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Ski Holidays in France
It's easy to see why we Brits book France ski holidays more than anywhere else. The French Alps are quick to reach by road, rail or plane, the ski resorts come in every shape and size from ancient alpine villages to modern ski towns, there's world class accommodation for every budget, and the après ski ranges from cosy to crazy.
- Flight Time
- 1h 45m
- From London
- Nearest Airports
- Geneva, Grenoble
- Chambery, Lyon
- Time zone
- GMT + 1 hour
- Language
- French
- Currency
- Euros
- Ski Season
- Dec - April
France Ski Stats
Overall La Plagne
Why Go Skiing in France
With more ski lifts than anywhere else in the world, serving a stonking variety of terrain for all skiers and snowboarders, the purpose-built resorts have easy access to miles of piste... 6,271 miles of slopes to be precise. With resorts like Val Thorens and Tignes checking in at some of the highest altitudes in Europe, France ski holidays promise to deliver quality as well as quantity.
And then there’s the food! With Michelin-starred mountain restaurants in bling alpine capitals like Courchevel, and hearty dishes like tartiflette and fondue being a staple of every mountain restaurant, this nation satisfies our hunger for food as well as snow.
WHERE TO BOOK YOUR SKI HOLIDAY IN France
France is home to over 200 resorts. There are ancient alpine villages with fairytale charm. There are modern ski towns with endless amenities. There are sociable spots where tabletop dancing is a common occurrence. Whatever your perfect ski holiday looks like, France is sure to have a resort for you.
We’ve spent years exploring everything the French Alps have to offer. We’ve rounded up our findings whilst keeping an eye on the latest developments to bring you the best guidance to France’s ski resorts. From family friendly options to off-piste adventures, discover our top recommendations to help you on your way to the France ski holiday of your dreams.
WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR SKI RESORTS IN France
The five most popular destinations for a French ski holiday are Val d'Isere, Tignes, Val Thorens, La Plagne and Meribel. Here are the Top 10:
France Ski Resort Guide
TOP 10 Best Skiing Resorts in France
We expect fantastic food in France, but the best ski destinations also provide a vast and varied network of slopes and cosy accommodation from budget to super-lux. Courchevel sets the standard with 600km of piste and glamorous atmosphere. Val d’Isere is a worthy rival with everything from Olympic downhills to beginner friendly blues and a legendary party scene. Impossible to overlook is Val Thorens which was voted the best ski resort in the world in 2023. Other top contenders for the best ski resorts in France include Chamonix, Meribel, Tignes and Morzine.
Best Après Ski in France
“Après ski” originated in the French Alps so it’s no surprise these resorts do it best. From live bands and bottles of toffee vodka in Meribel’s Rond Point, to DJ sets and Champagne showers in Val d’Isere’s legendary Folie Douce, there’s plenty to satisfy even the wildest party animals. For a more metered après scene, Morzine is home to Taille de Mas du Pléney, an area better known as “Bar Street”... Need we say more? If getting a little loose is part and parcel of your ski holidays then the best après ski resorts in France are definitely for you.
Snow Sure Resorts in France
France is known for reliable snow cover between mid December and late April. If you really want to guarantee great snow on your ski trip, higher altitude resorts and glaciers are essential. At 2,300m, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest resort and one of the most snow sure destinations in France. Les 2 Alpes is high altitude and home to Europe’s biggest skiable glacier. We also love La Plagne with its ski in ski out links to the Bellecôte and Chiaupe glaciers.
France’s Luxury Ski Destinations
Lavish spa hotels, chic boutiques and Michelin starred restaurants set amongst sweeping alpine vistas create ‘la belle vie’ in France’s luxury ski resorts. Courchevel attracts celebs and British royals with gourmet restaurants, five-star chalets and magnum-filled bars (boogie with the Beckhams and Windsors in Les Cave). Megeve exudes old-world charm with its cobbled streets, designer shops, horse drawn sleighs and triple Michelin starred Flocons de Sel. For traditional mountain beauty at a higher altitude, St Martin de Belleville is a luxury haven in the Three Valleys.
Family Friendly French Ski Resorts
The French ministry of tourism awards the ‘Famille Plus’ label to resorts with safe slopes, excellent ski schools, local medical services and evening activities. 44 resorts have achieved this standard including SNO’s favourite La Rosiere where most family accommodation is minutes from a ski lift - a relief when you’re carrying that extra pairs of skis! Flaine is another top family friendly french ski resort thanks to its easy access to the pistes, fairy-tale themed run for little ones and ski jumps on Ze Funny Slope for daredevils.
