Winter sports France: The Ultimate Guide

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Active in the fresh outside air. View of snowy mountains. Delicious food in a cozy hut on the mountain. And then in the afternoon or evening time for a drink or exuberant après-ski. During the winter months it is excellent to stay with our southern neighbours. Winter sports in France guarantees a top holiday in the snow. Both for skiers, snowboarders, cross country skiers and winter hikers. Did you know that in France you can find the largest ski area in the world?

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The winter sports destinations in France are easily accessible by car, public transport and plane. The airports of Geneva, Grenoble and Turin, for example, are close to several French winter sports areas. For a car trip you can use the ANWB route planner. This route planner takes into account traffic jams and other delays. There are also many travel agencies that provide bus trips to France. In such a bus you often have a sleeping chair. This is how you start your winter sports in a rested state!

1. Slopes in France

• The green slopes are very flat and ideal if you have no winter sports experience;
• The blue runs are the "normal runs" for beginners and advanced skiers. Not too steep and you slide smoothly;
• For advanced skiers there are red slopes with long and short steep parts;
• The black runs are the most challenging and very steep. Suitable for experts.

2. Top 11 ski resorts in France with map

• The green slopes are very flat and ideal if you don't have any winter sports experience yet;
• The blue slopes are the 'normal slopes' for beginners and advanced skiers. Not too steep and you glide on anyway;
• For advanced skiers there are red slopes with long and short steep sections;
• France is a popular country when it comes to winter sports. We have listed the top 11 ski areas in France for you in this article. We have included a map of all ski areas in France. Le Grand Massif, for example, is known as one of the most child-friendly areas in Europe. Beginners can go to Portes du Soleil or Evasion Mont-Blanc. Les Trois Vallées is again an advanced paradise, just like Paradiski.

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Do you like a party after skiing? Après-ski is one of the best in Espace Killy and Alpe d'Huez. In addition to these top 11 ski areas, there are of course many other beautiful areas for winter sports in France. Val Cenis for example and Galibier Thabor.

2.1. Les Trois Vallées: the largest ski area in France near Val Thorens!

The ski area Les Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in France. In fact, it is the largest ski area in the world! A true paradise for advanced skiers. You'll find slopes of all shapes and sizes here. From challenging steep pistes to beautiful long descents, tours are also excellent. The ski area also has fantastic off-piste possibilities.

For beginners and young children there is plenty to do on the green and blue slopes. There are also several children's meadows and special children's slopes. Children up to 5 years of age ski for free. For the ski pass there are youth rates up to 13 years old. Après-ski is of course part of winter sports in France. In Val Thorens and Les Menuires you will find several cozy tents and bars. Courchevel is known for its luxury clubs, such as L'Arc.

Les Trois Vallées is a large, varied and snow guaranteed ski area. That is why the accommodation, the ski pass and the food are also more expensive than in most other winter sports areas in France.

2.2. Portes du Soleil: family fun & cozy après-ski

Portes du Soleil is an ideal ski area for beginners. Here you will find several green, blue and red slopes. If you get a little ahead on your skis or snowboard you can already make beautiful trips. For advanced skiers there is also plenty to do in Portes du Soleil. What do you think of long trips, steep slopes, tightly groomed carving slopes and various off-piste possibilities? In the ski area you will find the famous Mûr Suisse.

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Portes du Soleil focuses on families with children. Children up to 5 years old do not pay anything for a ski pass. In several villages you can have a drink after skiing. If you want until the late hours. Certainly the villages Les Gets and Morzine are known for the fun après-ski. The area is quite low, especially for French standards. The snow is therefore moderate. In January and February there is almost always enough snow. The area is relatively cheap compared to other areas for winter sports in France.

2.3. Espace Killy, Tignes-Val d'Isère: an advanced paradise

Advanced winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy themselves in the Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area. This area is also known as Espace Killy. Endless slopes and super variety. Spicy slopes, high peaks, long descents, beautiful tours and good off-piste possibilities. In the ski area you will find a number of green and blue slopes. These simple slopes are in many cases only accessible by lift and are high. In short, the area is not ideal for beginners and children.
Après-ski is excellent in Espace Killy. Immediately after skiing for example in one of the cozy bars. Or until late at night in a chic club. Tignes-Val d'Isère is one of the snowiest areas in France. This is due to its high altitude and the presence of two glaciers. The ski area is very popular and large. The prices for accommodation, food and the ski pass are therefore also quite high. Due to the size of the area it is usually quite quiet on the slopes.

