Best Ski Resorts in France

France is one of the world’s top skiing destinations. Home to the highest ski resort in Europe, the famous nightlife of Val d’Isère and the family-friendly slopes of Alpe d’Huez, the country offers a skiing destination to suit every experience level.

Unsure which ski resort in France is best for you? We’re here to help. In this guide we’ll provide a detailed runthrough of all of the best ski resorts in France, including the most stunning slopes in the Alps and the very finest resorts in the Pyrenees.

No matter whether you’re embarking on your very first skiing adventure or you’re a black run veteran, our detailed guide covering the best places to ski in France will provide you with all of the information you need to plan your visit. So, read on to discover everything you need to know…

The Best Regions for Skiing in France

France offers the perfect terrain for skiing enthusiasts. The country is often broken down into five key skiing regions, which are:

The French Alps

The home of skiing in France (and arguably Europe), the Alps are home to one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world.

Part of the popularity of the Alps stems from the fact that the area offers something for everyone, with a great selection of beginner-friendly slopes, challenging off-slope terrain and everything in between. Plus, the area offers some of the best après-ski in France, with lively bars, gourmet restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Added to this, because of the high altitude, snow is reliable all of the way from December to April.

Top Resorts in the Alps: Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys), Espace Killy and Chamonix.

The Pyrenees

Resorts in the Pyrenees tend to be less crowded and more affordable than those in the Alps. However, the slopes here do still tend to get crowded in the peak of the ski season.

Resorts here are relaxed and the vibe is family-friendly. However, there’s not tons of choice for advanced skiers looking to develop their skills on more difficult terrain.

Top Resorts in the Pyrenees: Saint-Lary, Peyragudes and Les Angles.

The Jura Mountains

Located close to the border between France and Switzerland, the resorts nestled within the Jura Mountains are particularly popular with those looking for a peaceful ski trip.

The area is known for its gentle slopes, which suit families and beginners. They’re also ideal for people with an interest in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. However, options for downhill skiing in the area are slightly more limited and the lower altitude means that the snow is less reliable than it is in the Pyrenees or the Alps.

Top Resorts in the Jura Mountains: Les Rousses, Monts Jura and Métabief.

The Vosges Mountains

Located in northeastern France, resorts in the Vosges Mountains tend to be a little smaller and quieter than those in the areas listed above. The resorts here are very picturesque and cosy. As a result, they’re perfect for families and those who are learning the ropes. That said, the area is lacking in advanced runs for serious skiers and the snow is a little less reliable.

Top Resorts in the Vosges Mountains: Gérardmer and La Bresse.

The Massif Central

A volcanic mountain range in central France, this area is known for its stunning volcanic views and affordable skiing spots. The ski season here is shorter than other areas of the country as it’s located at a lower altitude. However, it is great for budget-conscious travellers and it’s much less crowded than it is in the larger skiing areas.

Top Resorts in the Massif Central: Le Mont-Dore and Super-Besse.

The Best Ski Slopes and Resorts in France

Taken in by the charm of France but still unsure which area or resort is best for your needs? Here are our five favourite ski resorts in France…

#1 Chamonix

Sat at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chaminox is the birthplace of alpine skiing and one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world. The resort is particularly well suited to advanced skiers and mountaineers.

While you’re visiting Chamonix, you can take the opportunity to enjoy off-slope skiing, some of the best après-ski in France and the access to multiple ski areas, including Brévent-Flégère, Les Grands Montets and Le Tour.

Although Chamonix has a lot going for it, the resort isn’t ideal for beginners and it can get particularly busy during the peak season.

#2 Val d’Isère

One of the most popular and prestigious ski resorts in France, Val d’Isère is part of the Espace Killy ski area (shared with Tignes).

Val d’Isère’s popularity largely stems from its versatility. After all, the resort is home to 300km of slopes, luxurious accommodation options and some of the most lively après ski spots in the country.

Although the resort is usually frequented by experienced skiers, it’s also home to one of the best ski schools in France. This means it’s also popular with beginners and families alike. Beware though, although there’s a lot to love, Val d’Isère is expensive.

#3 Les Trois Vallées

Les Trois Vallées (known more commonly as The Three Valleys), is the largest skiing area in the world. Here you’ll find more than 600km of slopes, including world-famous resorts such as Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens.

Due to its size, The Three Valleys has a slope for every skier, with lots of gentle slopes as well as plenty of black runs. Plus, because it’s home to the highest ski resort in Europe (Val Thorens), the snow is reliable.

That said, despite its size, areas such as Courchevel can be crowded in the high season. Added to this, the area has a reputation for being expensive and is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shops. As a result, if you’re on a budget, it’s probably not the right place for you.

#4 Tignes

Fancy a party on some of the best ski slopes in France? Tignes is the spot for your next trip. Here you can enjoy high-altitude skiing, an incredibly lively après ski scene and reliable snow. In fact, because you can access Grande Motte Glacier, the area offers year-round skiing opportunities.

Compared to many of the destinations listed here, Tignes is quite affordable. Plus, its slopes cater to both beginners and experienced skiers. However, in spite of this, Tignes isn’t popular with traditionalists because it lacks the charm of more traditional alpine resorts.

#5 Alpe d’Huez

Alpe d’Huez is home to the longest black run in the world (it measures 16km in length). The slopes here are famously sunny and they suit a wide variety of skiers; particularly people who are looking to build on their skiing skills. Plus, the après ski here is lively and there are family-friendly activities such as ice skating and sledding.

That said, the lower altitude at Alpe d’Huez means that the snow can be a little less reliable towards the end of the skiing season.

Best Ski Resorts and Slopes in France: A Summary

In summary, France is packed with great ski resorts that are suited to skiers of all levels. No matter whether you’re searching for picture-perfect snow, challenging runs or lively après ski, you’ll find everything you’re looking for (and much more) in this ski-loving country.

However, remember that many of the best places to ski in France are hours away from popular airports and major cities like Paris. As a result, car hire in France remains a really popular service with people who are flying into the country before heading off to the best ski resorts in France.

Interested in hiring a car for your skiing adventure? Call us on +44 (0) 113 2899281, email us on sales@indigo.ecomfixers.com or use our chat function at the bottom of the page to discuss your requirements.

Having working solely in the car hire industry since leaving school, car hire/travel is a huge part of my life and something that gives me great satisfaction and enjoyment. I love coming across new products/locations and sharing these details with our customers via our online platforms.