Skiing In The French Alps - 19 Best Resorts For Every Skill Level
Skiing in the French Alps is like entering a picture-perfect winter scene. The views are amazing, and the snow is some of the best you’ll ever ski on. The resorts are built with care to make sure everyone has a great time. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it all, just ready to ski and smile.
Author:Finn WildeReviewer:Maya ReyesJul 14, 202515.3K Shares340.7K Views
The French Alps are more than just mountains, they’re a winter wonderland that feels like a dream. This beautiful part of Europe offers exciting ski slopes, stunning views, and a rich alpine culture. Get set to visit some amazing places where unforgettable memories and breathtaking views are always part of the trip.
1. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
CHAMONIX MONT BLANC ITINERARY: What to do in the winter in CHAMONIX! Skiing, Aiguille du Midi + MORE
Chamonix is located at the base of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe. It is a famous destination known for its long history in mountain climbingand winter sports. Often called the birthplace of mountaineering, Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
It is loved for its breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc mountains and offers some of the best off-piste and freeride skiing, like the famous Vallée Blanche glacier run. The town attracts both extreme sports lovers and regular tourists, including families, making it popular with a wide range of visitors.
While Chamonix is best known for advanced ski areas such as Les Grands Montets and Vallée Blanche, it also has slopes for intermediate skiers like Brévent-Flégère and beginner areas like Les Planards, Le Tour, and Les Houches. The ski zones are spread out through the valley, each offering different experiences.
The resort has excellent facilities, including the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which is a marvel of engineering and gives access to high-altitude skiing. The town center has traditional Savoyard buildings, fine dining, lively après-ski spots, and museums. Night skiing is also available.
Chamonix is easy to reach, being just one hour from Geneva Airport. The Mont Blanc Express train helps visitors move easily between different parts of the valley.
2. Val D'Isère
Val d'Isère - The Most CHARMING French Ski Resort
Val d'Isère is in the Tarentaise Valley and, along with Tignes, makes up the Espace Killy ski area. This is one of the largest and most challenging ski regions in France.
Val d'Isère is famous for its tough black run called "La Face de Bellevarde," which became well known during the 1992 Winter Olympics. This run is a highlight for expert skiers and gives the resort a top reputation. Many advanced skiers see it as a must-try experience.
The town also has a lively après-ski scene, especially at places like La Folie Douce, which brings in younger and social visitors. Val d'Isère sits high in the mountains at 1,850 meters, with ski slopes going up to 3,456 meters. This means it usually has great snow and stays open from November to May.
The resort offers more than 300 kilometers of ski runs for all levels. It has modern learning areas for beginners and lots of off-piste terrain for those looking for adventure. It’s especially popular with experienced skiers who enjoy difficult runs and freeride skiing.
Val d'Isère has up-to-date ski lifts, two snow parks, and many cultural events. Its après-ski is very popular, with spots like La Folie Douce and Cocorico drawing crowds with live music and big parties.
3. Méribel
Méribel Destination Guide | Méribel French Alps Guide
Méribel is located in the center of Les 3 Vallées, one of the biggest ski areas in the world. It is known for its beautiful chalet-style buildings and friendly vibe. Méribel offers skiers easy access to over 600km of slopes, making it a great base for exploring the entire ski area.
Unlike many modern ski resorts, Méribel has kept its traditional charm with its old-style chalets and natural surroundings. This gives it a warm and welcoming feel that appeals to visitors looking for an authentic Alpine experience.
Méribel has 150km of ski runs, including green, blue, red, and black slopes, making it suitable for all skill levels. It is especially good for beginners and intermediate skiers. There are also plenty of off-piste options for those looking for more adventure.
The resort is very family-friendly, offering great ski lessons, childcare, and special areas for children. It also has a lively après-ski scene with popular bars like Le Rond Point and L'Igloo. At night, the town comes alive with fun activities. The Olympic Centre provides a pool, ice rink, gym, and spa for guests to enjoy.
