French Alps Ski Resorts
Which French Alps ski resorts are for you?
The French Alps has many ski areas – some with international recognition and other smaller resorts that are France’s best kept secrets! Some of the smaller, more authentic, ski villages offer a quieter, charming (and cheaper) stay with access to the same amount of high quality pistes. Below are some examples of French Alps ski resorts which will make a great ski holidays base for all.
French Alps ski resorts in their respective areas
Portes du Soleil
The Portes du Soleil ski area offers the French Alps ski resorts of Les Gets, Morzine, Avoriaz and Chatel.
Grand Massif
The Grand Massif ski area offers the French Alps ski resorts of Samoens, Morillon, Les Carroz, Sixt and Flaine.
Aravis
The Aravis ski area offers the French Alps ski resorts of Grand Bornand and La Clusaz.
Mont Blanc & Chamonix Valley
The Mont Blanc and Chamonix Valley ski areas offer the famous French Alps ski resorts of Chamonix, St Gervais and Megeve. Other resorts include Argentiere, Vallorcine, Les Houches, , Les Contamines, , Combloux, Notre-Dame de Bellecombe and Les Saisies.
Paradiski
The Paradiski ski area offers the famous French Alps ski resorts of La Plagne, Les Arcs & Champagny. Other resorts include Montchavin, Les Coches, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and Bourg St Maurice.
3 Valleys
The 3 Valleys ski area offers the famous French Alps ski resorts of Val Thorens, Courchevel & Meribel. Other resorts include Brides les Bains, St Martin de Belleville, La Tania & Les Menuires.
Oisans
The Oisans ski area offers the famous French Alps ski resorts of Alpe d’Huez, Serre Chevalier & Les Deux Alpes. Other resorts include Montgenevre, Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans and Briancon.
Tarentaise Valley
The Tarentaise Valley ski area offers the well-known French Alps ski resorts of Tignes, Val d’Isere, Sainte Foy and La Rosiere.
Maurienne Valley
The Maurienne Valley ski area offers the widely-known French Alps ski resorts of Val Cenis & Valloire. Other resorts include La Norma, Aussois, Termignon, St Sorlin, St Jean and La Toussuire.
Recommendations
Top tips for first timers to the French Alps or those looking for specific French Alps ski resorts for their next ski holiday.
Beginners – For beginners or families with young children, we would recommend the ski resorts of Samoens, Morillon, Les Saisies, La Norma and Les Deux Alpes.
Intermediates – For those looking for intermediate cruising, we would recommend the ski resorts in the Grand Massif, Grande Domaine, Paradiski, Les Sybelles and 3 Valleys.
Experts – Experts may enjoy the skiing available in the Grandes Rousses, Chamonix Valley and Les 2 Alpes.
Off-piste – Chamonix Valley, Sainte-Foy and Les 2 Alpes are great for off-piste action.
Snowboarders – Snowboarders will be well catered for in Serre-Chevalier, Les 2 Alpes and the Grande Domaine.
Lively Après ski – For those who like to let off some steam after skiing, head to Les 2 Alpes, Chamonix, Morzine and Tignes.
Non-skiers – For the non-skiers, Samoens, Valloire and St Gervais are good choices.
Early or late snow (before Christmas week & late April) – You can reply on the two glacier ski resorts of Les 2 Alpes and Tignes. Other historically good choices include the 3 Valleys and the Grande Domaine.