France's Alpine ski resorts are rightly said to be some of the best winter resorts in the world. The French Alps is the largest center in the world winter holiday: more than three hundred ski stations, almost 4 thousand lifts, and the shortest queues for them. There are more than four thousand trails connected and differing in difficulty for lovers of skiing, snowboarding and other types of extreme winter recreation. If you ever see a choice of resorts in France, use this article!

On the slopes of the Alps, various competitions are often held, including world championships and the Olympics.

The most popular resorts in the region are Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isère, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes, La Plagne, Megeve, Meribel and others.

Chamonix

Chamonix- the largest mining ski resort France, located in the heart of the French Alps at the top of the famous Mont Blanc crystal massif.

Chamonix Valley- a unique natural area near the borders of Italy and Switzerland is included in the list of landscapes that make up the world heritage. The longest descents reach several tens of kilometers. The highest point of Chamonix is ​​the famous "White Valley".

Its height reaches 3842 m, and its length is more than 20. Such extreme sports as ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding, canyoning are developed here. In summer, the resort welcomes fans of mountain biking and climbers.

You can stay in the resort of Chamonix in the following hotels:

• Les Chamonix Sud
• La Riviere
• Res. Chamois Blanc
• Le Cristal D'argentiere
• Res. La Ginabelle

Espace Killy

Espace Killy is an area in the French Alps, named after its three-time world champion in skiing Jean-Claude Killy, rightfully deserves the reputation of one of the most wonderful resorts not only in the Alps, but throughout the world. The popular resort towns of Val d'Isere and Tignes are located on its territory - ultra-modern slopes suitable not only for beginners, but also for mountain slopes professionals.

The glaciers of this region can be skied not only in winter, but also in summer (thanks to the Pissaillas glacier), beginners in skiing have the opportunity to study at ski schools located right on the gentle slopes. Snowboarders can enjoy the ultra-modern corridors of Le Lasvancher, Les Danaides, La Table and Kern. The resort is visited not only by sports enthusiasts, but also by those who want to try a helicopter ride, dog sledding, snowshoeing or snowshoeing.

Espace Killy can be reached from the following airports: Geneva - 160 km, Grenoble - 143 km, Chambéry - 120 km and Lyon - 340 km. Alternatively, take the motorway via Albertville or Moutiers. There are bus routes to the resort area from Geneva and Lyon airports 3-4 times a day.

You can stay in the following hotels:

• AVENUE LODGE 5*
• AIGLE DES NEIGES 4*
• CRETES BLANCHES 3*
• BREVIERES CLUB HOTEL MMV (2*)

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees)

Three Valleys (Le Troy Vallee) is the world's largest region of ski slopes with a total length of 600 km, located at an altitude of 1.3-3.2 km.

It includes a resort Val Thorens- "The Roof of the Three Valleys", located at an altitude of 2,300 km, Its peak is the mountain picturesque peak of Cime de Caron, offering a magnificent view of Mont Blanc.

The second resort Meribel- Heart of Three Valleys. It is located at an altitude of 1.4 km and is divided into the classic French Meribel Center and the more modern Meribel-Mottareu, both zones are completely covered with perfectly smooth slopes and cross-country tracks. In addition, here you can play hockey, just ride a skating rink and even take part in sledding races.

And finally the famous Courchevel- which is one of the most prestigious resorts in France, with a developed infrastructure, hotels of the highest level, excellent quality of service and a developed network of entertainment. Courchevel is located at altitudes from 1300 to 1850 m. At the same time, a fan of ski slopes can ride on various tracks every day for a month, conquering new heights and descents every day, never repeating his route.

In addition to the traditional courses, professionals can appreciate the two Olympic courses for jumping. There are several icy slopes for slalom and downhill,

Alpe d'Huez- one of the few resorts where a rich variety of tracks is presented in a relatively small area. A cozy compact village in the shape of a triangle is located above the Romansh valley, most of the hotels and residences are located next to the highway or ski lift.

Among the French themselves, Alpe d'Huez has earned the romantic name "The Skeleton of the Sun" due to the fact that the pistes located on the upper plateau and facing south from early morning until late evening are bathed in sunshine.

It's the fifth largest french region for skiing. Here are the most famous tracks in Europe: the Saren descent, which is 16 km long, and the Tunnel track, cut through the glacier.

Resort hotels:

• Res. L'ours Blanc
• Res. Le Cristal De L'alpe
• Res. Les Bergers
• Res. Les Horizons D'huez
• Res. Les Melezes

Location:

The resort can be reached from Geneva, where they go regular flights daily. On Saturdays, very quickly (only 1.5 hours) you can get from Grenoble by charter flight.

Megeve

Megeve is an excellent ski resort, consisting of three ski areas. These are Rochebrune-Cote, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Zhai. There is also an open-air museum on its territory. Megeve is considered to be the most elegant and refined mountain resort France.

This is one of the oldest resorts in the French Alps, and recently rightfully entered the club of privileged ski resorts "The Best of the Alps". The resort has a classic alpine village atmosphere. For example, it is forbidden to travel by transport along the main street and you can ride only on horse-drawn carts. The central streets of the town are paved with old cobblestones; some houses were built here at least 200 years ago.