2.4. Les Deux Alpes: cheap & popular ski area East France

Les Deux Alpes is a popular ski area in eastern France. There is plenty to do for young and old. However, the area focuses mainly on advanced skiers. The ski area is also known for its good off-piste possibilities and freeride slopes. For children and beginners, the ski area is not ideal. The simple slopes are difficult to reach and the slopes in the valley are quite difficult. The youngest ones can still enjoy themselves on the slopes near the village. For older children, the area is quickly too difficult.

The popularity of the ski area is partly due to the excellent price-quality ratio. The accommodations and restaurants are often cheaper than in other winter sports areas in France. For conviviality you can also visit Les Deux Alpes. After skiing you just dive into one of the bars or clubs for drinks and dancing. The snow security is very good due to the high altitude. You can also visit the glacier all year round. Because of the popularity of the ski area it can be very busy.

2.5. Paradiski: one of the largest areas for winter sports in France

The skiing areas Les Arcs and La Plagne together form the mega skiing area Paradiski in eastern France. The areas are connected to each other by the Vanoise Express lift. In the area you will find a large number of slopes for advanced skiers, especially in Les Arcs. Due to its enormous size, the ski area is ideal for long trips and off-piste routes. Beginners and children are well catered for in La Plagne. For young children (under 5/6 years old) the ski pass is free.

In the villages and along the slopes you will find several nice mountain huts, restaurants and après-ski bars. The après-ski is not exuberant. Do you really want to party, then you'd better book a winter sports trip to Val Thorens for example. The winter sports area is very beautiful and because of the high altitude very snow sure.

2.6. Les Sybelles: budget destination for a top holiday in the French snow

Les Sybelles offers many possibilities for advanced students. In the ski area you will find no less than 8 different mountains with more than 300 kilometres of slopes. More than 200 kilometers of them are red slopes. For children and beginners there are a number of green and blue slopes. However, these are not always easy to reach and prepared. In short, the area is not very suitable for children and beginners.

The Sybelles ski area presents itself as a budget destination. Prices for accommodation and the ski pass are lower than in most other winter sports areas in France. For children up to 4 years the ski pass is free. For children from 5 to 11 years there are child rates. Visit one of the many bars and tents for fun après-ski. Especially the villages Le Corbier and Saint Sorlin d'Arves are known for their cozy atmosphere. With the snow security it's okay. This is because of the high altitude of the area.

2.7. Le Grand Massif: a dream for children, beginners, advanced riders and freeriders!

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Camping Paradis Le Coiroux

Le Grand Massif is bursting with green and blue slopes. And most of the red slopes are also easy to do. An ideal ski area for beginners! With just a little winter sports experience you can already make great trips. The area is aimed at families and is therefore very child friendly. For advanced skiers there are several red and black slopes. However, there are not many challenging slopes in the area. However, the off-piste and freeride possibilities are excellent.

Other advantages of the area are the great snow security, the good accessibility by car and plane, the good food and the good prices. The area is not known for its après-ski. Only Flaine is a very cosy village.

2.8. Evasion-Mont Blanc: the ultimate winter sports destination for families

The Evasion-Mont Blanc area is a beautiful ski area that focuses on families. There are several green and blue slopes for beginners and children. You don't need a lot of winter sports experience to make beautiful trips. The ski pass is cheaper for children up to the age of 15. For the advanced skier and snowboarder there are several red and black slopes to whizz off. Off-piste possibilities are also available. However, the area is not very challenging.

Do you like exuberant après-ski? Then you probably find the ski area a bit too quiet. The village of Megève for example is very cosy. Both on the slopes and in the villages are several nice bars where you can have a drink. Besides the standard ski pass, it is also possible in this area to choose a Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass. This pass is valid in several ski areas around Mont Blanc. It allows you to ski in France, Switzerland and Italy.
The area is not very snow sure, because of the low altitude. During normal winters there is almost always enough snow. Especially in January and February.

2.9. Alpe d'Huez-Grand Domaine: snow guaranteed area for the advanced winter sportsman

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The Alpe d'Huez is one of the most famous mountains in France. Loved by cyclists in summer and a paradise for skiers and snowboarders in winter. Especially the advanced winter sportsman can find his happiness here. You will find many spicy red and black slopes in the area. Do you dare the infamous Le Tunnel? Or La Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe? Alpe d'Huez is also the place to be for long trips and off-piste.

