French mining ski resorts - are considered one of the best winter resorts in the world. They are located in the French Alps, representing vast interconnected ski areas. There are more than four thousand excellent ski slopes, trails for snowboards, bobsleigh and other interesting types of active winter recreation. All slopes have a different level of difficulty, which makes the rest in the French Alps comfortable not only for beginner skiers, but also for professionals. Let's talk about the best ski resorts in more detail.
French ski resort Megeve - a very prestigious winter resort in the country, which has been operating since 1913, when the Office de Tourism was opened here. In 1921 the very first luxury hotel appeared here. Skiing on numerous ski slopes attracts the richest and most famous people in the world to this old French town, in the Savoyard style. There are many chic, fashionable hotels. In general, the city of Megève is located in the French region of the Rhône-Alpes, in the Haute-Savoie department. Previously, there was a charming mountain village, which eventually turned into one of the most prestigious of our planet. Megeve united several ski stations: Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Saint-Gervais-Mont-Blanc, Bellevue, Mont-Joly. Getting to Megeve is not a problem: you can fly by plane, having made a transfer in Paris, and then, having flown to Annecy airport, forty kilometers from here, or fly to Chambery, which is ninety-five kilometers away, and you can fly to Geneva, located eighty-eight kilometers from here , to Grenoble, which is one hundred and sixty kilometers, to Lyon, which is one hundred and eighty kilometers, and then a transfer by car is waiting for you, but if you have finances, you can make a transfer by helicopter. Of course, you can also get to Megeve by train. The closest railroad station located twelve kilometers away, in the town of Salanche, trains go there on weekends from Paris, then transfer by car. If you rented a car in Paris, then the distance to Megeve is six hundred kilometers. There are many options for accommodation in Megeve: there are many excellent apartments and there are quite budget hotels, despite the high cost of this resort. There are forty-seven hotels in total, ranging from two to four stars, and there is also a large selection of five-star hotels, "suites", and chalets. People come to ski in Megeve from December to April. There is a well-developed tourist infrastructure, a large selection of restaurants famous for their best chefs. But most importantly, there is a wide selection of ski slopes with varying difficulty and length. Many of them have run through absolutely stunning forests. The resort has the opportunity to relax with children: there are children's ski gardens, schools, as well as a snowboard school and a freeride school. There are other equally pleasant entertainments: indoor swimming pools, fitness rooms, indoor ice rinks, tennis courts. The resort of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains has an excellent thermal park with healing mineral springs.
Ski resort "Three Valleys" - "Les Trois Vallees" - refers to the Savoyard ski area and is the world's largest unified ski region, with six hundred kilometers of excellent slopes located at altitudes from one thousand three hundred to three thousand two hundred and thirty meters. "Three Valleys" or "Le Trois Vallee" united several resort bases of the Vanoise mountain range. It was in this zone that famous resort Courchevel - Courchevel, as well as the resorts of Méribel - Méribel, Les Menuires - Les Ménuires, Val Thorens - Val Thorens, La Tania - La Tania, Brides - Brides, Saint-Martin - Saint-Martin ", Crelle -" Crelle ". All six hundred kilometers of the ski slopes of Le Trois Vallee are connected by lifts, of which there are two hundred, every hour they can deliver a quarter of a million people to the summits.
Ski resort Courchevel - the most famous ski resort in France, especially loved by Russians, famous for the best ski slopes, the best hotels, amazing service and great restaurants. This is one of the oldest ski resorts, opened to skiers in 1946. In 1992, the Winter Olympics were held here. The resort is divided into five towns: - the most exquisite of them - "Courchevel 1850", millionaires rest here; - just below there is Courchevel 1650, famous for its stunning landscapes and mountain views; - even lower is "Courchevel 1550"; - followed by "Courchevel 1300" and "Courchevel 1100". All towns are incredibly cozy and ideal for families with children. Five towns are located in a single large web of ski slopes, there are many ski lifts, thanks to which you can get to any route of the resort.
There are different types of lifts: eighty-eight - drag-tows, sixty-eight - chairlifts, thirty-nine - small-sized cabins, two - large-sized cabins, one - funicular. The skiing season in Courchevel starts at the end of November and ends at the beginning of May. In addition to the ski slopes, here you can go ice skating, dog sledding, play billiards, tennis, relax in excellent nightclubs, bars in the evening, pay tribute to amazing French cuisine in the best restaurants, and do great shopping. As you already understood: everything is here! After all, it's not for nothing that in Russia it is considered that a vacation in Courchevel is an indicator of a person's success.
French ski resort Méribel - "Meribel" - another resort included in the resort ski area "Heart of the Three Valleys". It is located at an altitude of one thousand four hundred meters, and in turn is also subdivided into zones: - "Meribel Center", built in a traditional French style, - "Meribel-Mottareu" - a more modern part of the city. In both zones, you will find excellent slopes, gorgeous jogging trails, various entertainment: hockey grounds, ice rinks, dog sledding and so on.
