Ski resorts in the French Alps. Ski resorts in France: overview, prices, service

Val Thorens is located at an altitude of 2300 meters and is considered the highest ski resort in Europe. There is always a lot of snow here, and skiing safety is ensured by a special Gaz-ex anti-avalanche system. The "black" and "red" slopes of Val Thorens are located in the areas of Sims de Caron, Lac du Loup and La Mas, and in Pointe de Torrance lovers of freeride will find excellent virgin fields. Snowboarders will enjoy the fun park in the Plateau sector with unusual modules and special tracks for competitions. The resort also has slopes for those who are just starting to ski.
In addition, Val Thorens has a 6-kilometer toboggan run, a snow and ice track for cars, a large sports complex, the best Underground disco in France and many wonderful places for après-ski.
Photo gallery of Val Thorens resort

Les Menuires is a family resort and a paradise for beginners, most of the slopes here are for those who are starting to ski or want to improve their skills. It doesn't take long to get from hotels and apartments to the slopes, they start right outside the threshold.
In Les Menuires there are also slopes for professionals, they are located on the slopes of Mont de la Chambre, and for snowboarders in the same area there is an excellent fan park. Les Menuires offers beginner skiers a special ski area with an area of about 5000 square meters. m and a conveyor lift. The village has a sports center with aqua club, kids club, restaurants and bars.
Photo gallery of Les Menuires

Meribel is a great family ski resort. It is located in the center of the Three Valleys region and consists of three villages. This place is perfect for those who are just learning winter mountain sports or want to put children on skis. Wide pistes in the Altiport and Ronde Point areas and a free ski lift for beginners will help you to join the charm skiing any tourist. However, Méribel also has steep slopes for professional athletes, for example, the La Fas Olympic women's slope or the descent to Combes-du-Valon. Meribel will delight snowboarders as well – there are two special areas here, the Plader Snowpark and the Arpasson Moonpark. In the first, a 650-meter obstacle course, a half-pipe and a baby pipe are open for snowboarders, and in the second, a kilometer-long obstacle course and two half-pipes.
Meribel has a sports complex, bowling, cinemas and nightclubs. The resort restaurants are usually open after 17:00. Fans of parties and noisy parties can recommend the village of Mottare, where there are many discos, bars and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of Meribel resort

Brides-les-Bains is a superbly located ski resort with ideal access to the 3 Valleys. The Olympus direct cable car will take skiers and snowboarders to Méribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel. The town was built for the 1992 Olympic Games and offers budget accommodation at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level.
The total area of the slopes of the resort is 77 km, there are 58 lifts with a capacity of 64 thousand people per hour. There are two fan parks for snowboarders and 33 km of ski runs for cross-country skiers.
In Brides-les-Bains, you can not only have a great ride, but also improve your health, there is a large wellness center with thermal springs.

Val d'Isère is one of the most sporting resorts in the French Alps. Every year in November, the first starts of the World Cup are held here, in 1992 the resort hosted the Winter Olympics, in 2009 - the World Cup in skiing. The sports tracks located in the Bellevard area are open to all comers in the afternoon. At the same time, Val d'Isere has special ski areas for beginners, as well as excellent ski schools, where they will teach everything necessary for both children and adults. The resort guests have at their disposal a well-thought-out system of lifts that connects the Val d'Isère with all ski areas, and 150 km of well-prepared slopes, including 12 green, 24 blue, 28 red and 15 black slopes.
Three ski areas: Bellevard, Soleis and Col de Liseran offer sports enthusiasts a variety of pistes. There are freeride areas, sports slopes, difficult black runs and magnificent panoramic slopes that will not leave you indifferent. The snowpark Val d'Isère is located in the Bellevard area. The resort is famous for its beautiful architectural appearance, an excellent selection of comfortable hotels and apartments and excellent restaurants. Outdoor ice rink, aqua center, night club, many restaurants and cafes will allow you to have a great time after skiing. Tourists can be sure that in Val d'Isère they will find a truly varied leisure.
Photo gallery of the Val d'Isère resort