Destinations for Group Ski Holidays
Our clients booking large group ski holidays pick France more than any other alpine nation because it’s easy to reach, accommodates mixed skiing abilities and has bars aplenty. If your group likes to party, check out Val d’Isere or Tignes with their lively après scenes and huge variety of pistes. Meribel and Val Thorens also make our Top 10 best French ski resorts for groups with the world’s largest ski area, chic chalets to chill in and superb restaurants like L’Igloo and The Frog.
Food in the French Alps
France is globally renowned for its cuisine and this excellence extends to the mountains, with classic alpine dishes originating from a time when remote mountain villages were cut off from the rest of the world during long, cold winters. Featuring local ingredients and and often Herculean amounts of cheese, they’re the perfect antidote to the cold mountain air and a hard day on the hill. For us, a France ski holiday is not complete without a mountain side bowl of tartiflette or a delightfully decadent Fondue Savoyarde.
Best French Ski Resorts for Beginners
With millions invested in creating fun and safe slopes for debutants, France might be the best country to learn to ski. From nursery slopes with ‘Zen Zones’ where everyone skis slowly, to award winning ski schools and slope-side cafés for all-important chocolat chaud rest-stops. Some of the best beginner skiing in France can be found in La Plagne and Valmorel with their wide and gentle runs perfect for finding your ski legs. Les Deux Alpes and Meribel also have the advantage of free beginner lifts.
Best French Ski Resorts for Intermediates
intermediate skiers need a variety of slopes from gentle options to ease you back in, to scenic pistes for enjoyable cruising and challenging sections that help you to progress. France is full of resorts with this level of variety. Tignes is home to over a hundred reds and blues so there’s no need to ski the same slopes twice - unless you want to! Morzine is superb for intermediate skiers who love twisting through the trees. Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel are among the best French resorts for intermediates thanks to their connection to the huge Three Valleys area.
Best French Ski Resorts for Advanced Skiers
For ski holidays filled with monstrous moguls, blood-curdling blacks and exhilarating off-pistes, France has you covered! Chamonix is home to the world famous off piste run the Vallee Blanche and the fantastic Pas de Chevre couloirs which provides 2,000 metres of vertical drop making it something of a right of passage for expert skiers. Perhaps our favourite destination for advanced skiing in France is Alpe d’Huez with its super-fun Tunnel as well as the longest black run in the Alps, The Sarenne (we can even arrange a torchlit descent after a little après, famously named ‘The Moonlight Sarenne’). Advanced skiers also flock to Val d’Isere and Courchevel where extreme skiing meets extreme partying.
Best Off-Piste Skiing in France
There’s nothing like carving fresh tracks through untouched terrain and France provides brilliant off piste skiing for powder lovers. Val d’Isere is full of awesome backcountry runs if you’re willing to hike. The heart-pounding route from the Rocher Du Charvet peak is one of our favourites. Alpe d’Huez has off-piste skiing with easier access, with sensational powder fields and hair-curling couloirs just a hop away from the lifts. And you can’t list the best off-piste skiing in France without mentioning Chamonix - a paradise for the daring, it’s dotted with natural drops and jumps, high speed bowls and technical turns - off-piste skiing doesn’t get much better than this.
Best Snowboarding in France
France treats snowboarders right, with parks for perfecting your freestyle, wooded runs for scenic cruising and specialist snowboard schools for those keen to learn or improve. One of the best French resorts for snowboarders is Serre Chevalier. Enjoy the easy riding Eychauda piste or test your mettle on the Casse de Boeuf black run which twists through the pines. Avoriaz is full of thrills to keep boarders entertained with long runs, a full-blown superpipe and five snow parks. Courchevel is popular with snowboarders thanks to its absence of pesky surface lifts.
Prettiest & Most Instagrammable French Ski Resorts
France is full of pretty ski destinations which will have Instagram aficionados reaching for the camera. Lesser known Samoens is one of the prettiest French resorts with its quaint village circled by seven mountains meaning epic mountain views in every direction. Photos of Chamonix with its envy-inducing views of Mont Blanc and the gorgeous old cog mountain railway will give friends and family back home FOMO. Morzine’s traditional stone and timber buildings look spectacular set against the beautiful natural backdrop of the tranquil Lac de Montriond.
