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Top 10 French Ski Resorts 2022

There are more than 250 ski resorts in France, spread all over the Pyrenees and other mountains in France offering great ski conditions for all ski levels.

Famous not only for its tasty wine and incredible food, or for its romantic capital, Paris, France is also a legendary ski destination of Europe.

Hidden in these amazing landscapes you will find many beautiful villages, traditional chalets, ultra-modern hotels.

Top 10 ski resorts in France for this year

1. Courchevel

2. Val D’Isere

3. Alpe D’Huez

4. Les Carroz

5. Chamonix Mont Blanc

6. Megeve

7. Les Deux Alpes

8. Les Arcs

9. Serre Chevalier

10. Avoriaz

Michelin stars restaurants, fancy pubs and a lot of après skis are waiting for you and are the best places where you can spend some quality time with your friends after a long day on the piste.

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With more than 250 French ski resorts, this country is very popular among tourists from all over the world.

Courchevel ski resorts in France
Courchevel ski resorts in France

Let’s discover together which are the best of all France ski resorts and see why these amazing places should be your next travel destination.

Best of ski resorts in france

1. Courchevel

Courchevel is part of the largest lift-linked ski area in the world known as Les 3 Vallées.

The area is famous not just for its amazing pistes but also for its amazing hotels, top-notch restaurants and beautiful landscapes.

Courchevel Ski resort France
Courchevel Ski resort France

1.1 Location and how to get there

Courchevel is located in the Savoie Alps of southeastern France, close to the Swiss and Italian borders.

The best way to get to this resort is to fly to Chambery and from there book a transfer to the resort or rent a car

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The journey between Chambery to Courchevel, the best France ski resort is around one hour and a half.

You can also choose to land at Lyon or Grenoble airport as from there book a transfer to your hotel; the journey lasts for about 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can take the TGV from Paris to Lyon and from there you can take the famous “snow train” which runs throughout the ski resort.

1.2 Closest airport for Courchevel

There are two famous airports close to Courchevel:

  • Chambery Airport at 1.5 hours drive
  • Geneva Airport at 2. 5 hours drive

1.3 Short description of this france ski resort

France ski resort

From all the ski resorts in France, Les Trois Vallées area is the most famous, being listed as the largest and most famous all over the world.

Just in the Courchevel French ski resort, there are 60 lifts which transport winter sports lovers upon the mountains and give them access to more than 150 kilometres of alpine runs.

These lifts link the area with the other three valleys from the area giving access to 600 kilometres of slopes. More than 10 peaks with altitudes above 2.500 meters are accessible with these lifts.

From all the alpine runs available in the area, 23% of the pistes are for beginners and 35% are for intermediates.

For the experts, there are a lot of off-piste terrain and black steep areas where they can practice winter sports like pros.

The area is also famous for its top-notch hotels and Michelin stars restaurants, the place being one of the favourite holiday destinations for wealthy people.

1.4 Best known for

  • Efficient lift system even in crowded days
  • Increased number of piste suitable for all beginners, intermediates and experts
  • Tobogganing and heli-ski options

1.5 Accommodation in this French ski resort

Epic1850 appartement Courchevelle is our choice for those interested to spend some memorable moments in this epic France ski resort.

The apartment is located near the slopes, just 1.6 kilometres away from the Courchevel 1850 Ski school.

The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony with a breathtaking view over the mountains, a bedroom and a dining area. 

2. Val D’Isere

One of the most popular ski resorts in France located in the French Alpine is Val D’Isere.

Everything started in 1930 when the local authorities built a few slopes, but World War II stopped the development of the resort.

After the war ended the village continued to develop and become what we can see today, one of the best French ski resorts.

Val D'Isere French Ski resort
Val D’Isere French Ski resorts

2.1 Location

Val D’ Isere is located in the southeastern French region of Savoie in the Western Alps, close to the Italian border.

