Ski resorts in France. The best ski resorts in France. Winter activities

Ski resorts France: everything about ski holidays in France, as well as reviews from tourists and experts.

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Ski resorts in France are considered some of the best winter resorts in the world. It is here, in the French Alps, that there are extensive and interconnected ski areas: more than four thousand slopes for alpine skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh and other types of active winter holidays. The trails vary in difficulty level, allowing both beginners and true aces to have a comfortable time. Winter sports competitions of various classes are often held on the slopes of the Alps - up to championships and Olympics.

The French Alps have hosted the Olympic Games three times. Moreover, the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924 took place right here in Chamonix, in 1968 they took place in Grenoble, and in 1992 in Aberville, near which many excellent tracks have been preserved.

Total on the slopes French Alps More than two hundred ski resorts have been created. Many of them are interconnected, so once you visit one, you can easily move to another. So every ski lover can find a suitable option here and get real pleasure from skiing down the mountain or skiing on the plains.

Chamonix

Chamonix is ​​the heart of the largest ski area in the French Alps at the top of the famous Mont Blanc. Chamonix Valley - unique natural area near the borders of Italy and Switzerland, included in the list of landscapes that constitute the world heritage. Total length ski slopes- hundreds of kilometers on trails of varying difficulty. The most high point resort - the legendary "White Valley", 20 km of off-piste skiing at an altitude of 3842 m. Ice mountaineering, rock climbing, canyoning, winter rafting and paragliding are also developed here - that is, a large selection of extreme sports for every taste. During the summer months, Chamonix is ​​a popular holiday destination for climbers and mountaineering enthusiasts. mountain biking(including off-road - freeride).

Espace Killy

Espace Killy is an area of ​​the French Alps, named after three-time world ski champion Jean-Claude Killy, and is considered one of the best winter resorts not only in the Alps, but throughout the world. The region includes famous resorts Val d'Isère and Tignes and four less popular places for skiing, which, meanwhile, are ultra-modern slopes with excellent infrastructure not only for amateurs, but also for professionals of downhill skiing. The special beauty of the region is that it is possible to ski on glaciers not only in winter, but also in summer. For young skiers, a free ski pass and many ski schools are provided, and for snowboarders, the famous corridors Les Danaides, Le Lasvancher, La Table and Kern are equipped. As additional entertainment and to explore the surrounding area you can choose a helicopter ride, dog sledding, motor sleigh ride or snowshoe ride.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees)

The Three Valleys (or Les Trois Vallées), the Savoyard ski area, is the world's largest unified ski region with 600 km of slopes at altitudes of 1300-3230 m. Two hundred lifts are capable of delivering up to a quarter of a million people - ski lovers and snowboard. The history of the resort goes back half a century, and in 1992 these slopes were conquered by Olympic champions.

The Three Valleys includes the high-mountainous Val Thorens - “Roof of the Three Valleys” at an altitude of 2300 m, a sports part resort area. Its peak is the picturesque summit of Cime de Caron, which offers magnificent views of Mont Blanc.

The second resort - Meribel - “The Heart of the Three Valleys”, is located at an altitude of 1400 m and is divided into zones Meribel Center in the traditional French style and the more modern Meribel-Mottaray, both zones offer excellent slopes and cross-country trails, as well as all kinds of entertainment such as hockey fields and skating rinks, sled racing, etc.

And finally, chic Courchevel - one of the most prestigious resorts French Alps, a leader in the level of hotels, quality of service and variety of entertainment among the world's ski centers. However, Courchevel, located at altitudes from 1300 to 1850 m, is not only social life and famous parties: a lover of ski slopes can stay here for a whole month and never ride the same slope, conquering new heights and slopes every day. In addition to traditional tracks, there are two Olympic ski jumping tracks, several slalom and downhill tracks, cross-country ski trails, ice arenas open air and so on.