Main attractions - old church built in the 13th century medieval monastery and city ​​tower. Places for skiing are located at an altitude of 1-2.3 km, and there are many slopes for both beginners and real extreme sportsmen.

Mine ski vacation in Megeve, you can plan immediately on three arrays that make up the Evasion ski area: Rochebrune-Cote 2000 (Rochebrune-Cote 2000), Mont d`Arbois, Le Jaillet.

Ski tours in Megeve will satisfy skiers of any level, because the resort can offer a wide variety of pistes.

For professionals - areas of Mont Joly (Mont Joly) and Mont Joux (Mont Joux), there are black and red slopes in Rochebrune - Côte 2000 (Cote 2000).

For the intermediate level - trails in Mont d'Arbois (Mont d`Arbois), trails are more difficult - in the areas of Combloux (Combloux) and Le Jaillet (Jaillet).

For beginners, Rochebrune and Mont d'Arbois are connected to the ski lift.

Location:

Megeve Located 70 km from Geneva airport and a few km from neighboring Chamonix.

Megeve Hotels:

• Relais & Chateaux Flocons de Sel
• Chalet d'Antoine
• Les Cimes
• Les Fermes de Marie
• Alpaga

Climate in the Alps

The tourist season in the Alps starts in December and ends in March. For a Russian tourist, the climate of the Alps will always be favorable. Winter here is much milder and warmer than in Russia. average temperature+ 1 degree Celsius in winter. And although sub-zero temperatures can occur at any time, it never drops below -10. The winds in the Alps are also not very strong. You can relax with children at any time of the tourist season.

Tourist impressions

The French Alps leave only pleasant impressions for Russian tourists. Snow-white snow is associated among Russians with severe frost or muddy roads in slush. In the Alps, snow resembles clouds. Firstly, the climate of the Alps is very mild and warm, and secondly, there is very clean air and everything around.

Service in the Alpine resorts of the most real European quality. Here you will find comfortable hotels, gourmet cuisine, and stunning ski slopes. For Russians, the French Alps are like winter at home, only cleared of all shortcomings ...

If you like holidays in the mountains, regardless of the season, we recommend that you read the following articles:

• - Going to Italy, you can look at the Alps from the other side.
• - a beautiful Polish resort with decent service.
• - as you know, Bavaria is famous not only for castles, but also for its extremely beautiful mountain landscapes.

Don't rush to leave! Here are some more interesting articles:

- these names are known not only to avid skiers or snowboarders, but also to people far from sports. In this article, we will tell you about the best resorts France, where in winter it is pleasant not only to relax, but to ride with the breeze.

Chamonix, overlooking Mont Blanc

The town of Chamonix is ​​located in great place overlooking the highest peak in Western Europe - Mont Blanc. Height above sea level - 1035 meters. Chamonix is ​​a mecca for climbers in summer and skiers in winter.

In addition, nearby nature reserve Mer de Glace (Sea of ​​Ice) is one of the most visited in the world.

Near Chamonix you will find a bunch of not only ski activities. You can go to the town of Annecy, climb Mont Blanc by train, take walks in the caves and a lot more.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) - the largest ski resort

The Three Valleys (or le Trois Valais) is a huge resort that combines several bases at once in the Vanoise mountain range. This includes:

• Courchevel (Courchevel - hotels at this link),
• Meribel (Meribel - hotels),
• Les Menuires (Les Ménuires - hotels),
• Val Thorens (Val Thorens - ),
• La Tania (La Tania - hotels),
• Brides (Brides - hotels)
• and Orelle (Orelle - hotel offers).

Avoriaz - calmness

Situated at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, Avoriaz is a modern resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Between the forest and the mountains, the village, completely closed to cars, fits perfectly into the alpine nature. After skiing on the ski slopes of Portes du Soleil (total length - 650 km), you can visit Aquariaz - hot springs center, with a temperature of 29°C.

Although you will not see a single car in Avoriaz, there are other modes of transport. The proximity of the resort to nature is its main advantage.

Avoriaz resort official website: www.avoriaz.com

Les 2 Alpes - the largest snow park

In the Oisans Mountains, on the border between the Southern and Northern Alps, is the dynamic resort of Les 2 Alpes. This is the largest chain of ski slopes in Europe. The resort is located at 3600 m above sea level. So the snow lies here almost all year round, so you can meet skiers here both in winter and in summer.

The station also continues to develop its snow park: a large playground, snow tube, wall, slide area for beginners and large pads (a huge 15m mattress) are installed at the bottom of the slopes.

Chamrousse - a real Olympic village

On the southern edge of the Belledonne mountain range is the resort of Chamrous, built in the forest. It offers an exceptional view of the Grenoble valley. The station was used during the 1968 Winter Olympics. Many future Olympic champions have performed or trained here.

Official website of the resort Sharmus: www.chamrousse.com

Saint-Dalmas le Selvage - cross-country skiing

Saint-Dalmat-les-Selvages is the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes (1347 m - 2916 m). The place is an ideal resort for lovers of cross-country skiing. In the heart of nature, with unspoiled landscapes such as the Isthmus of Braïssa (2599 m), Mount Aunos (2514 m), Cross Carl (2529 m), Isthmuses of Moutière (2454 m), the icy waterfall of Gialorgues, you must find your happiness.

