Ski resorts in France for beginners. Map of ski resorts in France: elite and prestigious vacation. The most famous ski resorts in France

Unsurpassed France has an impressive range of resort areas, abundantly scattered throughout the country's mountain systems. Cities and towns offer tourists great opportunities for active winter sports and an unforgettable relaxing holiday in the highlands. Ski resorts in France offer a wide variety of mountain serpentines and entertainment for every taste, modern infrastructure and an extensive ski area.

The world-famous Courchevel is a fashionable ski resort in France. It is located in the heart of the valley of the Alps and consists of several cozy villages located at five different heights. A popular area with modern infrastructure is of particular interest to connoisseurs of active and varied winter recreation.

Well-prepared ski slopes of varying difficulty attract the attention of all categories of tourists who, to a greater or lesser extent, prefer mountain sports. Beginners and advanced skiers alike will find a trail that suits their skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling skills. There is a whole string of easy slopes, as well as long straight and wide paths for flat skiing.

Thrill-seekers will love the huge variety of extreme routes that run through the forest thickets at an altitude of about 2700 meters. Courchevel impresses with a developed system of lifts, an abundance of first-class hotel complexes, gourmet restaurants and fashionable boutiques of leading brands. Offers a rich program of entertainment for every taste. Concert halls, cinemas, casinos, fitness centers, art galleries and other various establishments are at the disposal of vacationers.

Meribel

The Alpine village of Meribel will delight every connoisseur of a comfortable stay. It is famous for its magnificent tracks, picturesque landscapes and developed infrastructure. The village is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters among majestic mountains and dense coniferous forests. The modern system of cable cars allows vacationers to reach the tops of the slopes of all levels of difficulty.

Here are widely represented first-class blue, green, red and black slopes, the height of which reaches 3000 meters. Great for beginner skiers. On each slope there are not difficult sections of the descent. The town of Meribel is built in a single architectural style of a chalet, which creates a special cozy atmosphere in the valley.

Small wooden cottages with gable roofs enchant with their warm intonations against the backdrop of snow-white snow. The resort is not filled with five-star hotels, trendy shops and luxury restaurants. Tourists come here to enjoy the exciting skiing, snowboarding and sledding, as well as hiking along the alpine trails. Among other attractions, the Olympic Park is available with swimming pools, saunas, a gym, a cinema, an ice rink, a climbing wall and other tourist attractions. Meribel offers budget accommodation and dining options compared to the popular Courchevel.

Val Thorens

The town of Val Thorens has gained fame as one of the most attractive ski resorts in the world. It is located at an altitude of 2200 meters, surrounded by majestic glaciers with sharp peaks. Here dominates the longest ski season in Europe. This is an ideal place where tourists can have a wonderful winter active holiday.

Steady snow cover, numerous cross-country trails and high-tech lifts create ideal conditions for skiing in the rays of the bright sun and admiring the dizzying high-mountain panoramas. The streets of the village are completely free from cars, for which there are separate parking spaces. Filled with a large number of hotels, cottages and restaurants.

Hotels were built in the immediate vicinity of the ski lifts. The total length of the ski slopes reaches 140 kilometers. Professional skiers have access to red and black routes, characterized by an abundance of sharp turns and the absence of gentle sections. For beginners, blue and green slopes are prepared. Val Thorens offers tourists a wide variety of activities and entertainment. At the disposal of vacationers there are ring ice tracks, various slopes and springboards for snowmobiling and snowboarding.

Le Menuire

Among the resorts of the legendary French region "Three Valleys", the alpine village of Le Menuire occupies a worthy place. Thanks to its developed infrastructure, this modern ski area meets all the requirements of even the most demanding tourists. The town is devoid of the charm of an old village. Numerous cottage complexes have been erected here, offering guests comfortable apartments. The village is known for its friendly attitude towards family vacationers.

For them, a children's club is provided, where young athletes acquire basic skiing skills. Les Menuires offers excellent conditions for all categories of winter sports enthusiasts - from amateurs to experts. The extensive ski area consists of ski slopes of different difficulty levels. For beginner skiers there is a separate flat area.

The mountain slopes are equipped with comfortable lifts and sports equipment rentals. Experienced skiers and snowboarders appreciate the high-speed slopes with jumps and twisty turns. After an exciting ride, guests are offered an extensive entertainment program. On the territory of Les Menuires there is an aqua club, an outdoor ice rink, a sports complex and a wellness center. Bars, restaurants and discos will not let nightlife lovers get bored.

La Tania

La Tania is famous for its picturesque scenery and excellent opportunities for winter sports. The village is attractive for rather low prices for housing and food. It is aimed at family tourists who want to relax away from the noisy city bustle in the bosom of pristine nature.

There is no abundance of entertainment here, except for ski slopes and snow slopes of varying degrees of difficulty. Wooden buildings erected on wooded slopes against the backdrop of majestic mountains give the village a special charming atmosphere. Hotel apartments are not inferior in comfort to the popular resorts of the Three Valleys region.

La Tania has green, blue, red and black runs. More than 60 lifts serve vacationers. Athletes of an average level of training will enjoy skiing along forest routes to their heart's content. A cross-country skiing track has been laid among the dense forest. For outdoor activities, tourists are invited to take a walk on snowshoes, ride a sleigh and dog sled. Restaurants, pubs and bars invite guests to unwind after a busy day of sports.

Alpe d'Huez

On a high plateau is one of the oldest European ski resorts - Alpe d'Huez. It is known for its impressive territory of 30,000 hectares. A modern system of lifts serves a huge vertical height difference of more than 2000 meters. A rich variety of tracks, a wide selection of hotels of different star ratings and bewitching natural landscapes - all this attracts the attention of numerous tourists. The mountain range is facing south.

Such a favorable geographical position allows vacationers to enjoy the sunny weather throughout the day. Long trails differ from each other by several levels of difficulty. Tourists can choose the slope that suits their skiing skills.