Alpe D'Huez

Alpe d'Huez - first-class mining ski resort in the southern Alps, one of the sunniest in the whole world: the sun shines here up to 300 days a year! The French themselves call it the “Island of the Sun” - the slopes are located on the upper plateau and mostly face south, which allows you to ride in the sun until the evening. It is the fifth largest ski area in France and is home to some of Europe's most famous runs: the 16-kilometre Sarennes run and the Glacier Tunnel run.

Route Alpe d'Huez Tunnel - famous place filming one of the James Bond films.

In addition, this resort is a good solution for beginners in skating, children, and those who prefer other types of winter recreation: tens of kilometers of flat slopes, an excellent ice stadium.

Megeve

Megève is an excellent ski resort that includes three ski areas: Rochebrune-Côte, Mont-d'Arbois and Les Jailles, as well as an open-air museum. The center of the town is paved with ancient cobblestones, free of vehicles, and some houses here have been standing for at least 200 years. The main attractions are the 13th century church, the medieval monastery and the city tower. Ski areas are located at 1113-2350 m, and there are many slopes for both beginners and the youngest skiers, as well as for real extreme sports enthusiasts - for example, the JOLY slopes and the exciting descent of the World Cup “la Gote 2000”.

Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is an international-class resort located at the foot of the largest glacier in Europe and inviting ski lovers to ski all year round. These are 104 ski slopes at an altitude of 3600 m, suitable for both traditional slopes and snowboarding, freestyle, freeride and others. There are many schools here, including for those who have never skied or snowboarded in their lives - by the end of training, the newly minted athlete will be able not only to ski decently, but also to truly enjoy the descent.

Paradiski

Paradiski is the youngest high-mountain ski area, which translated means “ski paradise”. This is the name of the united ski region, which includes the resorts of La Plagne, Peyce-Valandry, Les Coches and Les Arcs. These are glacial snows that do not melt all year round, allowing you to learn the basics of skiing whenever you want. Regardless of seasonality.

The Portes du Soleil

Portes du Soleil is also known as the "Gateway of the Sun" resort - always sunny slopes for both pros and beginners. Many schools, 650 km of prepared trails of varying difficulty levels in four ski areas: Les Gets, Morzine, Avoria and Chatel.

Every year the French slopes attract many tourists and ski lovers. All the necessary conditions have been created for them, lifts have been installed, excellent trails have been equipped and all the necessary industry has been built. In addition, it is not only sporting achievements and sparkling snow slopes all day long: here you can stroll through charming Alpine villages, visit cozy restaurants, enjoy unique French cuisine, and find entertainment for any age, taste and budget.

Famous winter resorts the French Alps, small mountain villages, mountain ranges on the island of Corsica, excellent conditions for both beginner athletes and professionals, opportunities for flat skiing, paragliding, snowboarding and other sports, developed infrastructure, a wide selection of après ski - all this France is ready to offer skiing to tourists.

General information about ski resorts in France

French ski resorts are rightfully considered one of the best in the world: more than 400 resorts, the highest mountains (the Alps), first-class and varied slopes that have hosted more than one Olympic Games - indeed, there is something to be proud of.

The largest area for skiing is, of course, the Alps. Also here is the highest peak - Mont Blanc, the largest selection of slopes, a huge number of lifts - almost 4000. About half of all resorts are equipped with snow cannons, and some allow skiing even in summer. In addition to the well-known Chamonix or Courchevel, there are also less popular places for skiing in other regions of the country. For example, the Pyrenees is a great option for those who prefer cross-country skiing or are just learning to ski or snowboard. Another advantage of holidays in this region in winter is that prices are significantly lower than at Alpine resorts. Corsica also has resorts that allow ski lovers to relax there from December to March, sometimes until April.

Concerning weather conditions in the Alps, then you can safely come here from the end of November to the beginning of May (depending on the specific resort, the start of the season may vary). The best time for skiing begins in February when the weather becomes sunny. The Alps enjoy fairly mild weather throughout the season – it rarely drops below - 10 degrees.