Great place for snowboarding too.

Official website of Saint-Dalma-les-Selvage: hiver.saintdalmasleselvage.com

Le Sauze - family resort

A ski resort located in the Ubaye Valley. Soze has become famous as a family resort. In addition to the joy of skiing, don't miss the Igloo Inuksuk village tour, a real village with six igloos and Inuit traditions!

Official website of Les Sauzes: www.sauze.com

Megève - the most exclusive resort

Megeve has retained its charm of an authentic mountain village. surrounded by three mountain ranges with gentle slopes and green forests, stands a fourteenth-century medieval village with luxurious shops, cobbled streets, a unique atmosphere and, of course, wonderful trails.

This is a fashionable resort where chalets, hotels and restaurants tirelessly fight for their prestige.

Megeve resort official website: www.megeve.com

Serre-Chevalier - the sunniest resort

It is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps with 250 km of ski slopes. Located at altitudes from 1200 to 2800 m above sea level. At the foot of the highest peaks is a sunlit national park Ecrins.

Serre Chevalier is one of the sunniest places in the Alps, with 300 days of sunshine a year!

Serre Chevalier official website: www.serre-chevalier.com

Enjoy your holiday in the French Alps!

The ski resorts of France are not the most famous landmark of the Fifth Republic for us.

A country is often associated primarily with and eiffel tower, but not with snow-capped peaks and mountain slopes.

Although every year several million people prefer cozy gatherings in the city leisure outdoors, which they can find in the French Alps.

In contact with

The best ski resorts in France - list and description

One undoubted advantage is a very long ski season, which lasts as much as 7 months a year - from November to May. At the same time, the weather is usually very stable with lots of snow and sun. A wide range of recreation levels remains attractive: from budget options in the form of hostels to incredibly expensive luxury apartments.

Interesting fact: France has the highest mountains Western Europe, the most famous point of which is Mont Blanc

Thanks to this, the French Alps are literally strewn with numerous slopes of any complexity, lifts and ski stations. Ski resorts have a record number of lifts - approximately 3900. The level of European service remains unchanged.

But there are some of the most famous and popular ski resorts in France that are always crowded with tourists: Courchevel, Chamonix, Val Thorens, Meribel, La Plagne, Megeve.

Courchevel

Some of them are located in a wonderful place called the Three Valleys. Here in 1992 the Olympics were held, after which this ski region became the most visited in France. There are several resorts in this area, but the most expensive is the famous Courchevel.

It was opened back in 1946, and has since become a vacation spot for the “rich and famous”. In total there are 4 levels, which are located at different heights. His title of the most fashionable ski center he deserved thanks to a huge number of the most luxurious hotels, entertainment centers of the highest class and the best service. This is the pride of the secular life of France.

Service is practically in the first place, therefore, if the hotel is not located in the center, then the hotels have special buses that can take you to the required place and back. It even has its own airport. Well, and of course, all this splendor is surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks, tracks of varying difficulty and ice arenas. Some ski slopes start right at the door of the hotel.

Among the additional entertainment, in addition to ski slopes, there is the opportunity to take a helicopter tour, parachute jump or fly a hang glider. For ardent sports fans there are gyms, a sports complex with a skating rink and a bowling alley. Of the evening entertainment, one can note the abundance and variety of cafes and restaurants, discos and clubs. In addition, parties, ceremonies, meetings and other events are constantly held here.

Val Thorens

Another ski resort in France, which is located in the Three Valleys at an altitude of 2400 meters. Among all, it is the highest mountain, bordering Italy and.

The height from which skiers ski reaches 3200 meters, so the famous Mont Blanc is perfectly visible from here. Because of this, it is also called the "roof of the Three Valleys." Despite the good and "quiet" tracks, the best thing to do here is to feel a professional skiing confidently.

There are no wooden chalets familiar to the eye, and the main buildings in the area are multi-storey buildings. Also because of the height, it is always quite snowy here. But in case of need, snow cannons are always prepared. It offers vacationers: spa centers, fitness centers, kindergartens and nurseries, trainers, cinemas and numerous restaurants. There are often held competitions of various levels in skiing sports.

Meribel

Of the resorts of the Three Valleys, Meribel, located at an altitude of 1400 meters, is suitable for a relaxing family holiday. Everything has everything for this: not the highest prices, good service, trainers for classes, including those with children, ice arenas. A distinctive feature of this place, which children will definitely appreciate, are races and sleigh rides.

Also, this place is remembered for its special charm, rustic atmosphere and architecture of wooden houses and light stone. It was founded back in 1938 and managed to avoid the fashion for concrete hotels. There are not many people here due to the lack of a lot of entertainment, and in the evenings it is not the busiest place. Most of the guests are families with children.

The convenience of its location in the very center of the region is especially appreciated, which allows you to quickly get to all the necessary slopes, as well as easily go around the entire district. The skiing season here is slightly shorter - from December to April.

Chamonix

The oldest and largest ski resort in France is Chamonix.