French ski resort Chamonix - a resort that has been around for more than two centuries. In 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games were held here. Chamonix stands in the picturesque valley of the same name, right at the foot of Mont Blanc. The resort is divided into five ski areas: "Grand - Monte", "Le Brevent", "Vallee Blanche" - "White Valley", "Le Tour", "Le Fleger". There are slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers. There are forty-two lifts here: eighteen - drag lifts, seventeen - chair lifts, five - small cabins, eight - large cabins, two - funiculars. The tracks have a total length of one hundred and forty kilometers. The skiing season in Chamonix starts in December and lasts until April on the lower slopes, and until May on the higher slopes. The resort has three kids' clubs where you can leave kids while the adults ride. Children from six months are accepted there. The Vallee Blanche area has the longest ski slope in Europe, with a length of twenty two kilometers. The Chamonix resort is magnificent, but it has one drawback: it is impossible to ski right from the hotels, first tourists need to take a bus to the ski lift. In addition to skiing, you can go snowshoeing, paragliding, and parachuting. There is an "Aquacenter" with a large swimming pool, children's area, water slide, the height of which is one hundred and thirty meters, sauna, Turkish bath, solarium. In the evening, vacationers can go to casinos, bars and discos, as well as a bridge club or bowling alley.
Espace Killy French ski resort - "Espace Killy" - located in a picturesque area of \u200b\u200bthe French Alps and is considered one of the best winter resorts in the world. This region includes such famous resorts as Val d'Isere and Tignes, as well as four more modest resorts. Everywhere there are the most modern slopes, excellent infrastructure. Trails are suitable for both amateurs and professionals. the resort is that you can ski on the mountain glacier both in winter and in summer.For teenagers there is a free "ski pass", there are many ski schools.This is a paradise for snowboarders: there are excellent ski corridors "Les Danaides", "Le Lasvancher ”,“ La Table ”,“ Kern. ”In addition to ski slopes, here you can take a helicopter ride over the most beautiful terrain, ride dog sleds, snowmobiles, walk on snowshoes.
Alpe d'Huez French ski resort - "Alpe D'Huez" is an excellent winter resort in the southern Alps, where the sun shines three hundred days a year. For this, the French called this place - "Island of the Sun". The ski slopes are located on the upper plateau, and due to the fact that they are almost all facing south, you can ski in the sun until late at night. Here are the most famous European ski slopes: the Saren slope, sixteen kilometers long, as well as the Tunnel trail, which was cut through a centuries-old glacier. By the way, on the Alpe d'Hueza Tunnel track, one of the Bond films was filmed. Holidays in this ski resort will suit both beginners and families with children, as well as lovers of other winter activities. The resort has an excellent ice stadium.
Paradiski ski resort in France - "Paradiski" is a fairly young area for skiing. It is a combined region that includes La Plagne, Peyse-Valandry, Le Coche, Les Arcs. Here you can ride all year round, since the resorts are in the zone of glacial snows that do not melt all year round.
French ski resort Portes du Soleil - "The Portes du Soleil" - this winter resort has a romantic name, which can be translated into Russian - "Gate of the Sun". The fact is that it is constantly sunny here. There are slopes at the resorts for both professionals and beginner skiers, there are ski schools and six hundred and fifty kilometers of excellent pistes of various levels of difficulty. This ski area also united several winter resorts: Le-Jeet, Morzine, Avoria, Chatel.
Every year, the beautiful French mountain slopes attract numerous tourists and skiers, for whom absolutely all the necessary conditions have been created here: there are excellent lifts, slopes, hotels, shops and restaurants for every taste and budget.
The French Alps attract both beginners and advanced skiers from all over the world. This is understandable: the variety of trails 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 Lans, Risoul, Le Menuir, Val Cenis and all the resorts of the Murien Valley, where there are a huge number of sunny plateaus, are suitable. - These resorts amaze with the number of luxury hotels, luxury chalets, restaurants and boutiques.
Chamonix
Chamonix is \u200b\u200bthe center of a popular ski region Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Now Chamonix is \u200b\u200bknown as a popular and relatively accessible resort for ski and snowboard lovers. The Chamonix Valley, stretching for 16 km, includes several ski regions: Grand Monte, Le Tours, Les Houches, Brevin, Flégères, as well as the famous White Valley - about 20 km off-piste descent from the top of Aiguille du Midi (3843 m) ... Skiing in Chamonix is \u200b\u200bso varied that you can find trails for skiers of all levels.
Ski station "Grand Monte" in Chamonix. Photo by: Daniel Simpson, commons.wikimedia.org
With 157 kilometers of ski slopes and virtually unlimited off-piste skiing areas, Chamonix is \u200b\u200ba very popular ski region all year round. The lift system gives access to the highlands around Mont Blanc.
Chamonix ski resorts are suitable for both children, beginner to intermediate skiers and advanced skiers. In Chamonix, there is no single ski area linked 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 Val d'Isere and Tignes form a single ski 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 in the resort is guaranteed not only in winter, but also in summer thanks to the Pisseia glacier.
Val d'Isere
In Val d'Isere, the ski lifts are quite convenient in relation to apartments and hotels, some of which can be reached on skis. Val d'Isere is several thousand hectares of marked ski slopes and 10 thousand hectares of virgin land at an altitude of 1550 to 3500 m. It houses the best skiing and snowboarding school, as well as experienced freeride instructors. Ski season lasts from early December to late March. The halfpipe is at the end of the Face de Belle-varde piste, and there is also a snow park. The length of cross-country skiing trails is 24 km.