Another nice thing is that there are a sufficient number of ski schools offering different levels of training. If you purchase a ski pass for the lessons, the cost of the first ones will be much lower. You can reduce the cost of ski passes by purchasing passes - from 1 day or more. The subscription can be for a specific resort or for the entire ski area. Children under 5 years old and adults over 72 years old do not pay anything for a ski pass.

Where to ski in France

The most popular and sought after ski resorts in France are located in the Alps, as already mentioned. Novice athletes should pay attention to the resorts of the Murien Valley; in search of luxury and prestigious holidays, go to Courchevel or Val d’Isere; from the Portes du Soleil resorts you will also get to the Swiss mountain peaks.

Ski resorts in France in numbers

Resort Max. height difference, m Length of routes, km Trails Lifts Ski pass for adults, euro
Chamonix 3842 152 74 49 1 day – 46

6 days – 230

13 days – 447
Espace Killy (Val d'Isere, Tignes) 3450 300 135 100 1 day – 51

6 days – 251

13 days – 469
Courchevel 1638 150 102 65 1 day – 48

6 days – 234

13 days – 496
Meribel 2349 150 69 46 1 day – 48

6 days – 277

13 days – 470
Alpe d'Huez 2200 250 113 81 2 days – 92

6 days – 239

8 days – 299
Megève 2350 300 125 81 1 day – 43

6 days – 205

8 days – 263
Les Deux Alpes 2298 200 76 63 1 day – 45

6 days – 225

13 days – 468
Paradiski 3400 more than 700 238 143 1 day - 54

6 days – 277

13 days – 592
Portes du Soleil 2500 650 273 212 1 day - 48

6 days – 238

13 days – 406

Now let’s talk about the most popular ski resorts in a little more detail.

Three Valleys

It is one of the largest ski areas in France, combining the resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens, with 600 km of slopes, excellent slopes, cross-country skiing trails, skating rinks, hockey rinks, sled racing, jumping hills and trails for slalom Courchevel offers the most luxurious entertainment and hotels, as well as Olympic-quality tracks. Meribel and Val Thorens have excellent conditions for learning and beginner skiers.

A nice bonus is ski schools for children over 3 years old and a large number of kindergartens, so you can safely come to the resorts of the Three Valleys with the whole family.

Chamonix

The oldest (200 years old), the largest, most famous and most famous resort in France (it was here that the first Winter Olympics were held), the highest descent in the Alps (about 20 km) - this is enough to go here. The resort is very diverse: the quality of the slopes varies (some are very good, some are quite mediocre), suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers; both partygoers and connoisseurs of alpine beauty will be happy here.

In Chamonix, unlike many other resorts, there is no single ski area - you will have to get there by ski bus (about 7 minutes), but it is possible to get to the ski resorts of Italy and Switzerland. In addition, Chamonix has excellent conditions for snowboarders: there is a half-pipe, pistes and off-piste skiing; 42 kilometers of cross-country ski trails; ski schools, 300 instructors work; There are children's clubs and a kindergarten.

Espace Killy

This region combines several ski resorts (Val d'Isere and Tignes are the most popular) with total length 300 km of trails. Thanks to state-of-the-art slopes, highly developed infrastructure, many ski schools (with 800 instructors), the opportunity to ski on glaciers even in summer, excellent snowboarding trails and a large selection of après-ski (helicopter rides, sled rides or motor sleigh rides), the resorts of this region are considered one of the best one of the best in the whole world, not to mention France. Children's clubs, nurseries, nannies are a self-evident fact, without which it is impossible to imagine any developed ski resort.

Portes du Soleil

The Gates of the Sun - this is how the name of the resort is translated - is located in two countries at once: France and Switzerland. A unified skiing system is well developed here, and the opportunity to visit two countries at once in one day attracts tourists even more. The most popular resorts regions on the French side - Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets.

Besides mining ski slopes, you will find 7 parks for snowboarders, off-piste slopes, 216 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, snowmobiles and hang gliders, nightclubs and restaurants, including those with Russian cuisine (for those who suddenly feel homesick).