This is the name of the valley, located right at the foot of Mont Blanc, and the town of the same name. The view of this mountain opens directly from the windows of hotels and houses. Nearby is the border with Italy and Switzerland, where you can go through a special tunnel or mountain road.

Chamonix hosted the first Olympic Winter Games in 1924. And the first vacationers appeared here in the XVIII century. Since then, of course, a lot has changed - cable cars were laid, ski slopes were equipped. In addition, there is a center for mountain climbing, winter rafting, rock climbing and other winter activities.

The atmosphere of the small villages located here is not spoiled by the city's "charms". For several centuries, they have been here surrounded by mountain slopes, untouched nature and fresh alpine air. The weather here is unpredictable and can change several times a day. But there is even some charm in this mountainous area, which is considered the heart of the entire Alpine range.

megeve

Most of the settlements located in the French Alps have been standing here for more than one hundred years. But not all have been preserved like the resort of Megeve. This is a real monument of the history and culture of this area, and the beginning of its history dates back to the distant Middle Ages. The houses that are offered for rent to guests are already 200 years old. But they are in very good condition.

Many come to this French resort not only to go skiing, but also to feel the spirit of antiquity. All roads are paved with old paving stones, and for its safety, traffic is prohibited here. In the center there is a medieval temple built in the 13th century, a monastery and a clock tower.

In addition to the ski slopes, there are flat trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. One of the most famous and expensive ski schools in Europe is also open here. It is a frequent venue for numerous figure skating championships.

La Plagne

La Plagne is the second largest ski area in the French Alps after the 3 Valleys. The only bobsleigh track in France was built here, so some stages of the Winter Olympics were held here in 1992.

There is almost always enough snow here, since the main descents begin at an altitude of 2000 meters. In total, this area unites 12 villages - some of them were built back in the 60s, others much later. As in all other resort areas, there are plenty of modern entertainment in addition to skiing: cafes, restaurants, discos, etc. Most of the hotels and chalets correspond to 3-4 stars.

Ski resorts in France on the map

There are about 200 recreation areas in the French Alps. Many of them differ from each other both in their natural geographical position - heights, relief, terrain, and in infrastructure, design, etc. artificially created by people. Nevertheless, the obligatory elements are tracks of varying difficulty, hotels - from 2 to 5 stars, many cafes and restaurants.

When choosing a place of residence or certain routes, you don’t have to worry, because you don’t have to stay in one place. Convenient cable cars, buses and other transport, as well as a single ski pass in some areas, allow you to move around the mountainous area without restrictions.

Ski resorts in France from year to year receive a large number of tourists on their territory. This is facilitated by the presence of developed infrastructure, mild mountain climate and a large season suitable for skiing, excellent modern tracks, many coaches and instructors, as well as a large number of establishments that provide additional entertainment and recreation.

Tour operators are advised to go to the ski resorts of France not during the high season and during the New Year and Christmas holidays, but at other times. Then you can avoid significant markups, problems with booking accommodation and crowds of tourists.

The French Alps attract both beginners and advanced skiers from all over the world. It is understandable: the variety of tracks and the beauty of nature are combined with the modern infrastructure of luxury resorts. In total, there are more than 400 ski resorts in France, from large and well-known to very small and no less cozy. For beginners, Alpe d'Huez, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Villars de Lan, Risoul, Les Menuires, Val Cenis and all the resorts of the Murienne valley, where there are a huge number of sunny plateaus, are suitable. A lover of a prestigious holiday can recommend Courchevel, Megeve, Val d'Isere - these resorts amaze with the number of luxury hotels, luxury chalets, restaurants and boutiques.

Chamonix

Chamonix is ​​the center of the popular Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ski region. Now Chamonix is ​​known as a popular and relatively accessible resort for skiers and snowboarders. The Chamonix Valley, which stretches for 16 km, includes several skiing regions: Grand Monte, Le Tour, Les Houches, Brevin, Flegere, as well as the famous White Valley - an off-piste descent of about 20 km long from the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3843 m) . Skiing in Chamonix is ​​so varied, there are slopes for skiers of all levels.

Ski station "Grand Monte" in Chamonix. Photo credit: Daniel Simpson, commons.wikimedia.org

With 157 kilometers of ski slopes and virtually unlimited off-piste areas, Chamonix is ​​a very popular ski area all year round. The lift system gives access to the highlands around Mont Blanc.

Chamonix ski resorts are suitable for children, beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as advanced skiers. In Chamonix there is no single ski area connected by a network of lifts. To the ski areas (Le Brevent, Les Houches, Le Tour, Argentiere) you need to go 7-15 minutes by ski bus.

Espace Killy

The resorts of Val d'Isere and Tignes form a single skiing area Espace Killy, and this is a total of 300 km of ski slopes of various levels of difficulty and about a hundred lifts. Skiing at the resort is guaranteed not only in winter, but also in summer thanks to the Pissey glacier.

Val d'Isère

In Val d'Isère, the ski lifts are located quite conveniently in relation to apartments and hotels, some of them can be reached on skis. Val d'Isère is several thousand hectares of marked ski slopes and 10 thousand hectares of virgin land at an altitude of 1550 to 3500 m. Here is the best school for skiing and snowboarding, as well as experienced freeride instructors. The ski season lasts from the beginning of December to the end of March. The halfpipe is located at the end of the Face de Belle-varde, where the snowpark is located. The length of trails for cross-country skiing is 24 km.

