The French Alps is home to a vast number of ski resorts, with endless slopes and different offerings for all abilities. Whether you’re a group of friends, or a family with young children, you’re sure to find a resort that suits you. Check out some of the top Alps ski resorts…
Top Ski Resorts in the French Alps
1. Chamonix
Transfer time: Geneva airport- 1 hr
Altitude: 1035 – 3275m
Pistes: 155km
Equally as popular in both winter and summer, Chamonix is a hotspot for keen skiers from around the globe. The resort sits at the foot of the Mont Blanc at 1035m and lifts ascend to almost 4000m, so incredible vertical descents and extreme off piste terrain await.
Chamonix is a top Alps ski resort, and has many family-friendly options, however with steeper slopes and more challenging runs, it’s sometimes better suited to skiers with more experience. To find out more about this resort, head to our destination guide.
Discover fantastic properties in Chamonix
2. Morzine
Transfer time: Geneva airport – 1hr
Altitude: 1000m – 2466m
Pistes: 650km pisted runs, 196 ski lifts
Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine is a fantastic family-friendly resort to visit with children. With neighbouring resorts such as Les Gets, Avoriaz and Châtel you won’t be short of pistes to explore throughout your visit. There are also great options for snowboarders too!
Beginners can practise on the gentle slopes, whilst intermediates and advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the more difficult runs – so there is something for everyone! Those wanting to cover as many kilometres as possible can purchase a Portes du Soleil area pass, which will give also give access to Swiss resorts such as:
Champéry
Torgon
Morgins
Val-d’Illiez Les Crosets Champoussin
3. Méribel
Transfer time: Chambéry airport – 1hr 19 mins, Geneva airport – 2hrs
Altitude: 1450m- 3000m
Pistes: 600km across the 3 Vallées
It’s difficult to choose just one great place to ski in the 3 Vallées! With fantastic neighbouring resorts such as Courchevel, Val Thorens and Saint Martin de Belleville – Méribel has some tough competition! However, we chose it as one of our top ski resorts in the Alps for it’s picturesque views, great après-ski and variable slopes.
There’s a superb variety of activities to try in Méribel on and off the slopes! So, if you’re looking for an action packed week, then read our blog about the top 10 things to do.
Find your perfect stay in Méribel
4. La Clusaz
Transfer time: Geneva airport – 1hr 10
Altitude: 1100m – 2600m
Pistes: 125km of pisted runs, 49 ski lifts
In the heart of the Aravis region, the picturesque resort of La Clusaz offers a great base for families with a great variety of ski-in ski-out chalets. We chose this as one of our top ski resorts in the French Alps, as despite its popularity, its traditional charm remains at its core.
5. La Plagne
Transfer time: Chambéry airport – 1hr 15, Geneva airport- 2hr 20
Altitude: 1250 – 3250m
Pistes: 225 kilometres
Arguably one of the best top Alps ski resorts for families, La Plagne is a great spot for a first ski holiday. Made up of 11 small villages, each with a dedicated beginner area, La Plagne has something for everyone.
Those wanting to head a little further afield can take the speedy Vanoise express bubble lift to Les Arcs, where experienced skiers will find great options for challenging runs. If you’re staying in La Plagne, then the world famous Olympic bobsleigh track is an absolute must try! Find out more about the top activities in La Plagne by clicking here.
If you would like to discover more fantastic resorts across the French Alps, then head to our website to see our full range of destinations.
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