Ski resorts in France on the map. Map of ski resorts in France. Where to ski in France

By right, the ski resorts of France are considered to be the most prestigious in the world. Alpine ridge that runs through this European country, has over four thousand trails, among which there are both very difficult ones, intended for professionals, and very simple ones, where even a child can enjoy skiing.

Brief overview of all recreation areas

More than two hundred recreation areas are concentrated in this area, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics, both geographical and artificially created (hotels, restaurants and other establishments). However, all ski resorts in France, regardless of the degree of prestige, include hotels of various categories (from two to five stars), a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, and, most importantly, different slopes. That is, when arriving anywhere in the French Alps, you can choose the most difficult descent for yourself, as well as the extremely simple one, and enjoy your vacation. Moreover, tourists can move around in this area without any restrictions. You can book a hotel at one resort, and on some day go to the slopes of another.

Landscapes of the world heritage

Now let's look at the most visited and recognizable ski resorts in France. Chamonix is considered the heart of the entire Alpine range, where unique nature and a very pleasant climate welcome every tourist. It is located near the borders of Switzerland and Italy, so in this region you will also be able to notice a slight synthesis of cultures. Despite the fact that this recreation area is perfectly equipped with trails of varying difficulty, legendary place“White Valley” remains here. This point is at an altitude of 3842 meters, and while climbing there, you can descend as much as you like off-road. The place is extreme, but everyone who has experienced all the delights of such skiing wants to return there again and again. Well, and of course, like all ski resorts, it is a center for ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding over snowy peaks and much more.

Young and inexpensive recreation area

If you are looking for a secluded place where prices are very reasonable, but at the same time the service remains at a high level, then you will probably be attracted to the following option. French mining ski resort Tignes occupies a vast area within the Alps, which is popularly called the “Killy Space”. This place is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure, which consists of a metro, gondolas and a huge network that regularly transport tourists to various parts of the Alpine range. The resort also has a giant glacier called the Grand Mote, suitable for skiing. all year round. At its top there are many so-called blue tracks, which are most often chosen by carving enthusiasts. If you still prefer freeride, then ideal place For descents there will be lower tracks, which are located in the west of the recreation area.

The most visited ski resorts in France

“Three Valleys” is the general name for 600 kilometers of trails, which are located at an altitude of 1300-3230 meters. More than two hundred lifts constantly transport vacationers to various heights, from which they can descend both on skis and snowboards. It is in this region that winter sports championships have been repeatedly held, and it is here that nature most organically combines with the creation of man. The Three Valleys includes recreation areas such as Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel (France). Val Thorens is the highest point in the region. Skiers here climb to a height of 2300 meters, where a stunning view of the entire Mont Blanc opens. The slopes here are calm, without obstacles, but still steep, so only a professional will feel safe here. Courchevel is the center of social life. This is the pride of France. Important ceremonies and parties are constantly taking place here; the hotel business and service sector are simply excellent. In addition to all this, the number of trails of varying difficulty is off the charts. The height of the slopes in Courchevel ranges from 1300-1800 meters, and among them there are not only simple slopes, but also tracks for jumping, for skiing or downhill. There are also many ice arenas and much more.

The Golden Mean of the Three Valleys

The ski resort of Meribel is considered the most suitable place For family vacation. At an altitude of 1400 meters there are cross-country trails and ordinary slopes, where trainers work who will help everyone, including small children, learn the basics winter sports. The architecture of the region is made entirely in the French style; it is cozy and beautiful. The service in hotels and restaurants is at a high level, and at the same time the prices are quite reasonable. Fans of ice activities are not forgotten here either. Special rinks are equipped for hockey players, where they are provided with suitable skates, as well as the necessary uniforms. For those who like to simply cut across the ice, there are many arenas under open air, where both children and adults ride. But most interesting entertainment Meribel is a walking and sled racing event. Each child will receive from similar entertainment a lot of impressions, although adults can also take part in the races.

Alpine Sun Island

The premium resort is located in one of the sunniest places in the world, where golden rays envelop Mountain peaks 300 days a year. The Alpe d'Huez recreation area is characterized by trails that are located on the upper plateau. All of them face south, which allows you to enjoy the sun until late in the evening. In this region, many slopes are designed for children and beginners. The fact is that they are all flat and quite wide, there are a minimum of obstacles, and therefore safety is at a high level. It is here that the two most legendary slopes are located: Saren, whose length is 16 kilometers, and the Tunnel - a route that was cut through the glacier. The recreation area also has ice arenas, skating rinks for hockey players and much more.

