Ski resorts in France. Map of ski resorts in France: elite and prestigious holidays Where to ski in France

– these names are known not only to avid skiers or snowboarders, but also to people far from sports. In this article we will tell you about best resorts France, where in winter it’s nice not only to relax, but also to ride with the breeze.

Chamonix, overlooking Mont Blanc

The town of Chamonix is ​​located in great place overlooking the highest peak in Western Europe- Mont Blanc mountain. Height above sea level – 1035 meters. Chamonix is ​​a Mecca for climbers in summer and skiers in winter.

In addition, the Mer de Glace (Ice Sea) nature reserve is nearby, one of the most visited in the world.

Near Chamonix you will find a lot of not only skiing activities. You can go to the town of Annecy, climb Mont Blanc by train, take walks through the caves and a lot more.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) - the largest ski resort

Three Valleys (or Les Trois Valais) is a huge resort that combines several bases in the Vanoise mountain range. This includes:

• Courchevel (Courchevel - hotels at this link),
• Méribel (Méribel - hotels),
• Les Menuires (hotels),
• Val Thorens - ),
• La Tania (La Tania - hotels),
• Brides - hotels
• and Orelle (Orelle - hotel offers).

Avoriaz – calmness

Situated at 1800m above sea level, Avoriaz is a modern resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Between the forest and the mountains, the village, completely closed to cars, fits perfectly into the alpine nature. After you've hit the ski slopes of the Portes du Soleil (total length - 650 km), you can visit Aquariaz - a hot spring center with a temperature of 29°C.

Although you won't see any cars in Avoriaz, there are other modes of transport available. The resort's proximity to nature is its main advantage.

Official website of the Avoriaz resort: www.avoriaz.com

Les 2 Alpes - the largest snow park

In the Oisans Mountains, on the border between the Southern and Northern Alps, lies the dynamic resort of Les 2 Alpes. This is the largest chain of ski slopes in Europe. The resort is located at 3600 m above sea level. So there is snow here almost all year round, so skiers can be found here both in winter and summer.

The station also continues to develop its snow park: a large children's playground, a snow tube, a wall, a slide area for beginners and large pads (a huge 15 m mattress) are installed at the bottom of the slopes.

Chamrousse – a real Olympic village

On the southern outskirts mountain range Belledonne is the resort of Chamrousse, built in the forest. It offers exceptional views of the Grenoble valley. The station was used during the 1968 Winter Olympics. Many future Olympic champions performed or trained here.

Official website of the resort Charmus: www.chamrousse.com

Saint-Dalmas le Selvage – cross-country skiing

Saint-Dalmat-les-Selvages is the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes (1347 m - 2916 m). The place is an ideal resort for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. In the heart of nature with unspoiled landscapes such as the Braïssa isthmus (2599 m), Mount Aunos (2514 m), the Charles cross (2529 m), the Moutière isthmus (2454 m), the Gialorgues glacial waterfall, you must find your happiness.

A great place for snowboarding too.

Official website of the resort of Saint-Dalmat-les-Selvage: hiver.saintdalmasleselvage.com

Le Sauze – family resort

Ski resort located in the Ubaye Valley. Soz became famous as family resort. In addition to the joy of skiing, don't miss a tour of Igloo Inuksuk Village, a real village with six igloos and Inuit traditions!

Official website of the resort Les Sauze: www.sauze.com

Megève – the most exclusive resort

Megève has retained its authentic charm mountain village. Surrounded by three mountain ranges with gentle slopes and green forests, stands a fourteenth-century medieval village with luxury shops, cobbled streets, a unique atmosphere and, of course, wonderful pistes.

This is a fashionable resort where chalets, hotels and restaurants tirelessly compete for their prestige.

Official website of the Megeve resort: www.megeve.com

Serre-Chevalier – the sunniest resort

It is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps with 250 km of ski slopes. Located at altitudes from 1200 to 2800 m above sea level. At the foot highest peaks is sunlit National Park Ecrins.

Serre Chevalier is one of the sunniest places in the Alps, with sunshine 300 days a year!

Official website of Serre Chevalier: www.serre-chevalier.com

Enjoy your holiday in the French Alps!

