France Skiing Guide

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France has over 8,000 km of pistes in seven major ski areas, the Northern and the Southern Alps, the Pyrenees, the Vosges, the Jura, Massif Central and even Corsica - all with the latest facilities, including ski schools and guides. The best area is the Alps, with reliable snow conditions, the friendlier environment in the Jura and Massif Central are excellent for Cross-country skiing. The snowboarding population and facilities are growing all areas, too.
Most French resorts are convenient and efficient, but compared to the smaller, picturesque lodges in Swiss or Austria some of purpose-built establishments can be characterless.
The ski season starts from the end of November to mid-April, depending on the altitudes; the peak is Christmas to March. Not a cheap activity, the best value is to get a package deal including accommodation and lift ticket/pass.

These are some of the best French ski areas:
***Chamonix, a world-famous resort in the northern Aleppo, with some of the more demanding pistes is ideal for experienced skiers.
***Val d'lsère covers a vast area in the Alps near the Italian border, with a wide range of slopes and more than 100 lifts [along with nearby Tignes]. It is one of the world's best and favourite ski resorts [more Val d'lsère information].
**Les Trois Vallées, resort towns including Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires, this covers the largest ski area in the world, with an excellent network between each village, pistes and lifts.
**Les Deux-Alpes, a lively resort popular with youths and snowboarders.
*Megève, one of the Alps' prettiest resorts in the lower altitudes, with old-fashioned charm but not so good for the ski experts.
*Baréges/La Mongie, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees is - relative to the Alps - less developed and less demanding.

Mont Blanc mountain, Chamonix, Rhone-Alps Picture by Jaques Sierpinski, Maison de la France