Key points of the article:
- France offers a wide variety of ski resorts, suitable for families, sports enthusiasts, partygoers and those looking for luxury.
- Resorts such as La Clusaz, Morzine, Samoëns and Les Gets appeal for their authenticity and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Other resorts, such as Val Thorens, Chamonix and L’Alpe d’Huez attract visitors with their energy, altitude and outdoor activities.
- Ski areas such as Aravis, Grand Massif, Portes du Soleil and Évasion Mont-Blanc offer a variety of holidays combining skiing, relaxation and culture.
With its rich variety of ski resorts and exceptional alpine landscapes, France offers a multitude of destinations for skiing holidays whether you are travelling with family, friends or as a couple.
Here is our selection of the 10 best ski resorts in France to discover this winter, where you can enjoy high-quality slopes, renowned ski areas and the unparalleled magic of the mountains.
Our top 10 ski resorts to discover this season
1. La Clusaz: the traditional charm of the Aravis
Nestled in the Aravis mountains, this French ski resort is perfect for downhill skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Its ski area covers over 130km of slopes, with stunning views of Mont Blanc and runs suitable for all abilities. Accommodation ranges from traditional chalets to cosy hotels.
2. Megève: subtle luxury at the foot of Mont Blanc
A chic resort without being ostentatious, Megève offers an exceptional setting, with its spas and designer boutiques. The Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area has over 400km of slopes, suitable for all skiers. This resort is ideal for a romantic getaway or a sophisticated mountain holiday.
3. Morzine: family-friendly skiing in the Portes du Soleil
At the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the Alps and an ideal destination for families. The village offers direct access to over 600km of slopes in France and Switzerland. Morzine is also known for its many non-skiing activities.
4. Samoëns: an Alpine gem at the heart of the Grand Massif
Samoëns is a listed village that has managed to preserve its unspoilt character. Its ski area is linked to the 265km of slopes of the Grand Massif, in a peaceful, family-friendly setting. You will find a wide range of activities and entertainment for all ages, as well as a varied selection of chalets to rent in Samoëns.
5. Val Thorens: guaranteed skiing in Europe’s highest resort
At an altitude of 2,300 metres, Val Thorens guarantees exceptional snow cover throughout the season. It also has access to the Trois Vallées ski area, offering 600km of downhill ski runs. Equipped with modern facilities, this resort attracts a young, international clientele, but is also ideal for families on skiing holidays.
6. L’Alpe d’Huez: sunshine and adventure
This ski resort in the Isère region boasts an impressive ski area with 250km of slopes reaching an altitude of 3,330m and exceptional sunshine, earning it the nickname “the island in the sun”. Beginner areas, snowparks and legendary black runs cater to all types of skiers looking for an active holiday.
7. Chamonix: exceptional views and epic adventures
Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers breathtaking views and world-class non-skiing activities. Popular with experienced skiers and freeride enthusiasts, it also has areas suitable for beginners, as well as excursions to the Aiguille du Midi or the Mer de Glace.
8. Les Gets: family resort in a magical setting
Les Gets is particularly well suited to family holidays. Despite being part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, it’s a resort on a human scale, with plenty of play areas, beginner zones and an on-site crèche. This makes it an excellent choice for a family chalet holiday.
9. Les Arcs: extensive and well-connected ski area
The four high-altitude resorts of Les Arcs make up a modern, well-organised ski area that is ideal for skiing holidays with family or friends. It is linked to La Plagne via Paradiski, offering over 400km of slopes suitable for all abilities and all types of skiing.
10. Méribel: Savoyard elegance at the heart of the Trois Vallées
Méribel is one of the most elegant ski resorts in Savoie. It combines a huge ski area and high-end services with a family atmosphere, thanks to its ski schools and a good choice of non-skiing activities. Renting a chalet in Méribel guarantees a stay that combines sophistication and the joys of skiing.
The best ski resorts to suit your needs
Best resorts for families
Some ski resorts in France go to great lengths to ensure a successful skiing holiday for you and your children. These resorts, which have been awarded the “Famille Plus” label, offer a safe environment, well-maintained slopes and family-friendly activities, so that you can make the most of your family skiing holiday.
For example, Les Gets, Morzine, La Clusaz and Samoëns stand out for their child-friendly facilities, kids’ clubs and many beginners’ slopes. These resorts offer fun activities and ski schools for young skiers, ensuring safety, fun and learning.
Best resorts for sunseekers
Some areas, such as Alpe d’Huez, enjoy exceptional sunshine. Nicknamed “the island in the sun”, the resort enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Thanks to its altitude, the snow quality remains excellent throughout the season.
Les Orres and Vars, in the Southern Alps, are also very popular for their mild conditions. Skiers can enjoy an extensive ski area while admiring the sun-drenched scenery.
Best resorts for party lovers
Want to combine great skiing with lively evenings? In some resorts, terrace concerts, electronic music festivals and lively bars guarantee a vibrant atmosphere from late afternoon until the early hours.
Val Thorens, for example, is renowned for its festive atmosphere, with high-altitude bars, well-known clubs and open-air DJ sets. L’Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes are not to be outdone: their dynamic nightlife attracts groups of friends looking for excitement, both on and off the slopes.
Luxury ski resorts
Some ski resorts offer a mountain holiday steeped in luxury and elegance.