Alpe d'Huez

Known as one of the sunniest ski resorts in France - the sun shines here 300 days a year (longer than on some beaches). In particularly clear weather observation platforms almost a quarter of the South of France is visible. There is a route laid right through the glacier and featured in one of the parts of Bond, one of the longest descents in France - the 16-kilometer Sarin. Among other things, the conditions here are suitable for children and beginners. Experienced athletes will be pleased with the quantity and quality of the red and black trails.

Another distinctive feature of this resort, and a very pleasant one, is the availability of a large number of accommodation places (much more than in other ski regions). And the ski lifts pick up skiers right from the hotel gates. There are more than enough reasons to come to this resort.

Paradiski

The youngest resort for ski lovers in France, where you can come all year round to hone your skills, thanks to the well-placed glaciers here.

In addition, this is the second largest ski area (after the Three Valleys). The valley's popular resorts of Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peysée Vallandry are connected by Europe's largest cable car. In addition to alpine skiing, here you can try your hand at the Olympic bobsleigh track or skijoring, when skis are attached to a horse), go to frozen waterfalls or organize a descent into ice cave. There are also tracks for freestyle skiers, creating conditions for both beginner skiers and professionals.

A huge number of different resorts, a combination of traditions that have developed over many centuries and modern trends, opportunities for skiing all year round, and before you is one of the leaders in alpine skiing in the world.

Climate in France

​The climate in France is noticeably different in each region due to the influence of the seas and oceans, as well as mountain ranges, but in general it can be called moderate: there will be no stifling heat in the summer and sharp frosts in the winter, which undoubtedly affects the popularity of France among tourists from all over the world.

Marseilles

Snow-white liners going on cruises in the Mediterranean Sea and to Africa, fishing boats starting every morning in search of the next, and it should be noted, considerable catch, great beaches, offering not only a standard range of services to vacationers, but also the opportunity to go kayaking or sailing - this is how the second most important and largest city in France, Marseille, welcomes guests. This city has a lot of Arabic delicacies and other exotic things - it’s not for nothing that it is considered the gateway to Africa.

Toulouse

City with rich history and original architecture, one of the most striking and romantic cities France, Toulouse amazes with its mixture of traditions and styles. Roman ruins, ancient cathedrals and churches with delightful stained glass windows, elegant mansions of pale blue and red brick houses - the city amazes with its unique flavor. And each of its squares and streets is imbued with history: Duke Henri de Montmorency was executed here - the most notorious execution in the country; The ancient monastery, the Augustinian Museum, houses paintings by the most famous French artists.

Ski regions

The French Alps (Rhône-Alpes region and Alps department) are the highest mountains in Western Europe, the ski resorts of France are the world's largest center winter sports: 380 ski stations, the largest number of lifts in the world (3900!) and the shortest queues for them. This is the largest area for skiing and the most wide choose pistes, the highest peak in Western Europe, Mont Blanc (4807 m), stable weather, plenty of sun, guaranteed snow cover from early December to mid-May, plus the possibility of skiing in the summer. The most popular resorts in the region are Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isère, Tignes, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne, Megève, Meribel, etc. 175 resorts are equipped with snow cannons. 230 sports centers offer cross-country ski trails .

In addition to the famous Alpine resorts, France has a huge range of wonderful ski holiday destinations, scattered in abundance throughout mountain systems countries. Most often these are small mountain villages, used as local holiday destinations and, by and large, unable to compete with the Alps. But such small sports centers are very attractive both as summer mountain climatic and balneological resorts, and as recreation areas for lovers of cross-country skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and hiking excursions. Usually located in very picturesque places close to major roads, on weekends and holidays they often attract no less guests than the famous alpine centers, but the price level here is usually significantly lower.

One of the most interesting and rapidly developing ski holiday centers is Pyrenees.

