What Makes a Good Ski Resort?
Before we confirm the best French Alps ski resorts, we need to think about what makes a good ski resort in the first place. Sure, snow is very important, but what other aspects should you be considering when making your choice?
As you can probably imagine, having good snow at a resort isn’t as simple as it seems. The design and location of the resort must be so that it has good coverage for the entire season. (And reliable snow machines for if and when that becomes tricky because of climate change.)
Then it needs to have an extensive lift system so that visitors can access every slope with ease and without delay. It also requires the slopes themselves to be varied – from wide and open runs to the more intricate and twisty routes. After all, there is a reason that French Alps skiing is famous, and that must be upheld.
And we must not forget the non-ski aspects of a resort. Features like restaurants, entertainment centres, nightlife, snowparks, and easy access via multiple travel options (e.g. cars, trains, coaches, etc.). And where ticks all of these boxes? French Alps ski resorts.
Why French Alps Ski Resorts?
So, why the French Alps? The Alps mountain range sits across many countries, all of which offer an impressive selection of ski-worthy mountains. So what makes French Alps ski resorts the best? The answer is pretty simple: France is home to some of the biggest and most diverse ski areas in the world.
From the impressive lift networks to the range of piste and off-piste opportunities. And even the geographical height of many of the resorts. French Alps skiing is quite simply superior to any other offering in Europe.
Besides, we haven’t even mentioned how good the food is yet – French cuisine after an exhilarating day on the slopes? How could you pass up that opportunity?
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The Best French Ski Resorts - Tignes
Our French ski resorts list starts with world-famous Tignes. It’s a certified snow-sure resort and sits at 2,100m, which means the skiing opportunities are out of this world. Tignes is on the edge of Le Lac, and the magnificent Grand Motte Glacier sits proudly above it, rising to an impressive 3,456m.
When it comes to French Alps ski resorts, Tignes is by far and away one of the best – especially if you enjoy off-piste skiing. Many of the resort’s routes are genuinely challenging and are enough to put even the most experienced skier to the test. You can really tell that the resort’s design had skiers in mind. For snowboarders, there are some super fun slope opportunities and a half pipe, boardercross, and freeriding available, too.
The French Alps ski resorts map for Tignes shows the true extent of this powerhouse of a resort. The best bit is that it’s relatively affordable. This is especially great news considering that Tignes actually links to neighbouring Val d’Isère via the lifts.
Outside the slopes, Tignes has a lot to offer. An impressive nightlife and après ski options. A huge array of restaurants. And a selection of stunning traditional alpine chalets.
When it comes to French Alps ski resorts, Tignes is one of the best choices you could make.
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Reberty 2000
The first thing to say about Reberty 2000 is that it is part of the renowned and celebrated Three Valleys ski region of the French Alps. Les Trois Vallées is the single largest connected ski area in the entire world. It has a whopping 183 ski lifts across 600km of ski slopes. So it’s safe to say that it’s kind of a big deal in the skiing world.
As you can imagine, there are many resorts within this area, but Reberty 2000 is one of our all-time favourites. When talking about French Alps ski resorts, Reberty 2000 really is one of the most quaint. It was actually purpose-built to be traditional and cosy. So if you’re looking for a more chill vibe in a quintessential alpine chalet, this French ski resort is the one for you.
From the resort, you get fantastic views of La Masse. There’s also a pool and spa just around the corner – perfect for unwinding after a great day on the slopes.
While Reberty 2000 is perfect for a quieter ski holiday, the lively atmosphere of the Les Menuires resort is mere minutes away via shuttle or ski. That means you really have the best of both worlds. Despite being a lesser-known resort, Reberty 2000 is definitely one of our favourite French Alps ski resorts.
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Val d’Isère
If you’re looking for history and longevity from your French Alps ski resort, then head to Val d’Isère. This resort has a history that goes all the way back to the 17th century. In fact, a church built in 1664 still exists in the resort to this day! Despite growing quite significantly since then, the resort has managed to keep its character and charm – especially with the chalets.
Due to its location at 1,850m, Val d’Isère has a very long season that runs from late November to early May. This means you could potentially have what is essentially a summer holiday spent skiing!