Megeve is an excellent alpine resort where both skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of opportunities for interesting skiing. The city itself looks great with buildings in the Savoyard style. There are magnificent hotels, wonderful entertainment centers, restaurants and shops.
The resort offers its guests 222 slopes and is located in the center large area skiing Evasion-Mont-Blanc, where there are about 445 km of marked slopes of different difficulty levels and 113 lifts. The ski season here lasts from December to April. The most interesting, beautiful and at the same time difficult slopes can be found in the areas of Mont-Joli and Mont-Jou. There is another section with "red" and "black" tracks in Kot-2000. Those who are not so confident in their abilities should pay attention to the descents in Mont-d'Arbois or Complus. Beginners will also find where to ride in Megeve, easy "green" and "blue" tracks can be found not only below the town, but also in all three ski areas.
Snowboarders will appreciate the slopes at Combloux-les-Jayers, as well as the boarder-piste-de-Fentin in Côte 2000 - Rochebrune. In addition to the Sports Palace with a swimming pool, saunas, a gym and a fitness center, Megeve has cinemas, a bowling center, an indoor Olympic skating rink and even a flying club. For lovers of evening entertainment, there are casinos, jazz and bridge clubs, discos and many boutiques. Magnificent views of Mont Blanc open from Mont Joly, and in Saint-Gervais you can swim in the thermal springs.
Megeve resort photo gallery

Courchevel is perhaps the most prestigious French resort, very popular with Russian tourists. A variety of slopes, a great choice of trails, beautiful virgin slopes - all this allows both beginners and experienced ski lovers to get a lot of pleasure from their holidays. The shopping and social life of Courchevel is amazing.
For beginners, the wide green and blue pistes in the Belcote and Pralonne ski areas are suitable. Those who are skiing and snowboarding with confidence should look at the beautiful forest slope of Bouc-Blanc and the "red" slopes in Marmot and Creux. Professionals will appreciate the "black" slopes of the Col de la Loze, Les Aval, Col du Pas du Lac, as well as the slopes from the Solire stations. 65 lifts lift tourists to the Alpine peaks. Courchevel has a snowpark, a halfpipe, plenty of snow cannons, and a 2km toboggan run. Indoor sports complex, bowling, fitness center, skating rink, concert hall and cinema, numerous discos, galleries and restaurants will not let you get bored after skiing.
The resort has more than 100 shops, where all the famous world brands are represented. The restaurants of Courchevel and its boutiques are designed for tourists with a high income. The nearest train station, Moutier Salines, is half an hour away from the resort.
Courchevel Village is a cozy family ski resort located at an altitude of 1550 m. Until 2013, it was better known as Courchevel 1550. It is a small Savoyard-style Alpine town with an economical hotel, excellent apartments and modern luxury chalets.
Two ski lifts connect Courchevel Village with the region's main ski areas. There is a mountain here ski school, tourist information office, rental office, restaurants, bars, discotheque and skating rink. The resort will appeal to family tourists and lovers of secluded relaxation, however, from here you can easily get to the noisier parts of Courchevel with famous restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Photo gallery of Courchevel resort

The popular ski resort of Tignes is located at an altitude of 2100 m in the Espace Killy ski area. Spacious wide pistes, great freeride opportunities and a long season make it a great choice for skiers and snowboarders. The three ski areas of Tignes - Tignes-le-Lac, Val Claret and Lavache are connected by a system of lifts and are located next to a picturesque lake. On the Grand Motte Glacier ski season opens in early October, in other areas - at the end of November and lasts until the first third of May.
Sports enthusiasts will find 76 pistes in Tignes, most of which are blue and red, a snow park with a half-pipe, a mogul slope and an excellent ski school. Here you can also go cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowkite, ice climbing, paragliding or helicopter flying.
Cozy cafes and restaurants, noisy discos and bars will not let you get bored after skiing. The infrastructure of the resort is famous for its compact and convenient location, and the prices for accommodation here are quite budgetary.

