The best ski resorts in France

We all know France is the land of croissants, fondue, the Eiffel Tower, the Tour De France, and, of course, good wine. But did you know it also holds some of the finest ski resorts in the world? 

Yep, head to the French Alps, the Pyrenees, and more, and the amount of varied terrain, jaw-dropping off-piste, and bucket list-worthy ski resorts will have you spinning. But where should you hit first – somewhere in the shadow of Mont Blanc or a sunny Alpine resort further south? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with our ultimate list of the best ski resorts in France. 

Whether you’re a beginner, planning a trip with the fam, or looking for your next pow stash, you’ll find a ski resort to match within our list. We’ve covered everything for everyone – even the hardcore après lovers looking to stomp those tabletops. Reading this will make your toes twitch for your boots, bindings, and a boulangerie. Oh, and don’t forget to add a new ski jacket or pair of ski pants for a touch of je ne sais quoi. Allons-y!

Where to go skiing in France

Chamonix ski resort

If you’re going to start somewhere, make it Chamonix. This ski resort has reached an almost godly status, drawing riders from all over the world with its heady mix of ski history (it held the first-ever Winter Olympics), mind-blowing views, long, snow-sure winters, and exceptional riding. Oh, and if all that doesn’t make it legendary enough, it lies in the shadow of Mont Blanc, the Alps’ tallest mountain at a hair-raising 4,807 meters (15,771 feet)!! 

Yep, it’s no surprise Chamonix is the home of freeride skiing. Wear a figurative badge of honor by tackling the steep and celebrated Grand Gervasutti Couloir. Or head to the Argentière glacier ski area for some insane off-piste routes. Then, if you think you can hack it, head to Grands Montets to experience the world’s biggest height difference – you’ll drop from 3,300m (10, 827 feet) all the way to 1,235m (4,052 feet) in just a few turns. 

Then, if you feel like beasting your legs even more, try the Verte run. This is over two miles of jumps, steeps, and pure burn – no wonder it was used for World Cup races. If your legs aren’t jelly by now, blast down the Vallee Blanche. This 12-mile, entry-level route is a rite of passage for many Chamonix first-timers. 

We totally get that, as a beginner, Chamonix might seem intimidating. However, there’s plenty of mountain for every type of rider – choose Le Tour for gentle slopes or Les Houches for family-friendly trails through the trees. Don’t worry – wherever you stay provides easy access to other parts of the valley via a regular bus and train service. And if you’re staying in the pedestrianized center, you’re guaranteed good times. Our top pick is Chambre Neuf. This iconic bar has live bands six nights a week and a DJ to take you through to 1am. That’s plenty of shuteye before first tracks, right? 

Top tip: Riding is a form of religion in Chamonix, and there are plenty of secret spots and hidden gems only locals know about. To unlock them all, hire a guide (Chamonix has the world’s best!). Just keep those ‘Gram shots free of geotags!

Courchevel

Head to Courchevel in Les Trois Vallées/Three Valleys (the world’s biggest alpine ski area), and you won’t be disappointed. Courchevel’s 65 lifts give you access to 93 miles of wide trails – or 373 miles if you buy a Three Valleys lift ticket! Thinking about the magnitude of that blows our minds! 

Are you a newbie skier or snowboarder? Each of Courchevel’s six separate villages has plenty of room for beginners to nail their skills (23% of trails are green). If you’re after off-piste terrain, though, Courchevel has you covered. And it won’t ease you in gently. Instead, expect hella-narrow couloirs and black-graded moguled steeps. The trees are also insane fun in this resort – play off the sides of the Jean Blanc and Eclipse pistes for a taste of what we’re talking about.  

But while snow reigns supreme on the slopes, it’s glitz and glamor that rules the town. Yep, Courchevel’s different villages are darn luxurious, with five-star hotels alongside Michelin-starred restaurants and gondolas covered with Chanel ads. Keep an eye out for the likes of Leo D and Kate Middleton (not together!) and the other eye on your credit card bill – cheeseburgers can be as much as 70 euros! 