For fans of extreme skiing, the breathtaking rocky bastions of Galiz and Grand Aigui Russ are breathtaking. For beginners, classic routes in the forests of Santon and Vallon. The pros will appreciate the Bernard Roussy downhill Bellevard rock (height 2809 m, vertical drop 972 m, length 2905 m, average slope angle 350, maximum slope angle 63 degrees).

Val d'Isère retains the atmosphere of a traditional French village. The architectural appearance is unique among other French ski resorts.

Tignes

Tignes (2100 m) - mountain resort in Espace Killy is one of the best places in France for freeride. The World Cup stages are held here every year. Tignes is very popular with snowboarders for its wide, rather steep slopes. This resort is ideal for a fun-filled youth holiday.

Snow cover is guaranteed thanks to the glacier, which makes summer skiing possible. Modern lifts, many different slopes are the advantages of this resort. Tignes consists of several stations: Tignes-le-Lac and Tignes-Lavache (located nearby), Tignes-Val-Claret (located 2 km from the first two in the valley above the lake). There are few hotels in Tignes, the main type of accommodation is apartments, there are many inexpensive options.

Both in Val d'Isère and in Tignes there are a large number of both children's (from 3 years old) and adult ski and snowboard schools (7 schools in Tignes with 350 teachers, 12 in Val d'Isère with 450 teachers), in which you can not only acquire or improve your skills, but also fly by helicopter to remote areas to go through the most interesting routes with an instructor guide. For the youngest children there are kindergartens, nannies and nurses.

Three Valleys (Le Trois Vallee)

Three Valleys is the largest ski resort in the world. It combines more than 200 lifts, more than 600 km of marked trails. It is the site of the 1992 Olympic Games. On the territory of the Three Valleys there are many world-famous ski villages - Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1850, La Tania, Meribel, Mottare, Les Menuires, Val Thorens. From the point of view of skiing, it does not matter in which town to stay. A single ski pass for all Three Valleys gives you access to all 200 ski lifts.

Meribel

Meribel is an excellent place for intermediate skiers. There are excellent opportunities for ski safari, there are many wide, not too difficult slopes throughout the ski area. It's good to hone your technique on the tracks between the Pas du Lac and Platierre. Almost every slope has easy descents.

The advantage of Meribel, which provided the resort with immense popularity, is its central location in the Three Valleys. Being here, you benefit a lot from the possibility of choosing the direction of movement and skiing area depending on the weather, mood and level of skiing or snowboarding. The Meribel resort (1400-1600 m) also includes the Meribel Mottare station (1700-1800 m).

Val Thorens

Val Thorens, a French ski station at 2300 m, is the highest in Europe. Val Thorens has 68 ski slopes stretching for 140 km, of which green (easy) - 8, blue (medium) - 25, red (difficult) - 27, black (for experts) - 8. The ski area is equipped with 29 mechanical lifts , with a capacity of 60,680 people/hour. The resort is equipped with a snowpark and facilities for new types of skiing (bordercross, half-pipe). The resort of Val Thorens, located in the heart of a large natural park with six glaciers, offers numerous ski trails.

Courchevel

One of the most prestigious ski resorts in France - Courchevel - is famous for its huge selection of slopes and virgin slopes. The Alpine villages of the Courchevel valley are located on five different levels: Le Praz - 1030 m, Saint-Bon - 1300 m, Courchevel-1550, Courchevel-1650 and Courchevel-1850.

The main advantage of the resort for beginner skiers are wide and smooth blue and green slopes, a large number of which are located under the Jardin Alpin lift. The longest and softest pistes lie in the ski areas of Belcote and Pralon. For intermediate skiers, we recommend the slopes in the La Vizel area. The best red runs are Marmot and Cre.

Brides les Bains

Brides-les-Bains is a resort whose infrastructure was created specifically for the Winter Olympic Games in 1992. The location of the resort itself was also not chosen by chance - it is ideally located in relation to the Three Valleys. The direct Olympus cable car will take you to Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens in just 20 minutes.

Here you can not only ride, but also get medical treatment: a large wellness center with thermal springs, pool with mineral water, curative mud treatments, all types of massage.

Sports opportunities in the region - downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiles, tobogganing, sledding, bobsleigh, rock climbing, hiking. Bars, restaurants, cafes, discos will provide a fun resort life in Brides-les-Bains. Here is the only casino in the mountains (except Chamonix resort). As well as shops, cinemas, excursions. The resort hosts ski competitions, music festivals.

Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez is the largest ski resort in France, located at an altitude of 1860 m, on the sunny plateau of the Grandes Rousses massif. This is one of the oldest Alpine resorts. 300 sunny days a year and proximity to Grenoble airport make Alpe d'Huez one of the most visited and loved ski resorts in Europe.

This is one of the 20 resorts in the world where the lifts serve a vertical drop of more than 2000 meters. The staggered location on the mountain and the longest internal lift system allow skiing directly from the hotel. There is a huge beginner skiing area right next to the resort. The season is from the end of November to the end of April. Summer skiing on the Sarenne Glacier is possible in July and August.