Thrill-seekers will find themselves driving along a winding slope through a tunnel carved into the glaciers. Beginning skiers are offered training trails and slopes. You can find gentle slopes for cross-country skiing, a skiing area for snowboarding, an ice rink, a health center, and a sports complex. The city has restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Les Deux Alpes

At the foot of the majestic Mont-de-Lans glacier lies the town of Les Deux Alpes. This high mountain resort is suitable for year-round winter sports. The variety of natural landscapes of the region is amazing. Sun-drenched snowy meadows coexist with mountains, rocky areas and coniferous forests. Modern buildings made of glass and concrete are erected next to the old wooden chalets. The developed infrastructure satisfies the highest requirements of vacationers of all ages.

The village is built up with cottages, hotels and shops. Les Deux Alpes has gained fame as a fashionable and lively youth resort. There are a lot of bars, restaurants and nightclubs here. Magnificent snow cover guarantees tourists exciting skiing at any time of the year. The total length of the tracks is 200 kilometers. Altitude difference - from 1300 to 3600 meters.

Mountain slopes attract the attention of both professional and beginner skiers, freeriders and snowboarders. Here you can find simple green and blue sections, as well as quite extreme red and black runs. Guests are offered a full range of active entertainment: snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, paragliding, swimming in the pools, visiting the sauna and much more. The snowpark is popular with a vast ski area equipped with jumps and sports gutters.

Chamonix

One of the oldest European ski resorts, Chamonix attracts tourists from all over the world. Here in 1924 the first Winter Olympic Games were held. The Alpine town is located in a valley surrounded on all sides by the bewitching Mont Blanc mountain range, at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. The prevailing number of well-prepared ski slopes of various difficulty levels lies at an altitude of more than 2000 meters.

Guests can expect a wide range of entertainment, a developed system of lifts, an abundance of hotel complexes and well-equipped mountain slopes. At the service of vacationers there are colorful gastronomic establishments, a sports complex with swimming pools, playgrounds and a fitness room, as well as an entertainment center.

Chamonix ski slopes are divided into four separate ski areas. Beginners can hone their skills on simple wide green and blue pistes. For experienced experienced skiers and snowboarders, black and red slopes are provided, replete with sharp turns. The property is the White Valley. This is a multi-kilometer downhill run along the glacier.

Saint Martin de Belleville

The village of Saint-Martin de Belleville is part of the world-famous 3 Valleys ski area. The Alpine provincial cozy town is an original calm place that looks like a sentimental Christmas card. Majestic mountain peaks with snow-capped peaks rise up above the resort. Wooden and stone chalets, scattered on the slopes, give the village a special charm.

Pleasant impressions will leave a vast ski area, consisting of a variety of routes. Prices for accommodation, meals and other services here are much lower than in neighboring resorts. Saint-Martin de Belleville offers guests 160 kilometers of ski slopes. Beginning skiers, after running on the training slopes, can go to conquer light blue and green forest trails.

Experienced athletes will not be left out when choosing difficult red and black dizzying slopes. The valley has many kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing. Snowboarding enthusiasts have access to a specialized area equipped with all kinds of sports facilities to perform impressive tricks. Restaurants and bars, shops and a spa center await their visitors.

megeve

The picturesque alpine village of Megeve is one of the popular fashionable European resorts, located on a high mountain slope. It has first-class groomed ski slopes that run through dense thickets of spruce and fir forests. The cobbled streets of the city center are lined with exquisite wooden chalets. A single architectural ensemble gives this place an old look of aristocratic gloss.

The village has many prestigious hotels and restaurants that look like traditional alpine cottages. The high level of prices corresponds to the luxury reigning here. Megeve attracts its guests with three ski areas. The ski slopes, varied in difficulty and terrain, are ideal for both beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Green and blue routes guarantee tourists a calm and safe ride.

For those who want to test their skills and raise the level of adrenaline in the blood, high-speed extended red and black difficult sections with impressive slopes and turns are available. Snowboarding enthusiasts will appreciate the snow areas organized for freestyle, equipped with sports modules. The active recreation program will be diversified by visiting the sports center with outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a fitness room, an ice rink, playgrounds, a climbing wall and other joys for body and soul. At the disposal of tourists there are three cinemas, an abundance of boutiques, casinos and spas.

La Bresse

Families with children are advised to go to the mountain village of La Bresse. This is a famous ski station in the eastern part of France. There are many opportunities for winter sports here. Tourists are invited to fully devote their time to exciting skiing, snowboarding, skating and sledding. La Bresse offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget apartments to luxury hotels.

For young athletes, there are specialized areas where experienced instructors will teach children the skills and features of skiing. Ski slopes of varying difficulty are located at an altitude of 907 to 1115 meters. The highlight is to provide tourists with the opportunity to make a night skiing on an illuminated slope. After an active sports holiday, you can relax in the fitness center, go to the cinema, go snowshoeing, play bowling, and taste delicious French cuisine in one of the many restaurants.

morzine

In a picturesque valley between the peaks of majestic ridges at an altitude of 1000 meters, Europe's largest ski resort Morzine is located. Despite its popularity, the town has retained its historical architectural appearance and the cozy atmosphere of a traditional alpine village. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with old stone and wooden chalets. Holidays in Morzine are recommended for tourists on a budget. Affordable prices for housing and food attract a considerable number of travelers.

Developed infrastructure will not let either adults or children get bored. Guests are offered a huge variety of bars, restaurants, shops and discos. Snowshoeing, skiing, hot air ballooning, as well as sledding, ice skating and snowboarding - all this makes up a bright palette of active winter entertainment. The hotel fund is represented by hotels of two and three categories of stars.

The hallmark of Morzine is an extensive ski area, consisting of numerous ski slopes of any difficulty level. Beginner skiers have access to simple green and blue spacious pistes without sharp turns. For experienced athletes, the red and black slopes that run through dense thickets of forests are of interest.

Avoriaz

Near the Swiss border is the amazingly beautiful ski resort of Avoriaz. It was built on a plateau, the height of which reaches 1800 meters. One of the snowiest cities in Europe, the pristine beauty of the Alpine nature and excellent opportunities for active winter sports. Surrounded by mountain ranges and pine forests, multi-storey examples of modern architecture have been erected, integrated into the traditional alpine countryside.

The movement of vehicles is prohibited here, thanks to which a favorable ecological atmosphere is maintained. A large selection of apartments is offered by budget hotels of two and three star categories. The city is famous for its variety of entertainment for every taste. Sports complexes, an ice rink, baths, swimming pools, a water park, spas and many other delights of active pastime await tourists. Evening rest diversifies visits to bars and restaurants, cinemas and discos, shops and boutiques. In Avoriaz there are more than 250 slopes with a total length of 650 kilometers.

