Skiing in France is an amazing experience for winter sports enthusiasts of all stripes. The French Alps provide the magnificent backdrop for seemingly countless ski areas, some in the traditional ski village resort style, and others in the fashion of more contemporary, ski-in-and-out resorts. French skiing is so popular that virtually all ski areas cater to all skill levels and ages. Although there are certain areas for which skiing and snowboarding are especially known, the truth is, you will find ski areas spread through nearly the entire country. Generally, the most notable ski regions in France are L’Espace Killy (which includes Val d'Isere and Tignes) and Three Valleys (Courchevel, Meribel, and Van Thorens). These are some of the most popular places for a France ski vacation, but other fine resorts can be found in the likes of Portes du Soleil and the Espace San Bernardo.

Although you can make an argument for putting a France ski trip together to many different destinations around the country, most people would agree that there are a select few, top resorts that draw the most people annually and provide the most features and amenities. It is also no secret to anyone that the skiing in France is intense to say the very least.

Val d’Isere is one of the most famous ski resorts in Europe, let alone France. It is located in the L’Espace Killy ski area (named for French skier Jean Claude Killy). This is not your average ski resort. You will only have to see the mountain stats to realize this. First of all, there are 90 lifts that distribute people to all ends of the 300 aces of skiable terrain, tens of thousands per hour. The top elevation is 11,339 feet with a heart-stopping vertical drop of 6,726 feet. The longest of the ski runs at Val d’Isere is over six miles long. Fourteen percent of the runs are for beginners, 40 percent for intermediates, 16 percent are single black diamonds, and an impressive 30 percent are double black diamonds. There are thousands of beds at the resort in a wide variety of styles and several restaurants on the mountain itself. There are dozens more restaurants and a multitude of accommodations within close range of the resort. French skiing and snowboarding does not get a whole lot better than what you will find at Val d’Isere.

France Map

Another example of why a France ski vacation may be the best choice for people who have the ability to choose from anywhere in the world is evidenced at the world-famous Chamonix Resort (Chamonix Mont Blanc). The stats alone speak for themselves. The resort boasts the largest lift-served vertical drop in the entire world, and one of the world’s longest ski runs, the Vallee Blanche, which is nearly fourteen miles long. The top elevation is nearly 11,000 feet and there are a nice variety of ski runs for people of all ages and skill levels. A note is called for here; although this is the case, the most advanced skiers and boarder can rest assured that they will have more than enough challenging terrain at this enviable resort. If you are planning a France ski vacation, visiting Chamonix would certainly not disappoint you.

From the Alps to the Pyrenees, skiing in France offers a full array of ski areas to suit just about all skill levels. You would also have a wonderful time skiing in France at many other resorts including Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes, and Les Arces.