France Weekend Break Deals
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Whether you’re looking to maximise your time on the slopes during a solo getaway or want to experience the legendary “table-stomping” après ski that France is famous for, there are so many incredible resorts to choose from where you can get the ultimate winter experience in only 3 or 4 days. A France weekend break also means you can easily get your Alpine fix multiple times a year. It really is a no-brainer!
We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays, so whatever your preferences, our wide range of options ensures you get the very most out of your short weekend holiday to the French Alps. With a lifetime of snow experience under our helmets (90+ years to be exact), we’re the experts in winter holidays, and our excellent relationship with resorts and accommodation providers means we can offer you the absolute best price possible. We’ll also take care of all the extras that make for an incredible getaway, meaning you’ll spend less time choosing and more time studying the piste map and plotting your perfect route ahead.
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France Weekend Break
Why France is perfect for a weekend ski trip
If you're itching to hit the slopes but can’t commit to a full week away, France is the ultimate weekend ski destination. Think quick travel times, varied terrain throughout the entire ski season and high-energy après-ski that will keep you partying into the early hours – and that’s only the start! Here are some of the reasons why your next weekend getaway should be in the French Alps.
- The commutes are short
France is incredibly easy to get to from local airports, meaning you’ll spend less time commuting and more time concentrating on the snow! If you’re planning to travel by plane, there are several resorts only an hour or two from Geneva, Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble airports. In short, once you touch down on tarmac, you’re never really too far away from the slopes. You can also get the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Bourg St Maurice; which is only half an hour from some of France’s top-tier resorts. - You’ll get access to the most incredible slopes
France has a glowing reputation for delivering some of the most jaw-dropping slopes in Europe. From wide and spacious beginner-friendly runs to the more challenging black pistes and epic off-piste terrain, France has an incredible selection of slopes for skiers of all levels and abilities to play on. And thanks to the high-altitude resorts on offer, you’re pretty much guaranteed excellent snow throughout the entire ski season. Not to mention the ski areas are vast, so you’ll have more than enough to explore in only a few short days. - Ever-lasting après-ski, anyone?
If epic après-ski is your kind of thing, we’ve got good news... France and après-ski go together like snowboards and half-pipes! Whether you’re after a cheeky après beer after a hard day on the hill or a legendary bar where you can party until the early hours in your ski boots with the locals, France quite literally has it all.
A weekend ski trip to France is all about quality, not quantity. With unbeatable access to an incredible selection of slopes, excellent snow conditions and overall good vibes, it’s the perfect fun-filled winter destination when life’s a bit too busy for a week off (or you need your last-minute fix of snow time!). So, what are you waiting for? The French Alps are more accessible than you think...
Weekend vs. week-long ski holidays: Which is right for you?
Choosing between a short weekend ski break and a full week-long holiday comes down to how much time you’ve got spare, your skiing goals and what you want to do with your time away. There are pros and cons for both options and we’re here to make sense of it all, so let's break it down:
- Are week-long ski holidays better?
A week-long ski trip is ideal if you want to maximise your snow time over the full 7 days and get access to the ultimate unforgettable experience. But we understand that not everyone has the full 7 days to spare – which is where weekend ski trips are the perfect answer. You’ll still get to experience high-altitude slopes, incredible views and 100s of km of incredible piste, only you’ll need to plan your time a bit more wisely. Trust us – you’ll be amazed at how much you can pack into just a few days on the snow. - The case for weekend ski breaks
Weekend ski breaks are the short-term answer for skiers looking to squeeze in their fill of snow-time across a few short days. They’re particularly ideal for experienced skiers looking for a fun challenge and beginners who can’t seem to get enough of the snow and want to improve their skills at pace. Weekend ski trips also serve as the perfect escape for people on a tight schedule (or budget) wanting to make the most of their weekends (and have an epic story to tell when they’re back in the office on Monday!). If that wasn’t enough – you could be in resort by Friday evening and back home by Monday morning, which is a definite plus if you have a busy week ahead. Seriously, take us there now! - Can’t decide? Do both!
If you can’t decide, why not do both? With Erna Low, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to maximising your slope time. Even if you hit the slopes for a week-long holiday every year, you still have the option for a cheeky weekend ski trip to France every now and then. We’ll call that a win-win!
Hints and tricks on planning the perfect weekend ski trip
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With only a few days to play with on your ski weekend in France, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the short time you have in resort:
- Travel smart
Avoid losing precious ski time on the commute by choosing a resort that’s as close to the airport as possible. Some of the most popular resorts like Morzine, Chamonix and Les Houches are under two hours from Geneva, making them the perfect playground for weekenders with little time to spare. And always aim for a Friday evening arrival so you get to squeeze in a full day on Saturday – which is also one of the quietest days on the slopes! - Pack light (and efficient)
You’re only in resort for a few days, so you really don’t need much stuff. Focus on packing the essentials you actually need, like your thermals, socks, gloves, goggles, beanie and a few après-ski essentials like a warm jumper and comfy boots. You don’t need more than one ski outfit (a jacket and salopettes are more than enough). Oh, and don’t forget the SPF! That should be at the top of your packing list. - Hire ski gear instead of packing it
We know you probably already have a set of skis you like to ride season after season, but we’ll always recommend hiring ski gear if you’re only in resort for a few days. After all, it’ll save you the hassle of lugging heavy bags through the airport. - Pre-book everything
From lift passes to lessons, get the essentials sorted before you go. This saves time (and stress) on arrival. Plus, booking in advance often means better prices and guaranteed availability. - If possible, go with hand luggage only
Who has time to waste standing in a seemingly never-ending check-in queue? Keep everything organised by making the most of your carry-on luggage. If you’re bringing ski boots, pack them in your bag. They might be heavy, but they’re worth taking if you’re worried about how hire gear might fit. Roll your clothes to save as much space as possible and use packing cubes to dial up the organisation. Easy!