Les Arcs is a group of resorts located in the heart of the French Alps, in the Ote Tarentaise valley. resort towns are located here at altitudes from 1600 to 2000 meters above sea level and are united by ski slopes and ski lifts. The skiing season is from mid-December to the end of April. mountain lovers winter views sports in Les Arcs awaits 121 ski and snowboard slopes, a wide variety of lifts, two snow parks with halfpipes. There are also opportunities to practice unusual sports, such as speedwriting and skijoring.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular ski resort in the Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc. The first tourists appeared in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at the beginning of the 19th century, and since then the resort has only been gaining popularity. In 1924, it was here that the 1st Winter Olympic Games were held. Today Chamonix-Mont-Blanc receives up to 5 million tourists and sportsmen a year.
There are several skiing regions in the Chamonix Valley: Grand Monte, Le Tour, Breven, Les Houches, Flegere, as well as the famous off-piste descent from the top of the Aiguille du Midi, 20 kilometers long - the White Valley. It is because of the White Valley that the resort is considered the capital of extreme skiing in France.
There is no single ski area in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, however, ski buses will take tourists to the ski lifts in 7-15 minutes. good hotels and great bars, interesting museums and the mountain railway to Mont Blanc (at an altitude of 2372 m) will make your stay in Chamonix interesting and enjoyable, even if you are not going to ski all day long.

Unsurpassed France has an impressive set of resort places, abundantly scattered throughout the mountain systems of the country. 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 complexity 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 1700 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 options accommodation and food compared to the popular Courchevel.

Val Thorens

The town of Val Thorens has gained fame as one of the most attractive ski resorts peace. 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" worthy place occupies the Alpine village of Les Menuires. 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 popular resorts 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 many 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 set active entertainment: snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, paragliding, swimming in pools, visiting a 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, full of 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. 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, flying hot-air balloon, as well as sledding, 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. Locality is the most budget resort among the popular places of the French region "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 of 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 brings together popular cities like La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peiset 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 a quiet place with 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 mountain range Mont Blanc is located in 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.

France is amazing place, truly heavenly, due to its such a good geographical position.

There is everything for a carefree vacation - the sea, the sun, and the mountains. The beaches of France attract the beau monde, and the ski resorts are considered to be the best in the world.

French ski resorts are highly rated by both amateurs and professionals. France has hosted the white Olympics three times - Chamonix (1924). Grenoble (1968) and Albertville (1992). It was here in Chamonix in 1924 that the tradition of the Winter Olympic Games was first laid.

Ski resorts are located both in the Alps and in the Pyrenees. Alpine resorts are more famous and popular due to their high location, long season and extensive ski areas. However, the Pyrenees also have their fans - those who love snow and sun, and a leisurely vacation away from noise and crowds, come here. We must also pay tribute to the rest in the Pyrenees is much cheaper with the same quality.

Ski resorts in France began to develop since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and especially rapidly after the Second World War. Having started much later than the Austrians and Swiss, the French soon surpassed them in terms of equipment and resort infrastructure. It was the French who came up with the idea to unite the ski areas of small villages, thus they formed an offer that is impossible to resist.

The world-wide fame of France was brought by such ski areas as the Three Valleys and Portes du Soleil, which are the largest in the world.

Porte du Soleil includes 650 km of ski slopes and 12 individual resorts in the Franco-Swiss region; most popular French resorts of these, Avoriaz, Morzine and Les Gets.

Three Valleys is the world's largest interconnected ski resort, covering 600 km of ski slopes and linking the famous resorts of Courchevel,

Special mention is worthy of the Paradiski skiing area: 420 km skiing area of the combination of the resorts of Pesseille Vallandry, La Plagne and Les Arcs. The last two are the best known as they offer a large and varied terrain above 3000m with guaranteed snow cover.

It is impossible not to mention the "number one resort of France" - Espace Killy. Huge combined ski area, two popular ski stations Tignes and Val de Zire, snow guarantee in winter, long season and glacier skiing in summer, excellent infrastructure and inviting night life- all this attracts fans of winter sports like a magnet. Espace Killy is positioned as a youth resort.