France is one of the most best countries world for ski holidays. Every year the slopes of this country attract lovers active rest– More than two hundred ski resorts have been created in the French Alps. Excellent alpine landscapes, fresh mountain air, developed infrastructure and magnificent slopes await you. So that everyone can choose the best option to their liking and enjoy extreme riding or relaxing rides along the picturesque plains, in this article we will consider only best ski resorts in France.

1. Chamonix

One of the most visited ski resorts in France is the famous Chamonix, which is famous for its historical title of capital extreme species sports and claims to be one of the world's most famous sports areas winter holiday. Essentially, this resort is the heart of the largest ski area in the French Alps and is located at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, the highest point in the Alps. Chamonix is ​​a place for contemplative travelers. The tops of the resort offer magnificent panoramas and snowy landscapes. Helicopter tours will delight real thrill-seekers. In total, the resort has 100 trails for skiing of any difficulty level with a total length of 170 kilometers. Ski season Here lasts from December to May, during the summer months Chamonix attracts fans of mountain biking and extreme rock climbing.

2. Courchevel

There is hardly a single person who has never heard of the famous ski resort of Courchevel in France. This is a recognized world leader in the level of service among ski centers; here you can often meet famous politicians and world stars. It is famous for its special lifestyle with a kaleidoscope of entertainment for every taste, where many cultural events are constantly taking place. The presence of 102 ski trails with a total length of 150 kilometers of varying degrees of difficulty will allow both amateurs and real masters to have an interesting time. The resort is ready to welcome lovers of winter recreation from November to April.

3. Val Thorens

Superb Val Thorens is the highest. It is located in a unique natural area - in the center of a large natural park with six glaciers. On the slopes of this picturesque resort There is always a stable and high-quality snow cover; part of the snow coverage is provided by snow cannons. The concept of “skiing from the door” is perfectly implemented here - skis are put on immediately upon leaving the hotel, and upon completion of the route you just need to drive up to the threshold of the residence. Val Thorens has 68 ski slopes, with a total length of 150 kilometers. The skiing season lasts from December to early May.

4. Meribel

Meribel is a winter resort full of French charm and charm, with its own unique architectural style and flavor. This calm and quiet place is perfect for a family holiday. The resort offers 150 kilometers of well-prepared ski slopes that offer fantastic opportunities for beginners and experts alike. In addition to traditional winter species sports Meribel offers many other entertainments. The Olympic Park has a large swimming pool with water slide, sauna and ice skating rink. Sleigh rides or dog sled rides will leave an unforgettable experience. And after your sporting achievements, it’s worth taking a walk through the nearby mountain villages; the local trails are very beautiful.

5. Alpe d'Huez

The largest ski resort in France, Alpe d'Huez, offers excellent conditions for the most comfortable holiday for the whole family. Alpe d'Huez has excellent quality natural snow cover, but snow cannons are installed in low areas. Skiers are offered routes of all difficulty levels, from amateur to professional. The total length of ski trails is 240 kilometers. An interesting fact is that the sun shines 300 days a year in Alpe d'Huez, this is truly the most sunny resort. The season here starts at the end of November and lasts until the beginning of May. But you can enjoy the beauty of Alpe d’Huez in the summer.

6. Megève

This excellent and prestigious French ski resort includes three ski areas. Megève is designed for skiers of different skill levels; some of the trails are laid out on fairly gentle and wooded slopes, while the rest will satisfy the requirements of the most experienced athletes. From December to April, there are 135 slopes for ski lovers, the total length of which is 445 kilometers. The town itself is famous for its exquisite architecture, and is surrounded on all sides high mountains and fir forests. Travelers who are tired from skiing can be recommended to take a walk along the cobbled streets of the old city and visit local attractions.

7. Les Deux Alpes

This is an international-level ski resort, lying at the foot of one of the largest glaciers in Europe and welcoming guests all year round. Les Deux Alpes has 104 pistes with a length of 225 kilometers. The local slopes offer excellent routes for beginners, ideal for learning and strengthening your skills. There are many training schools in the region where you can take group or individual lessons. By the end of the training, the student will be able not only to ride confidently, but also to truly enjoy the descent. Young people especially love this resort, choosing it because of its cheerful atmosphere and relatively low prices.