Budget Ski Holidays in France
For a cheap ski holiday in France, we’ve got purpose built resorts that access France’s best ski areas without the price tag. In Les Menuires you can enjoy the amazing Three Valleys ski area but avoid paying the premium attached to trendier resorts like Val Thorens, which is just a ski lift away. Flaine is a great place for a budget family ski trip, with an incredibly short transfer too. We’ve curated a list of the best resorts for skiing at a low cost in France, and the best priced packages and offers can be found in our ski deals to save extra pennies on your next trip.
From high-end luxury pads to more budget friendly options and everything in between, France’s ski hotels can often be found conveniently right on the slopes for a ski-in, ski-out experience. Many also benefit from extra facilities such as an on-site pool, spa or restaurant.
Picture perfect chalets provide guests with a homely space to kick back at the end of the day. Ideal for groups or families, chalets provide both communal spaces for enjoying each other's company as well as private spaces for those necessary moments of ‘me’ time. Self-catered chalets are an option but catered chalets with a chef and staff to take care of the cooking and cleaning has long been the top choice of British skiers.
Ski apartments are popular among clients working to a tighter budget, combining the convenience of a hotel with all the homely sole-occupancy feeling of a chalet. Beyond the budget priced, there are also five star options with a swimming pool, hot tub and fireplace for a more lavish self-catering ski holiday in France.
Biggest Ski Areas in France
France is the proud home to some big and beautiful ski areas. From scenic slopes that stretch for miles, to steep gullies that test your bravery as well as your thighs. Our favourite French mega-ski-domains are:
The biggest ski area in Europe and probably the world, Les Trois Vallées’ 600km of runs have more pistes at each difficulty level than anywhere else, alongside spellbinding views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. View 3 Valleys ski holidays.
The high-altitude Espace Killy (now called Val d’Isere/Tignes) promises well maintained, snow-sure slopes. Perfect for intermediates, this region contains 155 powdered pistes covering 300km of mountainside. View Espace Killy ski holidays.
Lying in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Paradiski region spans from 3,250m right down to 1,200m with tons of spectacular terrain up high for a snow sure and high-mileage week of skiing. View Paradiski ski holidays.
Named ‘gateway to the sun’, it’s unsurprising this ski area is popular for bluebird skiing across 308 runs. We love being able to ski across the border between France and Switzerland. View Portes du Soleil ski holidays.
80% of pistes in Le Grand Massif are north facing which means exceptional snow conditions even when it’s warm and slushy elsewhere. It’s picturesque, family-friendly, and home to the longest blue run in Europe, the gloriously cruisy two and a half kilometre long Cascades in Flaine.
With wide open slopes lower down and challenging terrains higher up, this ski area is one of our most repeat-booked among intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
BEST TIME TO GO ON SKI HOLIDAY TO France
France Snow History & Skiing Conditions
France has some of the best snow conditions in Europe with Avoriaz repeatedly getting the most snowfall in the country and Val Thorens so confident in their snow conditions that they have a ‘Snow Guarantee.’ In resorts such as Morzine that can’t depend on high altitudes for their snow coverage, there are plenty of cannons to make up the difference. Before booking your ski holiday, take a gander at France’s Snow Report to get an idea of the conditions you might expect and when your holiday is coming up, check out France’s Snow Forecast to see what snowfall is in store.
France Ski Deals & Last Minute Holidays
Thanks to the size and quality of resorts across the French Alps, there’s a good chance you can book an awesome holiday last minute. Plus with our range of France ski deals, you could even save a few pennies too. Whether you’re flexible and just after the best value for money, or have a specific resort and budget in mind, our specialists are on hand to help. Jet off on a last minute French ski holiday and be surrounded by snow, sipping vin chaud in no time.
France Ski Weekends
Only an hour away from the UK by plane and with some of the closest ski areas to big airport hubs, France is ideal for ski weekends. The best resorts for ski weekends in France include Chamonix, Avoriaz, Les Gets and Morzine which all have a transfer time from Geneva of barely an hour. Get straight out on the slopes each morning by choosing ski-in, ski-out accommodation such as Chalet Renard Blanc in Avoriaz to maximise your ski time further.
Summer Skiing in France
France’s ski season usually runs between December and April but there are many glaciers across France which make early or late season ski trips possible. French summer skiing is big in Les 2 Alpes, home of the biggest skiable glacier in Europe. Tignes’ Grand Motte Glacier at 3,456m above sea level is another great spot for summer skiing. Experts looking to hit the slopes in the off-season should consider Alpe d’Huez where the black runs of the Sarenne Glacier are skiable in July and August on a good year.