The oldest recreation area in the Alps

Modern ski resorts in France were most often built on the sites of former settlements that have historical significance. Some of them completely collapsed under the influence of time, but some were preserved and have survived to this day. For example, the Megève region is a living monument of architecture and art, whose history began in the Middle Ages. In the surrounding villages, all roads are paved with cobblestones, and vehicle traffic is prohibited here. The houses that are rented out to tourists have been here for over 200 years, but they are beautifully restored and perfectly clean. Many guests come here to enjoy the spirit of antiquity, to feel how people lived here before and how wonderful it was. There is also a temple in the town, which was built in the 13th century, a monastery was built next to it, and in the center of the city there is big tower with a clock.

Training center for beginner skiers

The recreation area called Portes du Soleil is another place that receives constant sunshine almost all year round. A total of 650 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty are concentrated here, but most importantly, there are a lot of schools where everyone can learn mountaineering or improve their skills. The resort is divided into four ski areas - Morzine, Avoria, Les Gets and Chatel. You need to choose one or the other depending on your skills in as well as the aspirations and peaks that you are going to overcome. Some business here is well developed, however large quantity There are no various events or social establishments here. People come here mainly to get back into shape or learn to ski fluently from scratch. Often, graduates of local schools become Olympic champions or masters of winter sports.

A short afterword

Every year, French ski resorts welcome more and more tourists to their lands. Prices for tours here are quite reasonable (fluctuate around 500 USD per week of vacation), which makes it possible for people not only with high, but also with average incomes to visit this place. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are excellent mountain runs of varying difficulty, and schools for those who want to learn the art of skiing. And, of course, entertainment and social parties are available to vacationers. A lot of interesting things await every tourist with any tastes and preferences here.

The Alpine ski resorts of France are rightly spoken of as some of the best winter resorts in the world. The French Alps are the world's largest center winter holidays: more than three hundred ski stations, almost 4 thousand lifts, and the shortest queues for them. There are more than four thousand trails connected and varying in difficulty level for lovers of alpine skiing, snowboarding and other types of extreme winter recreation. If you are ever faced with a choice of resorts in France, use this article!

Various competitions are often held on the slopes of the Alps, including world championships and the Olympics.

The most popular resorts in the region are Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes, La Plagne, Megeve, Meribel, etc.

Chamonix

Chamonix- the largest ski resort in France, located in the heart of the French Alps at the top of the famous crystalline massif of Mont Blanc.

Chamonix Valley- a unique natural area near the borders of Italy and Switzerland is included in the list of landscapes that constitute a world heritage. The longest descents reach several tens of kilometers. The highest point of Chamonix is the famous “White Valley”.

Its height reaches 3842 m, and its length is more than 20. Extreme sports such as ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding, and canyoning are developed here. In summer, the resort welcomes fans of mountain biking and climbers.

You can stay in the Chamonix resort in the following hotels:

Les Chamonix Sud
La Riviere
Res. Chamois Blanc
Le Cristal D'argentiere
Res. La Ginabelle

Espace Killy

Espace Killy is an area in the French Alps, associated with its three-time world ski champion Jean-Claude Killy, which rightfully deserves the reputation of one of the most wonderful resorts not only in the Alps, but throughout the world. On its territory are the popular resort towns of Val d'Isere and Tignes - ultra-modern slopes suitable not only for beginners, but also for downhill professionals.

You can ski on the glaciers of this region not only in winter, but also in summer (thanks to the Pissaillas glacier), and beginners in skiing have the opportunity to study at ski schools located right on the gentle slopes. Snowboarders can enjoy the state-of-the-art corridors Le Lasvancher, Les Danaides, La Table and Kern. The resort is visited not only by sports enthusiasts, but also by those who want to try helicopter rides, dog sledding, motor sleigh rides or snowshoeing.

Espace Killy can be reached from the following airports: Geneva - 160 km, Grenoble - 143 km, Chambery - 120 km and Lyon - 340 km. Alternatively, take the highway through Albertville or Moutiers. Before resort area Bus routes run from Geneva and Lyon airports 3-4 times a day.