The slopes are served by 38 lifts. The impressive skiing area is of interest to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Ski slopes consist of blue, green and black routes. There are long stretches for cross-country skiers. Snow parks are popular, where freestylers perform all sorts of tricks on ski jumps and various sports facilities. For children there are separate areas with training slopes.

Tignes

The French town of Tignes has undeniable advantages, for which many tourists flock to the mountainous regions. It is located at an altitude of more than 2 kilometers at the foot of a grandiose glacier. Guests are guaranteed excellent skiing on numerous ski slopes. Developed infrastructure offers ample opportunities for a memorable vacation at very affordable affordable prices.

Tignes has three and four star hotels, as well as restaurants, nightclubs, a casino, an ice rink, a fitness center with swimming pools and a gym. In all its glory, picturesque slopes rise up to 3650 meters. They are served by a modern system of lifts. Trails are classified by different colors, corresponding to the level of difficulty of the route.

The slopes are recommended for skiers with a good level of training. An unforgettable experience will leave the descent from the top of the Grand Motte glacier. The snow park has excellent conditions for snowboarding. Professional snowboarders can perform a series of dizzying jumps with the help of sports modules. Noteworthy are cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and extreme climbing on a sheer wall of a frozen waterfall.

Val d'Isère

The luxurious old snow-covered village of Val d'Isère welcomes its guests cordially. One of the popular mountain resorts in France has retained the original architectural appearance of a traditional alpine village. Wooden chalets with gable roofs were built in a narrow valley at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level.

Modern sports infrastructure favors first-class exciting recreation. Magnificent ski slopes, picturesque landscapes and a huge choice of entertainment for every taste make Val d'Isère an attractive place for tourists. Most hotels, apartments and pensions are located in the immediate vicinity of the ski lifts. The ski area of ​​10,000 hectares consists of numerous slopes of varying difficulty.

More than a third of the routes are red and black routes. Beginner skiers are offered a considerable number of green slopes. The elevation difference is 1850-3500 meters. Guests can enjoy snowmobiling and snowshoeing, long stretches for cross-country skiing and snowboarding, an ice rink and paragliding. You can relax in the sauna, swim in the pool, taste delicious food in the restaurant and keep fit in the gym.

Les Arcs

Les Arcs is located in the central part of the Tarentaise Valley, which is part of the French Alps. Modern architecture, comfortable living conditions, well-equipped ski slopes and an abundance of entertainment - this property is famous for the cozy town of Les Arcs. It consists of several stations located at different heights. All of them are interconnected by a developed system of cable cars.

The beauty of the surrounding nature is conducive to a wonderful holiday. A variety of well-maintained ski slopes delights lovers of active sports. Wide and narrow, steep and gentle sections of the route run through pine forests and snow-covered meadows. The main part of the ski area originates at an altitude of 1200 meters. The presence of red and black slopes will satisfy the requirements of experienced skiers. Noteworthy is the multi-kilometer exciting vertical descent from a height of 2026 meters.

For intermediate-level athletes, simple blue slopes are arranged. In Les Arcs, the snow parks are equipped with jumps and specialized structures for performing tricks. Tired of plowing the mountain slopes, tourists can take a calm ski trip in the silence of the forest, recuperate in the pool or in the fitness center. In addition, cinemas, bars, restaurants and night discos are available.

Brides les Bains

The cozy town of Brides-les-Bains is famous for its skiing opportunities and health centers with thermal springs. It is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level and is ideal for people who find it difficult to endure acclimatization in highlands. The settlement is the most budget resort among the popular places in the French region of the Three Valleys. This is due to the remoteness of Brides-les-Bains from the ski slopes.

The Olympe high-mountain lift will take fans of active winter sports in 25 minutes to the nearest ski area of ​​the village of Meribel, where there are luxurious slopes of any complexity. The city has a developed hotel base. There is a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops. There are various nightclubs, a cinema and a casino. Brides-les-Bains has gained fame as a famous thermal resort. A modern health complex offers vacationers a wide range of treatment for various types of diseases with healing mud, mineral waters and massage.

paradisks

The relatively young modern region of Paradiski will not leave indifferent adherents of ski holidays. The vast ski area is the second largest in France after the famous "Three Valleys". The territory unites such popular cities as La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey Vallandry. A variety of hotel options guarantee guests comfortable living conditions. Most 2-4 star hotels are built on the slopes, which allows guests to ski right from the doorstep.

Paradiski provides its guests with an impressive range of sports entertainment. More than 400 kilometers of well-prepared trails of all difficulty levels are at the disposal of tourists. They spread at an altitude of 1200 to 3250 meters. There are a sufficient number of both blue wide slopes and high-speed red routes.

Professional skiers will enjoy the fifteen-kilometer descent from the top of the Bellecote Glacier, as well as the extreme track with a slope of 76 degrees. Of interest is the exciting off-piste skiing on the slopes among the dense forest. You can go cross-country skiing and rock climbing through ice caves, go sledding and dog sledding. In the villages of Paradiski, vacationers can expect numerous restaurants, spas, entertainment centers, discos and cinemas. After a busy active day, you can relax in the pools and saunas, as well as have fun in discos.

Vozhani

The small alpine village of Vaujany has a first-class reputation for being a quiet place with a developed modern infrastructure. It is chosen by many tourists who highly appreciate the quality of the services provided. A cozy measured atmosphere dominates here, ideally corresponding to an exciting family vacation. Numerous ski schools in Vaujany provide an opportunity for adults and children to learn the basic elements of skiing and snowboarding. Wooden chalets and exquisite cottages provide guests with affordable comfortable apartments.

The total length of the tracks reaches 250 kilometers. Most of them are designed for beginners and lovers of calm descents. These are wide and gentle routes, marked in blue and green. Professional skiers have access to difficult sections located at altitudes of 2100-3300 meters. From the top of Peak Blanc descends a black track, chosen by experienced athletes. After skiing, tourists will be pleased to spend time in the pool, spa and entertainment center. The village has many restaurants, bars and an ice skating rink.

