France Ski Resorts
The French Alps are famed for their skiing, it's the heart of big Alp mountains, beautiful ski chalets, and huge ski resorts- the biggest in the world. France has a long history of skiing, having hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix in 1924, and at Grenoble in 1968, and 1992 in Albertville. The French Alps are renowned for their vast ski slopes and luxury resorts in mountain ski villages. Resorts like Les Trois Vallées including Courchevel and Val Thorens, Val D’Isère and Tignes, La Plagne and Les Arcs, Chamonix Mont Blanc, and Grand Massif are among the largest, many of them connecting several ski villages for hundreds of kilometers of alpine skiing. The French invented “après ski” too - so don't expect the fun to stop when the ski lifts do. Enjoy local wine, music in chalets with dancing or the more sublime spa treatments and fine French dining in ski villages at three to five star mountain hotels.
Skiing in France
Map of Europe Ski Resorts
List of Destination Ski Resorts in Europe
Known for high, purpose-built resorts with reliable snow and mammoth ski areas, there’s actually a lot more to France than you'd expect. We've picked out the 10 best skiing spots in the 185 miles swathe of peaks making up the French Alps; the Pyrenees also have a handful of decent resorts.
Courchevel
Known for: Part of the largest lift-linked ski area in the world. Consisting of 3 Vallées, and another four unique luxury villages.
Preferred Airports:
Chambéry Airport - 70 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Geneva Airport - 88 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Val-d'Isere
Known for: World class slopes for intermediates and experts, almost universally at high altitude.
Preferred Airports:
Chambéry Airport - 90 miles (2 hour drive)
Geneva Airport - 110 miles (3 hour drive)
Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Known for: Famous mountain town with a lively apres scene and legendary off-piste.
Preferred Airports: Geneva Airport - 63 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 10744 feet
Skiable Area: 762 acre
Les Arcs
Known for: High altitiude village and interconnected with La Plagne to form an enormous ski area.
Preferred Airports:
Chambéry Airport - 85 miles (2 hour drive)
Geneva Airport - 105 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 10584 feet
Skiable Area: 1280 acre
Avoriaz
Known for: Being one of France's snowiest resorts, great for families and friends.
Preferred Airport: Geneva Airport - 60 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 8091 feet
Skiable Area: 470 acre
Alpe d’Huez
Known for: Epic views, long black runs and superb beginner terrain – an unusual combination.
Preferred Airports:
Grenoble-Isère Airport - 66 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Geneva Airport - 133 miles (3 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 10826 feet
Skiable Area: 2020 acre
Serre Chevalier
Known for: Traditional village with underrated cruising above and within larch forests.
Preferred Airports:
Grenoble-Isère Airport - 98 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Geneva Airport - 163 miles (3.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 9186 feet
Skiable Area: 1013 acre
Les Carroz
Known for: Authentic mountain village atmosphere with varied slopes in a snow pocket close to Geneva.
Preferred Airports:
Geneva Airport - 46 miles (1 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 8202 feet
Megève
Known for: French historic town with panoramic views of Mont Blanc.
Preferred Airport: Geneva Airport - 57 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 7709 feet
Skiable Area: 800 acre
Les 2 Alpes
Known for: Purpose-built French resort with buzzing apres and being budget-friendly.
Preferred Airports:
Grenoble-Isère Airport - 68 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Geneva Airport - 134 miles (3 hour drive)
Summit Elevation: 11811 feet
Skiable Area: 1050 acre
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