Most French ski resorts, like La Plagne, were purpose-built from the ground up in the 1950s and 1960s as ski resorts, and as a result, many of them are among the highest in Europe, like Val Thorens at 2,300m or Tignes at 2,100m, meaning excellent snow conditions for almost half a year.

Most French ski resorts, Chamonix being one of them, are large and cosmopolitan today. Such a number of bars, concert venues, discos, sports clubs and shops can sometimes not boast of a small provincial town. And no one is surprised by the Michelin star on the door of a local restaurant.

However, there are pleasant exceptions, Châtel and Les Gets in the Haute-Savoie department are two examples of small stations that have retained their traditional charm, with Alpine architecture, family pensions and typical cuisine of the region produced by farmers living nearby.

In France, family-type resorts are especially valued, specially awarded the French Tourist Board sign \"Famille Plus\". If you are looking for a resort at affordable prices for families - a kindergarten, a children's ski school and daily entertainment programs for children, then pay attention to the resorts marked with this sign \"Famille Plus\", for example, Châtel, Les Gets, Les Alpes or Val Thorens.

The 20 ski resorts scattered throughout the French Pyrenees tend to be smaller and less developed than the Alps, but they offer a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and large expanses of untouched wilderness. Some of the most popular ski resorts in the French Pyrenees include Saint-Lary, Piau Engely, Gavarnie and Cotret.

Ski lift prices are similar to Switzerland, Austria or Italy, ranging from €22 to €48 per day.

The airports of Geneva, Lyon, Nice and Milan provide international transportation in the French Alps. Buses and transfer services are organized on the day of arrival from these airports.

By right, the ski resorts of France are considered to be the most prestigious in the world. Alpine ridge that runs through this European country, has over four thousand tracks, among which there are both very difficult, designed for professionals, and very simple, where even a child can enjoy skiing.

A brief overview of all recreation areas

More than two hundred recreation areas are concentrated in this area, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics, both geographical and artificially created (hotels, restaurants and other establishments). However, all ski resorts in France, regardless of the degree of prestige, include hotels of various categories (from two to five stars), a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, and, most importantly, different tracks. That is, when you come to any point of the French Alps, you can choose for yourself both the most difficult descent and the extremely simple one, and enjoy your vacation. Moreover, tourists can move around in this area without any restrictions. You can book a hotel in one resort, and one day go to the pistes of another.

world heritage landscapes

Now consider the most visited and recognizable ski resorts in France. Chamonix is considered the heart of the entire Alpine range, where unique nature and a very pleasant climate welcome every tourist. It is located near the borders of Switzerland and Italy, so in this region you can also notice a slight synthesis of cultures. Despite the fact that this recreation area is perfectly equipped with slopes of varying difficulty, the White Valley remains a legendary place here. This point is located at an altitude of 3842 meters, and by climbing there, you can descend off-road as much as you like. The place is extreme, but everyone who has experienced all the delights of such skiing wants to return there again and again. Well, and of course, like all ski resorts, it is the center of ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, steam gliding over snowy peaks and much more.

Young and inexpensive recreation area

If you are looking for a secluded place where prices are very reasonable, but at the same time the service remains at a high level, then the next option will surely attract you. The French ski resort of Tignes occupies a vast area within the Alps, which is colloquially referred to as the “Killi Space”. This place is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure, which consists of a subway, gondolas and a huge network that regularly transport tourists to various parts of the Alpine Range. The property of the resort is also a giant glacier called "Grand Mote", suitable for skiing all year round. At its top there are many so-called blue runs, which are most often chosen by carving enthusiasts. If you still prefer freeride, then the ideal place for descents will be the lower slopes, which are located in the west of the recreation area.