Non-skiers will love Courchevel, too. Boujee boutiques and sumptuous spas line the resort’s pavements – which are heated, by the way! Well, as if we’d expect anything less…

Top tip: Dodge the extensive dollar signs with Le Bel Air, a Courchevel institution! It’s right on the piste in Courchevel Moriond, accessible by skis/board or pedestrians. Bathe in the sunshine on the terrace and enjoy incredible food without the hefty price tag. 

Val d'Isère

Val d'Isère is also pretty fancy, with locals donning fur coats while drinking Dom (Dom Pérignon to those of us not in the know). It’s not all laissez-faire on the mountain, though. Yep, head up the lifts, and you’ll meet epic off-piste routes with steep couloirs and over 20 black runs that put even expert riders through their paces. 

You see, Val d'Isère isn’t one to do things small. Instead, expect things to be big – the elevation is over 1,550 meters (5,085 feet), and there are over 186 miles of terrain to ride. Yep, it’s paired with Tignes to create the vast, renowned Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area (formerly Espace Killy). And you know what that means? Never having to ride the same run twice. 

Val d'Isère’s altitude – and the fact the season stretches from late November to early May – also makes it one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Europe. Plus, if you’re a beginner, you can access the knock-me-sideways views usually reserved for experienced riders. If you’re more advanced, take on the fearsome Face — a former Olympic run and current signature slope. Then, refuel on charcuterie and foie gras at L’Edelweiss; only accessible by skis or board. 

Around 3pm, you’ll hear a heavy bass luring you to après-ski at La Folie Douce, neatly positioned between Val and Tignes on the mountain. It’s the perfect place for dancing on tables (and ordering a bottle of Dom!). Then, carry on the party down in town at La Doudoune, open until 5am! 

Top tip: You can’t say you've done après-ski in Val d'Isère unless you’ve been to Dick’s Tea Bar. This mountain institution transforms from an after-ski watering hole to a full-blown nightclub. So expect to be there downing Jäger until sunrise! Not that we’re speaking from experience or anything …

Tignes ski resort

Few places have as stellar a reputation as Tignes. Some might refer to this ski resort as Val d'Isère’s ugly sister. But ignore them. We say beauty – and awesome riding – is in the eye of the beholder. 

At 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) above sea level, Tignes Le Lac (the main village) is certainly at altitude, meaning this place is always snow-sure. However, because the resort is above the treeline, the visibility can get pretty hairy on whiteout days. If that’s the case, just ride down to the village of Les-Brevières and play in the trees.

Tignes’ terrain is pretty spectacular with wide, cruisey reds and blues (Palafour/P4 is our fave) to techy, toe-curling off-piste couloirs. Park rats will lose their heads over the 180-meter-long superpipe and terrain park in Val Claret (another village). And for off-piste fanatics, try the extreme Five Fingers – narrow, steep couloirs that offer mind-blowing scenery. When the sun’s blazing, though, there aren’t many places better than the Grand Mottes glacier, Tignes’ highest point at 3,459 meters (11,348 feet). And don’t forget, Tignes is also part of the Tignes-Val d'Isère/Espace Killy riding area with over 186 miles to rip. 

Down in Le Lac, Val Claret, and Lavachet, there are loads of bars, restaurants, and accommodation to match all budgets. Dance on tables up the mountain at La Folie Douce or kick back with a burger and beer at The Marmot Arms in resort. If you’re after candlelight, cocktails, and listening to Cream, swoon at La Queue de Cochon in Lavachet. It’s après with a touch of rock’n’roll alongside incredible gourmet food from chef Duncan. 

Top tip: We’ll sing Loop Bar’s praises until our dying days! This is the place to go for après. There’s nothing like soaking up the soleil on their huge terrace overlooking Trolles (a black run) before head-banging to a live band. It’s our idea of heaven. 

