The largest alpine ski domain in the world is called Les Trois Vallées (Three Valleys), and Courchevel is the largest and most well-known of these resorts. Skiers and riders may access 600 kilometers in the three valleys and 150 kilometers of alpine routes thanks to Courchevel's 60 lifts, which also connect to 10 peaks with elevations over 2,500 meters.

All abilities of skiers may enjoy well-groomed trails thanks to the four meters of snowfall that fall each year. The Three Valleys lift system's carrying capacity will rise with the addition of three more 10-person gondolas.

In total, 23% of Courchevel's pistes are green for beginners and 35% are for intermediates; each of the resort's five distinct towns offers suitable areas for novices to practice and intermediates to develop their skills. There is always at least one free chairlift nearby beginner zones.

Skiers with advanced skills go to this area for its off-piste terrain, couloirs, and black steeps that are dotted with moguls. The new Eclipse slope in Courchevel, which will host the 2023 World Championships, has an average pitch of 30%. The Jockeys and Jean Blanc pistes are particularly great for tree skiing, or you may try your mettle on the former World Cup downhill line, Jean Blanc.

In addition to its world-renowned skiing, Courchevel is renowned for its premium lodges, five-star hotels, and boutique hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants (seven restaurants here have earned stars).

Location: Savoie, ‎France

Website: https://courchevel.com/en/

The huge Espace Killy, which includes Val d'Isere, was given that name in honor of Olympic triple-gold medalist Jean-Claude Killy, who learned to ski on these mountain slopes. This landscape, which includes a steep valley surrounded by peaks rising to more than 3,000 meters, is shared by Val d'Isère and its smaller adjacent resort, Tignes.

Skiers and riders can access 300 kilometers of terrain via more than 150 lifts, all of which are located over 1,550 meters in elevation. This season, two new six-person high-speed detachable chairlifts are replacing lesser lifts to further boost lift capacity.

A long ski season with ideal conditions is made possible by the altitude, abundant snowfall, and Europe's largest snow-making capacity; skiing on the Glacier du Pisaillas typically extends the ski season into June.

Skiers of all levels have plenty of options thanks to the variety and quantity of trails; enough to keep them busy for several days without having to ski the same course twice. Thanks to the new travelator, an enclosed magic carpet at the top of a gondola, reaching a calm high-altitude slope, even novice skiers may take in the high mountain views typically reserved for the more experienced.

More than 20 black slopes present a challenge for specialists, but Val d'Isere's outstanding off-piste skiing is what draws extreme skiers. Expert favorites include Tigne's above-timber-line snowfields and Pramecou's 45-degree North Face. There are many restaurants and hotels in Val d'Isere that are close to the lifts.

Location: the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie in the French Alps

Website: https://www.valdisere.com/; http://www.espacekilly.com/

The first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix, which is situated at an elevation of 4,807 meters on the 4,800-meter Mont Blanc. Although the world-class infrastructure that has since developed around the gorgeous environment may be familiar to the first Olympians, it is not.

Despite the fact that Chamonix is renowned for its exceptional expert terrain and off-piste skiing, all skiers can still find enough of snow to call their own. It has some of the best snow conditions in the Alps thanks to its high elevation and the cooling influence of four glaciers.

The best starting terrain is at Le Tour, near the north end of the valley in the Domaine de Balme, where moderate slopes are ideal for beginners. Chamonix is divided into various ski resorts. mild slopes at a family-friendly Les Houches travel through wooded areas. At Lognan, there is a brand-new beginner's area, but advanced skiers and beginners will both find some terrain at any of the many regions.

But on difficult terrain, Chamonix really excels. Grands Montets' expert runs provide the largest height difference in the world, plummeting from 3,300 meters to 1,235 meters in a breath-takingly quick period of time. No matter where you stay, you'll have access to the entire valley's terrain and amenities thanks to the valley's frequent bus and train service.

Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France

Website: https://en.chamonix.com/

One of the best ski resorts in France - Les Deux Alpes - is best for less experienced intermediates who are happiest on blues, not reds - and anyone who likes their après-ski unpretentious.