The most visited ski resorts in France

"Three Valleys" - the generalized name of 600 kilometers of trails, which are located at an altitude of 1300-3230 meters. More than two hundred lifts constantly transport vacationers to various heights, from which you can ski and snowboard. It is in this region that winter sports championships have been repeatedly held, and it is here that nature is most organically combined with the creation of a human hand. The "Three Valleys" includes such recreation areas as Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel (France). Val Thorens is the highest point in the region. Skiers here climb to a height of 2300 meters, where a stunning view of the entire Mont Blanc opens up. The slopes here are calm, without obstacles, but still steep, so only a professional will feel safe here. Courchevel is the center of social life. This is the pride of France. Important ceremonies and parties are constantly held here, hotel business And the service industry is just top notch. In addition to all this, the number of tracks of varying difficulty is off scale. The height of the slopes of Courchevel ranges from 1300-1800 meters, and among them there are not only simple slopes, but also paths for jumping, for lard or downhill. There are also many ice arenas and much more.

The golden mean of "Three Valleys"

The Meribel ski resort is considered the most suitable place for a family holiday. At an altitude of 1400 meters there are running tracks and ordinary slopes, where trainers work to help everyone, including young children, learn the basics of winter sports. The architecture of the region is made entirely in the French style, it is cozy and beautiful here. Service in hotels and restaurants is at the level, and at the same time the prices are quite reasonable. Don't forget about ice lovers here. For hockey players, special rinks are equipped, where suitable skates are issued, as well as the necessary uniforms. For those who like to simply cut through the ice, there are many open-air arenas where both children and adults ride. But most interesting entertainment Méribel are sledding walks. Each child will get a lot of impressions from such entertainment, although adults can also take part in the races.

Alpine Sun Island

A premium resort located in one of the sunniest places in the world, where golden rays envelop Mountain peaks 300 days a year. The Alpe d'Huez recreation area is characterized by pistes that are located on the upper plateau. All of them are facing south, which allows you to enjoy the sun here until late in the evening. In this region, a lot of slopes are designed for children and beginners. The fact is that they are all flat and wide enough, there are a minimum of obstacles, and therefore security is at a high level. It is here that two of the most legendary descents are located: Saren, whose length is 16 kilometers, as well as the Tunnel - a route that was cut through the glacier. The recreation area also has ice arenas, hockey rinks and much more.

The oldest recreation area in the Alps

Modern ski resorts in France were most often built on the sites of former settlements, which are of historical importance. Some of them completely collapsed under the influence of time, but something survived and survived to this day. For example, the Megeve region is a living monument of architecture and art, whose history began in the Middle Ages. In the surrounding villages, all roads are paved with cobblestones, and motor vehicles are prohibited here. The houses that are rented to tourists have been standing here for more than 200 years, but at the same time they are beautifully restored and perfectly clean. Many guests come here to enjoy the spirit of antiquity, to feel how people used to live here and how wonderful it was. Also in the town there is a temple, which was built in the 13th century, a monastery was built next to it, and in the center of the town there is a large clock tower.

Training center for beginner skiers

A recreation area called Portes du Soleil is another place that almost all year round is constantly illuminated by the sun. A total of 650 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty are concentrated here, but most importantly, there are a lot of schools where everyone can learn mountaineering or improve their skills. The resort is divided into four ski areas - Morzine, Avoria, Les Gets and Chatel. You need to choose one or the other depending on your skills in as well as on the aspirations and peaks that you are going to overcome. A separate business is well developed here, but there are not a large number of various events and social institutions here. People come here mainly in order to restore their sports form or learn to ski freely from scratch. Quite often, graduates of local schools become Olympic champions or masters of winter sports.

A small afterword

Every year, more and more tourists are welcomed to their lands by ski resorts in France. The prices for tours here are quite reasonable (they fluctuate around 500 USD per week of rest), which makes it possible for people not only with high, but also with average incomes, to visit this place. The infrastructure is well developed here, there are excellent mountain launches of varying complexity, schools for those who wish to learn the art of skiing. And, of course, entertainment, secular parties are at the service of vacationers. A lot of interesting things are waiting for every tourist with any tastes and preferences.

