France ski holidays & resorts

If you’re looking to ski big, the 'Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys) is arguably the biggest linked ski region in the world. The Three Valleys is dominated by four major resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Each of these four resorts has more than enough terrain to keep you happily occupied for a week or more during a skiing holiday in France, so the opportunity to ski all four provides you unlimited permutations. Its only rival being the Portes du Soleil ski area, which has over 600 kilometres of slopes across 12 interconnected resorts in both France and Switzerland. 

With altitudes reaching above 3000m, Val d’lsere and neighbouring resort Tignes are guaranteed excellent snow all season long. Thanks to their elevation and mostly north facing runs, they’re some of the most snow sure resorts in France. And if the unpredictable weather were to bring the worst, both resorts have an impressive network of snow cannons waiting to ensure the go ahead of your ski plans.

Staying in Montgenèvre and La Rosière  gives you the advantage of two nation skiing. In both resorts you have the opportunity to ski and have lunch in both France and Italy during your stay – why limit yourself to one country when you can ski in two?

Take advantage of flights into Turin and short transfers to Montgenevre, and enjoy French charm with an Italian flair.  The Monts de la Lune pass covers over 400 kilometres of slopes across France and Italy; so you can hop on the Rocher de Aigle gondola and enjoy lunch in Italy, and ski back to France in time for some après ski.

 La Rosière is on the French-Italian border, the expansive Espace San Bernado ski area links with the Italian resort of La Thuile, allowing you to enjoy the charm of both French and Italian alpine culture. Start your day with a café et croissant in France before skiing over to Italy, where you can enjoy sun drenched slopes and delicious alpine dishes from the Aosta Valley. 

Expect to be personally welcomed to the traditional Alpine market town of Morzine. This French resort has been awarded the Familles Plus label due to its impeccable childcare services, fantastic facilities, activities and family friendly accommodation. There are many age categorised opportunities – on and off slope – so you and your children can make the most of your time on the mountains.

Les Arcs is the perfect choice for families looking for easy access to its large ski area as many properties provide ski-in ski-out access to the slopes. If you’re bringing the teenagers, we’d recommend visiting the largest of the four Arcs – Arc 1800 – as the range of activities and après are just as good as the opportunities to ski. But if you’re looking for a little more traditional and on the quiet side, Arc 1950 is a pedestrianised village with plenty of facilities for younger children.

Situated in the Southern French Alps, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d’Huez offer you and your group the ideal balance of active and passive itinerary. Both resorts offer a range of mixed ability slopes and a variety of excursions from sleigh rides to paragliding. Alpe d’Huez has a selection of attractive chalets and apartments that can accommodate larger group sizes, whilst Les Deux Alpes offers over 200km of longs ski runs as well as one of the largest snow parks in the French Alps. 

If you want to experience some of the best après alongside your skiing or snowboarding, it’s no doubt that France is at the top of your list.  From sun soaked terraces with live DJ sets, cosy wine bars with roaring fires or themed bars - après ski in France is just as much a part of the ski experience as skiing down the slopes.

Val Thorens is the place to stay if you are looking for a vibrant après scene. Visit the largest underground nightclub in the Alps, Le Malaysia, or take a climb and enjoy a local beer in the highest pub in Europe, The Frog. You can even enjoy dancing on the tables at La Folie Douce. Or maybe sit back, relax and take in the views from one of the many bar terraces across the resort. No matter your taste, Val Thorens has something for everyone.

With a large selection of green and blue pistes as well as designated nursery areas, La Plagne spoils for choice when it comes to beginners skiing. The well-designed resort comprises some ten villages, each with its own character and infrastructure, meaning there’s somewhere new to explore every day.

Flaine’s reassuring location in a snow-bowl and excellent snow record means beginner skiers and boarders needn’t be concerned about icy conditions underfoot. The ski school in Flaine has an excellent reputation for both adult and child tuition making it an ideal resort for families too.

La Clusaz is a traditional, pretty village and is an ideal resort if you’re looking for a short transfer from Geneva. The resort offers some great opportunities for beginner skiing, and we’d highly recommend visiting Beauregard - consisting of gentle blue and green slopes overlooking some amazing views of the Aravis ski region. 

Serre Chevalier and Chamonix offer some truly excellent opportunities for snowboarders looking to ride in a great natural freestyle terrain. Serre Chevalier forms an organic playground well suited to more confident boarders and is great for powder. Chamonix offers a variety of tree runs and exhilarating off piste, and the different level slopes and quality of snow means the resort has runs to cater for all levels.