2.2 Closest airport to Val D’isere

As for Courchevel area, for Val D’Isère are the same two airports:

  • Chambery Airport at 2 hours drive
  • Geneva Airport at 3 hours drive

2.3 Short description

Part of the vast Espace Killy area named for Olympic triple gold medal winner Jean-Claude Killy, Val D’Isere is a very popular destination among ski lovers.

Thanks to its elevation (from 1550m to 3500 metres) which determine a very good quality of snow all season long, the place earned its place on the list with the best France ski resorts.

The resort shares its terrain with the smaller resort of Tignes and more than 150 lifts carry skiers and riders to 300 kilometres of slopes, all at an elevation up to 1500 metres.

There are pistes for beginners and intermediates spread all over the mountain, while more than 20 blacks run challenge experts.

The 45-degree North Face of Pramecou and the above timberline snowfields of Tignes are experts’ favourites.

The place is a magnet for winter sports lovers and for those looking to have a good time in apres skis or eat a good meal in a tasty restaurant.

2.4 Best known for

  • High quality of snow the entire season
  • Lively town centre and great nightlife
  • Modern facilities and reliable lift system

2.5 Accommodation

Hotel Aigle Des Neiges Val D’Isere is a luxury hotel located 1800 metres altitude in the heart of the old village of Val D’Isere.

The hotel is just 100 metres walk from the slopes and offers clean and comfy rooms with amazing views over the mountains.

After a long day at ski, you can relax at the hotel’s spa, have a drink next to the cosy fireplace in the bar and eat a delicious meal in one of the two restaurants of the hotel. 

3. Alpe D’Huez

Although less famous than the first two ski resorts in France listed above, Alpe D’Huez is one of the world’s largest ski areas with around 100.000 people per hour carried by the 70 lifts which serve the 240 kilometres of piste.

Alpe D Huez Ski in France
Alpe D Huez resort in France

3.1 Location

Alpe D’Huez is located in the Grandes Rousses Mountains in the southern part of the French Alps, high above the Oisans Valley.

3.2 Closest airport for Alpe D’huez

There are two airports where you can land if you want to spend some memorable days at Alpe D’Huez:

  • Grenoble Isere Airport- 1.5 hours drive
  • Geneva Airport- 3 hours drive

3.3 Short description

This amazing French ski resort is part of The Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine which consists of six resorts with more than 250 kilometres of combined pistes including 40 pistes for beginners, 70 for intermediates and 20 for experts.

In the area of this France ski resort, there are also two snowparks, a boardercross park and a halfpipe.

All these pistes are connected with 85 lifts which go from altitudes of 2.170 metres up to 3.300 metres.

Up there, at 3.300 metres there is a deck from where you can admire the breathtaking panorama of the Mont Blanc.

3.4 Best known for

  • the increased number of beginners pistes
  • the quality and design of the red and black pistes, especially if you don’t mind mogul fields
  • the high number of off-slopes options like archery, tobogganing, night skiing or spa treatments

3.5 Accommodation

One of the best accommodations in these amazing France ski resorts is Les Grandes Rousses Alpe D’huez , a very beautiful chalet located very close to the ski slopes.

The hotel features an indoor pool, a beautiful spa centre with a sauna, a wine-bar and a classy restaurant. 

4. Les Carroz

One of the best family ski resorts in France, Les Carroz is famous for its heavy snow cover, good prices of tickets and excellent intermediate terrain.

Most of the pistes are sheltered by trees and this is the best place to go if you are looking for many kilometres of beginners’ piste.

les carroz d Araches France Ski
les carroz d Araches France Ski

4.1 Location

Les Carroz is a tourist resort known for winter sports and summer leisure located in the department of Haute- Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 40 kilometres away from Geneva.

4.2 Closest airport for Les Carroz

The closest airport from this French ski resort is Geneva Airport located just 45 minutes drive from the ski resort.

4.3 Short description

Located 1200 metres altitude this beautiful France ski resort is a traditional alpine village with a chalet-style atmosphere located right in the heart of Grand Massif ski and hiking area.