You can stay in the following hotels:

AVENUE LODGE 5*
AIGLE DES NEIGES 4*
CRETES BLANCHES 3*
BREVIERES CLUB HOTEL MMV (2*)

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees)

Three Valleys (Le Trois Vallée) is the largest region in the world mining ski slopes with a total length of 600 km, located at altitudes of 1.3-3.2 km.

It includes a resort Val Thorens- “Roof of the Three Valleys”, located at an altitude of 2,300 km, Its peak is the picturesque mountain peak of Cime de Caron, offering a magnificent view of Mont Blanc.

Second resort - Meribel- “The Heart of the Three Valleys.” It is located at an altitude of 1.4 km and is divided into the classic French Meribel Center and the more modern Meribel-Mottaray, both areas are completely covered with perfectly smooth slopes and cross-country trails. In addition, here you can play hockey, just ride the skating rink and even take part in sled racing.

And finally, the famous Courchevel- being one of the most prestigious resorts in France, with developed infrastructure, hotels of the highest level, excellent quality of service and a developed entertainment network. Courchevel is located at altitudes from 1300 to 1850 m. At the same time, a lover of ski slopes can ski on various slopes every day for a month, conquering new heights and slopes every day, without ever repeating his route.

In addition to traditional tracks, professionals can appreciate two Olympic jumping tracks. There are several icy slopes for slalom and downhill,

Alpe d'Huez– one of the few resorts where a rich variety of trails is presented in a relatively small area. A cozy compact village in the shape of a triangle is located above the Romanche Valley, the bulk of hotels and residences are located next to the highway or ski lift.

Among the French themselves, Alpe d'Huez has earned the romantic name “Rack of the Sun” due to the fact that the slopes located on the upper plateau and facing south are bathed in the sun's rays from early morning until late evening.

This is the fifth largest French region for riding alpine skiing. Here are the most famous tracks in Europe: the Saren descent, which is 16 km long, and the Tunnel route, cut through a glacier.

Resort hotels:

Res. L'ours Blanc
Res. Le Cristal De L'alpe
Res. Les Bergers
Res. Les Horizons D'huez
Res. Les Melezes

Location:

The resort can be reached from Geneva, from where there are regular flights daily. On Saturdays you can get there very quickly (only 1.5 hours) from Grenoble by charter flight.

Megeve

Megève is an excellent ski resort consisting of three ski areas. These are Rochebrune-Côte, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Jay. There is also an open-air museum on its territory. Megève is rightfully considered the most elegant and sophisticated mountain resort France.

This is one of oldest resorts French Alps, and recently rightfully entered the club of privileged ski resorts “The Best of the Alps”. The resort has a classic alpine village atmosphere. For example, it is prohibited to drive on the main street and you can only ride on horse-drawn carriages. The central streets of the town are paved with ancient cobblestones; some houses were built here at least 200 years ago.

Main attractions - old church , built in the 13th century, medieval monastery And city tower. The ski areas are located at an altitude of 1-2.3 km, and there are many slopes for both beginners and real extreme sports enthusiasts.

You can plan your ski holiday in Megeve on three massifs that make up the Evasion ski area: Rochebrune-Cote 2000, Mont d'Arbois, Le Jaillet .

Ski tours to Megève will satisfy skiers of any level, as the resort can offer a wide variety of slopes.

For professionals - the Mont Joly and Mont Joux areas, black and red slopes are in Rochebrune - Cote 2000.

For intermediate level - the routes in Mont d'Arbois, more difficult routes - in the areas of Combloux and Les Jaillet.

For beginners - Rochebrune and Mont d'Arbois, connected to the ski lift.

Location:

Megeve Located 70 km from Geneva airport and a few km from neighboring Chamonix.

Megeve Hotels:

Relais & Chateaux Flocons de Sel
Chalet d'Antoine
Les Cimes
Les Fermes de Marie
Alpaga

Climate in the Alps

The tourist season in the Alps begins in December and ends in March. For a Russian tourist, the climate of the Alps will always be favorable. Winter here is much milder and warmer than in Russia. average temperature in winter + 1 degree Celsius. And although sub-zero temperatures can occur at any time, they never drop below -10. The winds in the Alps are also not very strong. You can relax with children at any time of the tourist season.

Tourist impressions

The French Alps leave only pleasant impressions on Russian tourists. Russians associate snow-white snow with severe frost or dirty roads covered in slush. In the Alps, snow resembles clouds. Firstly, the climate of the Alps is very mild and warm, and secondly, the air and everything around here are very clean.