8. Avoriaz

The modern ski center of Avoriaz in France has excellent opportunities for winter recreation, developed infrastructure and comfortable hotels with a “skiing from the door” system. The total length of the ski slopes here is more than 650 km. This is due to the location of the resort in the center of the ski area, which unites several complexes. Snow cover here is guaranteed from December to April. Walking around Avoriaz will bring great pleasure after skiing. This place is especially attractive for family holidays; there is an entire area dedicated to children. The Children's Village offers little visitors skiing towed by ponies, and there are also special children's tracks with Disney characters.

9. Les Arcs

The French ski resort Les Arcs, founded in 1960, continues to develop dynamically and can now offer its guests modern infrastructure at a high level. The resort has ski schools and children's clubs, where animators conduct many playful and educational activities. On the slopes of Les Arcs there are 106 pistes with a length of 200 kilometers. For high-level skiers, the descent from the top of the legendary Aiguille Rouge black piste will be attractive. Several world records have been set here and important and spectacular competitions are often held. Les Arcs is accessible to skiers from mid-December to early May. This resort can be recommended to lovers of a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and untouched wild nature.

10. Val d'Isere

Val d'Isere is a ski resort in the south-east of France, combining a unique architectural style, traditional Alpine hospitality and high-quality technical equipment. It is located in a picturesque valley, where the ski area has a length of over 300 kilometers of interconnected ski trails, along which you can move without taking off your skis. Val d'Isere opens its slopes from December to May. A special charm of Val d'Isere is given by walks along the streets of the resort, which preserve the spirit of antiquity and transport guests to past eras.

The Alpine ski resorts of France are rightly spoken of as some of the best winter resorts in the world. The French Alps are the world's largest winter recreation center: more than three hundred ski stations, almost 4 thousand lifts, and the shortest queues for them. There are more than four thousand trails connected and varying in difficulty level for lovers of alpine skiing, snowboarding and other types of extreme winter recreation. If you are ever faced with a choice of resorts in France, use this article!

Various competitions are often held on the slopes of the Alps, including world championships and the Olympics.

The most popular resorts in the region are Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes, La Plagne, Megeve, Meribel, etc.

Chamonix

Chamonix- the largest ski resort in France, located in the heart of the French Alps at the top of the famous crystalline massif of Mont Blanc.

Chamonix Valley- unique natural area near the borders of Italy and Switzerland is included in the list of landscapes that make up world heritage. The longest descents reach several tens of kilometers, the most high point Chamonix is ​​the famous "White Valley".

Its height reaches 3842 m, and its length is more than 20. Extreme sports such as ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding, and canyoning are developed here. In summer, the resort welcomes fans of mountain biking and climbers.

You can stay in the Chamonix resort in the following hotels:

• Les Chamonix Sud
• La Riviere
• Res. Chamois Blanc
• Le Cristal D'argentiere
• Res. La Ginabelle

Espace Killy

Espace Killy is an area in the French Alps, associated with its three-time world ski champion Jean-Claude Killy, which rightfully deserves the reputation of one of the most wonderful resorts not only in the Alps, but throughout the world. On its territory are the popular resort towns of Val d'Isere and Tignes - ultra-modern slopes suitable not only for beginners, but also for downhill professionals.

You can ski on the glaciers of this region not only in winter, but also in summer (thanks to the Pissaillas glacier), and beginners in skiing have the opportunity to study at ski schools located right on the gentle slopes. Snowboarders can enjoy the state-of-the-art corridors Le Lasvancher, Les Danaides, La Table and Kern. The resort is visited not only by sports enthusiasts, but also by those who want to try helicopter rides, dog sledding, motor sleigh rides or snowshoeing.

Espace Killy can be reached from the following airports: Geneva - 160 km, Grenoble - 143 km, Chambery - 120 km and Lyon - 340 km. Alternatively, take the highway through Albertville or Moutiers. Bus routes run to the resort area from Geneva and Lyon airports 3-4 times a day.

You can stay in the following hotels:

• AVENUE LODGE 5*
• AIGLE DES NEIGES 4*
• CRETES BLANCHES 3*
• BREVIERES CLUB HOTEL MMV (2*)

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees)

Three Valleys (Le Trois Vallée) is the largest region in the world ski slopes with a total length of 600 km, located at altitudes of 1.3-3.2 km.

It includes a resort Val Thorens- “Roof of the Three Valleys”, located at an altitude of 2,300 km, Its peak is the picturesque mountain peak of Cime de Caron, offering a magnificent view of Mont Blanc.

