The Ultimate Guide to the 5 Best Ski Resorts in France

Are you dreaming of carving through pristine powder, cosy evenings by the fire,

and unforgettable après-ski experiences?

Look no further than the enchanting ski resorts of France! With an abundance of options catering to skiers of all levels, families, and après-ski lovers, France is a skiing paradise waiting to be explored. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the 5 best ski resorts in France, each offering its unique blend of charm and exhilaration.

 

1. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For the Adventurous Souls

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an iconic destination for thrill-seekers. Its legendary slopes offer challenges for advanced skiers and snowboarders, including the famed Vallée Blanche off-piste run. But fear not, beginners and families will find plenty of gentle slopes and breathtaking scenery to enjoy. And when the sun sets, Chamonix’s vibrant town comes alive with a bustling après-ski scene.

 

2. Courchevel

Where Luxury Meets Skiing

If you’re seeking elegance and luxury alongside world-class skiing, Courchevel is your destination. This resort, nestled within the Three Valleys, boasts a vast ski area suitable for all levels. Families will appreciate the variety of activities available, from ice skating to dog sledding. And when it comes to après-ski, Courchevel’s upscale ambience ensures unforgettable evenings.

 

3. Val d’Isère

The Skier’s Paradise

Val d’Isère, part of the Espace Killy ski area, is a true skier’s paradise. With diverse terrain, it’s ideal for skiers of every level. Experts can tackle challenging runs like the Face de Bellevarde, while beginners can explore gentler slopes. And when the day’s skiing is done, the town’s lively nightlife is the perfect way to unwind.

 

4. Les Deux Alpes

Family Fun & Après-Ski Bliss

Les Deux Alpes is perfect for families and beginners, with an abundance of gentle slopes and off-slope activities. The resort’s vibrant après-ski scene ensures you’ll have just as much fun off the slopes as on them. Don’t miss out on the legendary Venosc run—a 13-kilometer descent for adrenaline junkies!

 

5. Val Thorens

Europe’s Highest Ski Resort

Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort, guaranteeing excellent snow conditions all season long. It’s a fantastic choice for skiers of all levels, with gentle slopes for beginners and challenging runs for experts. The après-ski scene here is as high-spirited as the altitude, with bars and clubs that keep the party going late into the night.

 

Ready to Hit the Slopes?

And Experience the Alps at One of France’s Best Ski Resorts?

When it comes to planning your skiing adventure in France, Ski Lifts has your back. We offer convenient transfers from all major airports to these incredible resorts, ensuring a stress-free journey to the slopes. Whether you choose a private or shared transfer we guarantee a hassle-free transfer to your chosen ski destination in France. Plus, don’t forget to check out our official ski lesson partner, Maison Sport, for first-class instruction and skill improvement.

Start packing your ski gear, book your trip, and prepare for an unforgettable winter adventure in the stunning French Alps. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert looking to conquer challenging runs or a family seeking memorable moments on the slopes, France’s top 5 ski resorts have it all.

Let the adventure begin!

Trust Ski Lifts with your ski resort transfer and make this winter your most thrilling one yet!

Read about car-free resorts in Europe which are perfect for stress free family ski holidays.

5 environmentally-friendly ski resorts

As a skier or snowboarder you probably love nothing more than hitting the slopes, enjoying the great snow and having a moment to contemplate the magnificence of the mountains. Unfortunately, the current climate crisis puts the possibility to keep enjoying nature as we know it at risk. Already, we have experienced some devastating changes in the mountains, with animal species in danger of extinction and ski resorts having to close because of the low snowfall. 

On the other hand, many ski resorts are taking action towards the preservation of the climate and are taking steps to provide an eco-friendly ski holiday for their guests. 

Saas-Fee, Switzerland 

At Saas-Fee, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Geneva Airport.

The incredible feeling of inhaling fresh air when you arrive at the highest point of the piste makes you connect immediately with nature, especially when your ski holiday is a runaway from the hectic city life. Your whole body relaxes and you are ready to descend the slopes. 

To be sure that you take only the freshest breaths of air in the Alps, and to provide skiers with a sustainable ski holiday, Saas-Fee has been car-free since 1951. Not allowing cars in the resort, Saas-Fee reduces its environmental impact and its carbon footprint, taking steps to help to protect the Alps and improve the quality of life. 