Service at Alpine resorts is of the truest European quality. There are comfortable hotels, gourmet cuisine, and stunning ski slopes. For Russians, the French Alps are like winter at home, only cleansed of all its shortcomings...

If you like holidays in the mountains, regardless of the time of year, we recommend that you read the following articles:

- by going to Italy you can look at the Alps from a different perspective.
- a wonderful Polish resort with decent service.
- as you know, Bavaria is famous not only for its castles, but also for its extremely beautiful mountain landscapes.

Don't rush to leave! Here are some more interesting articles:

France is amazing place, truly heavenly, thanks to its so successful geographical location.

Here you will find everything you need for a carefree vacation – the sea, the sun, and the mountains. The beaches of France attract the elite, and the ski resorts are rightfully considered the best in the world.

French ski resorts are highly rated by both amateurs and professionals. France was the host of 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 established.

Ski resorts located in both the Alps and the Pyrenees. Alpine resorts are better known and popular due to their high location, long season and extensive ski areas. However, the Pyrenees also has its fans - those who love snow and sun, and a hassle-free holiday away from noise and crowds come here. We must also pay tribute to a vacation in the Pyrenees that 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 of uniting the ski areas of small villages, thereby creating an offer that is impossible to resist.

Such ski areas as the Three Valleys and Portes du Soleil, which are the largest in the world, brought France worldwide fame.

Portes du Soleil includes 650 km of ski slopes and 12 separate resorts in the Franco-Swiss region; the most popular French resorts of them 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,

The Paradiski ski area is worthy of special mention: the 420 km ski area of the association of the resorts of Pesseus Vallandry, La Plagne and Les Arcs. The last two are the most famous, as they offer large and varied terrain above 3000 m with a guarantee of snow cover.

It is impossible not to mention the “number one resort in France” - Espace Killy. A huge combined ski area, two popular ski stations Tignes and Val de Zir, guarantee of snow in winter, long season and glacier skiing in summer, excellent infrastructure and inviting night life– all this attracts winter sports fans like a magnet. Space Killy is positioned as 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 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 six months.

Most French ski resorts, including Chamonix, are now large and cosmopolitan. So many bars concert venues, discos, sports clubs and shops sometimes cannot boast of a small provincial town. And no one is surprised by the Michelin star on the door anymore local restaurant.

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

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

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

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

Airports in Geneva, Lyon, Nice and Milan provide international transport to the French Alps. Buses and transfer services are organized according to the days of arrival from these airports.

Val Thorens is located at an altitude of 2300 meters and is considered the highest ski resort in Europe. There is always a lot of snow here, and skiing safety is ensured by the special Gaz-ex avalanche control system. The "black" and "red" slopes of Val Thorens are located in the areas of Cime de Caron, Lac du Loup and La Mas, and in Pointe de Torrance fans of freeride will find excellent virgin fields. Snowboarders will be delighted by the fun park in the Plateau sector with unusual modules and special tracks for competitions. The resort also has slopes for those who are just starting to ski.
In addition, Val Thorens has a 6 km toboggan run, a snow and ice track for cars, a large sports complex, the best disco in France Underground and many wonderful places for après ski.
Photo gallery of the Val Thorens resort

Les Menuires is a family resort and a paradise for beginners; most of the slopes here are for those who are just starting out or want to improve their skills. It doesn’t take long to get from hotels and apartments to the slopes; they start right outside the door.
Les Menuires also has tracks for professionals; they are located on the slopes of Mont de la Chambre, and for snowboarders, there is an excellent fun park in the same area. Les Menuires offers beginner skiers a special ski area with an area of about 5000 square meters. m and a conveyor lift. The village has a sports center with an aqua club, a children's club, restaurants and bars.
Photo gallery of Les Menuires resort

Meribel is a great family ski resort. It is located in the center of the Three Valleys region and consists of three villages. This place is perfect for those who are just learning winter mountain sports or want to introduce children to skiing. Wide pistes in the Altiport and Ronde Pointe areas and a free rope tow for beginners help you get in on the charm. skiing any tourist. However, there are also steep slopes in Meribel for professional athletes, for example, the La Face Olympic women's circuit or the descent to Combe du Valon. Meribel will also delight snowboarders - there are two special areas, Platier Snowpark and Arpasson Moonpark. In the first, a 650-meter track with obstacles, a half-pipe and a baby pipe is open to snowboarders, and in the second, a kilometer-long track with obstacles and two half-pipes.
Meribel has a sports complex, bowling alley, cinemas and nightclubs. The resort's restaurants are generally open after 17:00. Fans of parties and noisy parties can recommend the village of Mottare, where there are many discos, bars and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of Meribel resort