A ski resort that is turned upside down is Les Deux Alpes. Most of the easy terrain is towards the top, where the couloirs and cliff jumps should be, while the sharpest slopes are near the bottom of the ski area, where you'd expect to find the mild blues.

Skiers who are experienced and skilled tend to avoid it because of this. But you'll like sailing its long, icy glacier if you're still getting the hang of parallel spins. The vistas of Mont Blanc are breathtaking up there at 3,500 meters, where the snow is usually always smooth, grippy, and confidence-boosting. Additionally, if you continue skiing, you can descend nearly 2,000 meters to the resort (by taking a shortcut around the challenging black runs near the bottom).

One of the French Alps' top terrain parks will be passed by as you travel. You might also come upon some alluring off-piste runs that experts would appreciate if they had the time to look. But what really sets Les Deux Alpes apart is the plunge from top to bottom. Early intermediates rarely get the opportunity to compare themselves to an entire mountain like this. So it makes sense that when they congregate at Smithy's Tavern and La Grotte du Yeti at the end of the day, they're in a festive mood.

Location: Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

Website: https://www.les2alpes.com/winter/

The Paradiski region, the third-largest linked ski domain in France, is located in the Tarentaise Valley and includes the resorts of La Plagne, Les Arcs, and Peisey-Vallandry. 425 kilometers of routes at elevations ranging from 1,200 meters to 3,226 meters are available on the combined terrain.

Families prefer La Plagne since it is primarily a resort for intermediate and beginner skiers. On a plateau, the mild top slopes steepen as they approach the forest on both faces. Les Arcs' steeper terrain, which offers few routes for novices, is a skier's heaven for experienced intermediate skiers thanks to its high open runs and protected woodland trails at lower elevations. Long black routes and off-piste terrain are available for experts. Here, there are some red runs that are straight fall-line runs, so inexperienced skiers should be ready for lengthy, narrow catwalks on the blue runs.

The Bellecôte glacier, which lies at the very summit, offers experts greater difficulty with its steep couloirs and lengthy off-piste courses. Roche de Mio has numerous black runs; a guide is necessary for off-piste skiing here.

With its broad slopes, mild descents, and ski-in/ski-out accommodations in each of its 11 communities, La Plagne is best known as a family resort. The Fun Slope, a moderate, well-groomed, and sculpted slope with jumps and obstacles that teach abilities without inspiring fear, is a fantastic location to establish some confidence in a non-threatening environment.

Location: Paradiski, France

Website: https://www.lesarcs.com ; https://www.la-plagne.com

Best for anyone who places a high value on snow quality. People have long complained that the mountain basin at Val Thorens is too high, too far away, and too avalanche-prone to be used as a ski resort. But they nonetheless erected one in the early 1970s. The resort that has developed here over the past fifty years is currently a prominent destination in the French Alps.

The snow's quality and the topography are the two main draws. The lift system ascends to a thaw-proof 3,000m at seven different locations, and for the majority of the season, the snow on its undulating pistes remains soft, cold, and squeaky-the kind of cover that your skis will grip with the least amount of effort. Furthermore, several of the slopes are just the right steepness for enthusiastic but inexperienced skiers. Yes, the north face of the Cime Caron and the top of Les 3 Marches, which are located nearby, both offer spine-tingling off-piste descents. However, intermediate skiers enjoy it the most, particularly when you take into account the other Two Valleys, of which Val Thorens is a part.

It won't be loved by everyone. Anyone looking for a charming and serene retreat would recoil at Val Tho's high-rise structures and thriving après-ski scene. The Rue de Gébroulaz, where its bars are centered, is a location of delightful escape for the young at heart, since it is sociable, inventive, and always up for an adventure.