IN Massif Central due to its natural and climatic features, “clean” ski holiday unlikely. However, for the same reason, this area is considered one of best places France for cross-country skiing, initial training in alpine skiing and snowboarding, hiking and horseback riding routes, and its amazing nature allows you to relax here at any time of the year.

Short Vosges widely known as a great place for fans of cross-country and cross-country skiing.

Surprisingly, even a hot Mediterranean island Corsica has a whole network of its own mountain centers. The topography of the island and the abundance of zones with their own microclimate make it possible to ski from December (usually from mid-January) to March-April.

Climate

The first snow in the French Alps falls at the end of November and lasts until mid-May. Thanks to the mild climate, even in winter in the valleys at an altitude of about 1500 m, the temperature does not drop below -10°C. The most favorable time for skiing begins in mid-February, when stable sunny weather sets in. The height of the snow cover, depending on the height of the area, ranges from 0.7 to 4 meters.

Average monthly air temperature at an altitude of about 1500 m (°C): in November 0..-2, in December -2..-4, in January -5..-7, in February -2..-4, in March 0..-2, in April +2..+4.

The average height of snow cover at an altitude of about 1500 m (cm): in November 6-80, in December 90-120, in January 140-200, in February 160-220, in March 160-240, in April 140-220.

Subscription

In France, a subscription can be purchased for half a day, for a day, for two, etc. You can purchase either a general pass for the entire ski area or a separate one for each valley. It is more convenient and profitable to buy a subscription for the entire ski area at once. Ski-pass for children under 5 years of age and for adults over 72 years of age is free, special rates are available for adults over 60 years of age. There are also special family rates.

The Olympic ski area includes the Three Valleys, Espas Killy, and Paradiski. A subscription to one of the zones (minimum 6 days) gives the right to one day of skiing in one of the others (during the validity period of the subscription).

Equipment rental

Rental of equipment for alpine skiing and snowboarding is organized in almost all sports stores. There are also points for servicing equipment: edge sharpening, lubrication, etc. Equipment for athletes is selected individually: depending on weight, height and level of skating.

Ski schools

There are several levels of training - for beginners, advanced training, for professionals, etc. If you combine booking lessons at ski schools with purchasing a ski-pass ticket, it will be cheaper. Provided special discounts for families of 3-4 people. During the Christmas (Catholic) holidays, when booking a lesson for one adult, one child studies for free.

France is the most interesting country and it has the world's largest ski areas and big amount lifts. This country is considered the most visited in the world, because Paris is a sophisticated and fashionable city, and the Eiffel Tower is a world landmark. Many lovers active rest, including newlyweds during honeymoon prefer a ski resort in France.

Tourists are attracted by hospitality and first-class service, when they can enjoy the variety of difficulty of the routes and the beauty of the landscapes. There are several dozen modern and best ski resorts here, which are known to all skiers and snowboarders from all over the globe.

Ski resorts in France are not easy beautiful landscapes And steep mountains, this is more than four thousand different slopes that are suitable for both beginners and experts and masters of skiing.

This is an indescribable sensation and immense pleasure over several thousand kilometers of specially prepared ski slopes.

In France, Mont Blanc is considered the most high mountain The Alps, at the same time, the Three Valleys have become contenders for the title of the largest ski region in the world, and the Vanoise Express is the fastest and largest double-decker cable car.

It is believed that the ski resorts of France are the largest center of winter recreation and sports in the world. There are 380 ski stations and 3900 lifts, this is the largest area for skiing and snowboarding, and the largest selection of different trails.

The highest peak of Western Europe is Mount Mont Blanc; its height is 4807 meters and at the same time guaranteed snow and sunny weather, which lasts from December to May, are provided to you.
The most popular resorts in France are Courchevel, Chamonix, Meribel, Megeve, Les Deux Alpes, Val d'Isere, Tignes, La Plagne, Val Thorens - these are exactly the places where you can properly relax and enjoy the climate and scenery.

Pyrenees

This is by far the most interesting and developing center ski holiday, because the mountain range stretches for 430 kilometers along the southwestern border between the Bay of Biscay and the well-known Mediterranean Sea.