For fans of extreme skiing there are breathtaking rocky bastions Galiz and Grand Eguy Russ. For beginners - the classic routes in the forests of Santon and Vallon. Pros will appreciate the Bellevard cliff with Bernard Roussy's downhill slope (height 2809 m, vertical drop 972 m, length 2905 m, average slope angle 350, maximum slope angle 63 degrees).
In Val d'Isere, the atmosphere of a traditional French village is preserved. The architectural appearance is unique among other French ski resorts.
Tignes
Tignes (2100 m) - a high-altitude resort in Espace Killy - one of the best places in France for freeriding. The stages of the World Cup are held here annually. Snowboarders are very fond of Tignes for its wide, rather steep tracks. 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 trails 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 Val d'Isere and Tignes have a large number of both children's (from 3 years old) and adults 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 in order to go through the most interesting routes with an instructor guide. There are kindergartens, nannies and nurses for the youngest children.
Three Valleys (Le Trois Vallee)
Three Valleys is the largest ski resort in the world. It unites more than 200 lifts, more than 600 km of marked trails. This 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, Mottaret, Les Menuires, Val Thorens. From the point of view of skiing, it doesn't matter which town to stay in. A single ski pass for all Three Valleys provides access to all 200 lifts.
Meribel
Méribel is an excellent destination for intermediate skiers. Excellent opportunities for ski safari, there are many wide, not too difficult trails throughout the ski area. It's good to hone your technique on the trails between Pas du Lac and Plattier. There are easy descents on almost every slope.
The advantage of Méribel that has made the resort so popular is its central location in the Three Valleys. While here, you will benefit a lot from the ability to choose the direction of travel and skiing territory depending on the weather, mood and level of ski or snowboarding. The Méribel resort (1400-1600 m) also includes the Méribel Mottare station (1700-1800 m).
Val Thorens
Val Thorens, a French ski station at an altitude of 2300 m, is the highest in Europe. Val Thorens has 68 ski slopes stretching for 140 km, of which green (light) - 8, blue (medium) - 25, red (difficult) - 27, black (for experts) - 8. Ski area is equipped with 29 mechanical lifts , with a capacity of 60 680 people / hour. The resort is equipped with a snow park and facilities for new types of skiing (boardercross, halfpipe). In the resort of Val Thorens, located in the heart of a major natural park with six glaciers, numerous ski routes are presented.
Courchevel
One of the most prestigious ski resorts in France - Courchevel - is famous for a huge selection of trails 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 beginners is the wide and flat blue and green slopes, a large number of which are located under the Jardin Alpin ski lift. The longest and softest runs are in the ski areas of Bellecote and Pralon. For intermediate skiers, we recommend the slopes in the La Wiesel area. The best red runs are Marmot and Cre.
Breed les Bains
Brides les Bains is a resort, the infrastructure of which was created specifically for the 1992 Winter Olympic Games. The very location of the resort was also not chosen by chance - it is ideally located in relation to the Three Valleys. Straight cable car Olympus will take you to Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens in just 20 minutes.
Here you can not only ride, but also heal: a large health Center with thermal springs, swimming pool with mineral water, healing mud treatments, all types of massage.
The sports opportunities of the region are downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiles, tobogganing, sledding, bobsledding, rock climbing, hiking. A fun resort life in Brides les Bains will provide bars, restaurants, cafes, discos. Here you will find the only casino in the mountains (except for the Chamonix resort). As well as shops, cinemas, excursions. The resort hosts ski competitions and 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 days of sunshine a year and its 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 lifts serve a vertical drop of over 2000 meters. The stepped location on the mountain and the longest internal lift system allow skiing directly from the hotel. There is a huge beginner ski area right next to the resort. Season from late November to late April. Summer skiing on the Sarenne Glacier is possible in July and August.
The difficulty of the tracks according to the local classification is understated, many red tracks in other resorts would be marked as black. The longest certified track in Europe is Sarenne (16 km). The "Tunnel" track, filmed in one of the James Bond films, goes through a tunnel in a glacier. Snowpark and halfpipe for snowboarders at Lac Blanc. For lovers of flat skis - three circular tracks with a total length of 54 km.
Megeve
One of the world's most prestigious and picturesque ski resorts. The pedestrian area with cobbled streets in the center and the ancient architecture create the atmosphere of a real Savoyard village. From Mont Joly and other sites, there are 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. Megève includes three ski areas: Rochebrune-Cote, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Jail. It is good for beginner skiers and those who prefer family vacations.
Professionals will love 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 intermediate level, the slopes in Mont-d'Arbois are suitable, the slopes served by the Grand Vorasse lift are also interesting; the slopes are more difficult - in the Comble and Geillet areas. In general, Megève is ideal for skiers of this level. There are slopes both below near the town, and and above 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 ground transport.
Megeve has an Olympic ice rink, dog sledding, sleigh rides, horseback riding, helicopter rides, etc. are also possible.
Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is located in the center of the Oisans Alpine mountain range. 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, chair and drag lifts, allow you to climb to an altitude of 3520 m. Ski area Les Deux Alpes 3600 stretches over 430 hectares. The height difference is from 1300 to 3600 m, the total length of the tracks is 225 km.
