French ski resorts are stunning places to spend your time in both summer and winter. The best ones offer unique experiences and atmospheres, so it’s good to know what to expect from each one.
This is why we’ve highlighted the things you need to know about each of the following French ski resorts:
• Courchevel
• Megeve
• Chamonix
• Val d’Isere
• Morzine
• Mèribel
Courchevel
Courchevel is renowned for being a high-end ski resort located in the Three Valleys, the largest interconnected ski resort in the world.
You can expect world-class skiing in and around Courchevel, superb accommodation, and fantastic bars and restaurants. Courchevel attracts skiers and snowboarders who want more than an average trip to the mountains.
The resort comprises six villages offering their own personalities and experiences.
Courchevel 1850 is the most glamorous area, while Le Praz is more rustic with a traditional feel. Courchevel Moriond is well known for its après and nightlife, while families love La Tania. The more budget-conscious skiers head to Courchevel Village.
Megève
Megève is a gorgeous French ski resort that oozes charm. It has a chocolate box aesthetic, thanks to cobbled streets, horse-drawn sleighs, and an authentic atmosphere.
Megève’s ski area is vast and links with neighbouring resorts, including St Gervais and Jaillet-Combloux. All the areas are accessible with the Evasion Mont Blanc ski lift pass, which covers 445km of slopes and 1,500m of vertical drop.
The slopes of Megève’s ski area are great for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There’s not much terrain for advanced and expert riders, but Chamonix isn’t far away, and you can pay an extra €20 per day to visit all 5 of its resorts.
As Megève is a high-end ski resort, you can expect some fantastic restaurants offering fine dining. The nightlife is mainly a tranquil experience, but it suits the nature of the resort.
Chamonix
Chamonix is the oldest French ski resort and has been attracting skiers and alpinists since the 19th century. It has a genuinely iconic status for many reasons.
One of the unique things about Chamonix is that it sits close to the Italian border, allowing you to visit both countries in one trip. Chamonix’s dramatic skyline includes the ever-imposing Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, and several impressive glaciers visible from the town.
Chamonix Valley is home to 5 ski resorts, all offering a different experience. However, most of the terrain in the area is off-piste, so to make the most of it, it’s best to book a guide.
Chamonix is more like a town than a typical ski resort. This means you get more amenities than usual; you can even get there by train. If you prefer a more sedate experience, Argentièr is a great option or the more family-friendly Les Houche.
Val d’Isere
Val d’Isere is known as one of the world’s best ski resorts. It is a high-end ski resort that provides an exceptional experience to its visitors.
Along with its charm and character, Val d’Isere has some of the best terrain you’ll ever ski. The extensive ski area links Val d’Isere with the neighbouring ski resort of Tignes.
Val d’Isere has many luxury chalets and hotels, along with superb restaurants. But one of the many things that attract people to Val d’Isere is its incredible nightlife.
Despite the hordes of party-goers, Val d’Isere still manages to keep its charm. This is especially the case when you head to the old part of town with its historic chalets and 11th-century baroque church. And when you combine this with a welcoming atmosphere and snowy streets, you get something quite special.
Morzine
Morzine is a fantastic ski resort located in the Portes du Soleil, the world’s largest ski area. The Portes du Soleil is made up of 12 ski resorts, combining 650km of slopes to explore on both sides of the French-Swiss border.
The village itself may not be as glamorous as the other resorts on this list, but it has its own charm. It also has its fair share of luxury apartments and chalets.
Morzine has a lively après and nightlife scene that can start in several bars on the slopes. It continues throughout the evening with lots of live music and DJs. There’s also a wide range of restaurants to keep you fuelled for a week or two of skiing.
Morzine offers something for everyone, but it is a very family-friendly ski resort. It’s easy to get to the slopes, and there’s always something going on to keep kids entertained.
As Morzine is in the Portes du Soleil, you have a wide range of terrain to explore. It is all pretty easy to access too. You can expect everything from gentle beginner slopes to steep off-piste terrain at higher altitudes. If the snow in Morzine isn’t great, you can head up to the neighbouring resort of Avoriaz and on to the other resorts of the Portes du Soleil.
Morzine is also popular in the summer. Many people visit to take advantage of its world-class mountain bike trails, hike and participate in a wide range of summer activities.
Mèribel
Like Courchevel, Mèribel is located in the Three Valleys. It is made up of 5 different villages Meribel Village, Meribel Centre, Meribel Mottaret, Les Allues and Brides Les Bains.
Many consider Mèribel the best ski resort in the Three Valleys, as it provides easy access to 600km of pistes. But if you stay around Mèribel’s local slopes, you get an excellent variety of terrain both on and off-piste. The 150km of pistes are impeccably maintained, and many of them are wide and long.
Méribel is renowned for its vibrant après and nightlife. The partying usually starts at La Folie Douce, which is virtually a nightclub on the slopes open in the afternoon. But there are also many bars and Michelin-Star restaurants to enjoy in the evenings.
The luxury nature of Méribel is echoed by the accommodation options. You can expect some stunning apartments, chalets, and hotels. Each one is elegantly decorated and provides high-end service with a cosy atmosphere.
