The best ski resorts in France

The countdown to the 2022/23 ski season has begun. And if you’re still wondering what to choose, you can put France at the top of the list.

The Trois Vallées is gearing up to host the Alpine Skiing World Championships in February, and with that has brought a new wave of restaurants and ski hotels positioned directly on the slopes and the Eurostar running direct on Saturday, we can say that France’s ski resorts are once again in shape.

Val d’Isère

Known for: Guaranteed snow

Val d’Isère has all the amenities of a perfect resort: world-class ski slopes, accommodation options to suit all tastes, from simple self-catering accommodation to sumptuous hotels, vibrant nightlife (Dick’s Tea Bar is an institution alpine) and even a church from a 17th century storybook.

With the season running from late November to early May, it’s also a snow-guaranteed ski resort. And while it’s probably not the top choice for beginners, experienced skiers can practice their skills on the black slopes and steep pistes.

There’s also a serious foodie scene in Val d’Isère – accessible only on skis, L’Edelweiss serves the finest local charcuterie and homemade foie gras, while in town, Michelin-starred L’Atelier d’Edmond , fulfills all culinary fantasies in an impeccable setting. The new LouLou restaurant in Airelles Val d’Isère is quickly becoming the most sought after place in the resort.

Where to stay: If you have a fascination for heights and ambitions to be first on the pistes every morning, book yourself a place at Le Refuge de Solaise, a former cable car station converted into France’s highest hotel with views gorgeous views of the mountains from all angles.

In Clusaz

Known for: Weekend skiers

Just a stone’s throw from the beautiful lakeside town of Annecy and just an hour’s drive from Geneva, the understated La Clusaz is charming and considered one of France’s best-kept secrets.

Due to its proximity to the airport, many Britons have bought cottages or apartments here, but the French village still retains a refreshingly unspoiled Gallic charm.

It’s not the highest resort (reserve mid-season for the best snow), but together with nearby Le Grand Bornard, there are nearly 150km of pistes for all skiers to enjoy.

Everything from accommodation to restaurants is much more affordable than you’d find elsewhere – and, being the birthplace of Reblochon cheese, artery-clogging tartiflette plates are very cheap.

Where to stay: By far the smartest place to stay in town, Au Coeur du Village Hotel & Spa has two very good restaurants, a spa and a ski rental shop, making hitting the slopes a treat from day one.

Courchevel

Known for: Relaxing in the sun

The deluxe resort of Courchevel is known for its sensational ski slopes, fabulous restaurants and deluxe hotels.

A refreshingly fast modern chair lift system serves 150 km of groomed slopes in Courchevel alone; beyond that, all 600km of the Trois Vallées – the mothership of European skiing – are within easy reach.

Beginners can relax with gentle laps on the beginner slopes, Moriond and Le Praz.

Where to stay: Outside of Paris, Courchevel has more five-star hotels than you’ll find anywhere else in France.

Big names such as Cheval Blanc, Aman and Six Senses have all made their mark here, while The Pig Hotels’ little sister, Portetta, offers luxury at a less stingy price.

You can write us about your adventures on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.