4. Courchevel
4K - Ski ASMR - Courchevel to Val Thorens ski trip ! The World largest Ski area ! French Alps 🇫🇷
Courchevel is a famous luxury ski resort in the Tarentaise Valley and it is part of the huge Three Valleys ski area. Courchevel isn't just one town, it’s made up of six different villages: Saint-Bon, Le Praz, La Tania, Village, Moriond, and 1850.
Each has its own style, from traditional and cozy to very fancy and high-end. The resort is known for its well-maintained slopes and gives skiers direct access to 600km of ski runs across the Three Valleys.
Because it has so many different villages, Courchevel can welcome all kinds of visitors while still keeping its reputation as a top-tier destination. Every night, 160 snow groomers prepare the slopes, making sure the skiing experience is always top quality, no matter how much snow has fallen.
Courchevel has 150km of ski runs that suit all skill levels. Beginners will find good slopes and great ski schools, while more experienced skiers can enjoy challenging areas like the Saulire couloirs or the famous red run, Combe de la Saulire. The north-facing slopes help keep the snow in good condition.
In addition to skiing, visitors can enjoy luxury dining, boutique shopping, stylish bars, and lively après-ski. There are also other activities like snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating, biking on snow with fat tires, and relaxing in wellness spas. Courchevel also hosts big events like the Ladies Alpine World Cup.
5. Val Thorens
Discover This Epic Ski Destination: Val Thorens Ski Resort Guide
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe and is a major part of Les 3 Vallées. Because it is so high (starting at 2,300 meters and reaching up to 3,230 meters), Val Thorens gets lots of snow and has the longest ski season in the Alps, almost six months long.
This makes it a great choice for skiers who want to hit the slopes early or late in the season when other resorts may not have enough snow. About 90% of the hotels and apartments are ski-in/ski-out, which means guests can easily go from their door to the slopes and back again. This makes skiing more convenient and enjoyable.
Val Thorens has 150 kilometers of local ski runs, and through Les 3 Vallées, gives access to 600 kilometers of slopes. There's also a big snowpark covering 70,000 square meters for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
The resort is known for its great snowpark, a 1.4km boardercross track, and large open areas for off-piste skiing. Val Thorens also has a lively après-ski scene with over 20 bars, three nightclubs, and the highest outdoor club in Europe, La Folie Douce. It’s also family-friendly, offering special services and facilities for families with children.
6. Les Deux Alpes
Les 2 Alpes in less than 4 minutes - French Alps
Les Deux Alpes sits high on a plateau near the Ecrins National Park and is famous for its big ski area and fun après-ski. One of its main features is the largest skiable glacier in Europe, the Glacier du Mont de Lans, which is at 3,500 meters. This glacier allows people to ski all year round, even during summer, with good snow conditions.
The resort is sometimes called "upside down" because the easier runs are high up on the glacier, while the more difficult slopes are lower down. This makes planning your day a bit different, but it gives skiers a unique experience.
Big improvements are planned for the resort, including a new lift connection to Alpe d'Huez by 2025. Once completed, this will create one of the biggest ski areas in Europe and make the resort even more popular.
Les Deux Alpes has 220 kilometers of ski runs. About 36% are easy, 44% are for intermediate skiers, and 20% are advanced black runs. There's also a lot of space for off-piste skiing. It has a large terrain park that’s great for snowboarders and freestyle skiers, as well as a special area for beginners.
The resort is known for its lively après-ski, especially at places like Smithy's Tavernand Umbrella Bar. Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, mountain biking (both winter and summer), paragliding, and exploring ice caves. Les Deux Alpes is also a "Family Plus" resort, meaning it offers great facilities for families with kids. It is only a two-hour drive from Grenoble, making it accessible from major airports.
7. Alpe D'Huez
Is Alpe d'Huez good for beginners? #insta360
Alpe d'Huez is located in the Grandes Rousses mountain range. It’s often called "l'Isle du Soleil" or "The Island of the Sun" because it gets sunshine almost every day. This makes it a great choice for people who want bright and clear days while skiing.