Brides-les-Bains is a superbly located ski resort with ideal access to the Three Valleys. Straight cable car Olympus will take skiers and snowboarders to Meribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel. The town was built for the 1992 Olympic Games and offers budget accommodation at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level.
The total area of the resort's slopes is 77 km; there are 58 lifts with a capacity of 64 thousand people per hour. There are two fun parks for snowboarders and 33 km of ski trails for cross-country skiers.
In Brides-les-Bains you can not only have great skiing, but also improve your health; there is a large wellness center with thermal springs.

Val d'Isere is one of the most sporting resorts in the French Alps. Every year in November, the first starts of the World Cup are held here; in 1992, the resort hosted the Winter Olympics, in 2009 – the World Alpine Ski Championships. The sports tracks located in the Belleward area are open to everyone in the afternoon. At the same time, Val d’Isere has special ski areas for beginners, as well as excellent mountain ski schools, where they will teach everything necessary for both children and adults. Resort guests have at their disposal a well-designed lift system that connects Val d'Isere with all ski areas, and 150 km of well-prepared slopes, including 12 green, 24 blue, 28 red and 15 black slopes. Val d'Pistes The Isères are known for their diversity, with a height difference of up to 1300 m.
Three ski areas: Bellevard, Solace and Col de Lisérant offer sports lovers a variety of trails. There are freeride areas, sports slopes, challenging black runs and magnificent panoramic slopes that will not leave you indifferent. Snowpark Val d'Isere is located in the Bellevard area. The resort is famous for its beautiful architectural appearance, an excellent selection of comfortable hotels and apartments and excellent restaurants. Outdoor skating rink, aquatic center, night club, many restaurants and cafes will allow you to have a great time after skiing. Tourists can be sure that Val d'Isere offers a truly diverse range of leisure activities.
Photo gallery of the Val d'Isere resort

Megève is an excellent alpine resort where both skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of opportunities for interesting skiing. The city itself looks great with buildings in the Savoyard style. There are great hotels here, wonderful entertainment centers, restaurants and shops.
The resort offers its guests 222 pistes and is located in the center of the large Evasion-Mont Blanc ski area, where there are about 445 km of marked pistes of varying difficulty levels and 113 lifts. Ski season here lasts from December to April. The most interesting, beautiful and at the same time difficult slopes can be found in the Mont Joly and Mont Joux areas. There is another section with “red” and “black” tracks in Kot-2000. Those who are not so confident in their abilities should pay attention to the descents to Mont-d'Arbois or Comploux. Beginners will also find a place to ski in Megeve; easy “green” and “blue” slopes can be found not only below the town, but also in all three ski areas.
Snowboarders will appreciate the slopes in Combloux-Les-Jaillers, as well as the Piste de Fentin boarder route in Côte 2000 - Rochebrune. In addition to the Sports Palace with a swimming pool, saunas, gymnasium and fitness center, Megève has cinemas, a bowling alley, an indoor Olympic skating rink and even an aviation club. Fans of evening entertainment will find casinos, jazz and bridge clubs, discos and many boutiques. Magnificent views of Mont Blanc can be seen from Mont Joly, and in Saint-Gervais you can swim in the thermal springs.
Photo gallery of the Megève resort

Courchevel is perhaps the most prestigious French resort, very popular among Russian tourists. A variety of slopes, an excellent choice of tracks, beautiful virgin slopes - all this allows both beginners and experienced ski lovers to get a lot of pleasure from their holiday. The shopping and social life of Courchevel is amazing.
Beginners will enjoy the wide green and blue pistes in the Belcôte and Pralon ski areas. Those who are confident in skiing and snowboarding should look at the beautiful forest slope of Buc Blanc and the “red” slopes in Marmot and Creux. Professionals will appreciate the “black” slopes of Col de la Loz, Les Aval, Col du Pass du Lac, as well as descents from Saulir stations. 65 lifts take tourists to the Alpine peaks. Courchevel has a snow park, a half-pipe, many snow cannons, and a 2-kilometer long toboggan run. Indoor sports complex, bowling alley, fitness center, skating rink, concert hall and a cinema, numerous discos, galleries and restaurants will not let you get bored after skiing.
The resort has more than 100 shops, where all the world's famous brands are represented. Courchevel's restaurants and boutiques are designed for high-income tourists. The closest railroad station, Moutieres Salines, is located half an hour from the resort.
Courchevel Village is a cozy family ski resort, which is located at an altitude of 1550 m. Until 2013, it was better known as Courchevel 1550. This is a small Alpine town in Savoyard style with an economical hotel, excellent apartments and modern luxury chalets.
Two lifts connect Courchevel Village with the main ski areas of the region. There is a ski school, information tourist office, rental point, restaurants, bars, disco and skating rink. You will like the resort family tourists and lovers of secluded relaxation, however, from here you can easily reach the noisier parts of Courchevel with famous restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of the Courchevel resort

