Skiing in France

Skiing in France is filled with fun, excitement and adventure. With some of the most beautiful views of the deep valleys and soaring snow covered peaks of the Alps, this really is the best and most extensive skiing in the world.

Explore the slopes:

France has two main ski areas, the Pyrenees and the Alps, both with many ski resorts and without a doubt, some of the finest and most extreme ski areas in the world.

France houses some of the biggest ski resorts such as Les Trois Vallees, which are made up of the famous three valleys.  The valleys are made up of eight resorts that are linked together by a unique network of ski lifts and ski runs.  With 600km slopes and 200 ski lifts, the three valleys is the largest ski area in the world.  The Courchevel and Meribel are just two examples of the resorts that are on offer, with slopes available for all levels of ability providing a vast variety of choice ensuring the best possible experience.

Meribel can offer are some fantastic beginners' slopes but the three valleys area offers a good challenge for more experienced skiers, and has an incredible choice of ski schools, which cater from groups to individual tuition. With ski chalets that blend into the delicate glistening scenery, the atmosphere transforms you into a fairytale. Watching the snow dance on the ice, captivating its audience, how can you miss out on the opportunity to try out ice skating for yourself?

Most of the resorts have quite a lively nightlife and can get very busy during the peak season due to the popularity of the area for skiers and snowboarders who want to enjoy a lively atmosphere. There are also some remote resorts that offer a more subdue experience, with a less lively atmosphere for those looking to get away from the stress and relax.

Explore France:

With 2500 hours of sunshine each year you have plenty of time to take full advantage of what the French slopes have to offer. Font Romeu in one of the oldest ski resorts in Europe and incorporates the vastest snow making operation in the Pyrenees. As such this makes it a perfect weekend break destination as well as a longer holiday. If you want to know when the best time to go is, then the ski season notoriously runs from late November to April and is the busiest during the Christmas/New Year and Easter holidays.

Even though many think of skiing as a winter sport, there are a few places in France where you can still get to ski on the glaciers in the summer months, such as Tignes or Val d'Isere. Don’t feel limited by peak season, you may have a more personal encounter when there are less visitors, but also have the same experience as you would expect in the winter months.

Although as many as 400 fully equipped mountain resorts are situated in the Alps range, they only cover 6% of its total area, so that the mountains have not lost any part of their natural beauty. As such you can take a break from the chaotic slopes and take a hike up the mountain and see the natural beauty that is untouched by skiers and visitors. Witness and take photos of the spectacular panorama sites; they say a picture holds a thousand words, for those moments when you’re speechless by the true magnificence.