The resort is also home to the Sarenne run, which is the longest black ski run in Europe at 16 kilometers long. In the summer, Alpe d'Huez is a key stop on the Tour de France cycling race, bringing more attention and energy to the resort all year round.
Alpe d'Huez has over 250 kilometers of ski runs connected together, with something for everyone. There are many easy green runs for beginners, lots of blue runs for intermediate skiers, and exciting options for advanced skiers like off-piste areas from Pic Blanc. There are also top-class terrain parks, a boardercross track, and a halfpipe for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.
Besides skiing, Alpe d'Huez offers many other winter activities such as exploring ice caves (called Grotte de Glace), walking, climbing, rafting, and horse riding. It is also a "Famille Plus" resort, meaning it is very family-friendly and offers great services for families with children.
8. Avoriaz
A Video Guide to the Resort of Avoriaz
Avoriaz is located at 1,800 meters in the Portes du Soleil ski area and it’s known for its modern design and the fact that there are no cars allowed; making it clean, quiet, and safe. You can ski right to and from your hotel or apartment, thanks to its convenient ski-in/ski-out layout.
Instead of cars, people use horse-drawn sleighs and snowcats to get around, which gives the town a magical and peaceful feel. This makes it especially great for families with kids. The resort is also very popular with freestyle skiers and snowboarders, offering five terrain parks and a superpipe.
It's home to the famous "Swiss Wall," a tough black run that attracts expert skiers. Its modern architecture, with sharp angles and wooden buildings, also makes it stand out from other resorts. Avoriaz has 51 local ski runs, suitable for all skill levels. Skiers also have access to over 600km of slopes across the entire Portes du Soleil area.
The resort is very family-friendly and has the Aquariaz water park with tropical-themed pools and slides, as well as kids' clubs and ski schools with instructors who speak English. For those not skiing, there are activities like snowshoeing and dog sledding to enjoy.
9. La Plagne
The Most POPULAR Ski Resort in The World - La Plagne
La Plagne is a group of eleven different villages in the Tarentaise Valley and a major part of the Paradiski ski area. La Plagne is linked to Les Arcs by the famous Vanoise Express cable car, which is a double-decker lift that crosses over deep valleys. Together, they form 425 kilometers of ski runs.
The resort also has one of the few Olympic bobsleigh tracks in the world, which makes for a fun and exciting activity for families. Because La Plagne is made up of eleven separate villages, visitors can choose between quiet places for relaxing or livelier spots with more nightlife and entertainment, all within the same big ski area.
La Plagne has 225 kilometers of ski runs and is especially popular with families and intermediate skiers. There are also fun areas like snowparks, play zones for kids, and safe beginner slopes.
Besides skiing, there are many other things to do like snowshoe walks, fast toboggan rides, ice skating, and dog sledding with huskies. Each village has its own restaurants, bars, and places to relax or enjoy après-ski.
Getting around is easy with free shuttle buses and a good network of ski lifts that connect all the villages. Some lifts even stay open at night so people can easily go to dinner or evening activities.
10. Tignes
Tignes ski resort review 4K | Ski Resorts Video
Tignes is a high-altitude ski resort in the Savoie region of France. It is part of the large Espace Killy ski area, which it shares with Val d'Isère. Together, they offer 300 kilometers of marked ski runs.
Tignes have great snow conditions almost every year. Its high altitude - up to 3,456 meters on the Grande Motte glacier - and its modern snowmaking systems help make this possible. Skiers can even enjoy glacier skiing during the summer. This long ski season makes Tignes popular with professional skiers and snowboarders who come to train.
The resort also has an interesting history. In the 1950s, the original village was flooded because of a dam project. But instead of disappearing, Tignes came back stronger as a modern and world-class ski destination.