This is considered the most colorful region of the country, because snowy mountains are replaced by green and dry foothills. The nature here is pristine and pure, so fans and tourists are attracted by the variety of recreation and small resort areas.

If you are a beginner and don't know how to snowboard or ski, then your best bet is to learn in flatter places like the Massif Central. This is the most best area for cross-country skiing, as well as for learning snowboarding and alpine skiing for beginners and children.

Haute-Provence is located in the south-east of France, sparkling with a variety of landscapes and a wonderful combination of gorges and rocky and mountain ranges.

This place is simply ideal for active recreation in winter.

The villages, which are illuminated by sunlight, have tracks at an altitude of three thousand meters and attract with their cleanliness and freshness.

Hautes Alps

The highest and most massive mountains are located in the Hautes-Alpes, such as Barre des Écrins, four thousand meters high, and Mont Pelvoux, also four thousand. All these mountains complement each other perfectly, and the views and landscape are simply stunning, and the conditions for various winter sports are simply ideal.

It is the Hautes Alps that attract many athletes with their quality and quantity of mountains. There are trails for every choice, both for beginners and professionals.

Haute Savoie

Haute-Savoie has stunning nature and attractions and is a first-class region. After all, it is in Haute-Savoie that the most high mountain throughout Europe - Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy, Lake Geneva, Chamonix Valley and Rhone River.

Here, vacationers will fully enjoy a first-class holiday, beautiful scenery and skiing. In this region today there are the best ski resorts in the country, such as Portes du Soleil, Chamonix, La Clusaz.

The most visited ski resorts in France

The Three Valleys are the most famous high-altitude ski center in France.

Trois Valais is the second name for the Three Valleys and is the largest ski area for tourists.

The resort is located in the most famous ski province of Savvoy. There are eight main resorts: Val Thorens, Meribel, Brides-les-Bains, Saint Martin, Courchevel, Les Menuires, La Tania, de Belleville and Orelle.

The length of the slopes is 600 km and 200 lifts, which are capable of transporting a quarter of a million people to the mountains every hour. Here every beginner and professional will find a suitable route, travel routes and riding modes for themselves.

It is very convenient that you can alternate alpine skiing with cross-country skiing and snowboarding. The most powerful network of ski lifts in the world and there are fan parks and half pipes especially for snowboarders.

Val Thorens

Val Thorens is the most visited high mountain resort from the Three Valleys ski area, this is a kind of roof; thanks to modern technologies, there is the most spacious aerial lift in all of Europe, it is designed for about one hundred and fifty people.

The mountains here are mostly steep, starting from three thousand meters, so the terrain here is more suitable for experienced skiers. The landscapes for holidaymakers are stunning beautiful view from the most picturesque peak of Cime de Caron, it opens directly onto Mont Blanc.

Meribel

Meribel is the heart of the Three Valleys, as it is the largest and most famous of all the ski resorts in France. This resort is mainly for family vacation and for not very experienced skiers. This quiet place, where you can relax and enjoy not only regular alpine skiing, but also cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

Here vacationers are provided entertainment centers, where you can play hockey, go ice skating or even have a sled race. A wonderful place to relax with your family, located at an altitude of 1400 meters.

Brides-les-Bains

Brides-les-Bains is a resort located at an altitude of six hundred meters and is the most cheap resort in France, it is thirty percent cheaper than in high mountain resorts.

And it is in Brides-les-Bains that there is not only a ski resort especially for vacationers, but also the most famous thermal resort with a special sports and fitness complex and a wonderful recreation park.

Vacationers and tourists come here from all countries, not only winter period for skiing, but also throughout the year in order to improve your health or just have a pleasant rest.

Courchevel

This high-altitude ski resort consists of four well-maintained villages, which are located on four levels - the first at an altitude of 1300 meters, the second at 1500 meters, the third at 1650 meters and the fourth at 1850 meters. This resort is considered the most prestigious and luxurious ski resort in the world.

