Skiing in the French Alps
Fun and affordable, the French Alps is a popular choice for skiers UK-wide. With the amount of ski resorts available it’s easy to see why.
Discover all the joys of the French Alps with a family skiing holiday to some of Europe’s most spectacular resorts. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or practically a professional, the French Alps has plenty to offer.
Why ski in the French Alps?
With huge mountains, great snow conditions, and resorts suitable for all abilities, the French Alps is always a popular choice when it comes to selecting a destination for a skiing holiday. Driving to the Alps for your ski trip is also easy with LeShuttle, because you can pack all your ski gear into your vehicle and not have to worry about baggage charges!
Combining the charm of the traditional Savoyard Mountain villages with access to big lift networks, the possibilities for skiing and snowboarding are endless. The mountains are also home to Mont Blanc, western Europe’s highest peak, which offers more adventurous visitors’ endless opportunities for ski mountaineering, steep skiing and adrenaline fuelled off-piste descents.
Plus, when they’re not hitting the slopes, skiers can enjoy a fantastic range of stunning food and wine. Must try local dishes include raclette, fondue and tartiflette, along with Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône and Savoie wine.
Which French Alps ski resort is right for you?
| resort | best for | beginner-friendly | families | advanced skiing | snow reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Val Thorens | Long ski seasons and après-ski | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| Méribel | Families, activities and varied skiing | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Megève | Luxury, traditional Alpine charm and families | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Flaine | Families and children's ski lessons | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| La Clusaz | Traditional Alpine atmosphere and quieter slopes | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Chamonix | Spectacular scenery and challenging mountain terrain | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| Val Cenis | Families, gentle slopes and varied terrain | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Tignes | All abilities, extensive pistes and snow reliability | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| Courchevel | Luxury, extensive linked skiing and families | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ |
| La Rosière | Families, beginners and cross-border skiing into Italy | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ |
(Snow-reliability ratings are general indications, not guarantees for specific dates)
Best ski resorts in the French Alps
You don’t have to be a pro skier to enjoy everything that the French Alps has to offer. Most resorts have the ability to cater for every level, with a variety of beginner runs and nursery slopes for you to get to grips with the sport, fun and fast red runs for intermediates and more challenging black runs for the advanced. Here are our top picks of skiing resorts to look out for.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens enjoys some of the longest seasons in the Alps
Built at the top of Belleville valley, and forming part of Les Trois Vallées, Val Thorens is known for having one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons anywhere, making it a great choice for anyone looking at an early or late season break. The drive to Val Thorens will take around 9 hours and 30 minutes from Calais, but the easily navigable access road you’ll use means that you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the journey.
Once you arrive, Val Thorens has plenty to offer. The high altitude means it’s easy for snow to be artificially or naturally made, so there should be plenty of opportunities for skiing on a mixture of man-made or natural slopes. When it comes to après ski Val Thorens doesn’t disappoint, as there are plenty of clubs and bars for you to enjoy.
Méribel
A scenic 9 hour 15 minute journey from Calais, Meribel is another great resort for families; jam packed with activities, entertainment and great restaurants to satisfy all appetites.
There are a number of ski packages with instructors that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, and the resort also has secured zones that are perfect for those who want to try their hand at freestyling. A great area to take your kids is the Inuit Village, where a variety of obstacles and games have been set out for your kids to enjoy, whilst still practising their skiing skills.
In the resort's Olympic Centre you'll find plenty of things to keep your family entertained, from skating in the ice rink, splashing about in the pool to working up a sweat in the gym. Alternatively, unwind with a treatment of your choice at the spa with a wide range of luxurious treatments on offer.
Courchevel
Full of luxury hotels, designer boutiques and Michelin-star restaurants, Courchevel is one of the more exclusive resorts in the French Alps. Made up of six separate villages in the Tarentaise Valley, the resort is still well within the reach of skiers on lower budgets, especially by staying in more affordable villages like Courchevel-La Tania and Courchevel-Le Praz.