The ski area consists of 5 villages of Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoens, Six fer a Cheval and Flaine all linked by 78 lifts which serve more than 260 kilometres of pistes.

The slopes are at an altitude between 800 and 2600 metres and have 4 difficulty categories.

There are 15 green pistes for beginners, 53 blue runs and 51 red for intermediate and 14 black for experts.

The interesting fact is that you can ski from the top of the mountain all the way down to the village where apres-ski bars and restaurants are waiting for you.

4.4 Best known for

  • Family-friendly atmosphere and conditions
  • Lots of beginners pistes and intermediate runs
  • Vicinity to Geneva airport (only 45 minutes drive)

4.5 Accommodation

Village De Vacances Les Flocons Verts Les Carroz is our suggestion for these amazing France ski resorts.

The hotel is located within walking distance from the ski lifts, offering clean rooms with a private bathroom, a sauna and a restaurant where you can serve all the meals during the day. 

5. Chamonix Mont Blanc

Rated as one of the best ski resorts in France, Chamonix Mont-Blanc is located at 4.800 metres up on the Mont Blanc and is world known as the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924.

Chamonix France ski resorts
Chamonix France ski resorts

5.1 Location

Chamonix is located in the Haute Savoie region of France, in the French Alps.

The place is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and is dominated by the Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain with Mont Blanc peak at 4.810 metres.

5.2 Closest airport to Chamonix

The closest airport from this French ski resort is Geneva Airport, located just 1.5 hours drive from the mountain.

5.3 Short description

This particular France ski resort is famous for its challenging piste which offers unique experiences even for the most skilled British skiers and snowboarders.

Unfortunately, because of the high altitude and the geography of the place, this is not a good place to ski if you are a beginner or even a shy intermediate.

Chamonix spread over several ski villages and the best place for beginners is at Le Tour, at the north end of the valley, where you can find a few gentle slopes.

The whole mountain is dedicated to experts which can ski at Grands Montets, the piste which offers the greatest height differential in the world dropping from 3.300 metres to 1.240 metres in an extremely short time.

5.4 Best known for

  • Breathtaking sceneries from the whole French Alps
  • Vicinity to Geneva Airport
  • Amazing mountain terrain with a lot of piste for experts

5.5 Accommodation

For one of the most beautiful France ski resorts we recommend you to spend your night at Heliopic Hotel Spa Chamonix , a beautiful 4 stars hotel located right near the ski lifts.

The hotel features an indoor pool, a Turkish steam bath and a sauna where to relax after a beautiful day at ski.

All the rooms come with a balcony overlooking the mountains and a private bathroom with good quality toiletries.

Dinner can be served at the hotel’s restaurant named Akashon, awarded with a Michelin star. 

6. Megeve

Megeve is one of the most stylish ski resorts in France with a wonderful ambience and a unique charm with narrow cobbled streets and a wide range of restaurants, shops and beautiful hotels.

Megeve Ski Map Slopes Piste Map
Megeve Ski Map Slopes Piste Map

6.1 Location

The beautiful French ski resort of Megeve is located in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps, close to Mont Blanc, the highest Western Europe peak.

6.2 Closest airport to Megeve

Geneva Airport is the closest one to this France ski resort, located 1 hour and a half from the ski resort.

6.3 Short description

One of the most beautiful France ski resorts, Megeve is the perfect place for families because of its accessible prices for lift tickets and free surface lifts for beginners close to the village.

Created initially as an alternative to the expensive St Moritz, a designated ski area for the rich Parisians, Megeve is a charming village with a medieval atmosphere and a pretty exclusive enclave.

There are three main ski areas, with hundreds of kilometres of pistes for beginners and intermediates, most of them hidden between the tree line which protects the slopes from bad weather.

For the first part of the area, you can ride a gondola right from the centre of the village to the Rochebrune slopes.

From there, take a cable car to the second ski area from Mont D’Arbois, where you can find many pistes for intermediates.

If you want to go to the third area known as Le Jaillet you can do it in a horse-drawn caliche or with a bus if you are in a hurry.