Alpe d’Huez

How about accessing one of the greatest winter playgrounds out there? Yep, we’re talking about staying in Alpe d’Huez and tearing up the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine – six ski resorts, 156 miles of trails, two terrain parks, one halfpipe, near-infinite off-piste terrain … and tons of shred-induced smiles.

You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store with this amount of trail options. And you won’t be the only kid around. Yep, Alpe d’Huez is hugely popular with families – there’s all that riding alongside stellar facilities and lodging for all budgets. It’s also ace for beginners with wide, lengthy slopes and enough space to find your groove. Stay near the Rond-Point Des Pistes for ski-in/ski-out access to this mellower terrain. 

For insane views, check out the top of Pic Blanc. Standing at 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), you’ll be struck by a stunning panorama and can even spot Mont Blanc on a clear day. This is where more advanced riders can get their fix via the black runs down or unforgiving off-piste descents. Our favorite is the Grand Sablat, which begins on the Grand Sablat glacier. From there, it’s a fun 2,000 feet of vertical drop to the cute village of Clavans-le-Haut. 

If you’re all about grabbing some winter sun, you’ll love Alpe d’Huez. It’s known for its south-facing aspect and shed-loads of sunshine. Pull up a deck chair on one of the resort’s large terraces and soak up those views with a choice beverage. Throughout the resort, you’ll also find loads of excellent restaurants (check out l’Authentique) and accommodation to suit every budget. 

Top tip: Take on La Sarenne, the world’s longest black run, measuring a positively daunting 10 miles! Just make sure you’re okay with that fact, as once you’re on it, there’s no turning back … 

Méribel ski resort

It’s time to meet another member of the Three Valleys: Meribel. Sitting at 3,153 meters (10,345 feet) at its highest point, this ski resort promises decent conditions all winter – thanks to its altitude and over 50% snowmaking coverage. And don’t forget about the size of the Three Valleys – there are a whopping 373 miles of ground to cover from Val Thorens to Courchevel.

If you’re ski-tripping with little ones in tow, Méribel will go down a treat. It offers two beginner areas (one in the Méribel-Mottaret area and the other in the Altiport area). Both offer free lifts, and kids can ride the Moon Wild, a snowpark with life-sized ‘animals’ hiding in the woods. Um, can we sign up for that, too? 

If your group’s ready to go full throttle, take them on the Face, a star of the 1992 Winter Olympics. Or let them jib and play on the banked turns and bumps of the Pistes Ludiques. If you want to mix things up, there’s an ice rink, indoor climbing wall, spa, and swimming pool at the Olympic Centre.

Joined by non-skiers? Méribel's rad gondola structure means non-skiers can join you almost anywhere on the mountain for lunch and views. Come 3pm, though, and it’s time to stomp as hard as you can on the tables of La Folie Douce or at The Ronnie (Le Rond-Point des Pistes). Then, it’s down into town for beer, burgers, and even more dancing.  

Top tip: We’ve mentioned The Ronnie already, but have you heard of The Ronnie Loves Music Festival? This takes The Ronnie’s epic après and amplifies it by ten! Think five days of big-name DJs, the DC snowboard team, a huge terrace, toffee vodka, and some of the best times ever! 

Serre Chevalier ski resort

Serre Chevalier proves you don’t have to be flash to hold the best terrain. This down-to-earth, laid-back resort (made up of a dozen villages) stands between 1,200 and 2,800 meters (3,397 to 9,186 feet), offering 155 miles of high-quality riding and connected pistes alongside ridiculously fun tree runs and the crème de la crème of off-piste terrain. You’d think it’d be mobbed, but this resort, nestled by the Italian border, still flies under most riders’ radar. 