Argentiere

At an altitude of 1035 meters above sea level, at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc mountain range, is the small town of Argentiere. International recognition of this resort area is due to the huge variety of ski slopes. Numerous tourists are attracted by the long winter season, which lasts from December to May. The hotel fund is represented by several first-class complexes and an abundance of budget cozy chalets.

Magnificent stable snow cover and amazing terrain allows outdoor enthusiasts to get real pleasure from exciting skiing. The highest mark of the ski area reaches 3300 meters. Here, steep slopes and difficult rocky areas are combined with gentle and wide trails. Experienced skiers and freeriders choose the vertical exit from the top of the glacier.

Ski resorts in France are considered to be some of the best in the world. This is the location of the fabulously beautiful French Alps, where there are very extensive, interconnected ski areas. Fans of skiing, snowboarding, bobsledding and other winter sports can expect more than four thousand different tracks here. Tourists can choose the most suitable slope depending on the level of training, so the local resorts will be a great place to relax, both professionals and beginners. On the local alpine slopes, holding competitions of the highest class.

The French Alps have hosted the Olympic Games three times.

Val d'issere and Tignes

These ski resorts in France are next to each other. Val d'Sere and Tignes are recognized as the kings of skiing among professional athletes. The height of the peaks is 1850 m and 2100 m, respectively. Local ski slopes are not only recognized as the best in France, but also compete with the best resorts in the world for the championship. Centers for fans of winter sports are located 200 km from Geneva.

If you get to these resorts in France at the beginning of winter, you can watch with your own eyes the World Cup called "The Criterion of the First Snow". By the way, the tracks are covered with snow from November to May. Not only that there are no such diverse slopes anywhere else, but all the work is moving around tourists. An important point is the absence of queues for the lifts.

Val d'Zer and Tignes are not in vain discussed as a whole. These resorts are connected to "Killi Space" via lifts. It is in the complex that resorts deliver maximum pleasure to active vacationers. Funicular (3500 m) called Grand Mot has a fairly high speed. In just 6 minutes, you can climb from the station at 2100 m to a height of 3300 m. "Killi Space" offers vacationers comfortable trails of sufficient width, with high-quality markings. Their length is up to 300 km. Skiers can ski on the virgin lands, and glacier skiing is also available all year round.

Les Deux Alpes

This ski resort in Alpine France is located literally at the foot of the Mont-de-Lan glacier, which is considered the largest in all of Europe. Height - 1650 m. The easiest way to get to it is from Geneva. To do this, you will have to overcome even a length of 220 km. Not only skiers, but also snowboarders love to relax here. Especially for them, a local "snowboard park" is open.

The glacier provides snow all year round, including the summer months, so skiing in France is relevant not only in the frosty season.

The total length of the slopes in the Les Deux Alpes ski resort is 200 km, among them:

• Reds - 21;
• Blue - 25;
• Greens - 22;
• Black - 8.

In the Loisan massif there is an alpine region of grandiose proportions. It is considered as unique as the White Valley of Mont Blanc. Recreation will not be limited to skiing, the ski resort offers a lot of entertainment for vacationers. On the territory there are health centers, heated swimming pools (indoor and outdoor). To touch the fabulous atmosphere, you should go down into the artificial ice grotto. Other leisure options include paragliding and torch skiing.

Courvechel

"Chosen by the stars" - that's what this ski resort of modern France is called. He gained such fame thanks to high-class service. Here are the most comfortable hotels and restaurants with the best level of service in the world. The resort has 4 levels from 1030 m to 1850 m, which combine lifts. The total length of the local ski area is 600 km. Also located in Courchevel are:

• 2 Olympic hills designed for ski jumping;
• 1 track for downhill at high speed;
• 3 slalom tracks;
• 2 tracks for snowboarders;
• Climbing wall (13 m);
• Ice climbing tower (39 m).

To make your leisure time unforgettable and bright, restaurants and bars, discos and nightclubs, sports complexes with tennis courts are constantly working in Courchevel.

Meribel

Ski resort, which is located right in the heart of the "Three Valleys". Height - from 1450 to 1800 m. It is famous for its sophistication in architectural terms. This high point of France consists of three parts - Belvedere, Motare and the central part. They are interconnected by lifts and roads.

Trails of varying difficulty make the picturesque landscapes even more gorgeous. It is the beauty of the French Alps that attracts so many tourists to Meribel. An equally exciting holiday awaits in the resort, both lovers of comfortable slopes and lovers of virgin lands. The length of the trails is 600 km.

The lift system is designed so that skiers do not have to use taxis and buses.

La Plagne

It was impossible to keep silent about this ski resort, because in France it is the largest. Despite the fact that the number of descents is simply incredible (123), the quality of the slopes is also able to strike on the spot. The resort includes four stations at the foot of the mountains and six high-mountain stations.

If you buy a special subscription in La Plagne, you can ride all the ski lifts of Les Arcs for free. If the subscription has a duration of 6 days or more, then it will be possible to ride for free during the day at each of the Olympic resorts belonging to the Savoy area. So you can visit the main ski resorts in France, significantly saving. These are places like:

• "Three Valleys";
• Pralonian en Vanoise;
• Le Sesy;
• "Killi spaces".

Each La Plagne station has one free lift and a ski kindergarten. Not only skiers come here, but also snowboarders. They have a snowboard park. To recharge after skiing, La Plagne has 21 restaurants, so it's hard to stay hungry here.

Chamonix

This ski resort in the French border zone is considered one of the most visited in Europe. It is located right at the foot of the glaciers of the world-famous Mont Blanc. The height of the peak is 4807 m, and the resort itself is located at an altitude of 1050 m, occupying the place where the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland cross. The highest point of the local lift is 3842 m.

Chamonix is ​​famous for its "White Valley", which gives tourists as much as 20 km of off-piste skiing. People from all over the world come here to admire nature. But the point is not only in fabulous landscapes, but also in comfort. Chamonix has a well-developed infrastructure, which allows you to make your vacation not only interesting, but also convenient for every tourist.

For the leisure of guests are open:

• Health centers;
• climbing wall;
• Athletics stadium;
• Indoor ice rink;
• Pool;
• Gym.