6.4 Best known for

  • Stylish and expensive shops, hotels and restaurants
  • Vicinity to Geneva airport
  • A large number of slopes for beginners and intermediates

6.5 Accommodation

The four stars resort Les Loges Blanches Megeve is our recommendation for this place.

The place is located 500 metres from the centre of the city and within walking distance from Jaillet Cable car.

An outdoor heated pool and a sauna are open for guests all year round, while most of the rooms have a balcony overlooking the mountains. 

7. Les Deux Alpes

One of the largest skiable glaciers from Europe makes from this ski resort in France a year-round skiing destination.

The resort is famous for its summer ski camps and glacier skiing suitable for all levels of ski lovers, from beginners to experts.

Les Deux Alpes Ski resorts in France
Les Deux Alpes resorts in France

7.1 Location

Les Deux Alpes is located in the Isere department, between the southern Alps of France and the northern ones.

7.2 Closest airport for les deux alpes

Two airports are considered to be closer to this magnificent France ski resort:

  • Grenoble Isere airport – at 1hour and 30 minutes drive
  • Geneva Airport- at 3 hours drive

7.3 Short description

The southern of all France ski resorts, Les Deux Alpes has more than 200 kilometres of pistes served by more than 40 lifts.

Most of the pistes are located at around 2.300 metres altitude which offers ski lovers good quality snow and many months of the year to practice their favourite sports.

The skiing takes place on both sides of the valley with many lifts spread all over the place which ensures a pleasant ski experience.

There are in total 64 pistes for beginners and just 20 for intermediates.

Les Deux Alpes is famous for its off-piste opportunities and for its challenging slopes for experienced ski lovers.

This French ski resort is a lively village with beautiful hotels which offer affordable accommodation to those interested to spend their winter holiday in the area.

7.4 Best known for

  • Ski lovers who have to stick to a strict budget
  • Vibrant apres ski parties
  • Good quality of snow because of the high altitude of the slopes

7.5 Accommodation

Located in the centre of the resort, Chamois Lodge Lesdeuxalps offers mountain-style rooms overlooking the beautiful mountains from nearby.

The hotel is located 200 metres from the ski slopes and within walking distance from bars and restaurants.

The rooms are clean and modern and each come with a private bathroom and toiletries. 

8. Les Arcs

Together with La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry, Le Arcs for the famous Paradiski area, France’s third-largest linked ski domain.

Les Arcs Ski resort in France
Les Arcs resort in France

8.1 Location

Les Arcs is located in the Tarentaise Valley, in the french region of Savoie above the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

The French ski resort is located in the National Natural Park of La Vanoise with the largest peak L’Aiguille Rouge of 3.225 metres.

8.2 Closest airport to les Arcs

There are two close airports to this magnificent France ski resort:

  • Chambery Airport- 2 hours drive
  • Geneva Airport- 2.5 hours drive

8.3 Short description

Les Arc itself is made up of four villages: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000, part of them being built in the 1960s.

The most animated of all the four villages is Arc 1800 with the most vibrant nightlife from the entire area.

The famous Paradiski area comprises more than 425 kilometres of slopes connecting Les Arcs with the neighbouring villages Peisey Vallandry and Villaroger as well as La Plagne.

The ski slopes are located between 1.200 meters and 3.225 metres altitude and are perfect for families with children of all ages.

Les Arcs is a paradise for experienced intermediate skiers with its steeper terrain, sheltered woodland trails at lower altitudes.

For those who know really well to ski, there are many long black runs as well as off-piste terrain.

8.4 Best known for

  • Best black and off-piste routes for intermediates and experts
  • A fast and reliable lift system
  • Tobogganing and waterslide available

8.5 Accommodation

One of the most beautiful France ski resorts offers many options when speaking about accommodation.

Our favourite one is Residence Pierre Vacances Premium Arc 1950 Le Village , a 5 stars holiday park located in Arc 1950, in the Paradiski ski area, very close to the ski lifts between Mont Blanc and Vanoise National Park.