The difficulty of the pistes according to the local classification is underestimated, many red pistes in other resorts would have a black designation. The longest certified track in Europe is Sarenne (16 km). The Tunnel track, filmed in one of the James Bond films, passes through a tunnel in a glacier. Snowpark and halfpipe for snowboarders at Lac Blanc. For lovers of flat skiing - three circular tracks with a total length of 54 km.

megeve

One of the world's most prestigious and picturesque ski resorts. Pedestrian area with cobbled streets in the center, ancient architecture create the atmosphere of a real Savoyard village. Mont Joly and other sites offer impressive views of Mont Blanc. The mountains rise to a height of 1000-2500 meters, up to 1850 meters the mountains are covered with spruce and fir forests, which give a special charm to this place. Megeve includes three ski areas: Rochebrune-Cote, Mont-d'Arbois and Les Jails. It is good for beginner skiers and those who prefer family vacations.

Professionals will enjoy the steepest and most difficult slopes in the Mont Joly and Mont Jou areas, there are black and red slopes in Côte 2000, but they are not very long. For the middle level, the tracks in Mont-d'Arbois are suitable, the slopes served by the Grand Vorasse lift are also interesting; the tracks are more difficult - in the Combloux and Jeillet areas. In general, Megeve is ideal for skiers of this level. and at the top in all three districts, but only two of them are connected by a lift - Rochebrune and Mont-d'Arbois.Le Jeuillet can only be reached by land transport.

In Megeve there is an Olympic skating rink, dog sledding, sleigh rides, horseback riding, helicopter flight, etc. are also possible.

Les Deux Alpes

The resort of Les des Alpes is located in the center of the Alpine mountain range of Oisans. The station is located at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, at the foot of one of the largest glaciers in Europe, and provides skiers and snowboarders with the opportunity to ski all year round. Mechanical lifts, including a cable car, funicular, chairlifts and ski lifts, allow you to climb to a height of 3520 m. The Les Deux Alpes 3600 ski area extends over 430 hectares. The height difference is from 1300 to 3600 m, the total length of the tracks is 225 km.

Winter and summer snowparks are equipped on the glacier. The ten ski areas of the snow park are designed for both beginner snowboarders and freestyle fans, as well as experienced fans of extreme winter sports. Ski jumps and turns of various complexity make it possible to hold official competitions. There are many schools for beginner skiers. Professional instructors (including Russian-speaking ones) teach beginners how to ski and snowboard, and advanced skiers can take part in individual or group freeride, slopestyle, and other lessons.

The resort offers tourists a huge palette of entertainment: snowshoeing, snowmobiling, an ice rink, swimming pools, paragliding school lessons, bowling, excursions to an ice grotto located at an altitude of 3400 m.

Villars de Lans

The ski resort of Villars de Lans is located in the heart of the largest natural park in France - Vercors, on the slopes of the Aigle massif and the Dauphine Prealps. This town is especially attractive due to its location - from all sides it is surrounded by gorges and picturesque mountain ranges.

The slopes of Villars de Lans are included in a single ski area with the slopes of the small resort of Correncon-en-Vercors. This ski area is perfect for beginners and those with intermediate skiing skills. 130 km of trails are laid here with a height difference from 1160 to 2285 meters. About 50 km of them belong to the "green" and "blue", 49 km - to the "red", 31 km - to the "black". The slopes are very beautiful, as they pass through forests, picturesque canyons and plateaus.

The climate in the resort is quite humid, so in its upper parts there are many virgin areas with an abundance of snow. For lovers of cross-country skiing and hiking, Villars de Lans has a route of 160 km. Any of the tracks can be reached with the help of 29 lifts, most of which are rope tows. The skiing season in Villars de Lans lasts from early December to early April.

In addition to beautiful slopes, the resort has a wonderful water park, ice rink, fan park (in Correncon-en-Vercors), cinema, bowling, casino, sports center, numerous restaurants and bars. Kindergartens, ski schools are open for children, separate slopes and lifts are equipped. You can also visit the Choranches caves of the Vercors reserve and see a light or sound show, visit the robot museum, the water museum and the historical museum.

paradisks

The combined region for Paradiski skiing includes the resorts of La Plagne, Peisey-Valandry, Les Coches and Les Arcs. This resort area very young (created in 2003), and its name was born in the course of an international competition, the winner of which was Paradiski (a combination of the French word Paradis - "paradise" and English ski - "ski"). Paradiski has excellent conditions for freeriding and teaching skiing to children. Skiing on two glaciers is possible all year round.

The pistes stretch from the summit of the Aiguille de Rouge (2335 m) in the west, the peak of Bellecote (3417 m) in the center and Les Verdons (2500 m) in the east to the foot of the Tarentaise valley, forming an extended ski area that runs down the wooded slopes to small towns in the valley. In total, Paradiski offers 425 km of ski slopes at altitudes from 1200 to 3250 meters, with approximately 13% of them black, 24% red, 58% blue and 5% green. The slopes are served by 144 lifts, and the individual resorts are connected by a single system of lifts (including Europe's largest cable car Vanoise Express with a length of 1.6 km and cabins for 200 people each) and slopes.