Which are located in the department of the Alps, represent a whole branched network of superbly equipped spaces for skiing. Often from one resort there is an opportunity to drive to another.

Here are the highest mountains and slopes in Europe(the top of Mont Blanc - 4807 meters) and the largest number of lifts, so there are always short queues.

These tracks have hosted professional athletes, world championships and Olympics in various winter sports disciplines. Now they can accept you, provide a great active holiday, leisure and entertainment.

Skiing in the ski resorts of France in period from December to May. The resorts are known for stable and favorable weather for skiing.

Besides, in some resorts there is also the possibility of summer skiing.

Resort rating

three valleys

Let's not be afraid to be a little banal and start our review of the resorts with the brightest diamonds shining on the winter snow of the French Alps - three valleys, resorts that hosted the Olympics and are considered the best in France.

In fact, Three Valleys - a multi-level system of resorts. Here they distinguish:

• Lower level where resorts with slopes up to 1700 meters are located: La Tania, Courchevel and Meribel;
• average level, with altitudes between 1700-1850 meters, where the higher part of Courchevel, Mottaret and Les Menuires are located;
• high level, where the height is 2300 meters and the resort of Val Thorens is located.

This is where the 1992 Olympics were hosted.. The resort in the heart of the Three Valleys is very popular. There is a refined and unique atmosphere, magnificent slopes and nature.

Accessible by bus who go by transfers or by car along the tracks. Nearest bus stations:

• railway stop Moûtiers fifty minutes by bus;
• Chambéry an hour away (about 70 kilometers);
• the city of Lyon 200 kilometers away;
• Geneva is 120 kilometers away.

The resort consists of two zones:

• meribel center– classic French style;
• Méribel-Mottarey- More modern architecture.

From entertainment it should be noted major center of La Chaudanne with a variety of pools, spas and the like. For only a hundred euros, you have the opportunity to fly over the Courchevel valley on a paraglider.

In addition, there is the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon and dog sledding.

In the ski area, the elevation difference is 1450-2952 meters, there are trails of different levels, the longest is five kilometers. Snowboard half pipes, 60 lifts.

Courchevel

Perhaps many have heard the name of this resort, which known not for the height of the slopes, but for its prestige. The skiing here is of high quality, but the heights are not the highest and the tracks are not the most outstanding.

People come here for a high degree of comfort and excellent service.

Hotels, restaurants, a variety of entertainment - the resort is the leader in these parameters. Many people come here not to ride, but to hang out.

Can be reached from Geneva(a little over a hundred kilometers) or the city of Lyon, which is about two hundred kilometers away.

Despite the fashionable orientation, the resort provides an opportunity not only to drive along the gentle and smooth green and blue slopes, but also to take advantage of the high peaks of Solir and Wiselle.

Wherein there are excellent conditions for training beginners in particular at Courchevel 1650.

Called the roof of the three valleys, has the highest point of the Cime de Caron resort. From this peak it is possible to enjoy the magnificent panorama of Mont Blanc. Thanks to the network of lifts, it is possible to bypass the Three Valleys from here completely.

The resort is distinguished by high-rise buildings and the absence of chalets, familiar to Alpine resorts. During the skiing period, the slopes are always snowy, as they are not only at an altitude of more than two kilometers, but are also provided with snow cannons.

Get there closest, as for previous resorts from Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry.

Given the connection with the rest of the resorts of the Three Valleys, we will not describe the entertainment. Let's finish the brief review 3 Valleys hotels:

• Des neiges;
• Oxalys;
• Annapurna;
• La Sivoliere;
• Le Sabot de Venus;
• Merily's Residence;
• Alpen Ruitor Mottaret;
• Le Kilimandjaro;
• Le Mottaret;
• Les Balcons de Val Thorens;
• Agence de la Saulire.

Tignes

The resort on the slopes of which every November the stages of the World Cup in downhill skiing are held. Skiing is possible throughout the whole year, as the height of the peaks reaches about 3700 meters.

Located three and a half hours from Geneva. Includes many restaurants, bars, cinemas and other entertainment venues, many winter activities, paragliding and hang gliding.

In terms of entertainment, the resort is fully equipped. In terms of trails, it gives an opportunity to have an interesting rest not only for beginners, but also for experienced skiers. Hotels:

• Hotel Village Montana;
• Hotel le Refuge;
• Hotel Les Campanules;
• Club Med Tignes Val Claret.

Chamonix, France, somewhere at the foot of Mont Blanc

The resort is located in the valley of the same name. has great natural beauty and amazing landscape. Included in the world heritage of landscapes.

Known for White Valley- the highest (3842) ski point with twenty kilometers of off-piste skiing. Activities include: paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, winter rafting, mountain biking, ice climbing.

Get there closest from Geneva, which is just under 90 kilometers away. Vacationers can stay in hotels:

• Hotel Le Faucigny;
• Hotel l'Heliopic;
• Le Morgan;
• Hotel Mont-Blanc;
• Grand Hotel des Alpes.

Avoriaz

The original resort in the north, which is distinguished by its magnificent Art Nouveau architecture, the absence of cars, magnificent apartments with access to the slope, a cozy atmosphere, horse-drawn carriages that drive through the streets.

Get there the resort is possible from Geneva (80 kilometers) or from Thonon Les Bains station. The entertainment includes a full resort package:

• from discos and hot tubs to saunas and gyms;
• there is an opportunity to ride a snow car;
• dog sledding;
• snowboard trails;
• There are cinemas and more.

The height of the resort is 1800 meters, slope differences: from 1100 to 2277 meters. There are trails for cross-country skiing. Hotels:

• Hotel des Dromonts;
• Club Med Avoriaz;
• Pierre & Vacances Residence Saskia Falaise;
• PV-Holidays Residence Maeva Multivacances;
• Residence Sirius.

Skiing in the French Alps- elite and prestigious entertainment. Many resorts here are imbued with the history of modern sports, no less have sophistication and their own original style in everything.

The French Alps attract both beginners and advanced skiers from all over the world. It is understandable: the variety of tracks and the beauty of nature are combined with the modern infrastructure of luxury resorts. Total in France there are more than 400 ski resorts, from large and well-known to very small and no less cozy. For beginners, Alpe d'Huez, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Villars de Lans, Risoul, Les Menuires, Val Cenis and all the resorts of the Murienne valley, where there are a huge number of sunny plateaus, are suitable. Courchevel, Megeve, Val d'Isere can be recommended to a lover of a prestigious holiday - these resorts amaze with the number of luxury hotels, luxury chalets, restaurants and boutiques.

