Throughout my life, I have personally experienced the vast snow playgrounds of so many places including the exquisite Pyrenees, the French Alps, Japan, Australia, and NZ, and I have developed the desire to share my passion and expertise with you.Here are our top 5 reasons why you should choose France for your next ski holiday
Large linked Ski Areas
France is known for its picturesque mountain scenery, with many of its ski resorts offering breathtaking views of the Alps and Pyrenees. But did you know that France has the largest linked ski areas in the world? Les 3 Vallées, located in the Savoie, encompasses the resorts of Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires, and Saint Martin de Belleville. With up to 600km of linked pistes available in Les 3 Vallées and many more in Portes du Soleil, Tignes Val d'Isere, Mont Blanc, Grand Massif or Paradiski, there are a range of slopes to enjoy from beginner to expert, and a variety of off-piste skiing opportunities. Ski areas develop and modernise their facilities regularly and generally this means improvements to the ski lifts. This makes the journey up the mountain quicker and more comfortable.
Reliable Snow
France has some of the world's most reliable ski areas, with many resorts built solely for the purpose of swift access to the very best conditions. Much of the skiing in France is at high altitude (above 2000m), which contributes to improved snow conditions & long seasons in the major resorts. The season generally lasts from December to May, and some are even open in the French summer!
Val Thorens, part of Les 3 Vallées, is also the highest resort in France with the village itself at 2300m - and that’s just the village itself! Most resorts have lift-accessed slopes to 3000m or higher.
For its yummy Cuisine and “après ski”
Along with the wide open spaces and beautiful scenery, the Alpine region of France is home to some of the best food in the world. Because of its status as a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of restaurants and “après ski” activities catering for locals, seasonal
international workers and leisured visitors. While guaranteed snow and huge ski areas are the main reason to take a ski holiday in France, there’s plenty of other winter activities to challenge yourself or re-energise with. From gourmet dining and wine tasting to shopping and cultural events, there is plenty to experience.
Within its strong French culture, the Savoy region maintained their traditions, using local fresh ingredients, techniques and recipes that have stood the test of time. The local Alps’ dishes are known as simple, honest, delicious, and generous. Such dishes span from the subtropical Mediterranean coast near Nice, to Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Plenty of choice of regional recipes like Sausages, charcuteries, cheese fondues, raclette, Tartiflette, mouth-watering local wines, cheese again, and desserts, will clearly enhance and comfort your appetite after a long day on the slopes in the fresh mountain air.
Peak time snow season and no crowd
Frances off season matches Australia’s summer school holidays which means low crowds and big mid-winter snowfall in January. Imagine having Les 3 Vallées of Courchevel, Meribel, Val-Thorens, and les Menuires to yourself. Imagine yourself up above the clouds in one of the many quality restaurants, taking your time to enjoy the view of Le Mont Blanc , with hot wine in hand as you warm up from the pure and fresh oxygen…
Value for money lift passes
You might be surprised to learn that compared with NZ, Japan and Australia, lift passes in France are much better value for money – as long as you avoid the busy season. In January 2022, our family paid the 8 day-pass for $70 per person per day, including 3 hours of daily ski school for the kids at Les Menuires Les 3 Vallées for our family of 4.
The French Alps own the biggest resort in the world, as well as some of the highest peaks in Europe. Home to renowned ski resorts with quality snow and lift systems, fantastic après ski options, and epic terrain, it’s not surprising that France is a world-class ski holiday destination for beyond ordinary ski experiences.
France Travel Solutions is taking registration of interest for anyone wanting to experience a wonderful white Christmas in the snow, or alternatively wanting to experience other regions like Alsace, and beautiful villages like Colmar or Annecy in the French winter.
