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vanhomrigh
With over 300 resorts it's hard to know where to start on your ski vacation to France. Known as the birthplace of skiing, skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find a multitude of excellent places to shred in some of the most beautiful resorts in the world.
There is over 8,000 kilometres of pistes in France, but know this - as a popular ski destination you'll be met by queues and some busy ski areas. Don't let this hamper your decision to visit though as skiing in France is an experience unlike any other. Paired with excellent French dining, not to mention the fabulous wine, and après ski action, skiing and snowboarding in France offers great vertical, great snow and well designed mountain resorts. The only drawback that comes with such great offerings is the price tag that goes with them. Save your dollars and be sure to enjoy some of the finer experiences in France and you're sure to fully enjoy your time here.
There are mountains everywhere in France that receive great snow. Most notable of course are the French Alps, where you'll find the resort areas around Chamonix, Portes de Soleil, Three Valleys, Espace Killy and Paradiski in the north, and the slightly less popular resorts of Les Deux Alpes, Alpe d'Huez and La Grave in the south. The Pyrenees mountain range also offers some great ski resorts.
Some of the best areas to check out in France include The Three Valleys (Trois Vallées), where one pass will get you access to four different resorts: Courcheval, Meribel, Val Thorens, and Les Menuires. Courcheval, known also by its altitude -1850 - is the most popular with the high-class with its fantastic Michelin rated restaurants and great nightlife, not to mention good choice of beginner and intermediate slopes. You will find more affordable accommodations and restaurants at the other resorts in Three Valleys, though be sure to get full use of your all-mountain pass and try out Courcheval.
Historic Chamonix deserves special mention in France with the world's greatest vertical drop. Look for the Mont Blanc ski pass, which will gain you access to this magnificent resort as well as Argentière , Combloux , Cordon , Le Tour , Les Contamines , Les Houches , Megève , Passy Plaine Joux and St Gervais Mont-Blanc . You can ski or snowboard 354 different runs and an army of snow cannons ensures there is snow year throughout the season. Geneva Airport is also only an hour's drive away so getting here is easy and you'll find a number of great accommodations from apartments to chalets to warm up in after a thrilling day on the mountain. Snowboarders will also find a great Solomon-sponsored terrain park to bust tricks on.
A more affordable, and incredibly attractive resort is Val d'Isere located in the Espace Killy ski area. While it takes a bit longer to get here - it's four hours from Geneva Airport - Val d'Isere offers a good range of pistes. The Intermediate and Advanced skiing is spectacular. It's been host to World Cup and Olympic competitions, and it's also home to one of the world's largest terrain parks, the Snowpark so whether you're looking for pristine powder or a flowing obstacle course you'll be equally pleased here.
Les Arcs, or the Paradiski area, offers access to 425 kilometres of terrain across
La Plagne ,
Montchavin-Les Coches and
Peisey-Vallandry resorts. The giant vertical here offers unbelievable views, glaciers skiing, powder bowls and excellent glade skiing to please everyone in your ski party. For nightlife head to 1800 - the resort does offer après ski, though it's a bit quieter than some of the more popular ski areas.
With so many resorts to choose from, this is only the tip of the iceberg in France. You'll find a great diversity in ski terrain for both skiers and snowboarders and don't forget the fabulous French food and wine - a must for any visitor here. C'est la vie!
A more affordable, and incredibly attractive resort is Val d’Isere located in the Espace Killy ski area. While it takes a bit longer to get here - it’s four hours from Geneva Airport - Val d’Isere offers a good range of pistes. The Intermediate and Advanced skiing is spectacular. It’s been host to World Cup and Olympic competitions, and it’s also home to one of the world’s largest terrain parks, the Snowpark so whether you’re looking for pristine powder or a flowing obstacle course you’ll be equally pleased here.
Les Arcs, or the Paradiski area, offers access to 425 kilometres of terrain across La Plagne, Montchavin-Les Coches and Peisey-Vallandry resorts. The giant vertical here offers unbelievable views, glaciers skiing, powder bowls and excellent glade skiing to please everyone in your ski party. For nightlife head to 1800 - the resort does offer après ski, though it’s a bit quieter than some of the more popular ski areas.
With so many resorts to choose from, this is only the tip of the iceberg in France. You’ll find a great diversity in ski terrain for both skiers and snowboarders and don’t forget the fabulous French food and wine - a must for any visitor here. C’est la vie!