All France Ski Holiday Destinations
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Alpe d'Huez
- Glacier Skiing
- Awesome Après Ski
- 300 days of sunshine
-
Avoriaz
- Top family destination
- Great for snowboarders
- 650km interconnected pistes
-
Brides les Bains
- Exceptional value
- Traditional French village
- Central access to 3 Valleys ski area
-
Chamonix
- Traditional mountain resort
- High altitude terrain
- Incredible panoramic views
-
Chatel
- Portes du Soleil area
- Traditional village
-
Courchevel
- Luxury resort
- 3 Valleys ski area
- Trad choc-box villages & chalets
- Lots of ski-in ski-out
-
Flaine
- All round resort
- 265km well-groomed pistes
- Ski-in ski-out accommodation
-
Isola 2000
- Brilliant doorstep skiing
- Close to Nice Airport
- Amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea
-
La Clusaz
- Famille Plus label
- Beautiful hidden gem resort
- Events on throughout the season
-
La Plagne
- Large ski area
- Ski-in ski-out accommodation
- High altitude skiing
-
La Rosiere
- Off piste snow cross
- Ski France & Italy
- Famille Plus label resort
-
La Tania
- Village charm
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Part of the massive 3 Valleys
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La Toussuire
- Les Sybelles ski area
- Purpose built resort
- Relaxing apres ski
-
Le Corbier
- Les Sybelles ski area
- Purpose built resort
-
Les 2 Alpes
- Glacier Skiing
- Top après
- Lots of activities
-
Les Arcs
- Paradiski ski area
- Ski-in ski-out
- High altitude skiing
-
Les Carroz
- Linked with Flaine in the Grand Massif
- Famille Plus resort
- Tree-lined skiing
-
Les Gets
- Connected to Portes du Soleil
- Famille Plus Resort
- Lots to do off the slopes
- Pretty village
-
Les Houches
- Chamonix valley resort
- World cup host
- Tree-lined pistes
-
Les Menuires
- 3 Valley ski area
- Outstanding skiing opportunities
- Loads for non-skiers
-
Megeve
- Gorgeous alpine village
- Large linked ski area
-
Meribel
- 3 Valleys ski area
- Excellent ski schools
- Lively après ski
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Montgenevre
- Quiet family resort
- Part of Italian Milky Way
- Traditional Alpine charm
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Morzine
- Family ski destination
- Traditional Savoyard charm
- 650km interconnected pistes
-
Saint Gervais
- Ancient spa town
- Famille Plus resort
- Evasion Mont Blanc ski area
-
Sainte Foy
- Near Espace Killy & Paradiski
- Small ski resort
- Quiet pistes
-
Samoens
- "Ville Fleurie" awarded village
- Ski the Grand Massif
- Short transfers
-
Serre Chevalier
- Excellent snow
- Large ski area
- Scenery & character
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St Sorlin d'Arves
- Connected to Sybelles Area
- Special Beginners and Small Area ski pass
- Beautiful village & culture
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Tignes
- Espace Killy ski area
- Fantastic après ski
- High altitude skiing
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Val d'Isere
- ½ of Espace Killy
- Fantastic après
- Traditional chocolate box village
- Skiable glacier
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Val Thorens
- Highest resort in Europe
- Top of the world's biggest ski area
- Lots of off-slope activities
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Valloire
- Quiet ski resort
- Traditional village charm
- Snowparks for all abilities
- 70% ski area above 2000m
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Valmorel
- Snowparks and boardercrosses for all levels
- Hidden gem of French Alps
- Lots on at Christmas and Easter
-
Vars
- 66 beginners’ runs
- Great snow parks
- Speed skiing slope
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Vaujany
- Grande Domaine ski area
- Backdoor ski resort
France Ski Holidays FAQ
Winter sports enthusiasts have flocked to Chamonix for more than a century, and it's not hard to see why with its world-class ski terrain, the spectacular setting of Mont Blanc and it's beautiful Savoyard charm. There’s truly something for everyone in France - from the most relaxed cruiser to dedicated powder hounds and everyone in between.
There are over 250 ski resorts in France.
