France is the world’s most popular country for ski holidays, and for good reason. With its towering Alps and Pyrenees, the country boasts some of the highest and most snow-sure ski areas on the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just learning to lace up your boots, France has a ski resort to suit your needs. However, the best ski resort for you will largely depend on your ability, budget and preferences. Consequently, it’s quite hard to select ‘the best resorts’ as such as that’s really quite an individualistic question.
Our Pick of the Best Ski Resorts in France
With so many fantastic ski resorts to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are our top picks, each offering something unique and memorable:
1. La Plagne
As the world’s most popular and most visited ski area, La Plagne offers something for everyone. La Plagne alone has 225 kilometers of pistes but, when taken with neighbouring Les Arcs to which it’s linked, this total jumps to a whopping 425km. This makes the combined area (known as Paradiski) the world’s third-largest ski area.
- Advantages:
- World-class skiing and snowboarding
- One of the largest ski areas in France (and the world)
- Wide variety of accommodation options (have a look at this La Plagne resort guide for more information)
- Lively nightlife
- Suitable for all levels of skier
2. Val Thorens
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe, guaranteeing plenty of snow throughout the season. Its modern facilities and extensive ski area make it a popular choice for families and groups. It also has a good range of nightlife even if this isn’t particularly known as being a party resort.
And let’s not forget, VT is the highest point of the massive Trois Vallées, the world’s biggest interlinked ski area.
- Advantages:
- Highest ski resort in Europe
- Excellent snow conditions
- Modern facilities
- Suitable for families and groups
- Wide range of activities
3. Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is a popular resort with a reputation for its friendly atmosphere and excellent skiing. Its glacier-covered slopes offer reliable snow conditions, even in the spring.
- Advantages:
- Glacier skiing
- Reliable snow conditions
- Friendly atmosphere
- Suitable for all levels of skier
- Variety of nightlife. This is a proper party ski town.
4. Tignes
Tignes is another high-altitude resort with excellent snow conditions. It offers a wide range of activities, including ice driving, paragliding and snowshoeing.
- Advantages:
- High-altitude skiing
- Reliable snow conditions
- Wide range of activities
- Suitable for families and groups
- Variety of nightlife spread through its multiple villages
5. Chamonix
Chamonix is one of the most iconic ski resorts in the world, famous for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain. It’s a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
- Advantages:
- Iconic ski resort
- Stunning scenery
- Challenging terrain
- Suitable for experienced skiers and snowboarders
- Variety of nightlife
6. Meribel
Meribel is a luxury resort with a reputation for its excellent facilities and stylish atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for families and couples. It too is part of Trois Vallées.
- Advantages:
- Luxury resort
- Excellent facilities
- Stylish atmosphere
- Suitable for families and couples
- Variety of nightlife
7. Courchevel
Courchevel is another luxury resort known for its high-end shops and restaurants. It’s a popular destination for celebrities and the wealthy and lies at the far end of the Trois Vallées area.
- Advantages:
- Luxury resort
- High-end shops and restaurants
- Suitable for families and couples
- Variety of nightlife
8. Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère is a popular resort with a reputation for its challenging terrain and lively atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders. It is also linked to neighbouring Tignes.
- Advantages:
- Challenging terrain
- Lively atmosphere
- Suitable for experienced skiers and snowboarders
- Variety of nightlife
9. Les Arcs
Les Arcs is a large ski area with a variety of villages to choose from. It offers a wide range of accommodation options and activities. As part of Paradiski with La Plagne, it offers an abundance of great terrain in the world’s third-largest ski area.
- Advantages:
- Large ski area
- Variety of villages
- Wide range of accommodation options
- Suitable for all levels of skier
- Variety of nightlife
10. La Clusaz
La Clusaz is a charming resort with a traditional atmosphere. It offers excellent skiing and snowboarding, as well as a variety of activities for families and groups.
- Advantages:
- Charming atmosphere
- Excellent skiing and snowboarding
- Suitable for families and groups
- Variety of nightlife
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the best ski resort for your holiday depends on many factors. Consider your budget, the type of holiday you’re looking for, whether you’re traveling with family, your level of skiing or snowboarding and whether nightlife is important to you. With so many fantastic options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect ski resort for your dream winter getaway.