Many people know that Courchevel is the most expensive and sophisticated resort, and the pistes there are well-groomed, and the guides are polite and can speak all foreign languages. This ski resort has become a leader in terms of level hotel complexes and entertainment centers.

There is the highest quality service and maintenance, the friendliest staff and people relax there famous people. There are several slalom runs, two Olympic tracks specially prepared for ski jumping, a downhill track, ice arenas and cross-country ski trails.

Chamonix

Chamonix is ​​the largest resort in the French Alps, famous for more than two hundred years, it is located right at the foot of the famous huge Mont Blanc massif. The fact is that Chamonix is ​​the site of the very first Winter Olympic Games in the world.

The length of the tracks is 152 kilometers, total area- 762 hectares, number of ski lifts - 49. Today it is popular and relatively affordable affordable holiday for lovers of snowboarding and alpine skiing. Evening landscapes, restaurants and cafes, everything was created with comfort especially for relaxation.

Paradiski is the largest ski area. The most popular resorts: Les Arcs, La Plagne, Les Coches and a small area in Peys-Valandry. The name itself is translated from French like a "ski paradise".

Paradiski - ski paradise

There are two glaciers, 425 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty, at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 3250 meters and 144 suspended lifts. Abundant snow cover from December to April, trails of varying difficulty, it will be comfortable for both beginners and professionals. There are also trails for cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

And the famous Flying Kilometer track for breaking speed records has a maximum slope of 76 degrees. Excellent conditions for children will allow the whole family to relax, because there are twenty-three kindergartens, thirty-four ski lifts, two playgrounds, and nine “rolling mats” for them. Ski schools teach children from the age of three, so you can come here with the whole family and have a great time.

Climate in the French Mountains

Snow in the Alps falls in November and lasts until May, and the mild climate provides comfort, because even high in the mountains the air temperature does not drop below 10 degrees Celsius.

But most best time February is considered for skiing, then the sun rises and the sunny weather lasts for a very long time.

Snow cover reaches from 0.7 to 4 meters depending on the height of the area itself. The air temperature, depending on the time of year from November to April, ranges from -7°C.. to +4°C. The coldest weather in January is -5.. -7°C, and the height of snow cover from November to April is from 0.06 to 2.20 meters.

Season tickets and Ski-pass, equipment rental and training school

In France, you can easily and simply buy a half-day, one-day, two-day, etc. pass. as much as your heart desires. You can purchase a pass for each valley separately and for the entire ski area, a Ski-pass for children under five years of age and for adults over seventy years of age is free, and special rates and promotions are available for couples and pensioners.

It is best to order a Ski-pass in advance and have a photo with you, because on the mountain it will cost much more, and the more days you want to spend there, the cheaper it will cost you. The Olympic ski area is Paradiski, Espas Killy and Three Valleys. If you purchase a subscription to one of these zones, then you can spend one day in any other.

For alpine skiing and snowboarding, there is rental in absolutely all sports stores, where you will be provided with a variety of additional services, such as inventory maintenance.

There is no need to worry about the suit, because in any sports store they will select a ski suit for you based on your height, weight and skiing level. In all corners resort towns There are similar stores that work specifically for you.

Also in France, in any city there are ski schools and you can book lessons there, and if you combine this with the purchase of a ski-pass, it will be much cheaper.

Very convenient discounts are available for families; during the holidays, when booking a lesson for an adult, a child can go for free. IN ski school There are several levels of training - this is the level for beginners who are starting out for the first time. skiing France, for advanced training, and for professionals who want to learn various tricks.

Courchevel and accessible skiing are real

Courchevel has everything from indecent expensive hotels and restaurants, to grocery stores and cozy chalets in the old Le Prat. But first of all, this is a ski resort. The air, snow and mountains are free here, and the cost of lifts is no higher than at any other major European resort.

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– these names are known not only to avid skiers or snowboarders, but also to people far from sports. In this article we will tell you about best resorts France, where in winter it’s nice not only to relax, but also to ride with the breeze.