The beauty of skiing in Les Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, is that the slopes in Courchevel 1850, the village where the film stars ski, are only a short gondola ride away. With 32 red and 10 black runs, 35 blue and 23 green runs, Courchevel offers everything for skiers of all abilities.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Located at the base of Mont Blanc and host of the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924 the Chamonix resort is known to have some of the best slopes in the Alps. It takes around 8 ½ hours to drive there from Calais, with the route winding through the stunning alpine countryside.
Chamonix is made up of five amazing resorts, but Les Houches resort is the most family friendly and has the best low-altitude conditions. Aside from enjoying time on the slopes, there are also plenty of other activities available at the resort. A popular choice with families is the Arbre Aventure, where the whole family can zoom between trees on zip wires, climb up rope ladders and daringly skywalk! The town is also bursting with bars and restaurants, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining.
Equally, after a hard day on the slopes, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some luxury treatments at Spa Vinotherapie. The spa has an excellent pool and a sauna that's perfect for unwinding and soothing any sore muscles after a busy day of skiing and snowboarding.
Megève
If you fancy spoiling your family, then head to the upmarket Megève skiing resort which is around a 9 hour drive from the Calais terminal. Located in a traditional Savoyard town, with medieval architecture, restaurants and quaint shops, it's a great place for a family holiday. The resort offers a number of reasonably priced ski passes, including the Family Pack pass, which offers great deals on a variety of lessons. Whether your little ones want to learn how to ski, snowboard or just ride sledges in the snow, they're bound to have a lot of fun.
The resort also includes a heated outdoor swimming pool, with a super-fast slide and paddling pool for your kids, as well as a sauna for you to relax in. Indulge in a little R&R at the onsite Espace Dètente du Flocons de Sel. Here you can choose from a number of massages and beauty treatments, which are an ideal way to relax after spending the day on the slopes.
Megève also has the added bonus of having plenty of pet-approved chalets, which means you can enjoy hitting the slopes with the company of your canine friend. Enjoy exploring some of the incredible mountain walks together and unwinding at the end of the day in one of the numerous dog-friendly après ski bars.
Flaine
Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps is Flaine, a picturesque skiing resort that is a straightforward 8 hour 45 minute drive from the LeShuttle terminal. There are many different options of accommodation available, ranging from cosy wooden chalets, hotel suites and even luxury apartments for those of you looking to splash out.
For younger children, the Flaine resort hosts a skiing kindergarten that focuses on providing playful, safe and entertaining lessons so that kids have plenty of fun while gliding around on the snow and learning to ski. Off the slopes, older kids can have just as much fun, getting involved in a range of activities including dog sledging, rock climbing and even paragliding.
The resort is home to many fantastic restaurants and pubs that cater to a whole range of tastes. L'Ancolie is a great restaurant to try if you want to sample some classic French fare, and they also host wine tasting evenings.
If this wasn't enough already, there is still plenty to do when you're not skiing, including watching the latest blockbuster at the cinema, dancing to your favourite tunes at the discothèque, and enjoying a relaxing swim in the pool. You can also browse the quaint local shops that specialise in delicious cheeses, meats, and fresh vegetables.
La Clusaz
La Clusaz is a charming village in the Aravis range in the Haute-Savoie, just 30 minutes from the city of Annecy. La Clusaz is renowned amongst skiers for its scenic beauty and authentic alpine charm.
The resort is home to a number of small, independent shops and restaurants selling all manner of local specialities - from tartiflette to reblochon cheese alongside plenty of retailers for buying and renting ski equipment.
Compared to larger resorts, La Clusaz can be less crowded and more relaxed in pace, both on and off the slopes. This, combined with the resort's diverse range of child-friendly activities makes La Clusaz a hit with families for ski holidays.
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La Clusaz sits in the stunning Aravis range
Val Cenis
In the heart of the Maurienne Valley, Val Cenis is a charming and family-friendly ski resort that offers a delightful blend of traditional alpine culture and modern facilities. Just an 8-hour drive from LeShuttle’s Calais terminal, the journey to Val Cenis takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery, setting the tone for an unforgettable holiday on the slopes.
