In winter, France is the most popular destination for skiers around the world; and for good reason, the Alps' ski resorts are often the most snow-covered, vast and lively of all with their varied and dynamic after-skiing. If you too want to "plant the stick" in a majestic mountain and spend an unforgettable holiday, go to one of the 7 best ski resorts:
Val Thorens, the ski resort of the Alps par excellence
Voted on several occasions as the "best ski resort in the world" at the World Ski Awards, Val Thorens, or "Val Tho" as its holidaymakers usually call it, is none other than the highest resort in Europe (perched at an altitude of 2,300 m). It contains 150 km of slopes, 89 trails distributed as follows: 12% green, 43% blue, 35% red and 10% black; enough to delight skiers of all categories! Not to mention that Val Thorens is part of the 3 Valleys, the world's largest ski area (600 km of slopes): take advantage of this opportunity to take a slightly more expensive package and admire its incredible landscapes.
La Plagne, the most family-friendly
La Plagne boasts 225 km of alpine skiing alone, and not far from 425 km with the slopes of Les Arcs: enough to make more than one skier happy! This resort in the Southern Alps is the only one in France to offer its skiers Olympic bobsleigh runs: even if the price may seem excessive, between 41 and 115€ per minute, the trip is worth it! It is not every day that you will have the opportunity to go down a professional bobsleigh run.
Chamonix, the most atypical
How can we talk about the best ski resorts without talking about Chamonix? Located at the foot of Mont-Blanc and perched at an altitude of 1,035 m, this place offers 139.5 km of slopes as well as magnificent panoramas that every year, make more than one fall under its charm. Chamonix is the starting point for many hikes and it is in this resort that you can observe one of the many wonders created by our dear Mother Nature: the magnificent Mer de Glace.
Megève, the prettiest
One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful ski resort in France, Megève has, at an altitude of 1,050 m, authentic houses and more than 445 km of slopes: 20% green, 29% blue, 38% red and 13% black. However, its exceptional setting has a price, as not all hotels and fancy accommodation are accessible to everyone. On the other hand, why deprive yourself of it if you have the means? Know that when the sun comes up, you may have the privilege of admiring the majestic Mont-Blanc.
Flaine, the most snowy
If you are tired of stretching your back every winter for fear that the snow will not be there, then Flaine is the resort for you: located at an altitude of 1,600 m in Haute-Savoie, it has the most exceptional snow cover in France. It has a total of 146 km of slopes, i.e. a total of 64 slopes, 14% of which are green, 44% blue, 34% red and 9% black. What makes Flaine different from other ski resorts in the Alps? The incredible 360º view it offers on the Mont-Blanc, Aravis, Belledonne and Jura mountains from the top of the Grandes Platières and La Combe de Gers, the ideal place if you are a steep freeride fan!
Les 2 Alpes, the most surprising
Another small jewel of the French Alps: hung at an altitude of 1,350 m, Les 2 Alpes is a ski resort appreciated by all lovers of sliding sports. Indeed, the latter houses the largest glacier ski area in Europe and the highest ski run in France: two good reasons to put your skis on right away! Note that among its 200 km and 96 trails, 18% are green, 47% are blue, 23% are red, and 13% are black. A paradise where you will find skiing in all its forms in addition to other activities: snowparks, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and recreational areas. One thing is certain, even your friends who don't ski won't have time to get bored.
Alpe d'Huez, the most radiant
The sunniest ski resort in France: nicknamed "l'île au Soleil", the Alpes d'Huez is perched at an altitude of 1,860 m and enjoys an incredible advantage since the sun shines there nearly 300 days a year, which is not insignificant! You will surely agree with us that there is nothing more pleasant in the world than enjoying the snow cover under the sun. In addition, it was even awarded the prize for the "best ski resort in Europe" in 2017. Every year, Alpe d'Huez welcomes skiers and snowboarders on its 251 km of slopes: the latter has 111 slopes, of which 31% are green, 28% blue, 25% red and 16% black. And if that wasn't enough to convince you to go, Alpe d'Huez is also where you will find the longest black run in the world: the Sarenne!
The ski resorts of the Alps are all equally exceptional and unique: all have a charm that you will not find anywhere else. The view and size of the estates make holidaymakers leave with stars in their eyes. This is without counting on the particular mountainous atmosphere of the French ski resorts where après-ski is just as important as skiing itself to have a good holiday.
If you have ever overestimated your budget, know that you still have the option of going on holiday in one of the 5 cheapest cities in Europe.
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