has its draw. December offers festive activities and events, while January is the quietest and has the best snow and deals. Families often go over February half-term, and in March and April, the days are sunnier and lifts stay open later.
British citizens traveling to France for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180 day period) do not require a visa for tourism purposes. However, since the UK has left the European Union, there have been changes to the entry requirements for British nationals.
Here are some important points to consider when planning a trip to France:
Please note that entry requirements and travel regulations can change over time. For up-to-date passport and visa information, feel free to visit the British government's travel advice website before planning your ski holiday.
