French Alps skiing

The 10 best ski resorts in France

A comprehensive guide to the top 10 best French ski resorts, designed to help you choose the perfect destination for your winter skiing holiday in the French Alps.
9th September, 2024
5 min read time

France is justifiably one of the most popular ski destinations for British skiers, thanks to its picturesque scenery and diverse ski areas. Known for its breathtaking Alps, this country offers a variety of top-notch ski resorts, each boasting unique characteristics from luxurious amenities to extensive skiing terrains. Our selection of the best ski resorts in France showcases these diverse winter paradises. We provide detailed overviews, key features, and highlights of each, equipping you with everything you need to know for an extraordinary ski experience in the French Alps.

Top French ski resorts

  1. Val d’Isère
  2. Val Thorens
  3. Tignes
  4. Chamonix
  5. Méribel
  6. Courchevel
  7. Les Deux Alpes
  8. La Plagne
  9. Alpe d'Huez
  10. Morzine

1. Val d’Isère

Val d'Isere ski resort

Resort height: 1850 m
Pistes: 150 km (300 km - Espace Killy)

Known for

Val d'Isère is renowned for its expansive network of slopes, unmatched record of snow reliability, and exceptional lift-served off-piste terrain, considered among the finest in the Alps.

Best for

Val d'Isère caters exceptionally well to all skiing and boarding skill levels, though it's particularly favorable for experts and advanced intermediates.

Highlights

  • Reliable snow cover
  • Modern lift network
  • Massive off-piste terrain
  • Enormous ski vertical
  • Lively après ski

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Chambéry (134 km)

Why ski Val d'Isère

Val d'Isère is ideal for those seeking a blend of challenging skiing and vibrant après-ski. Its vast ski area, high-quality snow, and diverse terrain make it suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The resort's connection to Tignes offers an even broader skiing experience.

The town

Val d'Isère combines traditional alpine charm with a lively atmosphere, offering diverse accommodations, numerous dining options, and a vibrant après-ski scene

2. Val Thorens

Val Thorens ski resort

Resort height: 2300 m
Pistes: 150 km (600 km - Three Valleys)

Known for

Val Thorens is famous for being the highest ski resort in the Alps, as well as for its increasingly upscale and vibrant village boasting some of the most animated après-ski experiences in France.

Best for

All skill levels

Highlights

  • High elevation ski area with reliable snow
  • Modern and efficient lifts
  • Wide range of après ski options
  • Ample backcountry terrain to explore
  • Variety of non-ski activities.

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Chambéry (122 km)

Why ski Val Thorens

Val Thorens is an excellent choice for skiers seeking reliable snow conditions and a large ski area. Its high altitude and modern facilities make it suitable for skiers of all levels. The resort's vibrant après ski scene and ski-in, ski-out accommodations add to its appeal.

The town

Val Thorens, Europe's highest ski resort, offers varied accommodations and a vibrant après-ski scene, with a modern, lively atmosphere and diverse dining options.

3. Tignes

Tignes ski resort

Resort height: 2100 m
Pistes: 150 km (300 km - Espace Killy)

Known for

Tignes is famous for its extensive and varied ski terrain, accessible year-round due to the Grande Motte Glacier.

Best for

Tignes is an ideal destination for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Highlights

  • Vast and diverse ski area
  • Reliable snow cover due to its high altitude
  • Modern lift system
  • Variety of après ski options and other activities

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Chambéry (140 km)

Why ski Tignes

Tignes is ideal for those looking for extensive skiing terrain and reliable snow conditions. Its high-altitude slopes and connection to the Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area make it a great destination for intermediate and advanced skiers seeking new challenges.

The town

Tignes, with its sporty, high-altitude charm, offers a range of accommodations and is known for its extensive ski terrain. The resort caters to a variety of tastes with its numerous dining options and has a lively après-ski scene, appealing to both families and younger crowds.

4. Chamonix

Chamonix Mont Blanc ski resort

Resort height: 1035 m
Pistes: 155 km

Known for

Chamonix is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, set against the backdrop of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, and for being a mecca for off-piste and freeride skiing.

Best for

Chamonix is particularly well-suited for experienced skiers and snowboarders, given its abundance of advanced and expert runs, steep slopes, and off-piste opportunities.

Highlights

  • Exceptional off-piste and backcountry skiing opportunities
  • Stunning views, and varied terrain for different skill levels
  • Plenty of dining and après-ski options

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Geneva (88 km)

Why ski Chamonix

Chamonix is ideal for those seeking thrilling off-piste adventures and stunning alpine scenery. Its varied terrain caters to intermediate and advanced skiers, and the town offers a lively après-ski scene.

The town

Set against the backdrop of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is known for its diverse culinary scene and vibrant après-ski culture, appealing to both adventure seekers and those seeking a more relaxed alpine experience.

5. Méribel

Meribel ski resort

Resort height: 1450 m
Pistes: 150 km (600 km - Three Valleys)

Known for

Méribel is known for its charming chalet-style architecture and central location within the world's largest ski area, Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys).

Best for

Méribel caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts.

Highlights

  • Modern lift system
  • Variety of terrains
  • Excellent off-piste access on Mont du Vallon
  • The Moon Park (snow park)

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Chambéry (102 km)

Why ski Méribel

Méribel is perfect for those looking for a varied skiing experience within the vast Three Valleys network. Its modern infrastructure and diverse slopes cater to all levels, making it a suitable choice for both family holidays and avid skiers.