Second resort - Meribel- “The Heart of the Three Valleys.” It is located at an altitude of 1.4 km and is divided into the classic French Meribel Center and the more modern Meribel-Mottaray, both areas are completely covered with perfectly smooth slopes and cross-country trails. In addition, here you can play hockey, just ride the skating rink and even take part in sled racing.

And finally, the famous Courchevel- being one of the most prestigious resorts France, with developed infrastructure, hotels of the highest level, excellent quality of service and a developed entertainment network. Courchevel is located at altitudes from 1300 to 1850 m. At the same time, a lover of ski slopes can ski on various slopes every day for a month, conquering new heights and slopes every day, without ever repeating his route.

In addition to traditional tracks, professionals can appreciate two Olympic jumping tracks. There are several icy slopes for slalom and downhill,

Alpe d'Huez– one of the few resorts where a rich variety of trails is presented in a relatively small area. A cozy compact village in the shape of a triangle is located above the Romanche Valley, the bulk of hotels and residences are located next to the highway or ski lift.

Among the French themselves, Alpe d'Huez has earned the romantic name “Rack of the Sun” due to the fact that the slopes located on the upper plateau and facing south are bathed in the sun's rays from early morning until late evening.

It is the fifth largest French ski region. Here are the most famous tracks in Europe: the Saren descent, which is 16 km long, and the Tunnel route, cut through a glacier.

Resort hotels:

• Res. L'ours Blanc
• Res. Le Cristal De L'alpe
• Res. Les Bergers
• Res. Les Horizons D'huez
• Res. Les Melezes

Location:

The resort can be reached from Geneva, from where there are regular flights daily. On Saturdays you can get there very quickly (only 1.5 hours) from Grenoble by charter flight.

Megeve

Megève is an excellent ski resort consisting of three ski areas. These are Rochebrune-Côte, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Jay. On its territory there is also a museum under open air. Megève is rightfully considered the most elegant and sophisticated mountain resort in France.

This is one of the oldest resorts in the French Alps, and recently rightfully entered the club of privileged ski resorts “The Best of the Alps”. The resort has a classic alpine village atmosphere. For example, it is prohibited to drive on the main street and you can only ride on horse-drawn carriages. The central streets of the town are paved with ancient cobblestones; some houses were built here at least 200 years ago.

Main attractions - old church, built in the 13th century, medieval monastery And city ​​tower. The ski areas are located at an altitude of 1-2.3 km, and there are many slopes for both beginners and real extreme sports enthusiasts.

Mine ski holiday in Megeve you can plan on three massifs at once that make up the Evasion ski area: Rochebrune-Cote 2000, Mont d'Arbois, Le Jaillet.

Ski tours to Megève will satisfy skiers of any level, as the resort can offer a wide variety of slopes.

For professionals - the Mont Joly and Mont Joux areas, black and red slopes are in Rochebrune - Cote 2000.

For intermediate level - the routes in Mont d'Arbois, more difficult routes - in the areas of Combloux and Les Jaillet.

For beginners - Rochebrune and Mont d'Arbois, connected to the ski lift.

Location:

Megeve Located 70 km from Geneva airport and a few km from neighboring Chamonix.

Megeve Hotels:

• Relais & Chateaux Flocons de Sel
• Chalet d'Antoine
• Les Cimes
• Les Fermes de Marie
• Alpaga

Climate in the Alps

The tourist season in the Alps begins in December and ends in March. For a Russian tourist, the climate of the Alps will always be favorable. Winter here is much milder and warmer than in Russia. average temperature in winter + 1 degree Celsius. And although sub-zero temperatures can occur at any time, they never drop below -10. The winds in the Alps are also not very strong. You can relax with children at any time of the tourist season.

Tourist impressions

The French Alps leave only pleasant impressions on Russian tourists. Russians associate snow-white snow with severe frost or dirty roads covered in slush. In the Alps, snow resembles clouds. Firstly, the climate of the Alps is very mild and warm, and secondly, the air and everything around here are very clean.

Service at Alpine resorts is of the truest European quality. There are comfortable hotels, gourmet cuisine, and stunning ski slopes. For Russians, the French Alps are like winter at home, only cleansed of all its shortcomings...

