Our favourite winter sports resorts in France
With winter just around the corner, here is our pick of the best ski resorts in France!
Winter is coming! And with it the opening of the winter sports resorts. Last year was not a good season at all, so this year we fully intend to make up for it and enjoy the snow-covered slopes!
The luxury resorts
They are among the best known of all: Megève, Méribel, Courchevel and Val d'Isère.
Why go there? For a stay in a chalet with every comfort, the luxury boutiques and the impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants to be found in these resorts.
What to expect: huge Christmas trees and first-class decorations, though good luck finding a corner shop!
Winter sports resorts for partying
Arc 1800: the resort with the biggest reputation for nightlife, and with good reason, given the sheer number of bars and clubs!
For a few years now, the Folie Douce in Val d'Isère, Méribel and Val Thorens has also been going from strength to strength. Expect an open-air party and dancing on the tables, all with a stunning mountain view!
A little less well known but hugely popular for its "Rock The Pistes" festival, Avoriaz promises plenty of festivities too. You will find the club "le Yak", the "Snowboxx" festival and the opening night you really must not miss, "Rock on Ultimate".
The family resorts
With its instantly recognisable logo, La Plagne welcomes you to more than 225 km of slopes and 6 high-altitude resorts. Everything here is set up to look after your family, whatever your level.
Another of our favourites: Les Arcs. With 4 different resorts, an unforgettable view and slopes suited to every level, you are bound to find exactly what you are after!
And finally, Les Deux Alpes, for skiing but also for husky sledging trips!
Here's a summary of the family-friendly resorts mentioned and what they offer.
| Resort | Km of slopes | Mountain stations | Main activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Plagne | 225 km | 6 stations | Skiing for all levels |
| Les Arcs | Not specified | 4 stations | Skiing for all levels, unforgettable views |
| Les Deux Alpes | Not specified | Not specified | Skiing, dog sledding |
The more intimate resorts
Here we have to admit we have a firm favourite: Champagny en Vanoise. A tiny resort right opposite Courchevel (so you can mix things up). The locals are lovely, and you will find plenty of restaurants and lots of little grocery shops on hand.
Also worth a look: Arêches-Beaufort in the Beaufortain, Albiez-Montrond and Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
The advantage of these smaller winter sports resorts? Getting closer to nature and enjoying a more authentic stay.So what are your favourite resorts? And if you are looking for a particular activity during your holiday, we have an article for you too!
Frequently asked questions
Which resort should I choose for a quiet stay, away from the crowds? Champagny en Vanoise is our favourite for that: a tiny resort right opposite Courchevel, with lovely locals and small grocery shops. Arêches-Beaufort, Albiez-Montrond and Pralognan-la-Vanoise offer the same kind of authentic stay.
Which ski resort is best with children? La Plagne is designed for families, with over 225 kilometres of slopes and 6 altitude resorts suited to every level. Les Arcs also works very well, with 4 different resorts and slopes for all abilities. Les Deux Alpes adds an original activity: dog sledding rides.
Which resort has the best nightlife? Arc 1800 is the most famous resort for partying, thanks to its many bars and nightclubs. La Folie Douce, found in Val d'Isère, Méribel and Val Thorens, is also gaining popularity with its open-air parties. Avoriaz, less well known, relies on its Rock The Pistes festival and its Le Yak nightclub.
Which are the most luxurious resorts? Megève, Méribel, Courchevel and Val d'Isère are among the most famous for a stay in a fully comfortable chalet. They offer luxury boutiques and an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants. On the other hand, expect huge Christmas trees and top-notch decorations, but not really a corner supermarket.
Was last season a good one for winter sports? No, the article says it clearly: last year was not a good season at all. That is precisely why the urge to make up for it this year and enjoy the snowy slopes is stronger than ever.