Tignes has ski slopes for everyone with special areas like a snowpark, easy park, halfpipe, Gliss'Park, and a boardercross track, making it a favorite spot for top snowboarders to practice. The resort includes five different villages: Val Claret, Le Lac, Le Lavachet, Les Boisses, and Les Brévières.
Tignes also offers fun activities like hiking, mountain biking, and glacier skiing. When the sun goes down, you can enjoy lively après-ski spots such as La Folie Douce and Le Loop Bar.
11. Les Arcs
Les Arcs Ski Area - So Beautiful 🤩
Les Arcs is part of the famous Paradiski ski area and is known for its modern, purpose-built design and great views of Mont Blanc. Les Arcs has four villages built at different heights: Arc 1600, 1800, 1950, and 2000.
One of the most famous runs is the Aiguille Rouge, a 7km descent with a 2,000-meter drop that gives expert skiers a big challenge. Les Arcs is connected to La Plagne by the Vanoise Express cable car, which gives access to a huge 425km of slopes.
All of the villages are designed so you can ski right to and from your accommodation. This makes getting around easy and keeps the focus on skiing. There’s also the Mille8 complex, a fun place with a water park, snow play areas, and toboggan runs. It’s great for families and people who want things to do off the slopes.
In total, Les Arcs has 200km of local ski runs. About 10% are good for beginners, 42% for intermediate skiers, 34% for advanced, and 14% for experts. This mix makes it a great place to improve your skills, with lots of blue runs for practice and tough black runs for those looking for excitement.
12. Megève
Megeve Ski Resort | HD (2018)
Megève is a charming and elegant mountain village in Haute Savoie. It is one of the oldest ski resorts in the French Alps and is known for combining traditional village life with luxury.
Megève has kept its old-world feel even as it has modernized. It has pretty pedestrian streets, cozy shops, and many top-rated restaurants, including several with Michelin stars. This mix of tradition and luxury makes it special and attracts visitors who enjoy culture and fine dining. The resort also offers stunning views of Mont Blanc.
Megève is part of the Evasion Mont Blanc ski area, which has 445 kilometers of slopes. It has a good mix of terrain for all skiers; gentle beginner slopes in areas like Jaillet and Rochebrune, as well as more challenging red and black runs for intermediates and experts. There are also chances to explore off-piste for those looking for adventure.
13. Serre Chevalier
Ski Resorts - Skiing in Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier is a large ski resort in the French Alps, located inside the Écrins National Park. It’s has sunny slopes and traditional alpine villages that give a real mountain feel without the big crowds found at more commercial resorts.
The resort has over 250 kilometers of ski runs that get lots of sunshine. It mixes high-altitude skiing with charming mountain villages, giving visitors an authentic experience. Serre Chevalier is also a leader in sustainability, it was the first ski area to start making its own electricity. It uses water, sun, and wind power to become partly energy independent, which makes it popular with travelers who care about the environment.
Skiers can enjoy wide runs in areas like Villeneuve and Chantemerle. Serre Chevalier features excellent ski schools, snow parks, boardercross runs, and a diverse après-ski scene. It offers luxury chalets with spas, saunas, and indoor pools.
14. Morzine
Morzine: A Guide to the Resort of Morzine
Morzine is a lively mountain village in the Chablais range, near the border between France and Switzerland. It lies between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Over time, it has become a popular ski resort in winter and a great place for biking, hiking, and climbing in summer.
The village itself sits at 900 meters, which is not very high, but the ski lifts go up to 1800 meters at Chamossière and 2100 meters at Avoriaz. While you can’t always ski right back to your door, the good lift system makes sure you can get back to Morzine no matter how much snow there is.
Morzine is about an hour’s drive from Geneva Airport. It's in the center of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the biggest in the world. The slopes around Morzine are mostly blue and red runs that wind through the trees, making them perfect for relaxed skiing. The resort is directly connected to Avoriaz and Les Gets, making it easy to explore more terrain.
15. Montgenèvre
GoPro - Montgenevre, the best ski resort in the world!