Chamonix

Chamonix is the center of the popular Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ski region. Now Chamonix is ​​known as a popular and relatively accessible resort for skiers and snowboarders. The Chamonix Valley, which stretches for 16 km, includes several ski regions: Grand Monte, Le Tour, Les Houches, Brevin, Flegere, as well as the famous White Valley - an off-piste descent of about 20 km from the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3843 m) . Skiing in Chamonix is ​​so varied, there are slopes for skiers of all levels.

Ski station "Grand Monte" in Chamonix. Photo credit: Daniel Simpson, commons.wikimedia.org

With 157 kilometers of ski slopes and virtually unlimited off-piste areas, Chamonix is ​​a very popular ski area all year round. The lift system gives access to the highlands around Mont Blanc.

Chamonix ski resorts are suitable for children, beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as advanced skiers. In Chamonix there is no single ski area connected by a network of lifts. To the ski areas (Le Brevent, Les Houches, Le Tour, Argentiere) you need to go 7-15 minutes by ski bus.

Espace Killy

The resorts of Val d'Isere and Tignes form a single skiing area Espace Killy, and this is a total of 300 km of ski slopes of various levels of difficulty and about a hundred lifts. Skiing at the resort is guaranteed not only in winter, but also in summer thanks to the Pissey glacier.

Val d'Isère

IN Val d'Isère the ski lifts are located quite conveniently in relation to the apartments and hotels, some of them can be reached on skis. Val d'Isere is several thousand hectares of marked ski slopes and 10 thousand hectares of virgin land at an altitude of 1550 to 3500 m. Here is the best school for skiing and snowboarding, as well as experienced freeride instructors. The ski season lasts from the beginning of December to the end of March. The halfpipe is located at the end of the Face de Belle-varde, where the snowpark is located. The length of trails for cross-country skiing is 24 km.

For fans of extreme skiing, the breathtaking rocky bastions of Galiz and Grand Aigui Russ are breathtaking. For beginners, classic routes in the forests of Santon and Vallon. The pros will appreciate the Bernard Roussy downhill Bellevard rock (height 2809 m, vertical drop 972 m, length 2905 m, average slope angle 350, maximum slope angle 63 degrees).

Val d'Isère retains the atmosphere of a traditional French village. The architectural appearance is unique among other French ski resorts.

Tignes

Tignes(2100 m) - high mountain resort in Espace Killy - one of the best places in France for freeride. The World Cup stages are held here every year. Tignes is very popular with snowboarders for its wide, rather steep slopes. This resort is ideal for a fun-filled youth holiday.

Snow cover is guaranteed thanks to the glacier, which makes summer skiing possible. Modern lifts, many different slopes are the advantages of this resort. Tignes consists of several stations: Tignes-le-Lac and Tignes-Lavache (located nearby), Tignes-Val-Claret (located 2 km from the first two in the valley above the lake). There are few hotels in Tignes, the main type of accommodation is apartments, there are many inexpensive options.

Both in Val d'Isère and in Tignes there are a large number of both children's (from 3 years old) and adult ski and snowboard schools (7 schools in Tignes with 350 teachers, 12 in Val d'Isère with 450 teachers), in which you can not only acquire or improve your skills, but also fly by helicopter to remote areas to go through the most interesting routes with an instructor guide. For the youngest children there are kindergartens, nannies and nurses.

Three Valleys (Le Trois Vallee)

Three Valleys is the largest ski resort in the world. It combines more than 200 lifts, more than 600 km of marked trails. It is the site of the 1992 Olympic Games. On the territory of the Three Valleys there are many world-famous ski villages - Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1850, La Tania, Meribel, Mottare, Les Menuires, Val Thorens. From the point of view of skiing, it does not matter in which town to stay. A single ski pass for all Three Valleys gives you access to all 200 ski lifts.

Meribel

Meribel- an excellent place for those who ride at an intermediate level. There are excellent opportunities for ski safari, there are many wide, not too difficult slopes throughout the ski area. It's good to hone your technique on the tracks between the Pas du Lac and Platierre. Almost every slope has easy descents.

The advantage of Meribel, which provided the resort with immense popularity, is its central location in the Three Valleys. Being here, you benefit a lot from the possibility of choosing the direction of movement and the territory of skiing, depending on the weather, mood and level of skiing or snowboarding. The Meribel resort (1400-1600 m) also includes the Meribel Mottare station (1700-1800 m).

Val Thorens

Val Thorens, a French ski station at an altitude of 2300 m, is the highest in Europe. Val Thorens is 68 ski slopes, stretching for 140 km, of which green (easy) - 8, blue (medium) - 25, red (difficult) - 27, black (for experts) - 8. The ski area is equipped with 29 mechanical lifts , with a capacity of 60,680 people/hour. The resort is equipped with a snowpark and facilities for new types of skiing (bordercross, half-pipe). The resort of Val Thorens, located in the heart of a large natural park with six glaciers, offers numerous ski trails.

Courchevel

One of the most prestigious ski resorts in France - Courchevel- famous for its huge selection of trails and virgin descents. The Alpine villages of the Courchevel valley are located on five different levels: Le Praz - 1030 m, Saint-Bon - 1300 m, Courchevel-1550, Courchevel-1650 and Courchevel-1850.

Brides les Bains

Brides les Bains- a resort, the infrastructure of which was created specifically for the Winter Olympic Games in 1992. The location of the resort itself was also not chosen by chance - it is ideally located in relation to the Three Valleys. The direct Olympus cable car will take you to Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens in just 20 minutes.

Here you can not only ride, but also get medical treatment: a large wellness center with thermal springs, a pool with mineral water, curative mud treatments, and all types of massages are at the service of vacationers.

Sports opportunities in the region - downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiles, tobogganing, sledding, bobsleigh, rock climbing, hiking. Bars, restaurants, cafes, discos will provide a fun resort life in Brides-les-Bains. Here is the only casino in the mountains (except Chamonix resort). As well as shops, cinemas, excursions. The resort hosts ski competitions, music festivals.

Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez- the largest ski resort in France, located at an altitude of 1860 m, on the sunny plateau of the Grandes Rousses massif. This is one of the oldest Alpine resorts. 300 sunny days a year and proximity to Grenoble airport make Alpe d'Huez one of the most visited and loved ski resorts in Europe.

This is one of the 20 resorts in the world where the lifts serve a vertical drop of more than 2000 meters. The staggered location on the mountain and the longest internal lift system allow skiing directly from the hotel. There is a huge beginner skiing area right next to the resort. The season is from the end of November to the end of April. Summer skiing on the Sarenne Glacier is possible in July and August.

The difficulty of the pistes according to the local classification is underestimated, many red pistes in other resorts would have a black designation. The longest certified track in Europe is Sarenne (16 km). The Tunnel track, filmed in one of the James Bond films, passes through a tunnel in a glacier. Snowpark and halfpipe for snowboarders at Lac Blanc. For lovers of flat skiing - three circular tracks with a total length of 54 km.

megeve

One of the world's most prestigious and picturesque ski resorts. Pedestrian area with cobbled streets in the center, ancient architecture create the atmosphere of a real Savoyard village. Mont Joly and other sites offer impressive views of Mont Blanc. The mountains rise to a height of 1000-2500 meters, up to 1850 meters the mountains are covered with spruce and fir forests, which give a special charm to this place. megeve includes three ski areas: Rochebrune-Cote, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Jay. It is good for beginner skiers and those who prefer family vacations.

Professionals will enjoy the steepest and most difficult slopes in the Mont Joly and Mont Jou areas, there are black and red slopes in Côte 2000, but they are not very long. For the middle level, the tracks in Mont-d'Arbois are suitable, the slopes served by the Grand-Vorasse lift are also interesting; the tracks are more difficult - in the Combloux and Jeillet areas. In general, Megeve is ideal for skiers of this level. and at the top in all three districts, but only two of them are connected by a lift - Rochebrune and Mont-d'Arbois.Le Jeuillet can only be reached by land transport.

In Megeve there is an Olympic skating rink, dog sledding, sleigh rides, horseback riding, helicopter flight, etc. are also possible.

Les Deux Alpes

Resort Les Deux Alpes located in the center of the Alpine mountain range of Oisans. The station is located at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, at the foot of one of the largest glaciers in Europe, and provides skiers and snowboarders with the opportunity to ski all year round. Mechanical lifts, including a cable car, funicular, chairlifts and ski lifts, allow you to climb to a height of 3520 m. The Les Deux Alpes 3600 ski area extends over 430 hectares. The height difference is from 1300 to 3600 m, the total length of the tracks is 225 km.

Winter and summer snowparks are equipped on the glacier. The ten ski areas of the snow park are designed for both beginner snowboarders and freestyle fans, as well as experienced fans of extreme winter sports. Ski jumps and turns of various complexity make it possible to hold official competitions. There are many schools for beginner skiers. Professional instructors (including Russian-speaking instructors) teach beginners how to ski and snowboard, while advanced skiers can take part in individual or group lessons in freeride, slopestyle, etc.

The resort offers tourists a huge palette of entertainment: snowshoeing, snowmobiling, an ice rink, swimming pools, paragliding school lessons, bowling, excursions to an ice grotto located at an altitude of 3400 m.

Villars de Lans

ski resort Villars de Lans located in the heart of the largest natural park in France - Vercors, on the slopes of the Aigle massif and the Dauphine Prealps. This town is especially attractive due to its location - from all sides it is surrounded by gorges and picturesque mountain ranges.

The slopes of Villars de Lans are included in a single ski area with the slopes of the small resort of Correncon-en-Vercors. This ski area is perfect for beginners and those with intermediate skiing skills. 130 km of trails are laid here with a height difference from 1160 to 2285 meters. About 50 km of them belong to the "green" and "blue", 49 km - to the "red", 31 km - to the "black". The slopes are very beautiful, as they pass through forests, picturesque canyons and plateaus.

The climate in the resort is quite humid, so in its upper parts there are many virgin areas with an abundance of snow. For lovers of cross-country skiing and hiking, Villars de Lans has a route of 160 km. Any of the tracks can be reached with the help of 29 lifts, most of which are rope tows. The skiing season in Villars de Lans lasts from early December to early April.

In addition to the beautiful slopes, the resort has a wonderful water park, ice rink, fan park (in Correncon-en-Vercors), cinema, bowling, casino, sports center, numerous restaurants and bars. Kindergartens, ski schools are open for children, separate slopes and lifts are equipped. You can also visit the Choranches caves of the Vercors reserve and see a light or sound show, visit the robot museum, the water museum and the historical museum.

paradisks

Paradiski unified region includes resorts La Plagne, Peisey-Valandry, Les Coches and Les Arcs. This resort area is very young (created in 2003), and its name was born during an international competition, in which Paradiski became the winner (a combination of the French word Paradis - "paradise" and English ski - "ski"). Paradiski has excellent conditions for freeriding and teaching skiing to children. Skiing on two glaciers is possible all year round.

The pistes stretch from the summit of the Aiguille de Rouge (2335 m) in the west, the Bellecote peak (3417 m) in the center and Les Verdons (2500 m) in the east to the foot of the Tarentaise valley, forming an extended skiing area that runs down the wooded slopes to small towns in the valley. In total, Paradiski offers 425 km of ski slopes at altitudes from 1200 to 3250 meters, with approximately 13% of them black, 24% red, 58% blue and 5% green. The slopes are serviced by 144 lifts, and individual resorts are connected by a single system of lifts (including Europe's largest cable car Vanoise Express with a length of 1.6 km and cabins for 200 people each) and slopes.

Les Arcs consists of several mountain villages - Bourg Saint Maurice, Arc-1600, Arc-1800, Arc-1950 and Arc-2000, whose ski areas are located at altitudes from 1200 to 3226 m. Arc-1800 has many slopes for beginners , the slopes of the Arc-1600 are steeper, the Arc-2000 offers to conquer the Olympic slopes of the Aiguille Rouge (3226 m). Thanks to the well-groomed slopes and smooth mountainous terrain, Les Arcs has been chosen more than once as the venue for international downhill competitions. Les Arcs has a fun park and a 180m halfpipe for snowboarders.