Les Arcs consists of several mountain villages - Bourg Saint Maurice, Arc-1600, Arc-1800, Arc-1950 and Arc-2000, whose ski areas are located at altitudes from 1200 to 3226 m. Arc-1800 has many slopes for beginners , the slopes of the Arc-1600 are steeper, the Arc-2000 offers to conquer the Olympic slopes of the Aiguille Rouge (3226 m). Thanks to the well-groomed slopes and smooth mountainous terrain, Les Arcs has been chosen more than once as the venue for international downhill competitions. Les Arcs has a fun park and a 180m halfpipe for snowboarders.

The resort of La Plagne is formed by 10 stations, six of which are connected by an extensive network of lifts, and four are slightly removed from them. The region is dominated by medium-difficulty slopes, but there are also slopes for the pros descending from the peaks of Belcote and Biolei. The "blue" slopes may well be mastered by a beginner who has come to rest in La Plagne, and the slopes of "Kamikaze" and "Harakiri" will appeal to advanced athletes. One of the local attractions is the bobsleigh track, where the competitions of the 1992 Winter Olympics were held.

Porte du Soleil

The resort of Portes du Soleil is also known as the "Gate of the Sun" - it is always sunny weather and excellent slopes for both pros and beginners. located between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc on the border of France and Switzerland. Portes du Soleil includes eight French and six Swiss resorts.

Lots of schools, pistes of varying difficulty in four ski areas on the French side: Les Gets, Morzine, Avoriaz and Châtel. The choice of local slopes will satisfy skiers of any level, and a single ski pass operates throughout the resort. Due to the low location of the ski areas in Portes du Soleil, it is best to go from January to March.

Porte du Soleil has 280 runs, of which 26 are black, 105 are red, 112 are blue and 37 are green. There are 201 lifts, 650 km of slopes have been laid in the resort. Nine snowparks will delight the most sophisticated snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts. At the Porte du Soleil good conditions for off-piste skiing. And after a busy ski day you can relax in any of the 89 mountain restaurants.

Avoriaz/Morzine

The city of Morzine lies in a spacious valley at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level. One of the largest resorts of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine, is located at an altitude of only 1000 meters and is the center of the French part of the region. The city is known for its traditional ski resort atmosphere - the first ski lift was opened here in 1934. There are many shops and restaurants, as well as hotels and apartments.

Avoriaz is the youngest resort of Portes du Soleil, specially built for skiing. Avoriaz is literally entangled with tracks from all sides. The ski in ski out system works here - you can get from home to the track and vice versa. Avoriaz is considered the center of European snowboarding - it was here that the first Snowboard World Cup was played in 1989. Not far from the city there are areas of off-piste skiing. Snowboarders will appreciate the snow parks: The Bleu du Lac for experienced snowboarders and The La Chapelle for beginners. For freestyle there is a superpipe. For advanced skiers, there are simply unlimited possibilities, the tracks are simple, long, mostly sunny. Highly interesting area skiing in Champery and Les Gets, but there is one inconvenience: you can only get to Les Gets through the Morzine station, taking off your skis.

Le Menuire

The resort is located in the Bellevile valley a few kilometers from Val Thorens at an altitude of 1850 meters and is connected by a network of lifts to Val Thorens, Meribel, La Tania and Courchevel. Ski season - from December to May. The total length of the trails is 160 km, there are 28 km of cross-country skiing trails.

The resort is actively developing the North American beginners village model. There is a ski area (about 5000 sq. m.) for beginner skiers, which is serviced by six free lifts. Also for beginners there is a special ski pass for another 11 ski lifts in the region at especially low prices.

Particularly interesting are the red and black slopes, which are located on the La Masse massif. Resting in the resort of Menuir, be sure to ride along the 3 Marches and Mont de la Chambre slopes. The resort is surrounded by many slopes, ideal for freeriding, from where you can go down to the lifts, which will avoid the need to use the bus. The vast majority of the tracks are blue and red.

It offers tourists snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skiing, hiking, dog sledding, snowmobiling. Après ski - restaurants, cafes, bars, confectionery and pizzerias, disco, night club, bars with live music. As well as billiards, two outdoor pools, indoor tennis courts, a fitness center with a Turkish bath, a sauna and a gym, toboggan runs, a skating rink.

La Tania

The ski resort of La Tania is located between the ski resorts of Méribel (5 km) and Courchevel (2 km) on the border national park Vanoise and belongs to the Three Valleys skiing region. The resort is located at an altitude of 1400 meters. Ski season from mid-December to late April. Number of ski slopes - 318 (30 black, 108 red, 129 blue, 51 green). The total length of the tracks is more than 600 km. The total length of trails for cross-country skiing is 118.55 km (of which 26.5 km are in La Tania itself).

All trails are well-groomed, there are illuminated for night skiing, the lifts are located so that there are no queues. In La Tania you have the opportunity to ski on and off the numerous and varied pistes in neighboring Méribel and Val Thorens. Tourism infrastructure includes luxury hotels and restaurants dear shopping center"Forum", even its own airfield. And of course, great mountain views.