The town

Nestled in the heart of the Three Valleys, Méribel combines traditional alpine charm with upscale elegance. The resort offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious chalets to cozy apartments, and is celebrated for its après-ski scene.

6. Courchevel

Courchevel ski resort

Resort height: 1650/1850 m
Pistes: 150 km (600 km - Three Valleys)

Known for

Courchevel is famed for its luxury and exclusivity. Known for its high-end accommodation, Michelin-starred restaurants, and upscale shopping, the resort attracts a glamorous international clientele.

Best for

Courchevel boasts a vast and varied landscape that caters to skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts.

Highlights

  • Extensive ski terrain
  • Large number of beginner-friendly greens and blues, as well as challenging reds and blacks for more experienced skiers.
  • World-renowned off-piste terrain
  • Modern lift network

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Chambéry (109 km)

Why ski Courchevel

Courchevel is ideal for skiers who appreciate a mix of luxurious amenities and diverse skiing opportunities. It offers a wide range of pistes for different skill levels and is part of the world's largest ski area, providing endless exploration possibilities.

The town

Known for its luxury and exclusivity, Courchevel boasts elegant chalets and high-end hotels, attracting a glamorous international clientele.

7. Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes ski resort

Resort height: 1650 m
Pistes: 220 km

Known for

Les Deux Alpes is renowned for its large, high-altitude glacier, lively atmosphere and for hosting one of Europe's largest snow parks.

Best for

Les Deux Alpes caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, offering a variety of pistes and multiple snow and terrain parks.

Highlights

  • The Park Avenue snowpark
  • The Family Cross (ski/boarder cross)
  • La Toura funpark

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Grenoble (120 km)

Why ski Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is an excellent destination for those seeking a variety of skiing experiences, from long, gentle runs on the glacier to challenging black pistes and off-piste adventures. The resort's high-altitude ensures good snow conditions, and its extensive terrain caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

The town

Les Deux Alpes stands out with its vibrant, and friendly atmosphere making it a favorite for families and young visitors seeking both ski adventures and vibrant nightlife.

8. La Plagne

La Plagne ski resort

Resort height: 2100 m
Pistes: 225 km (425 km - Paradiski)

Known for

La Plagne is known for its extensive and varied terrain across multiple villages, excellent snow record, and range of activities beyond skiing.

Best for

La Plagne caters well to beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. It's also suitable for advanced skiers seeking more challenging runs and off-piste opportunities.

Highlights

  • Huge skiable vertical
  • Family-friendly with many lifts and facilities tailored for children
  • Excellent connectivity between its villages
  • Incredible views and landscapes
  • A range of ski-in ski-out accommodation options
  • Challenging off-piste terrain for more experienced skiers.

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Chambéry (119 km)

Why ski La Plagne

La Plagne is an excellent destination for those who enjoy long, gentle runs and stunning alpine scenery. Its vast ski area and high elevation make it a great place for families and intermediate skiers. The resort's connection to the larger Paradiski area adds to its appeal for extensive exploration.

The town

La Plagne, known for its relaxed atmosphere and traditional charm, is composed of multiple villages, each with its unique character.

9. Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez ski resort

Resort height: 1860 m
Pistes: 236 km (389 km - Alpe d'Huez grand domaine)

Known for

Alpe d'Huez is celebrated as 'l'Isle du Soleil' for its record of the most sunny days each year. Particularly family-friendly, the resort also includes excellent snow parks.

Best for

Alpe d'Huez is a versatile and appealing destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Highlights

  • Diverse terrain suitable for all abilities
  • Large lift-linked ski area and great off-piste options
  • Modern cable cars and efficient lift system

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Grenoble (99 km)

Why ski Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez is an excellent choice for those who seek a wide range of skiing experiences, from long groomed runs to challenging off-piste adventures. Its high altitude ensures good snow conditions, and the resort's expansive terrain caters to all skill levels.

The town

With its lively après-ski scene, diverse dining options, and family-friendly activities, Alpe d'Huez caters to a broad spectrum of visitors, from thrill-seeking skiers to those seeking a leisurely alpine getaway.

10. Morzine

Morzine ski resort

Resort height: 1000 m
Pistes: 107 km (400 km - Portes du Soleil)

Known for

Morzine is renowned for its exceptional-value ski holidays and for being conveniently situated just an hour from Geneva airport, making it one of the most accessible resorts

Best for

With its gentle slopes and excellent ski schools, Morzine is ideal for those new to skiing or snowboarding, as well as for families seeking a friendly and safe environment, and for intermediates looking to progress their skills.

Highlights

  • Good range of amenities
  • Family-friendly

Closest airport

The nearest airport is Geneva (75 km)

Why ski Morzine

Morzine is an excellent choice for a broad range of skiers, particularly intermediates, due to its expansive ski area. The resort's linkage with Avoriaz and the rest of the Portes du Soleil ski domain offers a vast terrain to explore. Its amenities and après-ski options make it a lively and enjoyable location for both skiers and non-skiers.

The town

With its picturesque, traditional Savoyard charm, Morzine, known for its family-friendly vibe, features a blend of authentic chalet-style accommodations and modern facilities.

Related guides