Top 5 Ski Resorts in France

France is the place for ski enthusiasts, due to its large, interconnected ski resorts. Here, you can have the time of your life whether you are a skier or a snowboarder. Because there are so many options, this is our top 5 list of the best ski resorts in France. Where will you go this winter?

1. Les Sybelles

When it comes to skiin in France, Les Sybelles is a must. This area consists of six sub-regions and has more than 300 kilometres of slopes. This is an area with a wide variety of slopes, that are all well-maintained. This part of the French Alps is especially recommended if you prefer to ski down red and blue pistes, but also has slopes for beginners.

Les Sybelles has a cosy après-ski atmosphere, certainly not something that can be found everywhere in France. In addition, Les Sybelles is affordable compared to other areas, making the area accessible to a broader audience of larger groups or families. Furthermore, you will find plenty of activities to do in Sybelles with your family. What more could you want? Perhaps a ski holiday to Chalets des Ecrins, which is loved and recommended by so many guests, and is located right by the slopes!

Photo: Les Sybelles

2. Les Portes du Soleil

Les Portes du Soleil is without a doubt one of the most beautiful ski areas in France. With 650 kilometres of slopes, this area is a paradise for those who love spending their whole day skiing. As you are so close to the Swiss border, it is worth spending a day skiing between France and Switzerland. For example, take a trip from Les Gets in France to the Swiss Champoussin. Or try skiing from Morzine in France to Champéry in Switzerland.

In Les Portes du Soleil you will find Avoriaz, which is one of the most popular ski holiday destinations in all of France. Due to its high altitude and car free village, most of the accommodations are ski in/ski out, giving you access to around 77 km of ski slopes.

You’ll find almost no high-rise buildings in Les Portes du Soleil, but you will find several cosy villages, which are all great for a pit stop! The area is child-friendly, and thanks to the variety of pistes, you can enjoy skiing at any skill level, making it the perfect destination for a ski trip with your family. And after a long day on the slopes, what could be better than to come home to a well-prepared dinner at Chalet Les Cabris, where they offer a half-board option. Together with delicious food and great off-piste possibilities, it’s a must-visit for ski lovers.

Photo: Les Portes du Soleil, France

3. Les Trois Vallées

Looking for the best ski resort in France? Les Trois Vallées has everything a ski lover could want. This area is known as the largest interconnected ski area in the world. It has more than 600 kilometres of slopes which are spread over ten villages, each with unique character. And the best part is, all those kilometres of slopes offer a lot of variety. From steep and challenging for the advanced skier, to wide and flat for the little ones and beginners.

Combined with great après-ski, high altitudes (85% of the slopes are above 1800 metres) and fantastic off-piste possibilities, this area is an absolute must-see. Les Trois Vallées is definitely a place that caters to all, from luxury chalets such as Chalet la Grange de Marcelline, to smaller apartments.

In Les Trois Vallées, you will find a variety of popular ski areas, such as Les Menuires, Méribel, La Vallées de Courchevel, and well-known Val Thorens, which is the highest located French ski resort and the city center is at an altitude of 2300 metres. Along with Les Deux Alpes, Val Thorens is known for the best après-ski scene in France. Here, you can enjoy an array terraces, bars, and nightclubs both directly by the slopes and in the centre of town, such as the renowned Snowcafé, Le Monde, Club 360, and La Folie Douce.

Photo: Val Thorens, Les Trois Vallées

4. Tignes – Val d’Isère

Tignes – Val d’Isère ski resort has a wide range of slopes, and is one of the most famous ski areas in the Alps. Thanks to the more than 300 kilometres available, even the most experienced skiers will discover new runs every day. The considerable altitude makes this area truly unique. You will find enormously long slopes that are perfect for day trips. If you are in the area, you should definitely try the Face Bellevarde track at least once. During competitions, professional skiers reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour here.

At Tignes – Val d’Isère, experienced skiers and snowboarders will be impressed with the many black pistes and off piste options. Beginners and those who prefer relaxed ski touring can head for the longer, wider blue pistes.

It is also well worth mentioning the view of Mont Blanc. From Touviere at 2704 metres, you will have a great view of the highest peak of the Alps. If you are looking for a chalet with views that will take your breath away, you don’t want to miss a stay in Chalet Denali. Brace yourself, you’ll be amazed. 

Photo: Tignes, France

5. Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes has been a popular ski resort for years, and for good reason. Thanks to the glacier there, this compact area is very snow-sure, and with 200 kilometres of slopes available, it has something for every skier. In this ski resort, you will find plenty of off-piste possibilities and great après-ski opportunities in the village. Via the glacier is a connection to the well known resort of La Grave, where you can enjoy spectacular off-piste trails. Here, you can descend down to 900 meters. It is a great trail for good skiers and snowboarders, although we do advise you to go with a guide.

Of course, Les Deux Alpes does not cater exclusively to experienced skiers and boarders. For beginners and intermediates there are plenty of options to choose from. There are even a few suitable intermediate pistes on the glacier as well.

Even if you do not want to ski for a day, you will have plenty of things to do. Go paragliding, ice skating, or play laser tag with friends. In bad weather, you can also go bowling or unwind in a luxury spa. The options are endless, and if you are looking for a place to stay, we recommend taking a look at Chalet Grizzly, where you can unwind in your own jacuzzi overlooking the snowy slopes! When will you be going?

Photo: Les Deux Alpes, France

Can you see yourself whizzing down the French slopes? Discover accommodations in the best ski resorts in France and get ready for an unforgettable ski holiday.