Location: commune of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in the Savoie department, France

Website: https://www.valthorens.com/en/

Val Thorens and Courchevel might be considered neighbors of Méribel. But it differs significantly from both due chiefly to the shape of its long, narrow valley. This is a difficult place to ski, with a few notable exceptions (such the flatish area by the altiport), being steeper, more sinuous, and having more unpredictable snow conditions. Even its two main lodging areas, Méribel and Méribel-Mottaret, ascend steeply and with excruciatingly little steps.

Skiers with more experience who become bored in Courchevel and Val Thorens will love the pistes' more intense atmosphere, especially on the Face, which was a highlight of the 1992 Winter Olympics. By hiring a guide, you may access a wide variety of off-piste terrain, from the (relatively) simple, open slopes beneath the Côte Brune chair to the terrifyingly steep 3 Marches. Freestylers will go to the L'Open terrain park, and more courageous children will whoop and holler on the fun runs known as Pistes Ludiques, which are filled with bumps and banked curves.

The adults can then dive into Méribel's renowned après-ski, which is at its peak in the afternoon and early evening, after being inspired by these experiences. For those with thick hearts and sturdy legs. The lower half of the valley is filled with such homes, so anyone who like vacationing in a typical catered chalet might also consider it.

Location: Savoie, ‎France

Website: https://www.meribel.net

The penultimate village in the Maurienne Valley before its winding road vanishes beneath a snowdrift, Bonneval-sur-Arc is the best option for anyone seeking a little peace and quiet while on a ski vacation. Don't worry about the fact that the bustling, large Val d'Isère is located on the opposite side of the Col de l'Iseran mountain pass. This is where the line ends in the winter: a location where the frantic pace of skiing slows to a thoughtful stroll, and a morning spent reading a book on a sun-drenched balcony seems just as crucial to the experience as flying down a recently groomed piste.

There are just 32 kilometers of pistes, and 11 ski lifts provide access to them. So schedule some time with a trainer and give something new a try. Additionally, day trips into the valley are crucial. The first pit break is at the village of Bessans, which offers some of the most dependable cross-country skiing in all of France. The second is in Val Cenis, where your six-day lift pass will grant you access to 125km of pistes (you can also ski in four other neighboring resorts). Most of the time, though, you should remain in place and explore Bonneval's medieval district while snowshoeing up the valley towards the tiny hamlet of Ecot and taking in the peace of the deserted slopes. Bewitching is the contrast with the rest of the Alps.

Location: Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France

Website: https://www.bonneval-sur-arc.com

Skiers at all levels, from beginners to experts, should choose Alpe d'Huez. Rarely do novice skiers get to steal the show at a resort. But that's how Alpe d'Huez feels. This massive, specifically designed ski resort is located close to Grenoble and shares its sunny plateau with one of the Alps' largest cirques of nursery slopes. First-timers now take center stage on a series of unusually wide and long pistes rather than learning on a little patch of terrain hidden away to one side of the ski resort. Having so much room is very beneficial. It allows students to find their rhythm and concentrate on their turns without being concerned about running into other people. They will have easy access to this terrain if they stay close to the Rond-Point Des Pistes, which is located at the northernmost point of the Quartier Cognet.

However, Alpe d'Huez is not just for novices. The 3,330-meter pyramid peak of the Pic Blanc offers a strikingly different view at the top of the ski resort. Mountain guides can lead off-pisters onto lengthy backcountry descents while black runs crash down its southern and western flanks. Among these, The Grand Sablat is presumably the most well-known. It begins on the Grand Sablat glacier and continues eastward until it reaches the tiny settlement of Clavans-le-Haut, which is located 2,000 vertical meters below.

Location: southeastern France

Website: https://www.alpedhuez.com

The modest, charming village of Les Gets, which is now best ski resorts in France, began as a dairy farming community in the 12th century. The Portes du Soleil includes Les Gets. You can buy lift tickets for Les Gets, the nearby town of Morzine, or the larger Portes du Soleil. Each of the many ski areas in Morzine and Les Gets has about 50 lifts. Additionally, lift passes can be purchased for only that portion of Mont Chéry (located on one side of Les Gets).