If you like holidays in the mountains, regardless of the time of year, we recommend that you read the following articles:

• - by going to Italy you can look at the Alps from a different perspective.
• - a wonderful Polish resort with decent service.
• - as you know, Bavaria is famous not only for its castles, but also for its extremely beautiful mountain landscapes.

Don't rush to leave! Here are some more interesting articles:

France offers many ski resorts located in different parts of the country - in the southeast, in the Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, on the border with Switzerland and Italy. The remaining locations are located in the Pyrenees region, close to the border with Andorra.

220 ski resorts await ski lovers in France, there is a truly huge selection of all winter ski sports. Freeride practiced in deep snow in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, World Cup alpine skiing takes place in Val d'Isère or on the 300 km pistes of the Three Valleys, cross-country skiers can enjoy the slopes of Villars-de-Lans.

Many ski resorts have a long history. The oldest resort is Chamonix, where the first Olympic Games in France were held in 1924. This became a fundamental point for the development of other resorts that offer much more than just a winter holiday.

The most famous ski resorts in France

Northern Alps

The Northern Alps are home to the best ski resorts in the world. There are first-class large and small ski stations here. All places are connected by highways and pedestrian paths.

Tignes - for experienced skiers

The height of the descents is from 1500 to 3500 meters (150 km). 155 tracks, including:

• blacks - 26;
• red - 40;
• blue - 67;
• children's or green - 22.

The total number of lifts is 45. The approximate maximum amount per day is 43 €. The tourist resort will appeal to fans of freeride, ice diving, snowmobiling, and paragliding. Also in your free time you can do heli-skiing, ice climbing, and speed riding. A ski holiday in Tignes offers tourists numerous leisure opportunities in France: cinemas, hotels, restaurants, playgrounds, clubs, shops, indoor swimming pools.

Val D'isere is the best

The length of the tracks is from 1550 to 3450 meters. The number of tracks is 154, of which:

• green - 20;
• blue - 67;
• red - 41;
• blacks - 26.

Lifts - 79. Approximate maximum amount per day - 49 €. With a long history, extraordinary slopes and exceptional services, Val d'Isere is one of the best ski resorts in France.

Courchevel - luxury holiday

The length of the tracks is from 1850 to 2740 meters. Number of tracks - 98, of which:

• green - 19;
• blue 37;
• red - 31;
• black - 8.

Lifts - 87. Approximate maximum amount per day - 70 €. Courchevel is a place where people who value quality holidays in an elite environment meet.

Southern Alps

The meeting of the Alps and the Mediterranean climate gives these places a special character with a southern accent. Here all the modern ski resorts are located next to charming little old French villages.

Oron - democratic holiday

The length of the tracks is from 1600 to 2450 meters (135 km). Number of tracks - 42, of which:

• black - 8;
• red - 16;
• blue - 16;
• green - 2.

The total number of ski lifts is 11. Oron is located near Nice and its international airport. It is in the heart of four French ski resorts, which offer a variety of excellent quality ski slopes.

Pyrenees

A natural border between France, Spain, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Pyrenees is an array of contrasts. The villages are home to the most modern, but accessible to most tourists, ski resorts.

Ax-les-Thermes - for lovers of cross-country skiing

The length of the tracks is from 1400 to 2400 meters (80 km). Number of tracks - 35, of which:

• black - 6;
• red - 10;
• blue - 10;
• green - 9.

The total number of lifts is 17. The French resort offers a snow park and gentle slopes of Bonaskre and Baggins.

Massif Central

The Massif Central has everything you need for winter sports activities - cross-country skiing, dog sledding, paragliding, not to mention gastronomic diversity and natural and architectural heritage France.

Mon-dor - universal

The length of the tracks is from 1200 to 1840 meters (41 km). Number of tracks - 31, of which:

• black - 1;
• red - 6;
• blue - 8;
• green - 16.

Total number of lifts - 15. Estimated price max - 30€. The resort is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers; they will teach you how to choose ski equipment, offer sledding, skijoring, ice climbing, and mountain tourism.

Vosges

The Vosges resort in France juts out over vast forests and lakes, miles of trails and snow, and offers superb skiing. There are especially many family stations here.

Saint-Maurice - for cross-country lovers

The length of the tracks is from 1100 to 1250 meters (23 km). Number of tracks - 11, of which:

• black - 1;
• red - 2;
• blue - 3;
• green - 5.

