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Many skiers and riders are no doubt familiar with the Alps and know that it’s one of the most iconic places in the world to ski. However, many North America skiers and riders may not be quite as familiar with the best places to ski. And without question, the Northern Alps of France is not just one of the best places to ski in France, but the entire world.
The Northern Alps of France are dotted with several of the world’s largest and most renowned ski resorts. Many of them host some of the world’s top ski and snowboarding events, including FIS competitions, the World Ski Championships in Courchevel-Méribel in 2023, and the Winter Olympics. What’s more, the 2030 Winter Olympics is planned for the French Alps. Continue reading as we share what makes the Northern Alps of France one of the preeminent ski regions in the world.
Where To Ski In The French Alps
We begin at Val d’Isère, which along with the neighboring ski resort of Tignes, makes up one of the largest ski destinations in Europe, boasting an incredible 300 km (186 miles) of marked ski runs. All told there are 34 ski lifts, including 9 for beginner skiers, that access more than 80 runs. It boasts a whopping 1,900 meters (more than 6,200 feet) of vertical drop. Among the headlining features is the Grand Motte Glacier, the highest point in Tignes, boasting high-altitude skiing and guaranteed snow. Tignes – Val d’Isère enjoys a long ski season that lasts until May. Visit in March to experience the fourth edition of the Mountain Shaker, a week full of major competitions, including the Big Air Ski World Cup and Slopestyle Ski World Cup.
Chamonix, located north of Tignes – Val d’Isère, is arguably the most famous French ski destination. The first-ever Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix in 1924, and the region has been welcoming skiers and riders from around the world ever since. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, Chamonix isn’t just one ski area, but is rather made up of five ski areas that stretch along the valley, consisting of Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere, and Le Brevent.
Chamonix has a sprawling 115 km (71 miles) of skiable terrain and an astonishing 2,800 meters (9,100 feet) of vertical. Vallée Blanche, one of the most famous off-piste ski runs in the world, is an epic 23-kilometer, 2,780-meter (9,120 feet) descent over glaciers, crevasses, and more. It’s a rite of passage for skiers and riders coming to France. Access to Vallée Blanche is via Aiguille du Midi, the highest cable car in France, which is a can’t-miss experience for skiers and non-skiers alike, featuring 360-degree views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps at the 3,842-meter (12,604 feet) summit. Chamonix is conveniently just an hour from Geneva Airport (GVA).
Nearby, Megève may not have the name recognition as French resorts like Chamonix, yet it shouldn’t be overlooked. Megève, one of the most luxurious French ski resorts, boasts nearly 2,000 acres of skiing across several peaks with more than 200 runs and 100 lifts. It’s an expansive ski area with tons of terrain for every type of skier. However, it’s a particularly great French Alps ski resort for families and beginners, thanks to more than 40 runs for beginners, and dedicated areas for those who are just learning to ski or ride.
We of course can’t discuss world-class skiing in France without talking about Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area. Seven ski resorts are spread across the mountains, giving skiers and riders access to a 600-kilometer network of skiing, breathtaking views, and guaranteed snow. Among them is Les Menuires and Méribel, considered two of the best ski destinations for families, and the luxurious Courchevel. Val Thorens, at 2,300 meters, is Europe’s highest resort, and perfect for guaranteed snow and activities for every type of outdoor adventurer. The other resorts include the spa town of Brides-les-Bains, the cozy and charming Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, and the picture-perfect Orelle.
The Uniqueness Of The French Ski Experience
The French Alps ski experience, both on and off the slopes, is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else in the world. Aprés-ski has its roots in France after all. You’ll find any aprés-ski experience you could dream of in the French Alps, from toasting champagne glasses slopeside to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in quaint ski villages to late-night dance parties and more. The French joie de vivre, vibrant atmosphere, and bustling villages make for a one-of-a-kind aprés vibe.
One of the best things about the French Alps ski experience is the ease, convenience, and access. Many ski resorts, like the Chamonix resorts we mentioned above, are one to two hours away from international airports. And because there’s such robust public transportation, and since the villages are so walkable, many travelers don’t even need a car. The best part? Accommodations are often slopeside so that you can ski and ride directly from your door. Finally, while French Alps ski resorts are luxurious by many standards, lift tickets are reasonably priced, especially in contrast to lift ticket prices of major U.S. ski resorts.
Start planning your trip to the French Alps and post your photos and videos on social media with the #ExploreFrance hashtag.
December 25, 2024