France offers many ski resorts located in different parts of the country - in the southeast, in the Rhone-Alpes region, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, on the border with Switzerland and Italy. The rest of the places are located in the Pyrenees region, near the border with Andorra.

220 ski resorts are waiting for ski lovers in France, there is really a huge selection of all kinds of winter skiing. Freeride is practiced in deep snow in Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc, the Alpine Skiing World Cup takes place in the Val d'Isère or on the 300 km of the 3 Valleys, cross-country skiers can ski on the slopes of Villars-de-Lance.

Many ski resorts have a long history. The oldest resort is Chamonix, where the first Olympic Games in France were held in 1924. This has become a fundamental point for the development of other resorts that offer much more than just a winter holiday.

The most famous ski resorts in France

Northern Alps

The best ski resorts in the world are located in the Northern Alps. There are first-class large and small ski stations. All places are interconnected by tracks and footpaths.

Tignes - for experienced skiers

The height of the slopes is from 1500 to 3500 meters (150 km). 155 tracks, of which:

black - 26;
red - 40;
blue - 67;
children's or green - 22.

The total number of lifts is 45. The approximate maximum amount per day is 43€. The tourist resort will appeal to lovers of freeride, ice diving, snowmobiling, paragliding. Also in your free time you can do heli-skiing, ice climbing, speed riding. Ski holidays in Tignes offer tourists numerous opportunities for holidays in France: cinemas, hotels, restaurants, playgrounds, clubs, shops, indoor pools.

Val D'isère is the best

The length of the tracks is from 1550 to 3450 meters. Number of tracks - 154, of which:

green - 20;
blue - 67;
red - 41;
black - 26.

Lifts - 79. Estimated maximum amount per day - 49 €. With a long history, extraordinary slopes and exceptional services, Val d'Isère is one of the best ski resorts in France.

Courchevel - luxury holidays

The length of the tracks is from 1850 to 2740 meters. Number of tracks - 98, of which:

green - 19;
blue 37;
red - 31;
black - 8.

Lifts - 87. Estimated maximum amount per day - 70 €. Courchevel is a place where people who appreciate quality holidays in an elite setting meet.

Southern Alps

The meeting of the Alps and the Mediterranean climate gives these places a special character with a southern accent. Here, all modern ski resorts are located near the charming little old villages of France.

Auron - democratic rest

The length of the tracks is from 1600 to 2450 meters (135 km). Number of tracks - 42, of which:

black - 8;
red - 16;
blue - 16;
green - 2.

The total number of lifts is 11. Auron is located near Nice and its international airport. It is located in the heart of four French ski resorts, which offer a variety of ski slopes of excellent quality.

Pyrenees

A natural border between France, Spain, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the Pyrenees are an array of contrasts. In the villages there are the most modern, but accessible to most tourists, ski resorts.

Ax-les-Termes - for lovers of flat skiing

The length of the tracks is from 1400 to 2400 meters (80 km). Number of tracks - 35, of which:

black - 6;
red - 10;
blue - 10;
green - 9.

The total number of lifts is 17. The resort of France offers a snow park and gentle slopes of Bonascre and Baggins.

central massif

The Massif Central has everything you need for winter sports activities - cross-country skiing, dog sledding, paragliding, not to mention the gastronomic diversity and the natural and architectural heritage of France.

Mon-dor - universal

The length of the tracks is from 1200 to 1840 meters (41 km). Number of tracks - 31, of which:

black - 1;
red - 6;
blue - 8;
green - 16.

Total number of lifts - 15. Approximate price max - 30€. The resort is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers, they will teach you how to choose ski equipment, offer sledding, skijoring, ice climbing, mountain hiking.

Vosges

The resort of the Vosges in France juts out over vast forests and lakes, miles of trails and snow, and offers excellent skiing. There are especially many family stations here.

Saint Maurice - for lovers of cross-country

The length of the tracks is from 1100 to 1250 meters (23 km). Number of tracks - 11, of which: