Top 10 ski resorts in France

Whether you are a winter sports enthusiast or a fan of raclette and hot chocolate, you will have to make a choice for your next mountain holiday. Discover our selection of the 10 best French ski resorts, some of which are among the most beautiful ski resorts in the world.

• Megève (Haute-Savoie)

Everyone knows this vast resort, known for its town centre, its irresistible charm and its international reputation. Located in the Mont Blanc region, this exceptional resort offers 445 kilometres of pistes, rising to an altitude of 2,350 metres, amid palaces and luxury boutiques, as well as farms, chalets and traditional architecture. All of this surrounded by dream landscapes and panoramic views of the Mont Blanc region.

• Avoriaz (Haute-Savoie)

Located at 1,800 metres altitude in Haute-Savoie near Geneva, this ski resort will amaze you with its magnificent panoramas of snow-capped peaks, such as the Dents du Midi, and its authenticity. In Avoriaz, cars are banned; transport and taxis are replaced by horse-drawn carriages or sledges, and the streets become pistes and tobogganing areas. It has 51 pistes covering 70 kilometres, and is highly appreciated thanks to its very heavy snowfall (an average of 8 metres of snow falls each winter).

• Courchevel (Savoie)

Often considered the best place in France for skiing, Courchevel is also viewed by some as the private domain of the jet set. But it is not only renowned for its luxury shops; the beauty of the area, its 150 kilometres of pistes and its exceptional landscapes make the resort unique and essential.

• Chamonix (Haute-Savoie)

A particular feature of Chamonix: it is not a single ski area, but 4, located at the foot of Mont Blanc. The site offers breathtaking landscapes and delights nature lovers every year. In addition to its 119 kilometres of pistes and views of Europe’s highest peak, you can discover ice lakes, glaciers and gorges.

• Val Thorens (Savoie)

Located in the heart of the Tarentaise valley, this is the highest ski resort in Europe, with its village situated at 2,300 metres altitude. Its snow conditions are optimal throughout the season, so nothing will prevent you from racing down its kilometres of pistes. It was named “world’s best ski resort” and “best French ski resort” in 2013 and 2014.

• Méribel (Savoie)

In the middle of the Three Valleys ski area, Méribel will seduce you with its stone or wooden chalets, its 80 kilometres of pistes and its peak rising to 2,952 metres in altitude.

• Serre-Chevalier (Hautes Alpes)

Located between the Lautaret pass and Briançon, the Serre-Chevalier resort, spanning several villages and hamlets rising to 2,800 metres altitude, has nothing to envy to other resorts further north. This exceptional area, surrounded by the peaks of the most beautiful summits in the Écrins National Park, offers breathtaking scenery in a very pleasant climate. This explains why it is one of the French’s favourite ski resorts, and the largest ski area in the Hautes Alpes, in terms of number of pistes and visitors.

• L’Alpe d’Huez (Isère)

You probably know this resort thanks to its famous black run of 16 kilometres, one of the longest in Europe, which will delight skiing enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. And even better? You can enjoy a magnificent panorama during your descent, at 3,000 metres altitude between Mont Blanc and the Écrins.

• La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie)

Located 30 minutes from Annecy, this resort is renowned for its beauty and authenticity. Beginners and advanced skiers will find what they are looking for in its 43 kilometres of pistes, among the fir trees or at the top of the area’s summits, one of the highest peaks at 2,600 metres altitude. But you can also find many other activities in the town centre to vary the pleasures. Nothing better for a varied holiday rich in emotions.

• Les Arcs (Savoie)

Made up of several villages connected to each other, totally different with varied atmospheres, this area offers more than a hundred pistes as well as a magnificent panorama over the Tarentaise valley.

And since we are greedy, here is an 11th!

• La Plagne (Savoie)

This is THE ideal ski resort for families. Linked to Les Arcs, it offers a huge ski area of over 225 kilometres of pistes. You will also be seduced by its magnificent traditional Savoyard village and its breathtaking landscapes.