Guide to Ski Resorts in France
What we Love About Ski Resorts in France
Whether you are looking for a modern super-convenient ski resort or a charming medieval village that’s full of character, France has it covered for a luxury ski holiday or a trip to mountains in summer.
Best Time to Visit Ski Resorts in France
The ski season in most ski resorts in France runs from early/mid December to mid/end April. Ski resorts with the higher altitude ski areas such as Val d’Isere, Tignes and Val Thorens have the longest ski season which can run from late November to early May snow permitting.
The ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel, St Martin de Belleville tend to operate from mid-December to around the 3rd week of April.
The ski resorts of Morzine, Chatel and Les Gets in the Portes de Soleil ski area normal operate from around the 3rd week of December to the 1st or 2nd week of April.
Chamonix normally operates from mid-December to mid-April, and Megève from the 3rd week of December to early-mid April (depending on sector).
Whilst the winter months are the best time to visit France if you want to ski, the French Alps are fantastic in the summer months. The colours come alive with deep blue skies and bright green meadows filled with wild flowers. Ski resorts in the summertime see gorgeous warm and sunny weather and many resorts in France are buzzing with life and activity.
The Skiing in France
Ski resorts in France have been at the forefront of infrastructure development for years and so most French ski resorts have extremely modern and efficient lift systems.
France is home to some the largest and best ski resorts in the world. The well-known ski resorts of Meribel and Courchevel in the 3 Valleys, Morzine in the Portes de Soleil and Val d’Isere are some of the best and most popular in the Alps. The ski areas are huge, the pistes are well groomed and varied, the lifts are modern and fast and the villages are attractive. It’s hard to find fault and no wonder France is where you will find many of the best luxury ski chalets in the world.
The ski area of the Portes de Soleil encompasses the resorts of Chatel, Avoriaz, Morzine and Les Gets as well as a number of other resorts. It even includes some areas in Switzerland. Together it includes 650km of pistes so the skiing options are almost endless.
The 3 Valleys, another well known ski area and home to many of our luxury ski chalets in France, refers to the huge linked ski areas of Courchevel, La Tania, Meribel, Val Thorens, St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires. Together they create a massive ski area of over 600km, one of the very largest in the world.
Top Ski Resorts in France
There’s a reason why France often tops the list when you’re looking for a chalet to rent for your luxury ski holiday. The wealth of choice is unparalleled, especially when you factor in those lovely French ‘extras’. From the rich gastronomy and world famous wines to the rich culture, warm hospitality and that special ‘je ne sais quoi’.
France is home to some of the very best ski resorts in the world. Here are a few of our favourites:
Luxury Ski Chalets in Meribel
First up is Meribel, in the centre of France’s expansive 3 Valleys. This picturesque Alpine resort offers pistes for skiers of every proficiency, while snow cannons assure excellent conditions. You’ll find luxury ski chalets with swimming pools and hot tubs – ideal for relaxing and mountain gazing.
Luxury Ski Chalets in Courchevel 1850
Superglam Courchevel 1850, boasting six Michelin-starred restaurants, also offers some of the world’s most luxurious ski-in/ski-out chalets. Snow hounds will like the fast and modern lift system and long runs. There’s even an air strip – ideal if you’re arriving by private jet. Courchevel 1850 is where you will find a large proportion of the world’s ultra-luxury ski chalets.
Luxury Ski Chalets in Val d’Isere
The fabulous Val d’Isere manages to combine post-card good looks with excellent high altitude skiing and a buzzing apres ski scene. Val d’Isere is one of the very best choices for a luxury ski chalet holiday whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro.
Luxury Ski Chalets in Megeve
For a classic French luxury ski holiday experience, pick a luxury ski chalet in Megeve. Few ski resorts can match Megeve for charm. The medieval village centre, complete with central square and picturesque church is gorgeous in both summer and winter
Luxury Ski Chalets in Morzine
Buzzing Morzine, just an hour and a quarter from Geneva, is a great weekend option thanks to the speedy transfer time – ideal when you don’t want to waste any time getting to the slopes. The huge ski area offers options for all levels, whilst restaurants offer everything from Savoyard dishes to fine dining options. Our Morzine collection includes some truly outstanding luxury ski chalets with 5-star service.
Luxury Ski Chalets in Chatel
For families, Chatel is an excellent choice for a luxury ski chalet. This pretty Alpine village offers top notch ski schools and great skiing for beginners plus it also has plenty of more challenging options for experienced skiers. Part of the extensive Portes du Soleil ski area, it links other resorts including Morzine and Avoriaz.
Luxury Ski Chalets in Chamonix
For all round entertainment, Chamonix hits the spot and there’s a reason why it’s lauded as one of the best. Book one of the luxury ski chalets in Chamonix clustered around the foot of iconic Mont Blanc and you’ll enjoy first class accommodation, access to five ski areas and breathtaking views. There’s also an ice-rink and climbing wall and Michelin-starred dining options.