Winter and summer snow parks are equipped on the glacier. The ten skiing areas of the snow park are designed for both beginner snowboarders and freestyle fans, as well as experienced fans of extreme winter sports. Jumps and bends of various difficulty levels allow holding official competitions. There are many schools for beginner skiers. Professional instructors (including Russian-speaking ones) teach beginners in skiing and snowboarding, and advanced skiers can take part in individual or group lessons in freeride, slopestyle, etc.
The resort offers tourists a huge palette of entertainment: snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skating rink, swimming pools, paragliding lessons, bowling, excursions to the ice grotto located at an altitude of 3400 m.
Villars de Lens
The ski resort of Villars de Lens is located in the center of the largest natural park in France - Vercors, on the slopes of the Aigle massif and the Dauphinet Predalpes ridge. This town is especially attractive due to its location - on all sides it is surrounded by gorges and picturesque mountain ranges.
The slopes of Villars de Lans are part of a single ski area with the slopes of the small resort of Correncón en Vercors. This ski area is perfect for beginners and those with intermediate skiing skills. There are 130 km of tracks with a height difference from 1160 to 2285 meters. About 50 km of them belong to "green" and "blue", 49 km - to "red", 31 km - to "black". The slopes are very beautiful as they pass through forests, picturesque canyons and plateaus.
The climate in the resort is rather humid, so there are many virgin areas with an abundance of snow on its upper parts. For cross-country skiers and hiking in Villars de Lens there is a route of 160 km. Any of the trails can be reached using 29 lifts, most of which are drag lifts. The skiing season in Villars de Lens lasts from early December to early April.
In addition to the great slopes, the resort has a wonderful water park, ice rink, fan park (in Correncón en Vercors), cinema, bowling alley, casino, sports center, numerous restaurants and bars. For children, kindergartens, ski schools are open, separate tracks and lifts are equipped. You can also visit the Shoransh caves of the Vercors reserve and see a light or sound show, visit the robot museum, the water museum and the history museum.
Paradisk
The combined skiing region of Paradiski includes the resorts of La Plagne, Peyse-Valandry, Les Coches and Les Arcs. This resort area quite young (created in 2003), and its name was born during an international competition, in which Paradiski became the winner (a combination of the French word Paradis - "paradise" and English ski - "ski"). Paradiski has excellent conditions for freeriding and teaching children to ski. Skiing on two glaciers is possible all year round.
The trails stretch from the summit of Aiguille de Rouge (2335 m) in the west, the peak of Bellecot (3417 m) in the center and the mountains of Les Verdon (2500 m) in the east to the foot of the Tarentaise valley, forming an extended skiing area running down the wooded slopes to small towns in the valley. In total, Paradiski offers 425 km of ski slopes ranging from 1200 to 3250 meters, with approximately 13% black, 24% red, 58% blue and 5% green. The slopes are served by 144 lifts, and the individual resorts are connected by a single lift system (including the largest cable car in Europe, the Vanoise Express, 1.6 km long and cabins for 200 people each) and slopes.
Les Arcs consists of several mountain villages - Bour-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 tracks of the Aiguille Rouge peak (3226 m). Thanks to well-groomed trails and smooth mountainous terrain Les Arcs has been chosen as the venue for international downhill skiing competitions more than once. For snowboarders in Les Arcs there is a fan park and a 180 m half pipe.
La Plagne resort 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 slopes of medium difficulty, but there are also slopes for the pros, descending from the peaks of Bellecot and Bioli. The "blue" slopes can be mastered by a beginner who has come to rest in La Plagne, and the slopes "Kamikaze" and "Harakiri" will appeal to advanced athletes. One of the local attractions is the bobsleigh track, which hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Port du Soleil
The Portes du Soleil resort is also known as the "Gate of the Sun" - there 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. The Portes du Soleil includes eight French and six Swiss resorts.
Many schools, slopes of various difficulty levels in four ski areas on the French side: Le Jeuet, Morzine, Avoriaz and Chatel. The choice of the local slopes will satisfy the skier of any level, and there is a single ski pass 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. 201 ski lifts are in operation, 650 km of slopes have been laid in the resort. Nine snow parks will delight the most sophisticated snowboarders and freestyle lovers. The Portes du Soleil has good conditions for off-piste skiing. And after a busy day of skiing, 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 in trails 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 in 1989 that the first Snowboard World Cup was played. There are off-piste skiing areas near the city. Snowboard enthusiasts will appreciate the snowparks: The Bleu du Lac for experienced snowboarders and The La Chapelle for beginners. There is a superpipe for freestyle. For advanced skiers, there are simply unlimited possibilities, the trails are uncomplicated, long, mostly sunny. A very interesting ski area in Champery and Le Jets, but there is one inconvenience: you can get to Le Jets only through the Morzine station, having removed your skis.
Le Menuir
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, Méribel, La Tania and Courchevel. The ski season is from December to May. The total length of 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 beginners, which is served by six free lifts. Also for beginners there is a special ski pass for 11 more lifts in the region at very low prices.
Particularly interesting are the red and black trails on the La Mass. While vacationing in the Menouir resort, be sure to take a ride on the 3 Marches and Mont de la Chambre pistes. The resort is surrounded by many slopes, ideal for freeriding, from where you can descend to the slopes, avoiding the need to use the bus. The overwhelming majority of tracks are blue and red.
To services of tourists snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, descent from the slopes by parachute, hiking, dog sledding, snowmobiling. Après ski - restaurants, cafes, bars, pastry shops 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, sauna and gym, toboggan runs, an ice rink.