For the park rats among you, there’s a terrain park at Villeneuve. Into boardercross? Head to Chantemerle. Looking for naturally heated baths surrounded by mountains? Choose Monêtier-les-Bains for some serious post-shred relaxation. Want to visit a 17th-century fortified town? Ride down to Briancon. And don’t worry, a bus service and ski lifts connect each small village. 

Serre Chevalier also offers insane off-piste routes and averages 300 days of sunshine per year, so bluebirds (and goggle tans) are a regular occurrence. However, when the Snow Gods deliver, pack your snorkel – Serre Che sees 10 feet of light pow per year. And if you want to ride pow on piste, float towards Monêtier  – you’ll find better visibility, fun tree runs, and more secret stashes. 

If you’re all about serious après-ski, you might want to pass on Serre Chevalier. The villages are more about cozy wine bars, B&Bs, and traditional French restaurants than anyone dancing on tables at 4pm. However, families and riders looking for something more understated will love it here. And we’re not saying there are zero après vibes. Check out our top tip below. 

Top tip: Pick your post-shred poison at Le 1420 in Villeneuve’s Commercial Center. Their selection of wine is off the charts, and you just HAVE to try their Camembert with honey. Stick around for 10 pm for rad bands, DJs, and a classic shot of Genepi (or five!). 

La Clusaz

If you’re after something traditionally Alpine, you’ll love La Clusaz. This ski resort is full of Alpine charm with its market square and steepled church. Plus, there’s terrain for everyone across its five connected mountains and 51 miles of groomers. Oh, and it’s also top of the list for convenience: it’s only a one-hour drive from Geneva airport. 

La Clusaz is one of the French Alps’ most northerly ski resorts – and one of the best for beginners and intermediates. Take the gondola from the resort’s main base to the Beauregard area. Here, you’ll find the bunny slopes alongside an anticlockwise circuit that starts with a blue and takes you into Manigod’s La Croix Fry and Merdassier. If you want something a bit more challenging, take the black run from Beauregard’s summit through the scenic trees to La Clusaz. 

Freeriders aren’t left out, though – lay waist-deep freshies in the La Balme bowls. And, if Col de Balme rings a bell, it’s because this is where Candide Thovex – freeride god, local legend, and global phenomenon – learned his out-of-this-world skills. 

Okay, La Clusaz probably isn’t going to give you Candide’s abilities. However, it’ll give you a chance to look like him. Shop at the boutique Candide opened in 2021, full of his self-titled clothing range. And, for lodging and eating out, you’ll be laughing in Candide’s Clusaz. Everything here is far more affordable than in other Fresh ski resorts. So, there’s no excuse not to spend your evenings in its rustic bars and yummy Savoyard restaurants. 

Top tip: Gorge on tartiflette while here! Well, it’d be rude not to – La Clusaz is the birthplace of Reblochon cheese! 

Les Deux Alpes

Are you into raising your heart rate while hurtling down fast, long descents? If the answer is yes, you’ll go crazy for Les Deux Alpes. Here, you can tackle a run that starts at 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) and ends at 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). Don’t be surprised if your ears pop twice on the way down! 

It’s natural to associate the top of the mountain with the more advanced terrain. But at Les Deux Alpes, there’s mellow terrain at the peak and trickier trails near the base. And don’t worry - that doesn’t mean as a beginner or intermediate that you have to conquer the challenging stuff on the way down. Instead, you can take the Jandri Express gondola down to the base, or you can ride Jandri I (the main blue home run), or Demoiselle, a green cat track, perfect for practicing those snow plows! Just bear in mind it’s a 2,000 meter (6,561 feet) descent, so quite an ask you if you’re mastering your Pizza from your French Fries. 

And that topsy-turvy mountain structure isn’t all that’s unusual about this resort – it’s also one of the largest skiable glaciers in Europe at 3,500 meters (11,483 feet). And you know what that means? Year-round shredding, baby! When you want to mix things up, explore ice caves and take on the Belvedere des Ecrins skywalk. But, seriously, don’t look down. 