Chamonix, overlooking Mont Blanc

The town of Chamonix is ​​located in a beautiful location overlooking the highest peak in Western Europe- Mont Blanc mountain. Height above sea level – 1035 meters. Chamonix is ​​a Mecca for climbers in summer and skiers in winter.

In addition, nearby is nature reserve Mer de Glace (Icy Sea) is one of the most visited in the world.

Near Chamonix you will find a lot of not only ski entertainment. You can go to the town of Annecy, climb Mont Blanc by train, take walks through caves and a lot more.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) - the largest ski resort

Three Valleys (or Les Trois Valais) is a huge resort that combines several bases in the Vanoise mountain range. This includes:

  • Courchevel (Courchevel - hotels at this link),
  • Méribel (Méribel - hotels),
  • Les Menuires (hotels),
  • Val Thorens - ),
  • La Tania (La Tania - hotels),
  • Brides - hotels
  • and Orelle (Orelle - hotel offers).

Avoriaz – calmness

Situated at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, Avoriaz is modern resort in the heart of Portes du Soleil. Between the forest and the mountains, the village, completely closed to cars, fits perfectly into the alpine nature. After you've hit the ski slopes of the Portes du Soleil (total length - 650 km), you can visit Aquariaz - a hot spring center with a temperature of 29°C.

Although you won't see any cars in Avoriaz, there are other modes of transport available. The resort's proximity to nature is its main advantage.

Official website of the Avoriaz resort: www.avoriaz.com

Les 2 Alpes - the largest snow park

In the Oisans Mountains, on the border between the Southern and Northern Alps, lies the dynamic resort of Les 2 Alpes. This is the largest chain of ski slopes in Europe. The resort is located at 3600 m above sea level. So there is snow here almost all year round, so skiers can be found here both in winter and summer.

The station also continues to develop its snow park: a large children's playground, a snow tube, a wall, a slide area for beginners and large pads (a huge 15 m mattress) are installed at the bottom of the slopes.

Chamrousse – a real Olympic village

On the southern outskirts mountain range Belledonne is the resort of Chamrousse, built in the forest. It offers exceptional views of the Grenoble valley. The station was used during the 1968 Winter Olympics. Many future Olympic champions performed or trained here.

Official website of the resort Charmus: www.chamrousse.com

Saint-Dalmas le Selvage – cross-country skiing

Saint-Dalmat-les-Selvages is the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes (1347 m - 2916 m). The place is an ideal resort for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. In the heart of nature with unspoiled landscapes such as the Braïssa isthmus (2599 m), Mount Aunos (2514 m), the Charles cross (2529 m), the Moutière isthmus (2454 m), the Gialorgues glacial waterfall, you must find your happiness.

A great place for snowboarding too.

Official website of the resort of Saint-Dalmat-les-Selvages: hiver.saintdalmasleselvage.com

Le Sauze – family resort

Ski resort located in the Ubaye Valley. Soz became famous as family resort. In addition to the joy of skiing, don't miss a tour of Igloo Inuksuk Village, a real village with six igloos and Inuit traditions!

Official website of the resort Les Sauze: www.sauze.com

Megève – the most exclusive resort

Megève has retained its charm as an authentic mountain village. Surrounded by three mountain ranges with gentle slopes and green forests, stands a fourteenth-century medieval village with luxury shops, cobbled streets, a unique atmosphere and, of course, wonderful pistes.

This is a fashionable resort where chalets, hotels and restaurants tirelessly compete for their prestige.

Official website of the Megeve resort: www.megeve.com

Serre-Chevalier – the sunniest resort

It is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps with 250 km of ski slopes. Located at altitudes from 1200 to 2800 m above sea level. At the foot highest peaks is sunlit National Park Ecrins.

Serre Chevalier is one of the sunniest places in the Alps, with sunshine 300 days a year!

Official website of Serre Chevalier: www.serre-chevalier.com

Enjoy your holiday in the French Alps!

 

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