After a long day at ski, you can relax at the hotel’s spa or with a glass of wine near the fireplace from the cosy lounge.

Several bars and restaurants as well as shops and supermarkets can be found within walking minutes from the holiday village. 

9. Serre Chevalier

From all the ski resorts in France, Serre Chevalier has the best value for money and offers a fine range of pistes suitable for all categories or skiers.

Serre Chevalier Ski Resort in France
Serre Chevalier Resort in France

9.1 Location

Serre Chevalier is located close to the Italian border in the glaciated upper Durance Valley in the Southern French Alps.

The resort is located on the boundary of the Parc des Ecrins which is within the Ecrins Massif, one of the highest mountain from entire France.

9.2 Closest airport to Serre Chevalier

The two closest airports from Serre Chevalier are:

  • Geneva airport at 3.5 hours drive
  • Grenoble Isere Airport at 2.5 hours drive

9.3 Short description

This French ski resort has one of the most extensive snowmaking systems from France which assures good ski conditions all over the season.

Serre Chevalier is built from 4 villages: Briancon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Le Monetier which are connected by bus.

Most of the beginner’s pistes are located on the lower part of the mountain facing north, while the pistes located above the forests are more challenging being suitable for intermediates.

Snowboarders and freestyles have their designated area in Serre Chevalier, along the area being built seven winter parks.

The most famous one is Video Zone at Villeneuve, where boarders can view their tricks and even share the images with their friends.

9.4 Best known for

  • Affordable hotels and chalets
  • Long piste
  • Traditional atmosphere

9.5 Accommodation

Hotel Restaurant Le Monetier Brans from Le Monêtier les Bains is our top choice for this France ski resort.

This 4-star hotel has free private parking, a bar and a terrace where you can enjoy a glass of wine with your friends and a great restaurant.

The hotel is located 1.3 kilometres away from Serre Chevalier Monetier Ski School and 500 metres from the ski lifts. 

10. Avoriaz

Avoriaz is another stylish ski resort in France built during the 1960s with a futuristic design using traditional wood and sloping roofs to blend in the surrounding landscape.

This is France’s first car-free resort and the authorities put a lot of accent on this particular element.

Avoriaz Ski resort France
Avoriaz resort France

10.1 Location

Avoriaz is located in the Haute Savoie area of the Rhone-Alpes region in the southeast part of France right near the border with Switzerland.

10.2 Closest airport to Avoriaz

The closest airport is Geneva airport which is located 1.5 hours drive from the village.

10.3 Short description

A great accomplishment for France and Switzerland was the ski region known as Portes du Soleil, which is among the first interconnected ski resorts in two countries.

Seven ski resorts in France and five in Switzerland connected via 197 ski lifts form one of the biggest interconnected ski areas in the world.

There are in total more than 650 kilometres of slopes connected via 197 ski lifts.

Avoriaz is one of the seven french resorts which form this impressive ski domain and it has about 75 kilometres of trails.

Most of the trails are red and blue, perfect for intermediates, but there are also a few pistes for beginners and experts.

There are two children’s winter parks that attract many families with children in this French ski resort.

10.4 Best known for

  • The high number of pistes for beginners and intermediates
  • Endless winter activities like sledging
  • Beautiful accommodations

10.5 Accommodation

This cosy apartment Coquet Studio Dans La Fabuleuse Station De Avoriaz is our favourite choice for Avoriaz.

It is located just 700 metres from the Avoriaz Ski School and within walking minutes from bars, restaurants and shops.

The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains.

Everything about these 10 ski resorts in France is amazing: the location, the quality and length of pistes as well as the restaurants and hotels. There are still many more other beautiful ski resorts like Val Thorens, Tignes Val or la Clusaz.

Have you ever had the opportunity to practise any winter sport in France or are you planning a holiday here?

Share with us your impressions and let us know which is your favourite ski resort from France.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation

We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance

We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money, plus COVID coverage.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected events and cost like illness, COVID, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.

See here more articles about the best places to ski in France