The popular ski resort of Tignes is located at an altitude of 2100 m in the Espace Killy ski area. Spacious, wide pistes, excellent freeride opportunities and a long season make it an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders. The three ski areas of Tignes - Tignes-le-Lac, Val Claret and Lavache - are connected by a system of lifts and are located next to a picturesque lake. On the Grand Motte glacier, the ski season opens at the beginning of October, in other areas - at the end of November and lasts until the first third of May.
Sports lovers will find 76 slopes in Tignes, most of them blue and red, a snowpark with a halfpipe, a mogul slope and a magnificent ski school. Here you can also go cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowskiing, ice climbing, or paragliding or helicoptering.
Cozy cafes and restaurants, noisy discos and bars will not let you get bored after skiing. The resort's infrastructure is famous for its compact and convenient location, and the prices for accommodation here are quite affordable.

Les Arcs is a group of resorts located in the heart of the French Alps, in the Haute Tarentaise valley. Resort towns are located here at altitudes from 1600 to 2000 meters above sea level and are connected by ski slopes and lifts. The skiing season is from mid-December to the end of April. Fans of mountain winter sports in Les Arcs will find 121 ski and snowboard trails, a wide variety of ski lifts, and two snow parks with halfpipes. There are also opportunities for unusual sports, such as speedwriting and skijoring.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular ski resort in the Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc. The first tourists appeared in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at the beginning of the 19th century, and since then the resort has only been gaining popularity. In 1924, it was here that the 1st winter Olympic Games. Today Chamonix-Mont-Blanc welcomes up to 5 million tourists and athletes a year.
There are several ski areas in the Chamonix Valley: Grand Montet, Le Tours, Breven, Les Houches, Flègeres, as well as the famous off-piste descent from the top of the Aiguille du Midi, 20 kilometers long - the White Valley. It is because of the White Valley that the resort is considered the capital of extreme skiing in France.
There is no single ski area in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, however, ski buses will take tourists to the ski lifts in 7-15 minutes. Nice hotels and great bars, interesting museums and mountain Railway to Mont Blanc (at an altitude of 2372 m) will make your holiday in Chamonix interesting and enjoyable, even if you are not going to ski all day long.

France is one of the most best countries peace for ski holiday. Every year the slopes of this country attract lovers active rest– More than two hundred ski resorts have been created in the French Alps. Excellent alpine landscapes, fresh mountain air, developed infrastructure and magnificent slopes await you. So that everyone can choose the best option to their liking and enjoy extreme riding or relaxing rides along the picturesque plains, in this article we will consider only best ski resorts in France.

1. Chamonix

One of the most visited ski resorts in France is the famous Chamonix, which is famous for its historical title of capital extreme species sports and claims to be one of the world's most famous winter recreation areas. In fact, this resort is the heart largest territory for ski holidays in the French Alps and is located at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, highest point in the Alps. Chamonix is a place for contemplative travelers. The tops of the resort offer magnificent panoramas and snowy landscapes. Helicopter tours will delight real thrill-seekers. In total, the resort has 100 trails for skiing of any difficulty level with a total length of 170 kilometers. The ski season here lasts from December to May; in the summer months, Chamonix attracts fans of mountain biking and extreme rock climbing.

2. Courchevel

There is hardly a single person who has never heard of the famous ski resort of Courchevel in France. This is a recognized world leader in the level of service among ski centers; here you can often meet famous politicians and world stars. It is famous for its special lifestyle with a kaleidoscope of entertainment for every taste, where many cultural events are constantly taking place. The presence of 102 ski trails with a total length of 150 kilometers of varying degrees of difficulty will allow both amateurs and real masters to have an interesting time. The resort is ready to welcome lovers of winter recreation from November to April.

