When it comes to the idea of what to do during winter in France, skiing is probably the most recommended. The country boasts many snowy hill stations, high mountains with different runs which are perfect for both beginner and professionals. These are top places to ski in France cover the most rewarding spots like the famous Alp and many others :
Les Trois Vallées
As implied by its name, this ski region consists of three valleys – Saint-Bon, Allues and Belleville. However the region has been further extended to a fourth valley named Maurienne. Known to be the largest ski area in the world this zone of interlinked valleys can be accessed using a single ski pass. Courchevel, la Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Val Thorens, and Orelle are some of the popular ski resort of this region. The region offers a great balance between green, blue, red and black runs. If you are into this adventure sports, then a visit to Les Trois Vallées is a must.
Photo: Jesper Voetmann
Espace Killy
Named after skier Jean-Claude Killy who was raised here, this ski area in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie in the French Alps is another giant one in terms of ski area rankings. With snowy slopes arranged in several well connected sectors above the Isère valley, this is a skiing paradise. This area covers the resorts of Val d’Isère and Tignes and offers great nightlife.
Photo : Claude Jenkin
Chamonix
This beautiful ski area is spread across five picturesque mountains – Grands Montets, L’Aiguille du Midi, Le Brévent, La Flégère and Le Tour. Skiing here is so diverse that there are enjoyable slopes to be found for all levels. With 157 kms of on-piste and unlimited off-piste, Chamonix is exceptionally popular and is also a year round mountain town for skiing enthusiasts. With some great ski resorts in this region, you will experience a wonderful ski experience here.
Grand Massif
Known to be 4th largest linked ski area of France, the spectacular scenery and breathtaking views at an altitude of 2500 m will blow your mind. From green slopes, perfect for beginners, to the black slopes for experienced skiers, Grand Massif welcomes winter sports enthusiasts from across the globe. Home to 67 ski lifts and 142 slopes, this popular ski region offers extremely diverse ski area with vast untouched spaces and snow abundance. Les Carroz is a popular resort of this region.
Portes du Soleil
Literally meaning “The Doors of the Sun”, this is a major skiing destination in the Alps. Encompassing 13 resorts between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the entire stretch has more than 650 km of marked pistes. Plenty of tracks available depending on the expertise level, Avoriaz is one of the snowiest resort of the region in France. Several towns and villages within the Portes du Soleil have their own local slopes, most of which link up to form a rough circuit and can be chosen as per your convenience.
Haute Savoie
This ski region in the Alps of eastern France, has a lot to offer for skiers and snowboarders. In total there are 22 outstanding ski resorts that winter enthusiasts can choose from. Round the year cable cars ascend to peaks of Aiguille du Midi, which offers panoramic views. To the northwest is Flaine, a ski resort with awesome trails, modern architecture and open air sculptures.
Portes du Mont Blanc
This family friendly ski area, located between alpine forests and mountain pastures, facing the beautiful Mont-Blanc massif, the Aravis and Fiz ranges is a must visit for winter sports enthusiasts. With 29 ski lifts, 68 slopes and 18 picnic spots; this region is truly fascinating. The area also is accessible to disabled skiers. One can access this area from three different villages of Combloux, Le Jaillet or La Giettaz.
Paradiski
This ski region between the areas of Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne, offers fascinating skiing experience to this sports lover. Presence of 3 resorts along with 160 lifts and 425 km of pistes, with 152 green/blue, 79 red and 22 black runs, make this region very popular skiing destination.