The resort boasts 125km of varied pistes, making it ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Beginners will love the wide, gentle slopes at the base, while seasoned skiers can tackle the more challenging runs higher up, enjoying stunning panoramic views of the Alps.
Beyond the slopes, the resort offers plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Families can enjoy dog sledding or ice climbing, while thrill-seekers might try paragliding for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape. In the evenings, Val Cenis' picturesque villages come alive with cozy restaurants and bars serving delicious local cuisine.
Tignes
The 9-and-a-half-hour drive from Calais is more than worth it when you arrive at Tignes, a world-class ski resort on the Grande Motte Glacier. With distinct villages and a fantastic variety of snowsure slopes, skiing doesn’t get any better than at Tignes.
The resort itself features 300km of piste across the Tignes-Val d’Isère area (formerly called the Espace Killy), with different types of slopes to suit all preferences and abilities. Tignes is made up of several different villages, all at different altitudes and with different atmospheres.
For the best access to the glacier and all the action, Val Claret is a great place to stay. If you prefer something more relaxing, Le Lavachet, Tignes 1800 or Les Brévières have great access to the slopes and plenty of places to unwind.
If you fancy a day off from skiing, you can book to go diving under the surface of the resort’s lake, or head for the Bun J Ride, which combines ski jumping, bungee jumping and ziplining.
La Rosière
La Rosière is one of the best family skiing destinations in France, with some great beginner slopes and plenty of ski schools for children and adults to start their ski experience. Part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area, La Rosière gives the option of skiing in either Italy or France on the same lift pass. There are three free ski lifts for beginners, and a dedicated section of green runs designed for learning the basics like standing, stopping and turning. Families can also enjoy a wide range of activities, services, and amenities in La Rosière, including a cinema, bowling, ice skating and paintball.
La Rosière’s proximity to Mont Blanc makes it one of the snowiest valleys in the Alps. The resort is also south-facing, so you’ll be able to maximise your time on the slopes and ski in sunlight for most of the day.
Planning a ski holiday in the French Alps
| resort | driving time from calais |
|---|---|
| Val Thorens | 9 hours 30 minutes |
| Méribel | 9 hours 15 minutes |
| Megève | 9 hours |
| Flaine | 8 hours 45 minutes |
| La Clusaz | 8 hours 30 minutes |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | 8 hours 30 minutes |
| Val Cenis | 9 hours 40 minutes |
| Tignes | 9 hours 30 minutes |
| Courchevel | 9 hours 15 minutes |
| La Rosière | 10 hours 30 minutes |
When does the ski season start in the French Alps?
Most resorts open by the middle of December and remain open until early April. The higher altitude resorts can stay open further into April.
What is the best month to ski in the French Alps?
It really depends what you want most out of your skiing holiday – if it's quieter slopes and good snow conditions, then early December and mid-January would be good times, before and after the Christmas period. The slopes are probably at their best in February, but also their busiest during the half-term holidays. However, the après-ski scene will be at its most lively in February.
Driving to the French Alps from Calais
Although the immediate instinct might be to fly, driving to the Alps could be a better plan. You can pack all your ski gear into your car without any baggage limits, and get to your resort in around 9-10 hours from Calais, with no airport delays. With a few stops on the way, driving gives you the chance to see plenty of France during your journey. It might add another couple of days to your trip, but you’ll value the freedom driving offers on your ski trip, and it’s often more cost-effective, especially for larger groups and families.
Drive to the French Alps with LeShuttle
Get ready to hit the slopes with LeShuttle. It's simple to drive to ski resorts across France from our Calais terminal, so you’ll be able to maximise your time in the snow.
FAQs
Are the French Alps good for beginners?
What’s the snow like in the French Alps?
If you’re looking for guaranteed snow, head to snowsure resorts like La Rosière or those in high altitude valleys and north facing slopes. You can’t always rely on fresh dumpings of snow, but many resorts have snow making facilities on lower pistes.
Is it better to drive or fly to the French Alps for skiing?
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