Total number of lifts - 5. Estimated price max - 19.5 €. An ideal place for a healthy holiday.

Ski resorts France is considered one of the most modern not only in Europe, but throughout the world. The French Alps offer tourists magnificent landscapes, and skiing on the equipped trails is breathtaking. Fans of alpine skiing, snowboarding, as well as bobsleigh and other winter sports come here.

All trails are divided into categories, depending on the level of difficulty. Some of them will be most comfortable for beginners, while others will appeal to professionals. Sports competitions are often held on the local tracks, and the Olympics have also been held here three times. 200 resorts are connected to each other so that every traveler can find the perfect option for themselves.

Skiing on plains or steep slopes occurs on trails that are illuminated at night. Modern ski lifts and cozy hotels with a high level of service await tourists in.

Ski season in the French Alps

In the French mountain region, the ski season begins in February. It is during this period of the year that the weather is clear here.

• The first snow covers the mountain slopes in November. IN given time precipitation falls from six to eighty centimeters.
• December Mountain peaks(at an altitude of 1.5 km) 90-120 cm of precipitation are covered.
• In January, this figure reaches 140-200.
• In February, the ground is covered with 160-240 centimeters of snow.
• And from March to April the snow cover remains at a level of 140-220 cm.

There are also areas where the volume of snow can exceed four meters. The melting of precipitation begins in the second half of May.

Pricing policy of French ski resorts

More than two hundred ski lifts and about 600 kilometers of marked trails await tourists in the Three Valleys region. Even long stay the resort does not involve repeating routes, which impresses professional skiers. To relax in the resort of Val Thorens in a 3* hotel, tourists will have to pay about 750 euros for one week, and accommodation in a four-star hotel will cost two hundred euros more.

The most famous French ski resort, Courchevel, offers accommodation in the most luxurious hotels. Also, elite restaurants and boutiques are open here. For a week's holiday in a three-star hotel, tourists will spend about 700 euros, in a 4-star hotel - 1300 euros, and in a 5-star hotel - about 2150 euros, per person.

More than three hundred kilometers of modern trails await travelers at the highest mountain resorts of Tignes and Val D'Isere. The snow cover here lasts the entire season. A week of rest for one person in a 2* hotel will cost 720 euros; a room in a hotel 3 will cost only 10 euros more *. For accommodation in a four-star hotel they will ask about 850 euros, and in a 5* hotel - 1100 euros.

The best winter resorts in France

Among the most impressive resorts in France, we can highlight the following Top 7 best:

1. Meribel

This stunning resort is located in the “heart” of the Three Valleys ski system. Excellent pistes, equipped ski lifts and recreation areas will give tourists a pleasant pastime. This resort is deservedly called the “pearl” of vacation spots for skiers and snowboarders.

Original route diagrams connect small town Meribel, Meribel Village and Mottaret. There are 150 kilometers of trails for recreation and skiing. There are 8 “green” routes open for beginners. The blue markings mark the trails for those who have basic skiing skills. Twenty-three “red” slopes are suitable for experienced skiers, and nine slopes marked in black will appeal to extreme skiers.

This fabulous place is characterized by sunny slopes, where warm rays warm skiers during the day. The resort has fifteen gondola lifts, as well as chair lifts and 14 rope tows. To ensure that the snow cover remains even, 685 snow installations are used.

Walking along equipped paths, hang gliding, traveling around cable car, a bowling alley, an ice skating rink and a swimming pool, as well as sports shops and many cozy catering establishments - all this awaits guests of the Meribel resort.

This tourist resort is equipped with comfortable ski lifts and cozy hotels for travelers. This place is open to tourists all year round, and invites outdoor enthusiasts to ski or snowboard in winter, and also enjoy beautiful scenery in any season.

In addition to snowboarding and alpine skiing, sports such as telemark and squall riding are offered here. Snow remains on the mountain tops all year round. There are three hundred kilometers of modern trails and one hundred high-speed lifts (including a funicular with seated cabins). This resort is visited by both beginners and professional athletes. Competitions often take place here.

1. Val Thorens

This resort is considered the most democratic in France. It can be easily reached from many cities by plane or train. The varied recreational activities include relaxing activities and winter sports. Most hotels here have access to ski lifts. The overhead lift is capable of simultaneously moving 150 people. For the convenience of skiers and snowboarders, the slopes are equipped with avalanche control systems. Snow cannons and other snowmaking systems provide excellent coverage throughout the season, which begins in November and ends in May.