3. Val Thorens

Superb Val Thorens is the highest. It is located in a unique natural area - in the center of a large natural park with six glaciers. On the slopes of this picturesque resort There is always a stable and high-quality snow cover; part of the snow coverage is provided by snow cannons. The concept of “skiing from the door” is perfectly implemented here - skis are put on immediately upon leaving the hotel, and upon completion of the route you just need to drive up to the threshold of the residence. Val Thorens has 68 ski slopes, with a total length of 150 kilometers. The skiing season lasts from December to early May.

4. Meribel

Meribel – winter resort, full of French charm and charm, with its own unique architectural style and flavor. It's calm and quiet place perfect for a family holiday. The resort offers 150 kilometers of well-prepared ski slopes that offer fantastic opportunities for beginners and experts alike. In addition to traditional winter sports, Meribel offers many other entertainments. IN Olympic Park there is a large swimming pool with water slide, sauna and ice rink. Unforgettable impressions They will leave sleigh rides or dog sled rides. And after your sporting achievements, it’s worth taking a walk through the nearby mountain villages; the local trails are very beautiful.

5. Alpe d'Huez

The largest ski resort in France, Alpe d'Huez, offers excellent conditions for the most comfortable holiday for the whole family. Alpe d'Huez has excellent quality natural snow cover, but snow cannons are installed in low areas. Skiers are offered routes of all difficulty levels, from amateur to professional. The total length of ski trails is 240 kilometers. An interesting fact is that the sun shines 300 days a year in Alpe d'Huez, this is truly the most sunny resort. The season here starts at the end of November and lasts until the beginning of May. But you can enjoy the beauty of Alpe d’Huez in the summer.

6. Megève

This excellent and prestigious French ski resort includes three ski areas. Megève is designed for skiers of different skill levels; some of the trails are laid out on fairly gentle and wooded slopes, while the rest will satisfy the requirements of the most experienced athletes. From December to April, there are 135 slopes for ski lovers, the total length of which is 445 kilometers. The town itself is famous for its exquisite architecture, and is surrounded on all sides high mountains and fir forests. Travelers who are tired from skiing can be recommended to take a walk along the cobbled streets of the old city and visit local attractions.

7. Les Deux Alpes

This ski resort international level, lying at the foot of one of the largest glaciers in Europe and welcoming guests all year round. Les Deux Alpes has 104 pistes with a length of 225 kilometers. The local slopes offer excellent routes for beginners, ideal for learning and strengthening your skills. There are many training schools in the region where you can take group or individual lessons. By the end of the training, the student will be able not only to ride confidently, but also to truly enjoy the descent. Young people especially love this resort, choosing it because of its cheerful atmosphere and relatively low prices.

8. Avoriaz

Modern ski center Avoriaz in France has excellent opportunities for winter recreation, developed infrastructure and comfortable hotels with a “door-to-door” system. The total length of the ski slopes here is more than 650 km. This is due to the location of the resort in the center of the ski area, which unites several complexes. Snow cover here is guaranteed from December to April. Walking around Avoriaz will bring great pleasure after skiing. This place is especially attractive for family holidays; there is an entire area dedicated to children. The Children's Village offers little visitors skiing towed by ponies, and there are also special children's tracks with Disney characters.

9. Les Arcs

The French ski resort Les Arcs, founded in 1960, continues to develop dynamically and can now offer its guests modern infrastructure at a high level. The resort has ski schools and children's clubs, where animators conduct many playful and educational activities. On the slopes of Les Arcs there are 106 pistes with a length of 200 kilometers. For high-level skiers, the descent from the top of the legendary Aiguille Rouge black piste will be attractive. Several world records have been set here and important and spectacular competitions are often held. Les Arcs is accessible to skiers from mid-December to early May. This resort can be recommended to lovers of a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and untouched wild nature.

10. Val d'Isere

Val d'Isere is a ski resort in the south-east of France, combining a distinctive architectural style, traditional Alpine hospitality and high-quality technical equipment. It is located in a picturesque valley, where the ski area has a length of over 300 kilometers of interconnected ski trails, along which you can move without taking off your skis. Val d'Isere opens its slopes from December to May. A special charm of Val d'Isere is given by walks along the streets of the resort, which preserve the spirit of antiquity and transport guests to past eras.