French skiing is predominantly in the Alps with a smattering of resorts in the Pyrenees. Boasting world-renowned ski areas and resorts such as:
- Paradiski (La Plagne & Les Arcs)
- Espace Killy (Val D’Isere and Tignes)
- 3 Valleys/Trois Vallees (Meribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens)
- The Portes Du Soleil (Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets & others)
We recommend higher resorts (1800m- 2000m + in height) or resorts with glacier skiing for early season. If you are looking to get away over Christmas or New Year, most resorts run events over the festive period. Look out for Christmas markets, winter forests, Santa visits, firework displays and New Years parties.
January’s a wonderful time to hit the French slopes. It’s just after the holiday rush, before the February half terms and with great snow conditions. Meribel is a fantastic option for skiing in January with access across the 3 Valleys ski area, varied terrain and a fun apres scene. Be wary of the temperature though in January - resorts like Val Thorens average high temperature in January is only -4 °C.
Skiing is busier in February with the UK Half Term and French school holidays. While smaller resorts may see less footfall, modernised resorts with high capacity lift systems will get the queues moving swiftly too. Some chairlifts like Les Colosses in La Plagne move over 4000 people an hour! Val d’Isère has a great feel, even over Half Term, and Flaine is a smaller resort but an easy journey from the airport.
March skiing is fantastic in France. Arguably the best time to ski with snow falling regularly and the burgeoning sun in the afternoon. Our favourite ski resorts for March are:
- Val d’Isere and Tignes let you take advantage of the sun coupling great high-altitude snow conditions with lots of north-facing slopes.
- La Plagne and Les Arcs are a great option too, even though some villages get more sun than others. Our pick would be Arc 1950 or 2000.
- You can’t go wrong with the 3 Valleys either- especially Val Thorens where the village is at 2300m.
Skiing in April has been great over the last few seasons with fresh powder falling well into the month. Picking a high or glacial resort will be the safest bet at the end of the season. Opt for snow-sure resorts like Tignes, Val D’Isere, Val Thorens, Alpe D’Huez and Les Deux Alpes. Yes, the pistes can get a little slushy in the afternoon, but that’s just a great excuse to enjoy sunny apres!
Resorts with lots of gentle green and cruisy blue runs are the best fit, and you won’t need hundreds of kilometres of runs if it’s your first time. La Plagne tops of most people’s lists with its accessible terrain and dedicated learner areas. Still, Les Deux Alpes is a great ‘upside-down’ resort where even beginners can ski from the very top of the glacier! France also boasts an abundance of great ski schools such as ESF, New Generation and Oxygene.
Val d’Isère is known for its vibrant après-ski. Head to La Folie Douce for a full-energy, dancing-on-tables vibe, Cocorico for terrace views and smashing DJ sets or Dick’s Tea Bar if you’re in search of some live music. Read lots more on our après-ski in France page.
France has many snow-sure resorts. High-altutide resorts with the best snow conditions are:
With no shortage of champagne bars, more Michelin star restaurants than any other ski resort on earth, fashion boutiques and five-star hotels, Courchevel is the most luxury ski resort in France.
There are a fantastic choice of family-friendly ski resorts in France offering brilliant ski schools, beginner ski areas and accommodations with childcare options. Here are our favourites:
France's huge ski areas are ideal for snowboarders. The best resorts in France for snowboarders are:
The best of France’s off-piste ski areas can be found in:
Courchevel is a truly stylish treat for you and your other half – with luxury hotels and chalets, gourmet restaurants, champagne bars, boutiques and jewellery shops. The skiing is fabulous too, with access to the whole 3 valleys area.
Megeve is a delightful medieval mountain town with scenic views of the Mont Blanc massif. See our prettiest resorts in France page to read about our other favourite good-looking French resorts.
- Chamonix - 1924 (I Winter Olympics)
- Grenoble - 1968 (X Winter Olympics)
- Val d’Isère - 1992 (XVI Winter Olympics)
- Meribel - 1992 (XVI Winter Olympics)
- La Plagne - 1992 (XVI Winter Olympics)
If you’re an avid Winter Olympics fan, read all about them on our best Olympic ski resorts page.
Yes – though it’s not the law, you rarely see people skiing or snowboarding without helmets these days, and most ski schools will only teach kids if they have a helmet. It’s important that it’s a proper ski helmet and not a cycling or horse riding one, as they’re designed differently. Our Mountain Safety page gives more advice about staying safe on the pistes.
Green, blue, red and black – from easiest to the most difficult. See our pistes information page for more detail.
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