The ski resort still has a homey appeal that distinguishes it from the bigger resorts that were created with purpose. The Portes du Soleil ski area offers 650km of slopes, 66 groomed trails, and 12km of cross-country skiing, all of which are intermediate slopes. The resort has a reputation for being family-friendly and has won both the Family Plus Mountain Award and the P'tits Montagnards award for child care. The small village boasts a good number of taverns and eateries in addition to some classic Savoyard stores selling French bread, cakes, and locally made cheeses and cured meats. Stay at the Aviemore apartment for a fantastic ski-in, ski-out position and an incredible luxury ski experience.

Location: Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France

Website: https://www.lesgets.com

Morzine, a medieval market town in the Portes du Soleil, is dominated by chalets spanning a river canyon and is encircled by partially forested slopes that enable skiing inclement weather. One of the most northerly of the French Alpine resorts, it is located at an elevation of 1000 m and benefits from the Mont Blanc microclimate in terms of weather. The area is home to hotels and restaurants in the town itself, as well as contemporary ski facilities and breathtaking mountain views. The commune's land is where the ski resort of Avoriaz is situated.

A village center is surrounded by classic cottages in the lovely Alpine town of Morzine. Morzine's placement allows you to ski in both France and Switzerland on the same day because it is situated right in the middle of the Portes du Soleil ski resort. There are 600 kilometers of skiable terrain, so there is something for every skier. After a day on the slopes, there are several après ski alternatives in the bustling town of Morzine. Aside from an abundance of pubs and eateries, there are also wonderful spas, ice climbing, ice skating, tobogganing, and snowmobiling. This is undoubtedly among the top ski areas in France. Staying at Lodge Des Nants will provide you access to wonderful modern decor and facilities.

Location: Haute-Savoie department and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France

Website: https://www.seemorzine.com/

One of the top ski areas in the French Alps is La Clusaz. With a lovely plaza and Savoyard church, this historic French town oozes Alpine charm. The 125km of slopes in the ski area are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers will find lots of challenging off-piste skiing in and around the La Balme ski area. Delicious Savoyard restaurants and cozy taverns to spend the evening in may be found in the village itself. This French ski resort is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway because it is only an hour from Geneva. For a fantastic spa and wellness facility and a great position near to the slopes, stay at Hotel Coeur du Village.

The resort has made skiing its passion and sport its imprint after seeing the birth of so many champions. Ski touring, freestyle skiing, and freeride skiing are among the new winter sports for which La Clusaz is establishing itself as the international standard. The resort of La Clusaz provides a vast playground to satiate all needs thanks to its 5 interconnecting massifs, each of which has its own unique characteristic. As you follow the path of the sun from the Etale massif to the Balme massif, you can choose from a variety of joys.

Location: Rhône-Alpes southeastern France

Website: https://www.laclusaz.com/

In the dozen tiny communities that make up Serre Chevalier, you won't find large hotels or flashy entertainment, but you will discover 250 kilometers of well-connected pistes and a calm, laid-back environment.

Serre Chevalier is farther south than the more well-known Savoie Alp domains, in the Hautes-Alpes, but its altitudes, which range from 1,200 to 2,800 meters, its north-facing location, and the fact that one-third of the entire ski area is covered by one of France's largest snowmaking systems ensure good skiing conditions. Additionally, because this region is not in the Haute-"high-rent Savoie's district," skiing and lodging are less expensive.

On the north side of a long, high ridge, lower ski runs wind through a substantial larch forest, while the high faces above the forests offer more difficult terrain. The resort is renowned for its off-piste terrain, and skiers will find plenty of bowls and good tree skiing there.

Bus service connects a number of the tiny communities, allowing you to conveniently select a different landscape while on holiday. The Grande Galaxie ski area, a sizable area with 530 kilometers of alpine skiing accessible by 151 ski lifts, is also accessible. In Chantemerle and Villeneuve, there are boardercross zones specifically designated for snowboarders.

Location: Southeastern France

Website: https://www.serre-chevalier.com/