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Camping Paradis Les Rives de l'Adour

Beginners and children have also been thought of. Especially lower up on the mountain you will find several easy slopes and children's meadows. The lower slopes are often busy because they are offshoots of higher red and black routes. So the area is fine for beginners and children, but certainly not ideal. Children up to 5 years ski for free. Furthermore, Alpe d'Huez-Grand Domaine is known for its excellent value for money, the cozy après-ski and the great snow security. Nice bonus: with ski passes from 6 days you can also ski for 2 days in Les Deux Alpes or some other ski areas nearby.

2.10. Via Lattea: something for every winter sportsman

Via Lattea is a beautiful ski area that lies exactly on the border between Italy and France. A paradise for beginners and advanced skiers. There is plenty to do for everyone. From beautiful blue slopes to very steep black ones. You can make beautiful long trips and choose various off-piste routes. The ski area is known as one of the most child-friendly areas when it comes to winter sports. Many easy and slow ski slopes and safe lifts. For children the ski pass is cheaper.

Via Lattea is not known for its exuberant après-ski. However, there are several cosy places where you can have a drink. Montgenèvre for example is a very nice village. The ski area is high and the snow is fine. The lower areas are a little less snow sure. On the higher peaks you can almost always ski in winter. If you Via Lattea from Italy visit keep in mind that you have to pay extra for the French part of the ski area.

2.11. Serre Chevalier: a ski resort for advanced skiers!

The last, but certainly not the least in the top 11 is the ski area Serre Chevalier. Like Via Lattea, this area lies on the border between France and Italy. As an advanced skier or snowboarder you will enjoy beautiful red and black slopes, long descents, high peaks, beautiful tours and off-piste possibilities. There are a number of children's meadows and easy slopes, but Serre Chevalier is not the best area for beginners and young children. Children up to the age of 6 do ski for free with a parent.

The ski area has no banging après-ski. It's nice if you prefer to take it a bit easier after skiing. There are several nice bars where you can have a drink. The ski area is pretty snow sure. Other advantages of Serre Chevalier are the delicious food and great prices. Accommodations, food and shops are cheaper than in many other ski resorts.

3. French winter sports cuisine: from croque monsieurs to schnitzels with chips

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Aven to relax and enjoy a well-deserved lunch? This is possible in the many mountain huts and restaurants along the slopes. You can make lunch as crazy as you like. A simple croque monsieur (=tosti), cheese fondue, kebab, schnitzel with chips or a nicely prepared steak. Prices vary per area, per restaurant and of course per dish. On average you pay for a lunch on the slopes between 5 and 30 euro. Sometimes it takes some getting used to the food on the slopes in France. You can't order bratwursten and schnitzels with fries everywhere what you are used to in Austria.

4. Skiing and snowboarding lessons in the French snow

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Camping Paradis Vallée du Lot

In the ski resorts in France you can take excellent ski lessons or snowboard lessons. There is a choice of group lessons or private lessons at various ski schools. Prices vary per ski school and per ski area. For a group lesson you can expect an amount between 70 and 150 euros for 4 days of lessons. Time is usually 4 hours per day. For children the prices are usually the same as for adults. Private lessons are more effective than group lessons, but therefore a lot more expensive.

5. What do you need for a perfect winter sport in France

Skis, poles, ski boots, a snowboard and snowboard boots can be rented anywhere. Calculate for renting a complete set of equipment at about 50 to 150 euros per week per person. Ski goggles with dark glasses are ideal on sunny days.

• A warm ski suit (wind- and waterproof)
• Tough waterproof gloves
• Ski goggles with double glazing
• Sunglasses
• Skipully's
• Thermo underwear when it's very cold
• Skis socks or snowboard socks
• A helmet
• Skis, poles & ski boots or
• A snowboard & snowboard boots
• Tough walking shoes or snowshoes.
• We got there in time. Many accommodations are fully booked months in advance during Christmas and spring holidays.
• Check any extras from a ski pass. In Alpe d'Huez, for example, you can ski for 2 days in another ski area with a ski pass of at least 6 days.
• A winter sports holiday is usually best booked in the period between December and mid-March. This is when the snow is at its best. In France, however, many ski resorts are very high. Then you can also choose to go in April. The days are longer and you have more chance of sun.
• Think what kind of accommodation you want to book. Close to the lift, in a cozy or quiet village, in a luxury hotel with sauna and four-course dinner or even a game of cooking in an apartment. There are all kinds of possibilities and everything has its own price tag.
• A travel insurance is no superfluous luxury. Winter sports is in fact not entirely without risks.

7. Book a winter sports holiday to France

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