France Ski Holidays

France caters to all snowsports and outdoor enthusiasts, with its ski regions consistently ranked among the world's finest.

Whether you're a family seeking safety, comfort, and enjoyment on the slopes, complete with spacious lodging and entertainment for kids, or a large group of friends eager for thrilling adventures on intermediate to advanced slopes and vibrant apres-ski scenes, France warmly welcomes you.

From charming Alpine villages to contemporary ski-in, ski-out resorts offering accommodations ranging from standard to luxurious, France's ski destinations offer diverse options to suit every preference. Here's a rundown of the country's top ski areas according to Erna Low:

Les Trois Vallees, known as The Three Valleys, stands as the largest ski domain globally, boasting remarkable figures: it features 600km of skiable terrain accessible by skis, with 328 downhill pistes and 1512 hectares of meticulously maintained slopes, encompassing a vast area of 10,500 hectares. Within this expansive region lie renowned destinations such as Val Thorens, hailed as the world's premier ski resort, alongside the picturesque Méribel and Courchevel.

Paradiski, another captivating French skiing expanse, spans elevations ranging from 3937 to 10,662 feet. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, Paradiski showcases scenery that could be considered its most exquisite feature, hosting captivating resorts like Les Arcs and La Plagne.

Portes du Soleil emerges as a prominent Alpine skiing haven, comprising thirteen resorts stretching from Mont Blanc in France to Lake Geneva in Switzerland, offering a total of 600km of ski runs. The array of resorts within Portes du Soleil is extensive and diverse, each possessing its own unique allure, including Les Gets, Avoriaz, and Morzine.

Additionally, you might explore other Swiss ski regions such as Aravis, Chamonix Mont Blanc, Espace Diamant, Espace San Bernardo, Evasion Mont Blanc, Forêt Blanche Domain, and Milky Way.

France's abundance of high-altitude ski resorts ensures consistently excellent snow conditions throughout the season, providing ample opportunities for skiing enjoyment whenever the resorts are operational. Here are a couple of noteworthy destinations:

Val Thorens stands out for its exceptional snow quality, boasting a resort altitude of 200m and offering 150km of pristine slopes, ranging from 1800m to 3230m in elevation, including two glaciers. Its season typically spans from late November to early May, making it an ideal choice for winter festivities or family trips during the Easter school break.

Similarly, Val d’Isère offers delightful snow conditions, situated at an altitude of 1850m within the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, encompassing 300km of pistes with elevations between 1550m and 3455m. Nestled on the north side of the Alps near the Italian border, the resort benefits from glaciers and occasional snowfall from the southeast, ensuring optimal snow coverage. The Val-d’Isere season extends from November to May, with the glacier typically reopening from mid-June for approximately six weeks.

For many visitors to the French Alps, the après-ski experience is just as vital as the skiing itself. Whether it's unwinding after a day on the slopes or enjoying evening entertainment, relaxation, and socializing, the après-ski scene adds to the overall holiday enjoyment. Fortunately, the Alpine environment seamlessly blends with après-ski culture. Here are some resorts where the atmosphere comes alive after sunset:

Val Thorens is renowned not only for its reliable snow but also for hosting Europe's highest open-air club, La Folie Douce. Indulge in delectable dishes at La Fruitiere terrace restaurant while soaking in mountain views, then join fellow revelers for live music, dancing, and specialty drinks.

Val d’Isere offers vibrant nightlife, with venues like Cocorico providing live music and DJs to keep the party going into the early hours. Don't miss the energetic ambiance at Dicks Tea Bar for late-night fun.

Avoriaz is a hotspot for après-ski, offering chic bars like JaJa Bar serving tapas and champagne, themed nights at Le Globe Trotters Café, and Le Shooters boasting an impressive array of shot flavors.

After a day of skiing, it's essential to have comfortable accommodation to unwind in the evening. Whether you're a couple seeking a cozy retreat or a large family needing space, ski packages in France can be tailored to your preferences.

Here are the benefits of ski apartments:

Opt for a catered apartment if you prefer indulgence without the hassle of cooking. Wake up to breakfast, return to tea and cakes after skiing, and enjoy a full meal with drinks in the evening, alleviating the concern of meal preparation.

Alternatively, self-catered apartments offer flexibility for those who enjoy cooking. Visit the local supermarket to gather fresh ingredients and impress your partner with a homemade meal, relishing the freedom to choose your menu each day.

Numerous apartment complexes boast amenities such as hot tubs, spas, and pools, providing diverse ways to unwind and soothe tired muscles.

Apartments ensure privacy, allowing guests to relax in their own space. For larger family gatherings, adjacent apartments can be booked for added convenience. Here are some key advantages of ski hotels in France:

• Ski hotels offer exceptional availability and flexibility regarding room types and suites.
• They are typically situated in central locations, close to shops, eateries, ski lifts, and slopes.
• Ski hotels are highly convenient for short ski trips.
• If you enjoy socializing, ski hotels provide a more communal atmosphere.
• Various accommodation options, from bed and breakfast to all-inclusive packages, are available.
• Daily room servicing is included, relieving guests of cleaning duties and allowing for uninterrupted relaxation.

Self-drive ski holidays are popular with many customers, but for others it’s hard to beat the convenience of a package that includes ski flights and transfers.

For example, if you’re travelling with kids of various ages in tow, sometimes taking the car, making regular pitstops and ensuring no one has been left at the last service station can feel a little like herding cats, in which case a hassle-free complete package is preferable.

We can offer flights to all of our French ski resorts from airports across the UK – including Heathrow, Gatwick, Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Manchester and practically everywhere else. And transfers can be arranged at the other end from Geneva to Morzine, Moutiers to Courchevel, Grenoble to Alpe d’Huez and Geneva to Les Trois Vallees, La Plagne or Les Arcs.

For a flexible and stress-free French ski holiday, the ski flight and transfer combination option is worth serious consideration.

To complete your customised French ski package holiday, you’ll need ski passes and possibly a few other ski extras. Here are a few hand tips:

• It’s possible to pre-book ski passes for many resorts – these can be sent to you beforehand so that when you arrive there’s no time wasted and you can hit the slopes tout suite.

• You can also easily arrange ski and snowboard hire from trusted partners at reasonable prices, which saves the hassle of having to shop around on arrival.

• Ski school can also be included in your deal – there are lessons available for intermediate and more experienced skiers as well as novices because there are always pro tips to pick up which improve your technique and help you stay on top of your game.

• Ski insurance is another must-have and you should make sure that it covers all of the activities you plan to undertake for the full duration of your French ski holiday – we can advise on the most robust policies.

And voila – as you can see, French ski resorts offer a kaleidoscopic range of attractions for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a confirmed powderhound, a keen novice or appreciate apres-ski culture as much as your time on the slopes, you’ll be completely satisfied.

Furthermore, the range of resorts is so diverse that you’ll find somewhere you slot in perfectly as a solo skier, couple, family group or extended group of friends and family.

At Erna Low, skiing and snowsports are much more than mere pastimes – they’re passions that influence every aspect of our lives, which we have the privilege of sharing with others thanks to being lucky enough to work in an industry that we adore.

We’re very proud to be longstanding players in the international snowsports community and we can’t wait to welcome you with open arms!