Have you always fancied a French skiing holiday but you’re not sure which location best meets your needs?
Ski boot footbed and clothing
As well as finding the right ski resort, you need to have the correct equipement and clothing before you hit the slopes. Ski boots need to be fitted correctly, and above all need to be comfortable, as you could well be wearing them for a full day on the slopes. One way to add to your comfort is a ski boot footbed, which offers fleece insulation and shock absorbing cushioning. Ski boot insoles are a fantastic way to add comfort to your day on the slopes.
Below are eight great French ski resorts to highlight the advantages of each.
- Alpe d’Huez
A high-altitude, family-friendly resort in the Oisans Valley, Alpe d’Huez sits 1860m high, below the 3,300m Pic Blanc. There are 250km of runs to suit all ability levels, including some extremely long pistes here, like the 2200m-long Champagne Run.
- Arc 1800
Arc 1800 is part of the Paradiski area, which has an amazing 435km of pistes for skiers of all aptitudes. As well as the skiing and snowboarding, there are ample off-slope activities, like gyms, spas and bowling, plus it’s car-free and therefore child-friendly.
- Courchevel
A luxe resort in the Three Valleys ski area, Courchevel boasts seven Michelin-starred restaurants, two six-star hotels and 11 five-star hotels ̶ this is your first choice if you appreciate the finer things in life.
- Les Carroz
Only 45 minutes’ drive from Geneva, Les Carroz is one of the easiest French ski resorts to access. Accommodation here leans towards the more traditional style, and its west-facing setting makes it warmer and less exposed for child skiers.
- Morzine
Morzine is a traditional Alpine village which is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area. There are very few south-facing slopes here so the snow retention is excellent, and you can source superb accommodation from expert ski agencies like Erna Low.
- Sainte Foy
Set in a terrific tree lined south-facing bowl, Sainte Foy offers awesome views over the Aiguille Rouge mountain range and skiing for all styles at altitudes of 1550m-2520m. The accommodation here is mainly in the traditional style and there’s no fee for skiing for adult and child beginners.
- Samoens
Just 57km from Geneva, Samoëns is the only French mountain resort designated a national heritage site, and it has a lovely 12th Century church and pedestrianised main square. This is a snow-sure resort at an altitude of 1600m with lots of enjoyable blue and red runs through the trees, so it’s well-suited to intermediate skiers.
- Val d’Isère
Last but not least, Val d’Isère is perpetually popular with British skiers and along with neighbouring resort Tignes it forms the Espace Killy ski area, which has 300km of pistes and 78 lifts. The highest lift here sits at a lofty 3456m at the Grande Motte glacier and the atmosphere at après-ski spots like La Folie Douce and Bananas is brilliant.
Choose the resort that fits you best from the list of eight greats and you’re sure to have a fantastic time.