Lesser-known French ski resorts

Why pick a peaceful ski resort in the French Alps

If partying until the early hours is no longer your thing, or you want to take your family away for their first skiing holiday, it may be time to choose a quieter resort. You’ll find shorter lift queues, less crowded slopes (some all to yourself), and a more family-friendly vibe at all these hidden ski gems in the French Alps. Generally all the resorts featured below would be suitable for beginners or novice skiers, those who might feel a little intimidated by the bigger resorts where everyone looks like they are there for the black runs. Quiet doesn’t have to mean boring, however, and more experienced skiers will definitely find plenty to challenge them, and many good nights in the bars, clubs and restaurants.   

Quieter resorts are ideal for little ones to learn to ski

Quiet ski resorts in France at a glance

The best quiet ski resorts in France

The wide open slopes of La Rosière

Resorts in the Tarentaise Valley

If you haven’t heard of the Tarentaise Valley, then you will certainly know some of its most famous ski resorts – Courchevel, Meribel and Val d’Isère. These hugely popular destinations could hardly be described as quiet, so we are focusing on three of the valley’s less celebrated resorts. 

Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise – Quiet slopes for families and freeriders

Sainte-Foy packs plenty into its 41km of ski area, which beginners and families love for its uncrowded slopes and ski schools. The tree-lined mountains offer quiet havens for tree skiing or snowshoeing, while there are excellent off-piste runs for freeriding. There are more than enough bars and restaurants, on the slopes and in the village, serving traditional local dishes, quick bites and winter favourites, all with incredible views of the imposing Mont Pourri. Of course, if the temptation of the bigger resorts gets too great, you can always put the skis in the car and hop over to Val d’Isère or Tignes, just 25 minutes drive away. 

Valmorel – Charming village and uncrowded pistes

Enjoy the peace of quieter slopes at Vamorel

Valmorel is a picturesque, purpose-built resort in the Tarentaise Valley, known for its traditional chalet architecture, family-friendly feel, and wonderfully uncrowded pistes. With access to around 165km of slopes across the Grand Domaine ski area, it offers varied terrain for beginners through to confident intermediates, all without the bustle of the larger, better-known resorts nearby. Its traffic-free village centre adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Expect shorter lift queues, quieter runs, and a more relaxed pace to your holiday. Valmorel is an ideal choice if you want authentic Alpine charm and enjoyable skiing in a calm, crowd-free setting.

La Rosière – Cross-border skiing and peaceful trails

You can ski in both France and Italy here, but it’s not just that international novelty that keeps people coming back to La Rosière. From wide slopes that make it easy for beginners to learn, to good off-piste opportunities for the advanced or adventurous, this is a resort with everything. The main slopes are south facing, so you’re skiing in the sun most of the time, and La Rosière also happens to be fairly snow-sure, due to its proximity to Mont Blanc. It’s also established a reputation as being a great resort for families, thanks to the variety of accommodation, and range of activities to enjoy off the slopes. The après-ski isn’t bad either, with one or two late night venues. 

Savoie’s lesser-known ski spots

Les Karellis – Ideal for beginners and quiet vacations

With its north/north-east orientation in the heart of the Savoie, Les Karellis enjoys good snowfall throughout the season, and is perfect for families with little skiers, or adults wanting to learn in a welcoming, safe environment. It’s the kind of place where you won’t feel intimidated by more experienced skiers. The ample beginner slopes are located right next to the resort hub, and overall there are 34 slopes and trails, and a range of other activities to try during your time at Les Karellis. Try dog sled riding, or take a snowshoe walk through the resort’s larch forest and 15 miles of marked trails. 

Aussois village

Aussois – Traditional Alpine village and small ski area

The other side of the valley from Val Thorens, Aussois sometimes feels like it’s in a different world. As snowy but much sleepier, Aussois is a traditional Alpine resort ideal for families, beginners and intermediates. But there are also some red and black runs on the 55km of piste, including a long black trail from 2,750m. There are still enough bars and restaurants up in the mountain and down in the village, serving all the classics like tartiflette, pizza and raclette. If you’re in Aussois in mid-January you might catch La Grand Odyssée, a famous dog sled stage race amid the mountains of Haute Maurienne Vanoise. 

Saint-François-Longchamp – Hidden gem with scenic views

Saint-François-Longchamp is a relaxed, welcoming resort in the Maurienne Valley, offering big-mountain scenery without the big-resort crowds. Linked with Valmorel in the Grand Domaine, it gives access to around 165km of varied pistes, yet remains one of the quieter options in the French Alps. Its sunny slopes, wide-open runs, and stunning views of the Mont Blanc and Belledonne ranges make it ideal for families and intermediate skiers. Beginners will feel at home here, with slow lifts, wide gentle nursery slopes and excellent ski schools. The village is laid-back, but still plenty of entertainment to be found after dark! 

Hidden gems in Isère

Have a unique night skiing experience

Chamrousse – Close to Grenoble but calm on weekdays

A lovely resort on the mountainside, Chamrousse is situated at the entrance to the Belladonne ski area. Grenoble is only 20 miles away, and the resort can get busy at the weekends, but during the week the slopes are much quieter. The 43 slopes, 15 lifts and 90km of slopes are great for beginners and intermediates, and the Casserousse Couloir offers a technical challenge for seasoned downhillers with 850 metres of descent. After dark in February one of the ski runs are floodlit, giving skiers incredible sunset views across the Alps. 

Vaujany – Serene slopes and family-friendly atmosphere

Nestled in the lower reaches of the Oisans Valley, Vaujany offers the best of both worlds: a quiet traditional resort with gentle slopes of its own, but with lift access to the vast Alpe d’Huez ski area. Another great family option, Vaujany has short queues for lifts and a relaxed way of doing things. A 6-day ski pass also gets you access to the local leisure centre, with its swimming pool, ice rink and gym. There is also the option for an Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain pass. 

Alpe du Grand Serre – Small, quiet resort with authentic charm

Another hidden gem in the Belledonne range, Alpe du Grand Serre is perfect for anyone looking for peace and quiet on the slopes. 55km of slopes and 2,184 metres of altitude offers enough for the intermediate skier and those returning to the slopes, while giving beginners an idyllic environment in which to take their tumbles and learn the basics. Surrounded by forests and wide mountain vistas, Alpe du Grand Serre feels genuinely untouched by mass tourism – a charming, crowd-free alternative. 

Book your quiet French ski holiday with LeShuttle

Give peace a chance on your next skiing holiday.  Pack everything you need for your family into your car and pay just one ticket price. Hit the slopes with LeShuttle!