France is the number one destination for British ski and snowboard holidays, thanks to the sheer scale and range of resorts. It quite simply has it all when it comes to winter sports and this essential guide will help you discover the best ski areas and resorts as well as providing the inside track on food, drink and of course, the après.
As mountainous playgrounds go, Tignes is one of the best in the world… it’s vast. Sharing the infamous Tignes -Val d'Isère ski area with neighbouring (and equally infamous) Val d’Isère, Tignes offers direct access to the most incredible variety of skiable, snow sure terrain. There are 300km of pistes to explore. Whether it’s long, wide confidence building blues that make your heart sing, or blasts down plunging mogel fields and steep blacks that get the adrenalin flowing – Tignes will deliver.
Whilst the typically purpose-built aesthetics of the main villages that make up Tignes won’t win any design awards, the sheer scale and beauty of the mountains that surround the valley in which Tignes is established, will leave you breathless on a clear day. There’s an excellent selection of accommodation to choose from and to get there, it’s a four hour transfer from Grenoble airport.
Alpe d'Huez is known as one of the sunniest resorts in France. Don't take that as they don't get much snow as it certainly has its fair share. The resort is at 1860m with the top lift going up to a glacier at 3320m, so snow is guaranteed. It's also home to the longest black run in Europe; the Sarenne. At 17km, it's not for the weak of leg!
Some of our most ideally located chalets are in Alpe d'Huez. The neighbouring Le Lac Blanc I and II sit in the middle of the piste right next to one of the main gondolas in the resort, the DMC.Access to the wide-open slopes and snow parks couldn't be easier. That's not all, we also have a slopeside hotel to boast about. The Escapade is more of a large chalet but you can't argue with its convenience!
Les Deux Alpes is a big resort with big mountains and big atmosphere but without the big price tag of some of the swankier French resorts. A good value ski holiday is possible here, whilst still providing access to high altitude, snow-sure, varied terrain that’ll tick the happy skier or snowboarder box, whatever your level.
The ski-in ski-out convenience of some properties in Les Deux Alpes (check out the Neilson Hotel Aalborg) suit all but are particularly enticing for families. And it’s a convenient resort all round with plenty to do off the slopes and an abundance of shops, restaurants and après-ski venues to suit every taste and budget within easy walking distance. Fly into Grenoble and it’s a two hour 30-minute transfer to Les Deux Alpes.
La Plagne comprises of 10 villages, all wrapped up into one outstanding ski area, with a brilliant spread of mountain terrain suitable for all abilities. Advanced skiers should head straight for the extensive, high-altitude, snow-sure slopes of the 425km wide Paradiski area (La Plagne is conveniently linked by the world’s biggest cable car to Les Arcs), whilst beginners and intermediates can practice turns to their heart’s content on the plentiful supply of uncrowded greens and blue.
It doesn’t stop at skiing in La Plagne; there’s just as much to enjoy off the slopes with ice climbing, zip lines and the unique chance to try your hand at a bobsleigh run. It takes three hours 15 minutes to get to La Plagne from Grenoble airport.
The size of many popular resorts in France generally means a good supply of après ski venues – from small, atmospheric bars through to lively establishments where dancing on the table in your ski boots is par for the course!
Highlights on the French alpine nightlife scene include the infamous La Folie Douche – an après institution in Val d’Isère and THE place to party straight off the pistes with live DJs guaranteeing a steady flow of Euro dance tunes at full volume. Val Thorens is now the location of a second La Folie Douche, having already established itself as a 5 star location on the après-ski front.
Across to the Southern Alps and Les Deux Alpes also delivers a great night out –with a plentiful supply of pubs and bars serving up that winning combo of good food and live music. Venues such as the Avalanche Club ensure those with any stamina left after a day on the mountain can enjoy the après buzz well into the night.
The dining options in the French Alps are as varied as the skiing itself, whether it’s a fast and filling mountain top lunch, traditional après-ski dinner or haute cuisine you’re looking to enjoy. We’d recommend looking out for the regional specialities (naturally). Tartiflette is one of the most well known Savoyarde dishes, a gratin comprising of reblochon cheese, potatoes, onions and lardons. It’s simple, filling and utterly delicious.
Raclette is a brilliantly sociable alpine meal with cheese, once again, taking the starring role. Grilled at the table and served with potatoes, pickles and cured meats. Perfect to share with friends as you also share your stories of that day’s adventures on the piste.
It’d be rude not to complete your meal with a traditional digestif and ‘le genepi’, a traditional herbal liqueur, is the order of the day in many French restaurants and bars across the Alps. Just don’t exceed the drink-ski limit!
Whether you’re looking for après-ski entertainment, to have a little time off the slopes or to try something new – France is the place to discover a whole world of alpine activities beyond skiing and snowboarding. Non-skiing activities include snowshoeing, sleigh rides, skidoo riding, hang gliding, ice skating, sledding - the list goes on.
For true adrenaline seekers, La Plagne is the only French resort offering the chance to experience an Olympic bobsleigh run or check out the zip lining experience just across from the Neilson Hotel Turquoise and experience the slopes from new heights.
France offers such a broad variety of ski resorts, many of which are absolutely perfect for families. The key however is to select a resort with facilities appropriate for the age of the children, whilst ensuring the grown ups are happy too. Convenient slope side properties such the Neilson Hotel Aalborg in Les Deux Alpes ensure younger children have a ball on and off the slopes with their own Neilson-run kids’ clubs, whilst older children can make the most of the kids’ freestyle area, an ice rink and sports centres.
Across in Belle Plagne (one of the villages making up La Plagne), the entire place is virtually traffic-free with a pedestrian centre. Almost all properties are ski-in ski-out and there are miles of wide, gentle runs which is always handy with little skiers and snowboarders in tow.
Find your ideal ski holiday in France.
Austria is the UK’s second most popular country for ski holidays and with its picturesque resorts, world class skiing and dynamic après it’s easy to see why.
A skiing holiday in Italy has it all; a diverse range of resorts with terrain for all abilities, a relaxed and fun ambience, good food, legendary hospitality and some of the best après-ski in the mountains.
When it comes to ski holidays for groups, it really is a case of ‘the more the merrier’. As we’re sociable creatures, it was inevitable that evolution would lead us to the annual group ski holiday.
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