The resort of La Plagne is formed by 10 stations, six of which are connected by an extensive network of lifts, and four are slightly removed from them. The region is dominated by medium-difficulty slopes, but there are also slopes for the pros descending from the peaks of Belcote and Biolei. The "blue" slopes may well be mastered by a beginner who has come to rest in La Plagne, and the slopes of "Kamikaze" and "Harakiri" will appeal to advanced athletes. One of the local attractions is the bobsleigh track, where the competitions of the 1992 Winter Olympics were held.

Porte du Soleil

The resort of Portes du Soleil is also known as the "Gate of the Sun" - it is always sunny weather and excellent slopes for both pros and beginners. Located between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc on the border of France and Switzerland. Portes du Soleil includes eight French and six Swiss resorts.

Lots of schools, pistes of varying difficulty in four ski areas on the French side: Les Gets, Morzine, Avoriaz and Châtel. The choice of local slopes will satisfy skiers of any level, and a single ski pass operates throughout the resort. Due to the low location of the ski areas in Portes du Soleil, it is best to go from January to March.

Porte du Soleil has 280 runs, of which 26 are black, 105 are red, 112 are blue and 37 are green. There are 201 lifts, 650 km of slopes have been laid in the resort. Nine snowparks will delight the most sophisticated snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts. Portes du Soleil has good conditions for off-piste skiing. And after a busy day of skiing, you can relax in any of the 89 mountain restaurants.

Avoriaz/Morzine

City morzine lies in a spacious valley at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level. One of the largest resorts of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine, is located at an altitude of only 1000 meters and is the center of the French part of the region. The city is known for its traditional ski resort atmosphere - the first ski lift was opened here in 1934. There are many shops and restaurants, as well as hotels and apartments.

Avoriaz- the youngest resort of Porte du Soleil, specially built for skiing. Avoriaz is literally entangled with tracks from all sides. The ski in ski out system works here - you can get from home to the track and vice versa. Avoriaz is considered the center of European snowboarding - it was here that the first Snowboard World Cup was played in 1989. Not far from the city there are areas of off-piste skiing. Snowboarders will appreciate the snow parks: The Bleu du Lac for experienced snowboarders and The La Chapelle for beginners. For freestyle there is a superpipe. For advanced skiers, there are simply unlimited possibilities, the tracks are simple, long, mostly sunny. A very interesting ski area in Champery and Les Gets, but there is one inconvenience: Les Gets can only be reached through the Morzine station, taking off your skis.

Le Menuire

The resort is located in the Bellevile valley a few kilometers from Val Thorens at an altitude of 1850 meters and is connected by a network of lifts to Val Thorens, Meribel, La Tania and Courchevel. Ski season - from December to May. The total length of the trails is 160 km, there are 28 km of cross-country skiing trails.

The resort is actively developing the North American beginners village model. There is a ski area (about 5000 sq. m.) for beginner skiers, which is serviced by six free lifts. Also for beginners there is a special ski pass for another 11 ski lifts in the region at especially low prices.

Particularly interesting are the red and black slopes, which are located on the La Masse massif. Resting at the resort Menuir, be sure to ride the 3 Marches and Mont de la Chambre slopes. The resort is surrounded by many slopes, ideal for freeriding, from where you can go down to the lifts, which will avoid the need to use the bus. The vast majority of the tracks are blue and red.

It offers tourists snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skiing, hiking, dog sledding, snowmobiling. Après ski - restaurants, cafes, bars, pastry shops and pizzerias, disco, night club, bars with live music. As well as billiards, two outdoor pools, indoor tennis courts, a fitness center with a Turkish bath, a sauna and a gym, toboggan runs, a skating rink.

La Tania

ski resort La Tania is located between the ski resorts of Meribel (5 km) and Courchevel (2 km) on the border of the Vanoise National Park and belongs to the Three Valleys skiing region. The resort is located at an altitude of 1400 meters. Ski season from mid-December to late April. Number of ski slopes - 318 (30 black, 108 red, 129 blue, 51 green). The total length of the tracks is more than 600 km. The total length of trails for cross-country skiing is 118.55 km (of which 26.5 km are in La Tania itself).

All pistes are well-groomed, there are lights for night skiing, the lifts are located so that there are no queues. In La Tania you have the opportunity to ski on and off the numerous and varied pistes in neighboring Méribel and Val Thorens. The tourist infrastructure includes luxury hotels and restaurants, the expensive Forum shopping center, and even its own airfield. And of course, great mountain views.

Of the nearby attractions, the Vanoise National Park is of interest, famous for its population of wild alpine mountain goats - ibexes. Chamois, alpine marmots, lynxes, white hares, ermines, bearded vultures, golden eagles and black grouse live in the park. Vanoise borders the Italian national park Gran Paradiso, and both of them make up the largest protected area in Western Europe.

Half an hour from La Tania there are two wellness centers - the Grand Spa des Alpes in Brides-les-Bains and the Thermes de Salins les Bains wellness center in Salins-les-Thermes, known for the healing properties of salt water used to treat rheumatism and skin diseases .

Lez Ouch

The resort is located at the foot of the highest peak of the Alps - Mont Blanc (4807 m), which offers a panoramic view of the landscapes of the foothills of the Chamonix valley. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels aspire here - from beginners to experts. The reason for this is an unprecedented variety of descents, peaks, trails and slopes. Les Houches is also famous for hosting the annual World Cup downhill skiing competition. One of the features of the resort is that most of the trails are laid through the forest.

Ski slopes from 950 to 1900 meters long, great area for beginners and amateurs. There are 2 short slopes for beginners, right at the top of the Prarion and Bellevue lifts. Les Houches is suitable for beginner skiers. This is a more protected resort, in the sense that it is quite comfortable to ride here even in bad weather.

From additional entertainment - cafes and restaurants, dog sledding, helicopter flights over the Chamonix valley. Near Les Houches is the picturesque village of Servoz, where you can visit the picturesque gorge Les Gorges de Diosaz, the Alpine Museum, shops of local artisans. Annual local events - Christmas market, craft festival, mule fair, markets with all the variety of local delicacies.