And all that adrenaline deserves a good après-ski. Lucky, then, that Les Deux Alpes has a killer scene with more bars and venues than you can shake your ski pole at. Our favorite thing to do is nurse a Smithy’s Old Fashioned at the classic Smithy’s Tavern. However, these are potent and don’t mix so well with next-day powder.  

Top tip: Fancy going big with your accommodation? Stay in Chalet Mounier, a spa hotel with its own Michelin-starred restaurant — it’s not exactly cheap, but if you want to sleep in style, there’s no better option!

Avoriaz ski resort

Looking somewhere specifically for intermediates? If you like cruising blues or ripping up the reds, there’s no better option than Avoriaz. Yep, this resort caters to those looking to progress, with most of its 48 miles graded intermediate. It’s also paradise for park rats – there are five terrain parks and a 394-foot-long superpipe. 

But we’re stalling in revealing Avoriaz’s biggest selling point: it’s part of the Portes du Soleil. This links seven French ski resorts with five in Switzerland, giving you access to a whopping 373 miles of slopes, 197 ski lifts, and the chance to have one ski on French snow and the other on Swiss. Just make sure you can do the splits first!

The resort itself is purpose-built, so perhaps not one for those looking for the Pinterest aesthetic. However, it’s next to Morzine, which offers a more classic Alpine vibe with rustic chalets and picture-box-worthy lodges. But Avoriaz nails it with family-friendliness. There’s a teepee-decorated ‘village’ for kids and teens. Plus, two of Avoriaz’s terrain parks are for kids.

We’re also pretty big fans of Avoriaz’s car-free center. It means you can access pretty much every corner on your skis or board and, when the lifts are closed, via horse-drawn sleighs. And, because of zero cars, there’s so much ski-in, ski-out accommodation to choose from. You can literally roll out of bed and ride! 

Top tip: We’ve mentioned the parks already, but you’ve got to try out the Stash. Designed by Burton, this snow park is hidden within the forest and built with wood from fallen trees. We bet you’ve never tried a backside rodeo on bark before! 

Val Thorens

Want to feel like you’re shredding in the sky? Then ride in Europe’s highest resort (2,300 meters/7,546 feet!) and experience epic snow, incredible terrain, and Michelin-starred food. If you experience those riding twitches in late November, VT is the place to go – it’s one of the first ski resorts to open and the last to close, with around 99% of its slopes above 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). Don’t forget it’s also part of the Three Valleys, giving you access to 373 miles of pistes. 

But Val Thorens also has a reputation for something other than insane riding: partying and a killer après scene. Explore the bars along the Rue de Gébroulaz; dive into Malaysia, the Alps’ largest nightclub; and go to the Frog and Roastbeef to say you downed a cold one in Europe’s highest pub. There’s also Bar 360 and La Folie Douce for mid-afternoon mayhem. 

And what better hangover cure than getting up on the hill? Brave the cable car to the top of the Cime de Caron and soak up panoramic views. Then, if you can stomach it, take on the goose-bump-making off-piste descents from here. Our fave, though, is Lac du Lou off the Combe de Rosael black trail. Try it in Spring to waterski across the lake at the end! 

If intermediate riding is more your vibe, Val Thorens has your back. Just choose one of the high-altitude reds or blues from Cime de Caron or head for the Peclet area with its handful of fun, fast reds and a glacial black trail. 

Top tip: Catch the sunset from the top of the Peclet Funitel. Then, ride down in the afterglow via Tête Ronde (blue) or Christine (red).

Wrapping up  

Voilà – what a list! It just goes to show, though, how varied French ski resorts are – there’s genuinely something for everyone. 

Now that you’re tingling with inspiration, there’s only one thing left to do: book that trip! Once you’re there, don’t forget to tag us @dopesnow on your socials to show us your style on and off the slopes – or ‘le style’ as the French say.

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