The best ski resorts in France
Whether you are drawn to the Alps or the Pyrenees, France certainly boasts the largest ski area in Europe. Beautiful blue skies, excellent snow, pleasant après-ski, and breathtaking landscapes – you will find all of this if you are looking for a quality ski resort. In France, most ski resorts are located at high altitudes, allowing for a long ski season and good snow quality. Here is Europcar’s selection in the French Alps.
Chamonix, Haute-Savoie
Located on the famous European mountain that reaches 4,807 m, Mont Blanc, Chamonix remains one of the most popular ski resorts in Europe. With its vast ski area and a choice of slopes for all levels, there is something for everyone, from beginners to the most experienced skiers. Boasting picturesque panoramas, a wide choice of restaurants, chalets, and ski-related activities, Chamonix is a superb ski resort for the whole family. If you are an enthusiast, this resort is also appreciated for its cross-country skiing trails.
Courchevel, Savoie
A spectacular example of the best in skiing, one of the best ski resorts in the world, Courchevel is located in an absolutely exceptional location, in the Trois Vallées area. At 1,850 m altitude, Courchevel is open from December to April and allows skiers of all levels to enjoy a magnificent skiing experience. It is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world, and for good reasons: fantastic skiing complemented by a unique evening atmosphere – bars, restaurants, fireworks, and twinkling lights come together to create a magical ambiance.
Serre-Chevalier, Hautes-Alpes
With its 250 km of slopes, Serre-Chevalier is located at the foot of the Écrins National Park, the largest glacier park in France. With its ski area connected to several mountain farming villages, each with its own particular charm, Serre-Chevalier offers slopes for beginners as well as for experienced skiers, up to 2,830 m altitude. This ski area is particularly beautiful, with significant sunshine, and is famous for its healing hot springs in Monêtier-les-Bains.
Méribel, Savoie
If you love shopping, then Méribel is for you. Many shops sell ski and snowboard equipment, offer the latest fashion clothing or other well-known brands, alongside bakeries, cheese shops, and local markets. Once you have finished your shopping, you can hit the slopes thanks to the ski lifts, with minimal waiting time and maximum time on your skis. The highest point of Méribel is at 3,000 m, so the snow will be good for most of the season.
Val d’Isère
Discover Val d’Isère in the French Alps and enjoy a fantastic skiing experience, whatever your level, with the 53,000 hectares of the incredible Vanoise National Park. The peaks reach 3,000 meters in this highly sought-after location, perfect for a short stay for beginners or a more advanced skiing adventure. In Val d’Isère, the ski slopes range from 1,500 to 3,450 meters altitude, and more than 150 lifts will take you to your destination before you start your descent. The après-ski is renowned for its lively atmosphere and great selection of bars and restaurants.
With some of the most beautiful ski areas in Europe, France is an excellent choice, with most slopes located near local airports, making ski weekends as popular as longer stays. Regarding the facilities offered – snow conditions, altitude, lift networks, landscapes, charm, and ambiance, France is undoubtedly at the top.