Therefore, the Swiss resort is working to be a pioneer in ecological alpine tourism and is developing procedures to be carbon-free. Its efforts in sustainability have seen Saas-Fee win the title of “Energy Town”, because of the introduction of clear quality standards in traffic and energy policies. No other ski resort in Switzerland can show off its use of natural energy so consistently, as it obtains 100% of their electricity by renewable Valaisian hydroelectric power.

 

Pejo 300, Italy

At Peio, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Verona Airport.

Most plastics take an average of 1000 years to decompose completely. So if you consume a single-use plastic bottle today, it will still exist when your great-great-grandchildren go to college, along with all the plastic their previous generations have used. And yes, that can be a lot of rubbish. This crazy fact has shocked many people who have decided to stop reducing their plastic waste or even wholly stop consuming plastic at all and have a zero-waste lifestyle to reduce their impact on the environment. 

Aware of the impact the plastic has on the climate crisis and following the need to take steps to preserve our mountains, Pejo 3000 has become the first ski resort in Europe to ban plastics. The Italian resort has forbidden disposable straws, bottles, cutlery, glasses, packets of ketchup and mayonnaise and any other single-use plastic items. The new zero-waste action will reduce the disposal of plastic into the mountains and will help to preserve the local nature so all skiers can enjoy the Stelvio National Park for longer. 

Even if Pejo 3000 took the initiative, having a plastic-free ski holiday can be a personal ambition of any skier, besides the polyethene in your skis of course. If you are wondering where to start, we recommend you take a look at Laura Singer’s blog post – most of the things are free! http://trashisfortossers.com/zero-waste-travel-ki/

 

Avoriaz, France

At Avoriaz, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Geneva Airport.

Designed to be a green ski resort, since the beginning Avoriaz has been zero-car, fuel monitored to avoid energy waste and has planned sustainable accommodation. These procedures have made them win the Green Key accreditation, the top international certification for eco-friendly tourist accommodation.

The resort has done great work building environmentally-friendly construction and developing a dual-energy network. Also, the French resort has two environmentally responsible snowparks and train their drivers to do their tasks in the most eco-friendly way. Lately, they’ve renewed their snow canyons to introduce modern machines which consume three times less energy, and they try to avoid using them so the skiers can enjoy the natural fresh snow.

 

Aspen, USA

At Aspen, approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes away from Denver Airport.

The world-famous ski resort Aspen has been a pioneer in sustainable skiing, applying eco-friendly procedures since 1997. Their goal to eradicate emissions has led them to be one of the first cities in the USA to be powered by renewable energy and become seven-times winners of the Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence.

Besides, they don’t only advocate for green power and develop energy-efficient methods; they also take on the best eco practices in the resort. They purchase local food and beverages to reduce their impact, they are home for the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (where they inform visitors of the local environment), and they take part in many local activities to protect the climate. 

 

Söll, Austria

At Soll, approximately 1 hour away from Innsbruck Airport.

One of the energy challenges that the ski resorts have to face is heating. To keep all the skiers and snowboarders warm, the ski resorts have to make significant investments in energy which directly affects the climate crisis. However, Söll is renowned for its green heating initiative. Rather than using gas or coal, they burn wood chips to make fuel to heat the entire bottom lift station, an excellent alternative to keep everybody warm and reduce the environmental impact. 

 

Also, the Austrian ski resort uses eco-friendly snow cannons and has a stable system for sorting waste. 

Lastly, the future of the mountains is everyone’s responsibility, and all of us can make a change in our daily life.

Bon appè-ski! The best ski resorts for foodies

For many skiers, a great holiday must include excellent snow and delicious haute cuisine. After a day on the slopes, you need to relax, enjoy the company and have a nice meal so the next day you are ready for those pistes. If you’re a foodie, taste a classic and warm raclette or explore new flavours like céleri and wild sorrel in sorbet, or risotto with smoked onion at some of the fanciest restaurants in the Alps.

 

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Hospiz Alm, St. Anton, Austria

At St. Anton, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Innsbruck Airport.

St. Anton is a great destination for après-ski plans and that makes it a remarkable ski resort for foodies. Hospiz Alm, located in St. Christoph am Arlberg, is upscale fine dining with traditional alpine decoration, gourmet balcony and a wonderful terrace to enjoy the sun. The opulent restaurant serves traditional Austrian cuisine, such as Tyrolean duck and filet of pike.

 

L’Atelier Edmond, Val d’Isère, France

At Val d’Isère, approximately 3 hours away from Geneva Airport.

