New Year’s Eve in Chamonix
What if you spent the Christmas holidays in the mountains? Enjoy the charm of mountain villages, the joys of the mountains, and the festive (...)
Are you wondering which is the best ski resort in France for your upcoming winter holiday with family or friends? France is full of resorts and ski areas that are each more attractive than the other. Whether large or small, trendy or authentic, festive or family-friendly, you’ll easily find the place for you among these resorts with exceptional landscapes. To make the most of the winter sports, discover our selection of the best French ski resorts!
Chamonix, the best ski resort in France
Among the best ski resorts in France, we find the legendary Chamonix-Mont-Blanc area. The city of Chamonix offers 5 ski areas : Le Brévent, la Flégère, Balme, les Grands Montets, and les Houches. The slopes cater to all levels and both beginners and experienced skiers can enjoy the sensations of gliding through the snow. Chamonix is particularly emblematic because it sits at the foot of the roof of Europe and one of the world’s highest peaks: the Mont Blanc.
The Chamonix Valley is renowned worldwide and offers a wide range of activities in both summer and winter for an exceptional stay as a couple or with family or friends. Many tourist sites are accessible from the resort, such as the Aiguille du Midi, the Mont Blanc Tramway, Montenvers, etc. In total, 150 kilometers of slopes await you, with descents from an altitude of 3,275 meters!
Chamonix can boast the title of the best ski resort in France thanks to its incredible landscapes, tasty regional gastronomy, and high-quality accommodations. It is an ideal place for winter sports enthusiasts. You will never run out of activities in Chamonix!
La Plagne, the most family-friendly resort
In the Southern Alps, you’ll find another ski resort: La Plagne. It is accessible via the Vanoise Express, one of the most beautiful cable cars in France. La Plagne is a family-friendly resort with a large capacity and 10 stations between 1,250 and 2,100 meters in altitude. It is the 3rd largest ski area in the world after the 3 Valleys and Portes du Soleil, offering 425 km of alpine ski slopes with 258 runs.
Megève, chic in Haute-Savoie
If you’re looking for majestic wooden chalets and a chic stay, the best ski resort in France might be Megève. This Haute-Savoie ski resort is a charming destination appreciated for visits in both summer and winter. It receives many members of the global elite and delivers high-end services. Its ski area, known as the Évasion Mont-Blanc, spans nearly 400 kilometers with 185 runs.
Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe
At the World Ski Awards in 2019, Val Thorens was voted the best ski resort in the world for the 4th consecutive year. It is the highest ski resort in Europe at nearly 2,300 meters in altitude. It is located in the 3 Valleys area, which is the largest ski area in the world. This resort offers 150 kilometers of alpine ski slopes on 68 runs. In total, there are nearly 600 kilometers of alpine ski slopes and 339 runs when we include the 3 Valleys area as a whole. You can even stay and ski there until early May!
Courchevel, the Saint-Tropez of the mountains
Courchevel is one of the best ski resorts in France for skiers looking for ultra-luxury services. The resort is nicknamed the winter Saint-Tropez. Nevertheless, it is not reserved for wealthy clients! Many winter sports enthusiasts gather there to enjoy the pleasures of the slopes since Courchevel offers 490 kilometers of alpine ski slopes and 335 runs. It includes 6 villages interconnected by ski lifts or shuttles.
L’Alpe d’Huez, with the longest black run in the world
L’Alpe d’Huez is nicknamed the Island in the Sun: this resort is located in the Grandes Rousses massif and enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year. It is perfect for planning your ski vacation without worrying about the weather. L’Alpe d’Huez was designated the best ski resort in Europe in 2020 by the European Best Destination. Its area extends over 250 kilometers with 111 runs, including the legendary Sarenne run, which is the longest black run in the world (16 km).
La Bresse, the largest resort in the Vosges
In the Vosges massif, the largest ski area is La Bresse-Hohneck with 33 runs. The resort is situated between 900 and 1,350 meters in altitude, with 15 ski lifts. You can practice alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, or access numerous trails for walking or snowshoeing.
Les Portes du Soleil, the Franco-Swiss area
Finally, a Franco-Swiss area that could claim the title of the best ski resort in France: Les Portes du Soleil. This area includes 12 ski resorts located in the Chablais massif. With more than 650 km of alpine and cross-country ski slopes, it is one of the largest areas in the world. It also has 195 ski lifts distributed between the Abondance valley, the Aulps valley, the Illiez valley, and the Morgins valley.