La Tania
La Tania ski resort is located between the ski resorts of Meribel (5 km) and Courchevel (2 km) on the border of the Vanoise National Park and belongs to the Three Valleys ski region. The resort is located at an altitude of 1400 meters. The ski season is from mid-December to the end of April. The number of ski slopes is 318 (30 black, 108 red, 129 blue, 51 green). The total length of the tracks is over 600 km. The total length of cross-country skiing trails is 118.55 km (of which 26.5 km are in La Tanier itself).
All trails are well-groomed, there is a lighted one for night skiing, the lifts are located so that there are no queues. In La Tanier, there is the opportunity to ski on and off the numerous and varied trails in neighboring Meribel and Val Thorens. Tourist infrastructure includes luxury hotels and restaurants, an expensive shopping center "Forum", even its own airfield. And of course, great mountain views.
Of the nearby attractions, the Vanoise National Park is of interest, known for the population of wild Alpine ibexes. The park is inhabited by chamois, alpine marmots, lynxes, white hares, ermines, bearded vultures, golden eagles and black grouse. Vanoise borders Italy's Gran Paradiso National Park, and both of them make up the largest protected area in Western Europe.
Half an hour drive from La Tania there are two wellness complexes - a spa center Gr and Spa des Alpes in Brides-les-Bains and the Thermes de Salins les Bains in Salen-les-Thermes, renowned for the healing properties of salt water, used in the treatment of rheumatism and skin diseases.
Les Houches
The resort is located at the foot of the highest peak of the Alps - Mont Blanc (4807 m), from where a panoramic view of the landscapes of the foothills of the Chamonix Valley opens. Alpine skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels - from beginners to experts - strive here. The reason for this is the unprecedented variety of slopes, peaks, trails and slopes. Les Houches is also famous for the fact that it hosts the annual World Cup in downhill skiing. 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 in length, a large 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 beginners in skiing. This is a more protected resort, in the sense that it is quite comfortable to ride here even in bad weather.
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, and local artisan shops. Annual local events - Christmas market, artisan festival, mule fair, markets with a variety of local delicacies.
Why do millions of people around the world prefer ski tourism to other types of recreation? It's simple. Beautiful landscapes, fresh air, active rest with the whole family, new acquaintances and a lot of positive emotions. That's what a mountain vacation is all about!
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Every year, hospitable France welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists and vacationers from all over the world. Many people come to the country with only one purpose - to relax in the ski resorts. Why is it worth choosing it among all other countries that offer their services in this area?
Firstly, the country is famous for a large number of resorts and a large total length of ski trails of varying difficulty. Therefore, France is an ideal place for both an inexperienced beginner in this business and a seasoned amateur. active rest... Secondly, ski tourism in the country is very well developed, which means a high level of service. This is due to the fact that the first resorts of this kind in the country appeared more than a hundred years ago.
The first winter Olympics in the history of sports took place back in 1924, and it was held on the slopes of the French Alps. Therefore, the country already has certain ski traditions and an impeccable reputation that has been earned over the years. This is where France stands out. There is basic information that applies to all resorts. The season starts at the beginning of winter, as snow usually starts in November and a good and even snow cover is formed by the beginning of December.
Useful information for tourists
At the beginning of the season, you can take advantage of various discounts and promotions that will attract tourists and actively start the new season. The height is in early January, during new year holidays... At this time, many trails are filled with visitors and sometimes you have to queue up for the funicular. Such moments should also be taken into account, as well as the fact that prices rise significantly at this time. The ski season lasts until the end of April, although everything may depend on the weather conditions in a particular area.
March-April is an excellent period for visiting the ski resorts of France with the whole family, since the influx of visitors is declining and at this time discounts and promotions are again active, which are not a sin to take advantage of. There are over 200 resorts in France, so it can be difficult to decide on a destination and decide exactly where to go. It all depends on several facts, one of which is the planned vacation budget.
Although France is famous for its prestigious, and therefore expensive resorts with the appropriate level of service, people of average income can have a good rest at the country's resorts.
Now it's worth talking about the most famous and popular ski resorts in the country.
Chamonix
The first on this list is Chamonix, which is, in fact, the oldest resort in the country. Its history goes back over 200 years. The resort is located at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc peak. The resort attracts a large number both during the winter and summer months. In addition to ski lovers, climbers and lovers of mountain bikes come to the resort to explore the local beauty with a breeze. The resort is always crowded at all seasons.
With regard to alpine skiing, I would like to note the following: there are tracks with a total length of several hundred kilometers. In addition, due to its location near the border, you will be able to ski not only on the mountain slopes of France, but also visit neighboring Italy and its resort of Courmayeur. You can also go to Switzerland, to the Vallorcine resort. The skiing season is open from the beginning of winter to mid-April. It is clear that the high season falls on the winter and Christmas holidays, when thousands of tourists and vacationers from all over the world arrive at the resort.
