Where to celebrate the holidays in France?

Beautiful ski resorts in the French Alps

In the cooler months, from December to end of March, the French Alps, a world-renowned ski destination, become a top choice for adventure-seekers and winter sports enthusiasts. I have highlighted below some of my best places to ski in France, offering a diverse range of experiences.

Courchevel:

Nestled in the Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area with its 370 miles of ski slopes,7 connected resorts, 327 ski slopes and 186 lifts, Courchevel stands out as one of the beautiful villages to settle in the valley. Here, you can relish over 90 miles of alpine skiing through the convenience of 58 lifts. This skiing paradise caters to all experience levels with various runs, including red, blue, green, and black, ensuring an unforgettable adventure. And once your day on the slopes concludes, Courchevel pampers visitors with Michelin-starred dining, luxurious shopping, and luxurious spas.

Photo credit: Tourism Center Rhone-Alpes

Val d’Isère:

Val d’Isère’s extensive ski domain encompasses more than 185 miles of downhill skiing. The terrain is convenient for skiers of every skill level, featuring green, blue, red, and black runs, along with snow parks and cross-country ski routes. Expert skiers can challenge themselves on the legendary La Face de Bellevarde, while the stunning view from “La Face” sweeps over the Alps and Val d’Isère. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the charm of this Alpine town, exploring its streets, admiring its architecture, and enjoying the cozy ambiance.

Photo credit: Tourism Center Rhone-Alpes

Chamonix:

Situated in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix reigns as one of the most beloved Alpine resorts in the French Alps. It was one of the world’s first ski towns and continues to attract visitors from around the globe. Chamonix offers exceptional skiing experiences. Adventurous skiers can tackle the legendary Vallée Blanche, a thrilling 9,000-foot descent from the Aiguille du Midi to Chamonix. For a more leisurely experience, take the cable car to the top of Aiguille du Midi and savor the awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc and the Alps of France, Switzerland, and Italy. After a day on the slopes, Chamonix’s nightlife scene comes alive with fantastic dining options, vibrant bars, and excellent shopping opportunities.

Photo credit: Tourism Center Rhone-Alpes

These three Alpine destinations promise a diverse range of experiences for winter enthusiasts, from thrilling skiing adventures to the pleasures of fine dining, shopping, exploring picturesque Alpine towns within the comfort of luxury hotels or beautiful mountain-style chalets.

Header Photo credit: Tourism Center Rhone-Alpes

About the Author

Stephanie Burtin is a Personal Travel Designer, originally from Lyon, the Gastronomy Capital of France, and currently based in Los Angeles. Her life is a perpetual exploration driven by her deep love for travel and her homeland France. Driven by these passions, she founded Osprey Boutique Travel, specializing in creating exclusive custom "voyage" to France, tailored to each clients' unique personality and wishes. During her leisure, she loves to immerse readers in the French "Art de Vivre" by sharing her knowledge about France and her beautiful pictures brought from her travels.