Best resorts in France for a family ski weekend
France is a top-tier destination for a ski holiday weekend with the family. With so many resorts offering epic skiing and “kids will love this” family fun; France is a no-brainer if you’re looking for an adventure-filled weekend escape with the family. Here are a few of our highlights:
- La Clusaz
La Clusaz is incredibly welcoming and the family-friendly atmosphere is hard to beat. Only an hour from Geneva airport, La Clusaz is a perfect option for saving on travel time – which is especially handy if you’re travelling with young children. In fact, it's so close, you could fly in, get to the resort and be settled by lunchtime! The resort has a decent selection of ski schools and a dedicated nursery area for tiny skiers to enjoy a full day of fun. The easy green and blue runs are ideal for children of all ages and there are plenty of activities to do off the hill, too, including an aqua centre, ice rink, cinema and lots of cafés and restaurants that offer meal options even the pickiest eaters will love. - Flaine
Thanks to its “Famille Plus” accreditation, Flaine is such a popular ski resort for multi-generational families looking for a fun-filled winter getaway. The entire resort is purpose-built and the childcare options make the logistics of travelling with children much easier. It’s also the perfect place for children to learn given that it’s a dedicated beginners area with green nursey runs and a decent selection of wide, quiet slopes that are great for confidence-building. The majority of accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, too, taking away the hassle of getting to the slopes each morning! - Les Gets
Les Gets is a confirmed favourite for a France ski weekend with the family. Part of the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, this resort has a vibrant village feel to it. The slopes and ski schools offer a lot for the family with an abundance of easy green and blue runs that are great for practising. In particular, the “Milka” ski trail, which is aptly themed around the famous chocolate brand, is an absolute winner with kids.
When you’re off the hill for the day, Les Gets has several “niche” off-slope activities including horse-drawn carriage rides, a mini train for kids and a wide selection of restaurants with family-friendly menus.
How to make the most of après-ski on a short weekend getaway
France is your one-stop-shop if you’re after epic après, brilliant bars and nightclubs and vibrant evenings. Whether you want to party into the early hours or enjoy a cheeky beer after a long day on the hill, here are our tips for making the most of the lively nightlife on offer:
- Kick off your après-ski with a slope party
If your idea of après-ski includes a few beers, signature shots, legendary live DJs and table-top dancing, then plot out your ski route so you’re hitting a slope party as your last pit stop before heading down the mountain. Bar 360 in Val Thorens or the infamous La Folie Douce which appears in some of the bigger French resorts are the places to be if you want to feel like you’re partying on top of the world! - Enjoy a cheeky drink on a sun terrace
End an exhausting (but rewarding) day on the right foot by enjoying a cheeky après beer on a terrace before the sun disappears. You honestly can’t beat the feeling of watching the world go by surrounded by the most incredible mountain views with a refreshing drink in hand. - Look for live music and epic party vibes
Once the lifts have shut down for the day, now’s the time to get into full party mode, so follow the music and go in search of a lively bar or nightclub where you can party late into the night. However, if you’re looking for a more laid-back night out, head to a low-key bar to enjoy a relaxed ambience that’s sure to hit the spot after a long day. - Après-ski is whatever you want it to be
Après-ski isn’t only about bars and nightclubs. Why not consider a dreamy twilight snowshoe hike that ends with a vin chaud under the stars? Or, if unwinding is at the top of your list, French resorts often have spas with saunas, steam rooms and even outdoor hot tubs for resting and relaxing those tired muscles! Now’s also the ideal time to indulge in some amazing local cuisine, like tartiflette or French fondue – two dishes you should absolutely put on your “must-try” list!
Book your France weekend ski break with Erna Low
Our weekend deals are designed to make your trip to the French Alps as smooth as your freshly waxed skis. Need a ride from the airport? We’ll sort your transfers so you can go straight from plane to piste. All our partner hotels, chalets and apartments are handpicked for their comfort, convenience and overall warm vibes that guarantee the ultimate holiday-making stay. Worried about long lift pass queues? Don’t be. When you book your ski pass with us online, it’ll be ready and waiting for you when you arrive. Not planning on bringing your ski gear for the weekend? No problem. You can easily include ski equipment rental as part of your ski holiday package with us.
See – we really have got every little detail covered so you can spend less time researching and more time focusing on maximising your snow time – all for the best price possible. Give us a call today and let’s build the ultimate winter experience based on your budget and preferences!
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.