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The total length of the tracks is about 170 km, with the height difference being more than 2.5 km. There are more than a dozen simple tracks that will suit the most inexperienced beginner. Most are equipped with funiculars and lifts, rope tows, chairlifts or gondola lifts. In addition, one cannot but say a few words about the legendary "White Valley". It is a valley in the Mont Blanc region at an altitude of almost 4,000 meters. There are 22 km of off-piste in this valley. What does this mean? This area is not specially prepared for skiing or snowboarding, this part of the piste is not served like the rest of the pistes in the resort. This kind of skiing is called freeriding and is fraught with great risks. But at the same time, skiing on untouched snow allows you to make wider use of the possibilities of mountain skiing or snowboarding, and also get more adrenaline.
Courchevel
The resorts of the Three Valleys are prestigious and world famous. Let's talk first about Courchevel, which is distinguished by excellent service, developed infrastructure, fashionable hotels and excellent mountain slopes for skiing. In fact, this is not one resort, but as many as four, which are at different heights. The most prestigious is Courchevel-1850, which hosted on its hospitable slopes and ordinary tourists, and the rich, and members of the royal family.
Courchevel has a well thought-out and successful layout, so you will never go down the same slopes and will be able to enjoy new landscapes and overcome new obstacles every day. For a change, there are two ski jumping tracks that have been used during the Olympics and various competitions.
By visiting this place, you have the opportunity to visit the legendary ski resort, stay in a fashionable hotel, stroll through various boutiques and, of course, enjoy skiing. The resort has enough trails that are suitable for both beginners and aces in this business. The season opens at the beginning of winter and ends at the beginning of May, during which time the resort receives tens of thousands of visitors annually, among them about 20 thousand come from Russia.
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Val Thorens
The Val Thorens resort, which is located at an altitude of about 2,300 meters, is called the "Roof of the Three Valleys". This resort is not only the highest mountain in this region, but in the whole world. If you love extreme sports and are not afraid of dangers, as well as have experience and dexterity, then you should visit Val Thorens.
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The third resort to be listed in the Three Valleys is Meribel. It consists of two parts - one area in a more traditional French style, and the other is modern and modern. It is a great idea to visit Méribel with the whole family, as it has excellent infrastructure and a lot of entertainment, including sled racing, hockey, as well as skiing and snowboarding, of course.
La Plagne
Now let's talk not about such prestigious, but no less remarkable ski resorts. One of them is La Plagne, an area that contains a number of small resorts, towns and villages. La Plagne has a huge number of slopes and the total length of all tracks is over 210 km. Among them there are tracks for beginners, medium difficulty and for professionals. Individual stations such as Plagne Village or Plagne Center are completely self-sufficient resorts with their own infrastructure. That is, each station has its own hotels and inns, as well as bars, shops and other establishments.
Megeve
A few words about Megeve, which is located near the famous Mont Blanc peak. The resort has trails and walking areas with a total length of 300 kilometers. All tracks are carefully prepared. The resort is perfect for family vacationbecause there are not only difficult and dangerous tracks for those who like to tickle their nerves, but also safe tracks for beginners. It is worth noting that Megève is located near another famous resort of Chamonix.
The town of Chamonix is \u200b\u200blocated in a beautiful location overlooking the highest peak in Western Europe - Mont Blanc. Height above sea level - 1035 meters. Chamonix is \u200b\u200ba Mecca for mountaineers in summer and skiers in winter.
In addition, the Mer de Glace Nature Reserve (Ice Sea) is nearby, one of the most visited in the world.
Hotels and chalets in Chamonix can be found at this link.
Official Resort Website: www.chamonix.com
Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) - the largest ski resort
Three Valleys (or le Trois Valais) is a huge resort that combines several bases at once in the Vanoise mountain range. These include Courchevel (Courchevel - hotels on this link), Méribel (Méribel - hotels), Les Ménuires (hotels), Val Thorens (), La Tania (hotels), Brides (Brides - hotels) ) and Orelle (Hotel Deals). Thus, Three Valleys is the largest alpine resort, where it is difficult to get bored. Stations for all tastes, from the Savoyard charm of Meribel to chic Courchevel. Particularly pleasing is the detail that you can ride here tirelessly and almost never get on the same track!
Le Trois Vallee offers 600 km of ski slopes, fully connected by lifts.
You can find the best deals of hotels and resorts by following our link.
Official Resort Website: www.les3vallees.com
Avoriaz - tranquility
Located 1800 m above sea level, Avoriaz is a modern resort in the heart of Portes du Soleil. Between forest and mountains, the village is completely closed to cars and fits perfectly into the alpine nature. After skiing on the Portes du Soleil ski slopes (total length 650 km), you can visit the Aquariaz, a hot spring center with a temperature of 29 ° C.
Although you will not see more than one car in Avoriaz, there are other modes of transport. The proximity of the resort to nature is its main advantage.
Find yourself a chalet or hotel room using this link.
Official website of the resort Avoriaz: www.avoriaz.com
De Alpes (Les 2 Alpes) - the largest snow park
In the Oisans Mountains, on the border between the Southern and Northern Alps, lies the dynamic resort of Les 2 Alpes. It is the largest ski chain in Europe. The resort is located at 3600m above sea level. So there is snow here almost all year round. Therefore, skiers can be found here both in winter and in summer. The station also continues to develop its snow park: a large playground, snow tube, wall, beginner's slide area and large pillows (huge mattress 15 m) are installed at the bottom of the slopes.
On the southern outskirts of Belledonne lies the Chamrousse resort, built in a forest, offering an exceptional view of the Grenoble Valley. The station was used during the 1968 Winter Olympics. Many future Olympic champions have competed or trained here.