Montgenèvre is the only French resort among six that are connected through the ViaLattea ski circuit. It links with the Italian villages of Sestriere, Sansicario, and Sauze d’Oulx. With a low-cost day pass, skiers can explore 400km of slopes across the Milky Way ski area.
The village sits over 1,800 meters high on a small mountain pass, which means it gets snow from all directions and usually has good snow conditions. Snow cannons now cover 55% of the slopes, including most of the lower parts, ensuring reliable snow when needed.
There are ski areas on both sides of the mountain. The north side, called Les Gondrans, has gentle nursery slopes and a special beginner’s area. The south side, Le Chalvet, is right behind the village and popular with locals. From Les Gondrans, you can ski directly to Claviere and into the wider Milky Way ski area.
The village itself mixes traditional charm with modern comforts. It's small and easy to walk around, with most hotels and apartments in the center. There are several places to stay, cute boutique hotels, and high-end self-catering apartments. Many offer ski-in/ski-out access, making life easier for families with young children.
16. Montalbert
La Plagne 2019. Run to Plagne Montalbert
Montalbert is a quiet, charming village located on the far right side of the ski map at 1,350 meters. It’s built in traditional alpine style and offers beautiful views across the valley. It’s often overlooked because it's a bit far from Plagne Centre and the Vanoise Express link.
Until recently, it took 12 minutes to get there by chairlift, but thanks to an upgrade, the ride now only takes 5 minutes. This has made Montalbert more popular, and skiers are discovering the less-crowded slopes on this side of the mountain. These include lovely tree-lined runs, open powder fields, and large areas for cross-country skiing.
Because Montalbert is at a lower altitude, snow can sometimes be an issue. However, its north-facing slopes help keep the snow longer, and snow cannons are placed carefully to keep the runs open all season.
You can explore the local slopes with a special Montalbert "village sector" lift pass, which is a great option for those who want to enjoy this quieter part of the area. If you have a full La Plagne pass, it’s just three chairlifts from Plagne Centre to Montalbert, and from there, you can reach the whole resort. At the end of the day, you can take the Bécoin chairlift back up from Plagne Centre and then ski down a long blue or red run to your accommodation.
The skiing around Montalbert includes a mix of blue and red runs through the trees, some of the best in La Plagne. For advanced skiers, there are exciting off-piste options and black runs that are mostly ungroomed. There’s also a small snow park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
For beginners, especially families with kids, there’s a dedicated beginner area with a lift right in the village. It includes a fun snow garden and a fully staffed ESF ski school offering lessons for all ages and skill levels.
17. Les Gets
What's Les Gets really like - the Best Resort for a Weekend Skiing?
Les Gets is more than just a side town to Morzine, it’s a great ski resort and lively village on its own, with its own charm and good ski lifts. It’s located near Morzine, on the southern edge of the Portes du Soleil ski area.
The village has two main ski areas: Mont Chéry and Chavannes, one on each side of town. Les Gets is a beautiful village and sits 100 meters higher than Morzine, so it often has more snow and feels more like a classic Alpine town.
Les Gets is busy both winter and summer. Skiers can use the lifts from mid-December to mid-April. In summer, from June to September, the lifts are open for hiking and mountain biking.
The resort is known for having some top-quality downhill bike trails. There are also great cross-country ski trails, especially around Mont Chéry, and road cycling routes that have been used in the Tour de France.
In summer, there's an 18-hole golf course and a lake with fun activities. In winter, Les Gets has some of the best slopes in the Portes du Soleil for beginners and intermediate skiers.
There are many good bars in Les Gets. Places like Le Barbylone and L'AprèsKi Bar offer live music and sports. There are also more traditional spots like Black Bear. For nightlife, there's a bowling alley and a nightclub called The Igloo, which opens late and stays open until around 5am.
18. Samoëns
Samoëns (France) - The Alpine Village Between Seven Peaks (4K)
Samoëns is a French town with the title "Ville Fleurie," which means "flowered city." It’s also the only ski resort in France with the special status of "Monuments Historique" because of its historic and beautiful old buildings.