Renting a chalet in Megève guarantees you a stylish stay at the foot of Mont Blanc, with high-end spas, gourmet restaurants and designer boutiques. Courchevel, in the Trois Vallées, rivals the biggest international resorts with its sumptuous chalets and perfectly groomed slopes. Finally, Val d’Isère also attracts a discerning clientele looking for prestigious services.
Best resorts for non-skiers
It is possible to spend a winter holiday in the mountains without putting on skis. Many resorts offer non-skiing activities such as snowshoeing, dog-sledding, cultural visits and spa treatments.
In Chamonix, for example, you don’t need to ski to experience the breath-taking views from Aiguille du Midi. Many resorts, such as Les Arcs and Méribel, have indoor water parks, ice rinks, wellness trails and entertainment.
Top resorts for off-piste skiing
The French Alps are full of wild areas for off-piste skiing. It’s a unique way to explore the most unspoilt side of a ski area. Some resorts have dedicated schools and professional guides to help you discover the mountains safely.
In La Grave, for example, freeriding takes centre stage. In Chamonix, the off-piste descents of the Argentière glacier are reserved for experienced skiers. Tignes and Val d’Isère, meanwhile, offer marked and secure powder areas for thrill seekers.
Focus on OVO Network’s top resorts
Les Aravis: tradition and spectacular scenery
Hidden away in the heart of Haute-Savoie, the resorts of the Aravis mountains are perfect for a skiing holiday with family or friends, thanks to their authentic charm and warm atmosphere. Their accommodation offers some of the best chalet rentals in the Alps.
La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand and Manigod offer an excellent compromise between varied ski areas, alpine landscapes and age-old traditions. With their wooden chalets, mountain markets and slopes suitable for all levels, they epitomise the spirit of the mountains at its most friendly.
Évasion Mont-Blanc: sport and elegance
The Mont-Blanc region brings together some of France’s most iconic ski resorts. Megève is the perfect example, with its understated luxury and well-maintained ski area. Nearby Combloux and Saint-Gervais appeal with their family-friendly atmosphere and quick access to the slopes.
These Alpine resorts are ideal for guests looking for a stay that combines alpine skiing, relaxation, fine dining and breathtaking scenery, with holiday rentals chosen for their charm and comfort.
Grand Massif: nature and authenticity
Combining Flaine, Samoëns, Morillon and Les Carroz, the Grand Massif ski area stretches over more than 265km of alpine ski runs, offering an exceptional playground for all levels. Its unspoiled natural setting means every mountain holiday feels like a real escape.
This area is perfect for a family mountain holiday, thanks to its easy access, variety of slopes, numerous activities for non-skiers, fun zones, and lively entertainment.
Lake Annecy: skiing and the art of living
The Lake Annecy region offers a wide range of activities between lake and mountain, less than an hour from the ski slopes of La Clusaz and Le Semnoz. You can enjoy the pleasures of the snow while staying close to the shops, restaurants and the charm of Annecy.
This unique combination appeals to families as well as to lovers of culture, fine food and lakeside strolls. Rich in hiking and swimming opportunities, the region is also a wonderful destination for a mountain getaway in summer.
Portes du Soleil: ski across borders
The vast Portes du Soleil ski area, known for the quality of its slopes and the variety of its activities, brings together 12 mountain resorts, including Morzine, Avoriaz, and Les Gets. It’s a flagship destination for both ski enthusiasts and those seeking lively, welcoming destinations.
With more than 600km of slopes across France and Switzerland, it is one of the largest ski areas in the world. With moderate altitude but reliable snowfall, it offers an exceptional experience that combines traditional villages with modern facilities.
The best resorts in the world
Here are some of the best ski resorts in the world, selected for their ski areas, atmosphere or unique location.
- Whistler Blackcomb (Canada): Situated in British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America, with more than 200 runs across two mountains.
- Zermatt (Switzerland): Zermatt is a car-free resort with an unspoiled setting, charming stone-and-wood chalets, and an exceptional ski area with a glacier that allows skiing almost all year round.
- Niseko (Japan): Famous for its exceptional powder snow, Niseko brings together several interconnected resorts on the island of Hokkaido. It’s the ultimate destination for lovers of fresh snow and off-piste skiing.
- Aspen (United States): An iconic resort in Colorado, Aspen is one of the world’s top luxury ski destinations. With four skiable mountains, it offers challenging slopes, outdoor activities, and a vibrant cultural scene.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy): A jewel of the Dolomites and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this region charms visitors with its varied slopes, chic yet relaxed atmosphere, and delicious local cuisine.
FAQs on the best French ski resorts
Which ski resort is best for beginners?
Les Gets is ideal for beginners, offering gentle slopes, popular ski schools and a secure beginner area where you can progress at your own pace.
Where’s the best place to go snowboarding?
Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil area is famous among snowboarders for its variety of snowparks, vast off-piste zones and unique freestyle vibe.
Where can you ski safely with children?
The “Famille Plus” certified resort of La Rosière features wide slopes, childcare facilities, lessons for all ages, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
Which resort is best for combining skiing and well-being?
The spa village of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains combines alpine skiing and relaxation with its thermal baths and calming views of Mont Blanc, offering a truly rejuvenating stay.