You can find hotels and chalets in Sharmus on our link.
Sharmus Resort Official Website: www.chamrousse.com
Saint-Dalmas le Selvage - cross-country skiing
Saint-Dalma-le-Selvage is the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes (1347 m - 2916 m). The place is an ideal resort for cross-country skiers. In the heart of nature with untouched landscapes such as the Braïssa Isthmus (2599m), Mount Aunos (2514m), the Karl Cross (2529), the Moutière Isthmus (2454m) and the Gialorgues ice water, you must find your happiness.
Great place for snowboarding
Official website of the resort Le Sauze: www.sauze.com
Megève - the most exclusive resort
Megève has retained its authentic charm mountain village... Surrounded by three gently sloping mountain ranges and green forests, stands a fourteenth-century medieval village with luxurious shops, cobbled streets, a unique atmosphere and, of course, wonderful trails.
it fashionable resortwhere chalets, hotels and restaurants compete tirelessly for their prestige.
The official website of the resort of Megeve: 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. The height ranges from 1200 to 2800 meters above sea level. At the foot highest peaks is the sun-drenched Ecrins National Park.
Serre-Chevalier is one of the sunniest places in the Alps, with the sun shining 300 days a year!
Serre Chevalier official website: www.serre - chevalier.com
Enjoy your holiday in the French Alps!
France is the most interesting country and it has the world's largest ski areas and the most ski lifts. This country is considered the most visited in the world, because Paris is a sophisticated and fashionable city, and the Eiffel Tower is a world attraction. Many outdoor enthusiasts, including newlyweds, prefer a ski resort in France during their honeymoon.
Tourists are attracted by the hospitality and first class servicewhen you can enjoy the variety of slopes and the beauty of the landscape. There are dozens of modern and the best ski resorts here, which are known to all skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
Ski resorts in France are not just beautiful landscapes and steep mountains, it is more than four thousand different slopes that are suitable for both beginners and specialists and masters of skiing.
It is an indescribable sensation and immense pleasure for several thousand kilometers of specially prepared ski slopes.
In France - Mont Blanc is considered the most high mountain The Alps, while the Three Valleys, have become contenders for the title of the largest ski region in the world, and the Vanoise Express is the fastest and largest two-story cable car.
It is believed that the ski resorts of France are the largest winter sports and recreation center in the world. There are 380 ski stations and 3900 ski lifts, this is the largest area for skiing and snowboarding, and the largest selection of different slopes.
The highest peak in Western Europe is Mont Blanc, it is 4807 meters in height and at the same time, guaranteed snow and sunny weather, which lasts from December to May, are guaranteed.
The most popular resorts in France are Courchevel, Chamonix, Meribel, Megève, Les Deux Alpes, Val d'Isere, Tignes, La Plagne, Val Thorens - these are exactly the places where you can relax and enjoy the climate and landscapes.
Pyrenees
This is by far the most interesting and developing ski resort, because the mountain range stretches for 430 kilometers along the southwestern border between the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean Sea known to all.
This is considered the most picturesque region of the country, because the snowy mountains are replaced by green and dry foothills. The nature here is virgin and pure, so fans and tourists are attracted by the variety of recreation and small resort areas.
If you are a beginner and do not know how to snowboard and ski, then your best bet is to learn in more flat areas such as the Massif Central. This is the best area for flat skiing, as well as for teaching snowboard and alpine skiing for beginners and children.
Haute Provence is located in southeastern France, it sparkles with a variety of landscapes and a wonderful combination of gorges and rocky and mountain ranges.
This place is just perfect for outdoor activities in the winter.
The villages, which are illuminated by sunlight, have trails at an altitude of three thousand meters and attract with their cleanliness and freshness.
Upper alps
The highest and most massive mountains are located in the Hautes Alps, such as Barré des Ecrins four thousand meters high, and Mont Pelvoy also four thousand. All these mountains complement each other perfectly, and offer simply stunning views and landscapes, and the conditions for various winter sports are just perfect.
It is the Hautes Alps that attract many athletes with their quality and quantity of mountains. There are tracks for every choice, both for beginners and professionals.
Haute Savoie
The Haute-Savoie is stunning nature and attractions, a region of first class. Indeed, it is in the Haute-Savoy that the highest mountain in all of Europe is located - Mont Blanc, Annecy Lakes, Lake Geneva, Chamonix Valley and the Rhone River.
Here vacationers will fully enjoy the first-class vacation, beautiful scenery and skiing. In this region today are the best ski resorts in the country, such as Porte du Soleil, Chamonix, La Clusaz.
The most visited ski resorts in France
Three Valleys - are the most famous alpine ski center France.
Trois Valais, the second name of the Three Valleys, is the largest ski area for tourists.
The resort is located in the most famous skiing province of Savvoy. There are eight main resorts here: Val Thorens, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Saint Martin, Courchevel, Les Menuires, La Tania, de Belleville and Aurelles.
The length of trails is 600 km and 200 lifts, which are capable of delivering a quarter of a million people to the mountains every hour. Here every beginner and professional will find a suitable track, travel routes and skiing modes for themselves.