Samoëns is part of the Grand Massif ski area, making it easy to reach other resorts like Flaine and Les Carroz. The area offers great skiing across 265 kilometers of slopes.
It’s about an hour’s drive from Geneva. The village is old and charming, with a pedestrian center and a lovely main square. Along the main street, you’ll find shops selling local treats like ham, cheese, and pastries, as well as stores with home decor and Alpine gifts.
19. Valmorel
🌤️🇫🇷 Valmorel - Cruising down Les Lanches(🔵)
Valmorel is a ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley near Vanoise Park in Savoie. It is the first resort you come across when entering the valley and sits at an altitude of 1,400 meters, with its highest point reaching 2,550 meters. Valmorel is known as a welcoming family-friendly destination with a traditional alpine feel.
The resort is part of a larger ski area called "Le Grand Domaine," which connects Valmorel to nearby areas such as Saint-François-Longchamp, Doucy, and Celliers through the well-known Col de la Madeleine pass. Together, these areas offer 165 kilometers of sunny slopes supported by 50 lifts and 342 snow cannons ensuring good snow conditions throughout the season. One of the highlights is the Snow Zone which includes a boardercross course, slopestyle area, and freeride space.
A special feature of Valmorel is the Valmocross, a fun and accessible boardercross track suitable for all abilities. There’s also the Relax Zone, which combines a peaceful picnic area with an educational space focused on environmental awareness. For those who don’t ski, Valmorel offers many other activities including snowshoeing, paragliding, heli-skiing, ice climbing, hiking, Nordic skiing, visits to an igloo village, quad biking, snake-gliss (a sliding activity), airboarding, tobogganing, trampoline parks, and even a cinema.
People Also Ask
What Is The Best Month To Ski In The French Alps?
February is considered peak season for skiing in the French Alps, especially during the school holidays. The slopes are buzzing with families, and the snow conditions are usually at their best.
What Is The Cheapest Month To Ski In France?
In saying this - why not opt for January or March? The first and second weeks of January are usually the cheapest week of the season, not only for accommodation but also for flights. Another good option is the weeks in March that fall between the February half term and Easter holidays.
Does It Always Snow In The French Alps?
The southern part of the French Alps is a generally dry area. However the highest areas receive sufficient snow in winter to provide excellent skiing conditions.
Can You Rent Ski Clothes In France?
For your next holiday in the mountains, save money by hiring ski clothing. At our Sanglard Sports rental shops in Chamonix and Argentière, we have a wide range of equipment to take you out: ski trousers, ski jackets, ski boots, ski outfits and ski suits.
Conclusion
The French Alps keep raising the bar for mountain travel, with something special for everyone. We hope you’re excited to grab your suitcase and see the magic for yourself. Life is all about experiences, and some of the best ones happen high in the snowy mountains, where every ride down the slope brings something new and fun.
Finn Wilde
Author
For Finn Wilde, the wilderness is more than just a destination - it’s a way of life. Over the past decade, he has led multiple expeditions in some of the world’s most remote regions, from the icy fjords of Greenland to the rugged trails of Patagonia.
Finn emphasizes sustainability in all of his adventures, helping participants connect with nature while promoting responsible exploration. His expeditions inspire individuals to explore the great outdoors while fostering a deep respect for the environment.
Maya Reyes
Reviewer
Maya Reyes’s wanderlust was sparked in the temples of Luang Prabang, where the scent of lemongrass and the chants of monks revealed the transformative power of travel.
Since then, her journey has been defined by cultural immersion and authentic connections. From learning batik in Indonesia to sharing meals with nomadic families in Mongolia, Maya seeks experiences that highlight the human stories behind each destination.
Travel for her is a way to weave her narrative into the world’s cultural tapestry, creating bridges across diverse ways of life. Maya has traveled to 15 countries and shares her insights through writing and storytelling.
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