The local snowboard parks are distinguished by the presence of jumps, quarter pipes, half pipes and other places for skiing where competitions take place. Val Thorens has thirty-one ski lifts and sixty-six marked pistes, with a total length of 140 kilometers. Relief slopes, difficult trails or a flat area at the foot of the mountain for beginners - all this will appeal to athletes of any level.

There is a ski school for adults and children. Also, the resort has an aqua club (with a swimming pool and sauna), tennis courts, areas for playing squash and volleyball, a climbing wall, a roller skating rink, gyms and even a paragliding club. Especially for children, there are mini clubs and a Fun Park, where there is a pool filled with balls, slides for kids, trampolines and an inflatable palace. Among other things, there are a large number of cafes, restaurants, bars, discos and night clubs.

1. Chamonix

This mountain valley will give tourists unforgettable experience. A fourteen-kilometer natural glacier and a twenty-kilometer ski slope connect here. The snow cover here remains from December to May. Forty-seven lifts and seventy-eight trails, with a total length of 140 kilometers, will conquer any skier or snowboarder.

In addition to boarding or skiing, you can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding to the icy peak. Also, tourists are offered hang gliding and helicopter flights. Among other things, there is a bowling alley, an ice skating rink, a swimming pool, dance floors, bars and restaurants where you can have fun.

1. Courchevel

Most beautiful famous resort is considered one of the most representative French regions. This elite holiday destination has a developed infrastructure, amazing natural resources, as well as a large number of chic restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues, from the windows of which you can see the peak of the famous Mont Blanc mountain.

Here you can go ice skating and play bowling, squash or tennis. A large selection of trails for beginners, as well as extreme routes, appeal to snowboarders and skiers. There are sixty-two lifts open here, and the length of multi-level trails is one hundred and fifty kilometers.

1. Les Arcs

This popular resort located in the province of Savoy. Several villages, connected to each other, are located at different levels. A large number of lifts (there are fifty-four in total), professional equipment, as well as trails with a total length of about 420 kilometers impress tourists. There are slopes of all levels here. You can ride here from December to the end of April.

Professionals practice off-piste skiing on the slopes of the resort. All slopes are illuminated at night. Cross-country trails will appeal to cross-country skiers. The snowboard park has amazing facilities for jumps and tricks, as well as a half-pipe and a boarder cross track. There are schools for beginner skiers and children.

Among other things, here you can visit an ice cave or a museum, as well as go hang gliding, ride horses or dog sleds, play paintball, and relax in the sauna, swimming pool or solarium.

1. Megève

The very “heart” of the Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc can be seen by visiting this fashionable resort. This place is very prestigious, so hotel rooms here are booked in advance. A huge variety of entertainment, as well as unforgettable skiing or snowboarding, awaits tourists here. The length of ski trails is 440 kilometers. A multi-faceted holiday will appeal to connoisseurs of luxury.

Answers to frequently asked questions from readers

What is the temperature in French ski resorts in winter?

The Alps offer wonderful weather all year round. Pleasant temperatures remain here even in winter. The following temperature indicators are typical for the entire season:

• November and March: from 0 to -2 ⁰С;
• December and February: from -2 to -4 ⁰С;
• January: from -5 to -7 ⁰С (very rarely -10 ⁰С);
• April: from +2 to +4 ⁰С.

Which resorts are best to visit with children?

To everyone who prefers family holiday, it is worth going to resorts where there are children's ski schools, mini clubs, kindergartens and amusement parks. Such options will include resorts such as:

• Les Arcs;
• La Plagne;
• Avoriaz;
• Val Thorens;
• Samoen.

Which resorts are distinguished by the presence of thermal springs?

Among the French mountain resorts, which will allow you to combine skiing and SPA holidays, the following stand out:

• Brid Le Ben. The large city SPA center offers everyone who wants to relax and improve their health immediately after skiing.
• Megève. Near the resort is the thermal park "Saint Gervais les Bains". Tourists can improve their health thanks to the local hot mineral springs.

An extraordinary experience of charming mountains and the French lifestyle awaits tourists here. It’s worth going here for the thrill and wonderful emotions of contemplating the landscapes, and you are guaranteed to get the most amazing ski tour.