Together with Tignes, this resort makes up a combined ski area known as Espace Killy. You’ll find an incredible range of slopes and off-piste opportunities in this area across both resorts. Truly French Alps skiing at its finest.
If you’re interested in the social side of your chosen ski resort, Val d’Isère will not let you down. In fact, Val d’Isère is very well known in the Alps for being the social hub of the area.
The illustrious La Folie Douce heads up the resort’s reputation for great food, drink, and social life, and it’s here you can find all-day parties. If your love of après ski is as strong as your love of skiing, you’ll feel right at home at Val d’Isère – the party capital of French Alps ski resorts.
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Val Thorens
We close off our French Alps ski resorts list with the ultra-exciting Val Thorens. We may well have left the best until last because this resort clocks in as the highest in all of Europe! But don’t worry, it’s not all black slopes. Val Thorens has a well-rounded selection of slopes ranging from green all the way to black, with everything in between.
It also happens to make up part of the world-famous Three Valleys ski area. In fact, Val Thorens has been voted the Best Ski Resort in the World on five occasions!
French Alps ski resorts the size of Val Thorens guarantee a number of things. The skiing, the social life, and the extra facilities, to name but a few.
At this resort, you have access to a spa with a pool and sauna. Activities such as ice driving and tobogganing are available. And the opportunity to ski on notorious slopes, such as the Cime de Caron is a must. So yeah, kind of a big deal.
Due to its location in the Three Valleys, you can access other resorts with ease. For example, Courchevel is less than an hour’s ski away. That means by setting up base in one of the stunning Val Thorens chalets, you’ll get the best of all that the Three Valleys has to offer. And that’s why it’s on our list of the best French Alps ski resorts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best French Ski Resorts for Beginners?
If you are new to skiing, then it’s important that you find a resort that can fully cater to your needs as a beginner. That includes having ample resources, such as ski schools and beginner facilities with magic carpets and nursery slopes. The Best French Alps ski resorts for beginners are Tignes, Reberty 2000, Val d’Isère, and Val Thorens.
What Are the Best French Ski Resorts for Families?
The Best French Alps ski resorts for families have more than just ski schools. Look for child-friendly slopes, a less intense adult social atmosphere, and entertainment catered for children and adults alike. Kid’s clubs and evening shows are another way resorts can cater to the whole family. Great family resorts include Tignes, Reberty 2000, Val d’Isère, and Val Thorens.
When Do French Ski Resorts Open?
The beginning of the French ski season each year depends on the weather and how much snowfall there has been. However, most tend to kick off between late November and early December. French Alps ski resorts typically open until around April, so there is essentially guaranteed skiing for at least five months.
How Many Ski Resorts Are There in the French Alps?
The French Alps is the number one largest ski area in the whole world. France boasts around 6,000 ski slopes, over roughly 25,000 hectares, and includes over 300 ski resorts. The choice for skiing in France is hugely impressive, and French Alps ski resorts should be on the bucket list for all skiers.
What is the Highest Ski Resort in Europe?
The highest ski resort in Europe is Val Thorens, sitting proudly at an altitude of 2,300m. You can find Val Thorens in the Three Valleys ski region of the French Alps. It’s a must-visit for all ski and snowboard enthusiasts. For a ski holiday of a lifetime, be sure to check it out.
What is the Best Month to Ski in the French Alps?
A fantastic ski or snowboarding experience should be guaranteed any time between December and April. That said, the best month of the year to ski in the French Alps is February. During this month, snow is at its peak, the resorts are full of life, and you will have the quintessential ski experience you’ve visited for.
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Book Now and Make the French Alps Your Next Ski Destination
French Alps ski resorts are famous around the world for having the best and largest ski areas available. But with such a vast area and so many resorts around, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. That’s why we did all the hard work for you and narrowed that long list down to the four best French ski resorts.
Tignes, Reberty 2000, Val d’Isère, and Val Thorens are the crème de la crème of French skiing. Each offers unparalleled skiing opportunities, and we couldn’t recommend them more. For more information on the resorts and to book your all-inclusive ski holiday, contact us now via email, our socials, or via telephone on 01252 365490.