Part of the illustrious Espace Killy ski area, Val d’Isere is a world-renowned luxurious destination with top-rated accommodations and restaurants such as L’Atelier Edmond, with 2 Michelin stars for chef Benoit Vidal. A little bit pricey, the food of L’Atelier Edmond is well-known in the region. The menu has references to the traditional local cuisine and includes dishes such as céleri and wild sorrel in sorbet or crawfish with candied lemon. Also, the brasserie food is delicious too and it has a more reasonable price compared to the other dishes. 

 

Azimut, Courchevel, France

At Courchevel, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Geneva Airport.

Courchevel is part of the famous Three Valleys ski area and one of the most exclusive ski resorts in France. The cosy and rusticCourchevel ski resort is also home to 7 Michelin-starred restaurants, with it being the resort with most Michelin-rated establishments in the Alps. Amongst these prestigious restaurants, Azimut stands out for its creativity in dishes like foie gras with caramel and braised chicory with orange and Porto cream.

 

Petit Royal, Courmayeur, Italy

At Courmayeur, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Geneva Airport.

The charming Courmayeur is one of the best ski resorts to enjoy the traditional home-made Italian cuisine combined with the alpine gastronomy. The chef of The Petit Royal, Paolo Griff, is considered one of the most promising cooks in Europe. His colourful dishes and his attention to local products has caught the attention of the gastronomy critics, giving him a Michelin star for his results at the Petit Royal.

 

Les Explorateurs, Val Thorens, France

At Val Thorens, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Geneva Airport.

Home to some of the smartest hotels in the French Alps, the resort also has prime restaurants for the most exquisite palates. Inside the 5-star Hotel Pashmina is Les Explorateurs, awarded with a Michelin star and with a colourful decor inspired by mountaineering expeditions. The signature dish of Josselin Jeanblan is a combination of sea scallops, Nori seaweed and truffle and declination of Jerusalem artichokes: yum!

 

Da Vittorio, St Moritz, Switzerland 

At St Moritz, approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes away from Zurich Airport.

Close to the Italian border, the three-times Michellin-awarded chef Fratelli Cerea decided to open a restaurant in St Moritz, a recognised destination for superb après-ski plans. Da Vittorio St. Moritz is located inside of the elegant Hotel Carlton and it has a beautiful view of the mountain. Stefano Bacchelli, the resident young chef, explores new dishes around the traditional Italian cuisine. Some of the dishes you should try are the risotto with smoked onion or the classic Paccheri alla Vittorio. 

 

Il Gallo Cedrone, Madonna di Campiglio, Italy

At Madonna di Campiglio, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Verona Airport.

Madonna di Campiglio has a traditional charm, with centenary buildings and barely being able to spot a car in the streets. Still, in the centre of the resort, Il Gallo Cedrone combines an updated and modern style with traditional Alpine decoration. The young chef, Sabino Fortunato, doesn’t limit his menu to the traditional mountain cuisine and surprises the clientele with creative dishes with lobster and sea bass.

 

Piz Boè Alpine Lounge, Alta Badia, Italy

At Alta Badia, approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Bergamo Airport.

With over half of the 130km piste marked blue, Alta Badia is a great destination for beginners, families and newbies who want to test themselves on the slopes. After trying your best for the first time, you deserve a fancy menu at Piz Boè Alpine Lounge with a stunning view of the valley. The restaurant offers Landin cuisine, a fusion of Italian and Tirolean styles that includes dishes such as carpaccio or barley soup. 

 

Le Chesery, Gstaad, Switzerland 

At Gstaad, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Sion Airport.

Gstaad is famous for skiers and non-skiers who are looking for a luxury holiday. Amongst the extravagant places you can go, Le Chesery is a Michelin-starred restaurant ran by the Chef Marcus G. Lindners. The dishes change depending on the season and the preferences of the chef, but always maintains an updated traditional approach of the Swiss Alpine cuisine with a wide choice of fishes.

 

L’Arlequin in Aime 2000, La Plagne, France

At La Plagne, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Geneva Airport.

The general quality of La Plagne is moderate, but some restaurants make the exception. One of these restaurants is L’Arlequin in Aime 2000, with a great customer service provided by Monique and Georges, famous in La Plagne for their hospitality. The alpine-homelike restaurant serves raclette, fondue and tartiflette, some of the must-eat food on your holiday in the Alps. Also, you can find other unique dishes such as their creamy risotto with morille mushrooms or a salmon and beef tartare.