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France ski holidays: hit the slopes!
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Experience the perfect combination of beauty, luxury and crisp alpine air with a spectacular ski holiday in France. French ski resorts have long been renowned as some of the best in the world: whether in the Alps or the Pyrenees, you’ll discover superb slopes, magnificent scenery, opulent hotels, fine cuisine and the unmistakable luxury and style found only in French resorts.
The best ski areas and resorts in France
1. Val d’Isere
The pretty ski resort of Val d’Isere is a great choice for a ski holiday whether as a couple or with family and friends. More than 300km of groomed pistes ensure superb skiing for all ages and abilities, and there are plenty of opportunities for skiing off-piste. With a range of superb restaurants offering the finest French cuisine, Val d’Isere is ideal for a romantic skiing break. Top things to do in Val d’Isere include ice climbing, helicopter tours and husky dog sleighing.
2. Courchevel
The skiing playground of Courchevel offers plenty of slopes, a fabulous ski jumping hill, an ice rink and an array of other attractions to explore. From the highest resort village of Courchevel to Courchevel Moriond and quiet and secluded Courchevel Village to family-friendly La Tania Courchevel and the rustic charm of Courchevel Le Praz, the five areas of Courchevel have so much to offer experienced skiers and novices alike.
3. Chamonix
Chamonix is one of the oldest skiing resorts in Europe and played host to the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924. With an array of challenging pistes and mixed ability slopes set in superb alpine landscapes, Chamonix is the ultimate destination for a memorable snowsports holiday. A range of local restaurants offer a wonderful gastronomic experience and the town is also renowned for its lively apres ski scene.
Ski accommodation and hotel rental offers in France
1. Hotel Club Med Chamonix Mont-Blanc
With classic interiors and elegant decor, the Club Med Chamonix Mont-Blanc is the ideal base for a skiing holiday in France. Relax in the heated swimming pool while enjoying panoramic views of Mont Blanc. The family-friendly hotel offers an infant care hamper to guests with young children.
2. Hotel Avenue Lodge 5*
If you’re looking for a luxury skiing holiday, the high-end Hotel Avenue Lodge 5* ticks all the boxes. This contemporary lodge hotel is located in the Espace Killy skiing area, and with comfortable, well-designed rooms, luxe bathrooms, spacious bars and lounges, a shop and a restaurant has all the facilities you need.
3. Hotel La Sivolière
Boasting a lovely forested location yet just a few steps from the centre of Courchevel Village, this 5* boutique hotel offers 36 rooms and suites with modern alpine decor. The hotel’s ski lounge will provide you with everything you need for a day on the slopes, from boots and skis to hats, gloves and sunglasses.
Snow conditions in France
French ski resorts tend to be at high altitude and France offers some of the best snow to be found anywhere in Europe. The quality of the snow can vary considerably from one resort to another; the higher the resort, the deeper the snow is likely to be. Val d’Isere, Chamonix and Val Thorens reliably offer the deepest powder snow. Many lower altitude resorts now employ snowmaking machines to keep the runs in perfect condition for skiing, whatever the weather.
The best time to go skiing in France
For ski resorts at higher elevations such as Val d’Isere, the ski season runs from November to May. The deepest and most reliable snowfall in the Alps and the Pyrenees tends to be in January, although Christmas skiing breaks are also very popular. One of the best months to ski in France is in February. The snow is in perfect condition, the weather is more likely to be sunny and as there are no school holidays, the slopes will be quieter.
The Voyage Prive travel expert's opinion on ski holidays in France
With some of the best snow to be found anywhere in the world, stunning alpine scenery and a rich culture and history, France has everything for a dream ski holiday. Whether you're an expert or a beginner, a ski resort in France offers runs to suit all abilities - and plenty of opportunities for skiing off-piste as well. Our carefully selected hotels offer a luxurious ambience and delicious cuisine to restore you after a thrilling day on the slopes.
French ski resorts are the top choice for discerning travellers
Royals, celebrities and lovers of the finer things in life have been flocking to the French Alps and Pyrenees to enjoy the sumptuous surroundings for centuries. French ski resorts have always been recognised as some of the best in the world. It’s easy to see the attraction; pristine slopes, five-star service, stunning scenery and, of course, the style and luxury synonymous with French resorts.
