Best Ski & Snowboard Resorts in France

Alpe d’Huez is a big league resort rivalling the best the Alps has to offer, it will appeal to many and should be at the top of any skiers list as a place to go. It offers everything you would expect from a world class resort, challenging off piste, genuine black runs, long cruisey blue and red runs and a beginners’ area above the village that is about as good as it gets. You’re thinking there must be some drawbacks – there is and it’s quite a major one. Most of Alpe d’Huez’s runs face south or south west and can be badly affected by the sun. Therefore it’s best to avoid any late season trips and keep your fingers crossed for early snowfall if you are going in December or early January.

High, snow sure, and forming the Espace Killy ski region (300 kms of slopes) with Val d’Isere, Tignes really does have everything a keen skier looks for. With guaranteed good snow and skiing all the year round Tignes has become a favourite amongst British skiers. The only drawback is the dreadful architecture which is a real eyesore. Get over that, however, and Tignes is one the best resorts the French Alps has to offer.

High, snow sure, and forming the Espace Killy ski region (300 kms of slopes) with Val d’Isere, Tignes really does have everything a keen skier looks for. With guaranteed good snow and skiing all the year round Tignes has become a favourite amongst British skiers. The only drawback is the dreadful architecture which is a real eyesore. Get over that, however, and Tignes is one the best resorts the French Alps has to offer.

Les Deux Alpes is one of France’s best and most well known resorts. It has a lot going for it including, reliable snow, gentle glacier slopes, excellent beginners’ terrain, decent lifts and some real hair raising stuff for those wanting a challenge. The village doesn’t disappoint either, especially if you are after some wild apres ski in addition to skiing to. However Les Deux Alpes does have it’s drawbacks, most notably of the erratic piste classification.

One of the most popular alpine resorts, Les Arcs scores highly in all areas and is a great place to go especially with a mixed group of skiers. On its own Les Arcs has a huge amount of terrain and variety for all, however it also has a direct cable car link (Vanoise Express) to its neighbouring resort La Plagne. Both resorts combined form the Paradiski area offering a total of 425 kms of skiable slopes. Four purpose built villages make up Les Arcs all with instant access to the slopes.