Of the surrounding attractions, the Vanoise National Park is of interest, famous for its population of wild alpine mountain goats - ibexes. Chamois, alpine marmots, lynxes, white hares, ermines, bearded vultures, golden eagles and black grouse live in the park. Vanoise borders the Italian national park Gran Paradiso, and both of them make up the largest protected area in Western Europe.

Half an hour from La Tania there are two health complex- the Grand Spa des Alpes in Brides-les-Bains and the Thermes de Salins les Bains in Salins-les-Thermes, famous for the healing properties of salt water used to treat rheumatism and skin diseases.

Lez Ouch

The resort is located at the foot of the highest peak of the Alps - Mont Blanc (4807 m), which offers a panoramic view of the landscapes of the foothills of the Chamonix valley. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels aspire here - from beginners to experts. The reason for this is an unprecedented variety of descents, peaks, trails and slopes. Les Houches is also famous for hosting the annual World Cup downhill skiing competition. One of the features of the resort is that most of the trails are laid through the forest.

Ski slopes from 950 to 1900 meters long, great area for beginners and amateurs. There are 2 short slopes for beginners, right at the top of the Prarion and Bellevue lifts. Les Houches is suitable for beginner skiers. This is a more protected resort, in the sense that it is quite comfortable to ride here even in bad weather.

From additional entertainment - cafes and restaurants, dog sledding, helicopter flights over the Chamonix valley. Near Les Houches is the picturesque village of Servoz, where you can visit the picturesque gorge Les Gorges de Diosaz, the Alpine Museum, shops of local artisans. Annual local events - Christmas market, craft festival, mule fair, markets with all the variety of local delicacies.

France is amazing place, truly heavenly, due to its such a good geographical position.

There is everything for a carefree vacation - the sea, the sun, and the mountains. The beaches of France attract the beau monde, and the ski resorts are considered to be the best in the world.

French ski resorts are highly rated by both amateurs and professionals. France has hosted the white Olympics three times - Chamonix (1924). Grenoble (1968) and Albertville (1992). It was here in Chamonix in 1924 that the tradition of the Winter Olympic Games was first laid.

Ski resorts are located both in the Alps and in the Pyrenees. Alpine resorts are more famous and popular due to their high location, long season and extensive ski areas. However, the Pyrenees also have their fans - those who love snow and sun, and a leisurely vacation away from noise and crowds, come here. We must also pay tribute to the rest in the Pyrenees is much cheaper with the same quality.

Ski resorts in France began to develop since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and especially rapidly after the Second World War. Having started much later than the Austrians and Swiss, the French soon surpassed them in terms of equipment and resort infrastructure. It was the French who came up with the idea to unite the ski areas of small villages, thus they formed an offer that is impossible to resist.

The world-wide fame of France was brought by such ski areas as the Three Valleys and Portes du Soleil, which are the largest in the world.

Porte du Soleil includes 650 km of ski slopes and 12 individual resorts in the Franco-Swiss region; the most popular French resorts are Avoriaz, Morzine and Les Gets.

Three Valleys is the world's largest interconnected ski resort, covering 600 km of ski slopes and linking the famous resorts of Courchevel,

Special mention is worthy of the Paradiski skiing area: 420 km skiing area of ​​​​the combination of the resorts of Pesseille Vallandry, La Plagne and Les Arcs. The last two are the best known as they offer a large and varied terrain above 3000m with guaranteed snow cover.

It is impossible not to mention the "number one resort of France" - Espace Killy. Huge combined ski area, two popular ski stations Tignes and Val de Zire, snow guarantee in winter, long season and glacier skiing in summer, excellent infrastructure and inviting night life- all this attracts fans of winter sports like a magnet. Espace Killy is positioned as a youth resort.

Most French ski stations like La Plagne were built from the ground up in the 1950s and 1960s as ski resorts, and as a result, many of them are among the highest in Europe, like Val Thorens at 2,300m or Tignes at 2,100m, which means excellent snow conditions for almost half a year.

Most French ski resorts, Chamonix being one of them, are large and cosmopolitan today. With such a number of bars, concert venues, discos, sports clubs and shops, sometimes a small provincial town. And no one is surprised by the Michelin star on the door of a local restaurant.

However, there are pleasant exceptions, Châtel and Les Gets in Haute-Savoie are two examples of small stations that have retained their traditional charm, with Alpine architecture, family pensions and typical cuisine of the region produced by farmers living nearby.

Family-type resorts, specially awarded by the French Tourist Board with the "Famille Plus" sign, are especially valued in France. If you are looking for an affordable resort for families - Kindergarten, children's ski school and daily entertainment programs for children, look out for resorts marked with this "Famille Plus" sign, such as Châtel, Les Gets, Les 2 Alpes or Val Thorens.

The 20 ski resorts scattered throughout the French Pyrenees tend to be smaller and less developed than the Alps, but they offer a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and large expanses of untouched wilderness. Some of the most popular ski resorts in the French Pyrenees include Saint-Lary, Piau Engely, Gavarnie and Cotret.

Ski lift prices are similar to Switzerland, Austria or Italy, ranging from €22 to €48 per day.

The airports of Geneva, Lyon, Nice and Milan provide international transportation in the French Alps. Buses and transfer services are organized on the day of arrival from these airports.