It is very convenient that you can alternate skiing with cross-country skiing and snowboarding. The most powerful ski lift network in the world and especially for snowboarders there are fan parks and half pipes.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens is the most visited alpine resort from the Three Valleys ski area. It is a kind of roof, thanks to modern technologies, there is the most spacious overhead lift in all of Europe, it is designed for about one hundred and fifty people.
The mountains here are mostly steep, starting from three thousand meters, so the area here is more designed for experienced skiers. The landscapes for vacationers are amazing beautiful view from the most picturesque peak of the Cime de Caron, opens directly to Mont Blanc.
Meribel
Méribel is the heart of the Three Valleys, as it is the largest and most famous of all ski resorts in France. This resort is mainly for families and for less experienced skiers. This is a calm place where you can spend time calmly and go not only on ordinary mountain skiing, but also on cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
Here vacationers are provided entertainment centerswhere you can play hockey, go ice skating or even have a sled race. Beautiful place family vacation located at an altitude of 1400 meters.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains is a resort located at an altitude of six hundred meters and is the most cheap resort in France, here it is thirty percent cheaper than in high-mountain resorts.
And it is in Brides-les-Bains, especially for holidaymakers, that there is not only a ski resort, but also the most famous thermal resort with a special sports and recreation complex and a wonderful recreation park.
Vacationers and tourists come here from all countries, not only in winter for skiing, but also throughout the year to improve their health or just have a nice rest.
Courchevel
This alpine ski resort consists of four well-groomed villages located on four levels - the first at an altitude of 1,300 meters, the second at 1,500 meters, the third at 1,650 meters and the fourth at 1,850 meters. This resort is considered the most prestigious and luxurious ski resort in the world.
Many people know that Courchevel is the most expensive and sophisticated resort, and the trails there are well-groomed, and the guides are polite, who can speak all foreign languages. This ski resort is one of the leaders in terms of level hotel complexes and entertainment centers.
There is the highest quality service and service, the most friendly staff and they rest there famous people... There are several slalom trails, two Olympic trails specially prepared for ski jumping, a downhill trail, ice arenas and cross-country skiing trails.
Chamonix
Chamonix - largest resort The French Alps, known for over two hundred years, it is located right at the foot of the famous huge Mont Blanc massif. The fact is that Chamonix is \u200b\u200bthe site of the very first Winter Olympic Games in the world.
The length of the tracks is 152 kilometers, total area - 762 hectares, the number of ski lifts - 49. Today it is a popular and relatively affordable holiday for snowboard and ski lovers. Evening landscapes, restaurants and cafes, everything is created with comfort especially for relaxation.
Paradiski is the largest downhill skiing area. Most popular resorts: Les Arcs, La Plagne, Les Coches and a small area at Peyse-Valandry. The name itself is translated from French as "ski paradise".
Paradiski - ski paradise
There are two glaciers, 425 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty, at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 3250 meters and 144 suspended lifts. Abundant snow cover from December to April, tracks of varying difficulty, it will be comfortable for both beginners and professionals. There are also cross-country skiing and snowboarding trails.
And the famous Flying Kilometer track for breaking speed records has a maximum incline of 76 degrees. Excellent conditions for children will allow the whole family to relax, because there are twenty-three kindergartens, thirty-four lifts, two playgrounds, nine "rolling mats" for them. Ski schools teach children from the age of three, so you can come here with the whole family and have a great time.
Climate in the French mountains
Snow in the Alps falls in November and lasts until May, and the mild climate provides comfort, because even high in the mountains the air temperature does not drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
But the most best time February is considered for skiing, then the sun rises and the sunny weather lasts for a very long time.
Snow cover reaches from 0.7 to 4 meters, depending on the height of the area itself. The air temperature, depending on the season from November to April, ranges from -7 ° C .. to + 4 ° C. The coldest weather in January is -5 .. -7 ° C, and the height of the snow cover from November to April is from 0.06 to 2.20 meters.
Subscriptions and Ski-pass, equipment rental and training school
In France, you can easily and simply buy a half-day, day and two-day pass, etc. as much as your soul desires. You can purchase a ski pass for each valley separately and for the entire ski area, the Ski-pass for children under five and for adults over seventy is free, and for couples and seniors there are special rates and promotions.
It is best to order the Ski-pass in advance and have a photo with you, because on the mountain it will cost much more, and the more days you want to spend there, the cheaper it will cost you. The Olympic ski area is Paradiski, Espace Killy and Three Valleys. If you purchase a subscription to one of these zones, then you can spend one day in any other.
For alpine skiing and snowboarding, there is a rental in absolutely all sports stores, there you will be provided with many additional servicessuch as inventory maintenance.
There is no need to worry about a suit, because in any sports store you will find a ski suit for your height, weight and level of skiing. In all corners of the resort towns there are similar shops that work especially for you.
Also in France, in any city there are ski schools and there you can book lessons, and if you combine this with buying a ski-pass, it will be much cheaper.
There are very convenient discounts for families, during the holidays when booking a lesson for an adult - a child can go for free. The ski school has several levels of training - this is a level for beginners who first start skiing in France, for advanced training, and for professionals who want to learn various tricks.
Courchevel and affordable skiing are real
Courchevel has everything from indecent expensive hotels and restaurants, to grocery stores and cozy chalets in old Le Pra. But first of all it is a gon-ski resort. Air, snow and mountains are free here, and the cost of lifts is no higher than in any other major European resort.
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