Whether you’re a natural skier or you're still finding your feet, a French ski resort will give you the perfect location in which to practice and improve. Once you’ve skied or snowboarded enough for the day, head back to your luxury hotel for the best food, drink and après ski France has to offer. With our special handpicked offers, you can relax in the perfect surroundings of your hotel or chalet and prepare for another day of gliding down the exquisitely maintained pistes.
Ski up an appetite for the finest cuisine
No ski holiday in France can be experienced without après ski. Expect sumptuous dishes of meat and potatoes with cream, such as the classic tartiflette, just the thing to warm you up after a day in the snow. Of course, you’ll also be able to choose from an extensive range of the very best wines and beers, guaranteed to raise your spirits.
French après ski caters to everybody, whether you just want to relax quietly and experience the breath taking view, or celebrate your skiing prowess in more flamboyant style at a cocktail bar or chalet party.
The world’s best slopes
French ski resorts benefit from some of the best snow anywhere in the world. Expect to find soft powdery snow, all lovingly maintained by experts. Our specially selected resorts in France have been attracting the most discerning skiers for generations due to the sheer variety of pistes and accommodation, which includes traditional Alpine chalets, luxury hotel complexes and ski-in, ski-out complexes.
All French ski resorts offer instruction to beginners and improving skiers from knowledgeable and professional coaches, so a ski holiday in France is the ideal opportunity to learn. You can also hire top-quality equipment and clothing at all major resorts for the ultimate in convenience.
If whooshing down the slopes in France is your ideal next trip, sign up now to receive limited-time offers on the finest handpicked luxury holidays.
Planning your trip: practical information about France during ski season
- Travelling to French ski resorts :
Most French ski resorts can be reached with less than half a day’s travelling time form the UK. Flying to Chambery or Geneva and hiring a car probably the quickest way to travel but many ski resorts can also be reached by train.
- What to pack for your ski holidays and how to dress for a day on the slopes ?
What to pack depends very much on the time of year. If you are skiing in December or January when heavy snowfall is likely, you will definitely need good waterproof ski clothing. Later in the season, you may well be skiing in bright sunshine so you can get away with lighter outfits. If you don’t want to bring your own skis and boots, these can be hired in all the resorts mentioned above.
- What budget should you plan for ski holidays in France?
Obviously your budget for a ski holiday will depend on your individual taste but if you are staying in a hotel on a half board basis or in a catered chalet, breakfast and dinner will be taken care of. Allow 250-300 euros for a week to cover drinks during the day, lunches out and a few beers apres ski. If your ski holiday doesn't include a lift pass, allow about 250-300 euros for this.
Discover all our others France ski resorts :
Avoriaz ski holidays
Three Valleys - Meribel ski holidays
Val Thorens ski holidays
Meribel ski holidays
Morzine ski holidays
FAQ Ski in France
For beginners, we recommend Meribel or Courchevel. If you want to ski in the highest ski areas, choose Val d'Isère or Chamonix. For family holidays, stay at Three Valleys or Morzine!
Voyage Privé has exclusive offers only for its members. If you want to take advantage of ski holidays offers at incredible prices, simply register for free to access our current sales.Enjoy luxury hotels and all-inclusive holidays up to 70% off !
Stay in one of the most popular ski resort of France, Tignes in the Hotel Le Ski d'Or 4* with its cosy and large rooms and its spa area. Club Med Ski Valmorel 4* is perfect for a family with children. The Neilson Hotel Aalborg 3* is located at the foot of the largest ski area in Europe!
Usually in France, ski resorts start opening in early December, although some open in late November. The end of the ski season is around the end of March or April.
We recommend you to go to Val d'Isere or Courchevel! For example, you can stay at Balcons de Bellevarde 4* or Courcheneige 3*.
In February, go skiing in Val Thorens or the Three Valleys ! Stay at the Hotel Club Les Neiges 3* or at the Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium L'Hévana 5* !
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