France has long been one of the world’s most popular skiing destinations, thanks to its enormous ski areas, beautiful mountain scenery, variety of non-skiing activities and superb cuisine. Yet with so many exceptional resorts to choose from, how do you pick the right one? We’ve selected our pick of the best ski resorts in France to help you plan your perfect luxury ski holiday.
This guide has been written in partnership with luxury ski holiday experts Firefly Collection
Val d’Isère
When it comes to natural beauty, Val d’Isère is undoubtedly one of the greatest French ski resorts. It boasts a magnificent setting, occupying a steep valley and surrounded by snow-capped summits, glaciers, and stunning lakes. The historic centre features a delightful 17th-century church and an attractive high street lined with shops and restaurants.
Val d’Isère is one of the most snow-sure resorts in Europe, sitting at an altitude of 1,850m and enjoying high levels of snowfall throughout the season. The Tignes – Val d’Isère ski area is a sprawling network of over 300km of pistes, reaching 3,656m of elevation and offering something for every level of skier. Non-skiers have plenty to keep them entertained, too, with a diverse range of activities from a treetop adventure park to ice diving in a frozen lake.
Chosen as the location for the original La Folie Douce back in 1974, Val d’Isère has a lively après-ski scene centring around long-standing institutions such as Cocorico, Bananas, and Dick’s Tea Bar. It’s also a foodie’s dream, with a wide choice of fine dining restaurants including the Michelin-starred La Table de l’Ours.
Quick Facts About Val d’Isère
- Ski Area: Val d’Isère-Tignes
- Total Pistes: 300km
- No. of Lifts: 90
- Resort Altitude: 1850m
- Top lift Altitude: 3456m
Morzine
Morzine’s short transfer time from Geneva Airport has earned it a reputation as one of the most popular French ski resorts, yet its appeal goes far beyond its convenient location. Scenic views, a vibrant town centre, and its family-friendly atmosphere are all major drawcards for this fabulous resort.
The skiing rivals any of France’s major ski areas, with Les Portes du Soleil counting among the largest ski areas in the world. Spanning the French-Swiss border, it offers slopes for all abilities. The abundance of gentle terrain makes the ski resort of Morzine one of the best in France for beginners.
It’s also a wonderful destination for non-skiers, with plenty to see and do off the slopes, such as the magical outdoor ice rink where you can skate while snowflakes fall around you. During March Les Portes du Soleil hosts two of the most famous festivals in the Alpine calendar, Snowboxx and Rock the Pistes, securing Morzine’s place as one of the best resorts for music lovers. Combine this with a plethora of cocktail bars, cosy pubs, and the slopeside cabaret bar La Folie Douce, and it’s hard to find a better resort for après-ski than Morzine.
Quick Facts About Morzine
- Ski Area: Les Portes du Soleil
- Total Pistes: 600km
- No. of Lifts: 209
- Resort Altitude: 1000m
- Top lift Altitude: 2260m
Méribel
©Sylvain Aymoz
Nestled at the heart of the Three Valleys, the largest linked ski area in the world, and surrounded by 600km of pistes, Méribel is arguably the best-positioned ski resort in France. For sheer variety of skiing, it is hard to beat, offering everything from steep Olympic downhill runs to tree-lined beginners’ slopes. The Three Valleys’ high altitudes, rising up to 3230m, ensure that snow conditions are often better here than anywhere else in France.
Méribel’s architecture, characterised by chocolate box wooden chalets, is kept strictly in keeping with the traditional Savoyard style and has earned Méribel a reputation as one of France’s most charming resorts. It’s also splendid for families, with several beginner slopes, a walkable town centre, and plenty of child-friendly activities, such as horse rides around the beautiful Lac de Tuéda.
Gourmets won’t be disappointed at the culinary offering in Méribel, which hosts a Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Ekrin, alongside an array of options for more informal dining. Après-ski focuses on live music, with wonderful acts playing at the ski-in/ski-out bars of Le Rond Point and Jacks, not to mention the infamous La Folie Douce.
Quick Facts About Méribel
- Ski Area: Three Valleys
- Total Pistes: 600km
- No. of Lifts: 183
- Resort Altitude: 1450m
- Top lift Altitude: 3842m
Courchevel
Brimming with designer shops, 5* hotels, and fine dining restaurants, Courchevel has long been synonymous with luxury skiing. What many don’t realise, however, is that Courchevel comprises multiple villages, each with its own distinct character. From authentic Le Praz and family-friendly Courchevel 1650 to irresistibly upmarket Courchevel 1850, the valley has something to offer every type of skier.
Courchevel boasts some of the finest skiing to be found anywhere, featuring forest-fringed red runs and wide, undulating blues. Venturing beyond the valley, there’s a further 450km of pistes to explore in the rest of the enormous Three Valleys ski area.
The resort also offers an impressive variety of activities for non-skiers. Aside from the fabulous shopping, don’t miss a trip to Aquamotion, Courchevel’s aquatic centre which features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, flumes, spa facilities, and even indoor surfing.
Courchevel is undeniably the best ski resort in France for cuisine. It’s blessed with no less than seven Michelin starred restaurants, including the famed three-starred Le 1947 à Cheval Blanc. For a slopeside tipple, there’s no shortage of elegant bars dotted along the lower pistes providing a sunny spot to see and be seen.
Quick Facts About Courchevel
- Ski Area: Three Valleys
- Total Pistes: 600km
- No. of Lifts: 183
- Resort Altitude: 1850m
- Top lift Altitude: 3842m
Chamonix
Chamonix needs little introduction. Tourists first discovered its spectacular natural beauty in the 18th century, and since then it has become a mecca for mountain sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those looking to relax amid its breathtaking mountain panoramas. With Mont Blanc towering above, and glaciers carving their way down seemingly every valley, it’s no wonder many visitors consider it among the best ski resorts in France.
The Chamonix valley has 5 distinct ski areas, offering something for everyone, but Chamonix is particularly beloved by experienced skiers and ski tourers, who thrive on its lofty summits and steep slopes. The most famous run is La Vallée Blanche, an off-piste route that descends from the Aiguille du Midi over glaciers and hair-raising terrain.
Historic Chamonix feels more like a real town than a purpose-built resort, so there’s plenty to see and do once your skis are off. Ascend the highest cable car in France for dramatic views of Mont Blanc, take a train to visit the Mer de Glace and its ice cave, or catch an ice hockey game at the resident Chamonix Pioneers stadium.
Quick Facts About Chamonix
- Ski Area: Chamonix Mont Blanc
- Total Pistes: 155km
- No. of Lifts: 69
- Resort Altitude: 1035m
- Top lift Altitude: 3842m
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