Skiing resorts in France

There will never be total agreement on “the” best ski resort in France. Each 
is different, yet all offer enormous skiing opportunities, geographical appeal and an atmosphere that is conducive to an excellent holiday. Some of the resorts are purpose-built, while others retain their 
French Alpine charm. Some are seriously renowned for their après scene, and each 
have their differences in ski terrains that can offer both challenges and just plain fun. Each also provides other activities to keep you entertained and engaged. So how to choose the featured resorts is highly difficult and will 
undoubtedly broach a pleasant debate. Here are 5 recommendations:

Chamonix

Chamonix retains a lot of cultural alpine charm and is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, having hosted the 1924 Olympic games. The famous and stunning Mont Blanc 
provides a magnificent backdrop and is an obvious skier and boarder paradise, because of its long runs down. This mountain is a great draw card for the extreme sports enthusiasts like mountain climbers and has earned the unfortunate title of “Death sport capital of the world”, in a man vs nature type of way. However, for mere mortals and people who do not relish that much of an adrenalin rush, Chamonix is a luxurious little Paradise. It offers so much more to the average person, with excellent skiing and boarding accessible for all levels, a great après scene and innumerable other activities.

This is a large resort with some 145 trail areas covering over 140 kms. There are 8 areas within the Chamonix valley, including
 Le Brevent that is great for all levels. The Vallee Blanche is really popular with a 20km run, while Grands Montet attracts a lot of visitors because of its charm and history. There are seriously long runs here that are fast and steep.

There is an excellent bus system that takes you to each of the resorts. Chamonix is very well equipped for the luxury traveller, where you can select from high end chalets, apartments or hotels.

Aiguille du midi takes you from the valley floor to the top via cable car for some awesome views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and on a good day you might get to see, not only Mont Blanc, but the Matterhorn also.

Chamonix is very well equipped to pamper to your every need. It is well worth trying the cheese fondue of which Chamonix is renowned.

Courchevel

Tres chic.

Courchevel is 
part of Les Trois Vallees, or the 3 valleys and this is a serious contender as the glamour playground. Courchevel is linked with Meribel, van Thorens and les Menuires and la Tania. There are 150kms of pistes. Courchevel has slopes to suit all levels, and for beginners pistes are wide and shallow. However as this resort is so large, there are trails for absolutely everyone both on and off piste.

Courchevel 1850 is very exclusive, despite it’s very ordinary name. It is more upmarket than 1650, which is still very well considered. You will see palaces and 5 star exclusive chalets and hotels at Courchevel 1850. Courchevel is very popular with
Parisians and Russians as the place to be. Great for all levels.

As is to be expected there is little that you will want for when in Courchevel, with phenomenal restaurants, great shopping and other winter activates and relaxation therapies. In addition, the people watching is fabulous.