Ski resorts in France (UK guide)

Whether you’re putting on skis for the first time, excited to cruise the blues or looking for something gnarlier, France is one of the best places in the world for it. From famous luxury destinations like Courchevel to family-friendly spots such as Les Gets, French ski resorts offer something for everyone.

This guide will help you decide where to go, how to get there, what to pack and how to manage your euros. It also covers important mountain rules and etiquette, as well as tips for saving on rentals and ski passes.

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Why choose a French ski resort?

France’s ski resorts are known for world-class facilities, vast linked ski areas, and reliable snow throughout the Alps. Many are part of massive interconnected regions, so you can ski between villages without taking off your skis.

The French Alps stretch from Chamonix in the north to the southern resorts near Nice, with some of the most consistent snowfall in Europe. Whether you’re flying to Geneva or Lyon, or taking the train directly to the Alps, getting from the UK to France’s slopes is simple and well-connected.

Another big plus is the combination of excellent ski schools, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere. From Michelin-starred restaurants to laid-back mountain bars, there’s plenty of variety off the slopes too.

Different types of ski resorts in France

There’s no one-size-fits-all ski resort in France. Your ideal destination depends on your budget, experience level, and what kind of holiday you want. Below we’ve grouped some top choices by type.

Luxury ski resorts in the French Alps

• Courchevel (Les Trois Vallées) – Courchevel is a favourite with celebrities thanks to its Michelin-starred restaurants, designer boutiques, luxury hotels and spas. It offers access to Les Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world.¹
• Méribel (Les Trois Vallées) – Méribel offers elegant chalet-style buildings and an intimate village atmosphere. It’s easy to get around and has good facilities for families, like kids’ clubs with multilingual staff.
• Chamonix (Mont Blanc Massif) – Chamonix mixes classic Alpine charm with a modern luxury. Head there for world-renowned skiing, fine dining and grand hotels with views of Mont Blanc.
• Val d’Isère (Espace Killy) – Val d’Isère is a high-altitude resort with reliable snow and lots of variety, from gentle runs to challenging slopes. Linked to Tignes, it also has luxury chalets and ski-in/ski-out hotels.²

Affordable skiing in France: Budget-friendly resort options

• Le Corbier (Les Sybelles) – Le Corbier gives you access to the huge Les Sybelles ski area for a lot less than the big-name resorts. It’s low-key but has solid slopes, reliable lifts and plenty of affordable places to stay.
• Morzine (Portes du Soleil)– Morzine combines Alpine charm with access to 600 km of terrain that stretches into Switzerland. It’s walkable, lively and better value than nearby Avoriaz or Les Gets. Great for couples or groups.
• Les Deux Alpes (Oisans region) – Les Deux Alpes offers high-altitude skiing and glacier runs at prices well below the luxury resorts. It’s known for fun après-ski, solid snow conditions and good-value hotel or apartment stays.
• Val Cenis (Haute Maurienne Valley) – Val Cenis is a quiet, family-friendly spot with long green and blue runs and a relaxed vibe. It’s great value for self-catering trips, with reliable snow and fewer lift queues.³

For the budget-conscious skier, it’s also worth considering ski resorts in Italy, Bulgaria and Slovakia.

Best French ski resorts for an après scene

• Val d’Isère (Espace Killy) – Val d’Isère is home to the original La Folie Douce — the slope-side party spot you’ve probably seen on TikTok. Expect DJs and dancing with big mountain views.
• Tignes (Espace Killy) – Tignes has a buzzing nightlife with rooftop bars, happy hours and clubs that go late. Favourites include Loop Bar, Cocorico and Le Blue Girl, with plenty of casual and fine dining to choose from.
• Val Thorens (Les Trois Vallées) – The party here runs at the highest altitude in Europe. Its Folie Douce is legendary and Le Saloon Bar keeps the energy going well into the night.
• Courchevel (Les Trois Vallées) – Courchevel does après in style. Sip Champagne by the fire or catch live music at Rocky’s. And when you’re hungry, choose from more than a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants.⁴

Top French ski resorts for families

• Avoriaz– Cars aren’t allowed in Avoriaz, so families get around on foot or by horse-drawn sleigh. There are gentle slopes and the Villages des Enfants ski school for kids, plus off-slope fun like husky rides, bowling and a swimming complex.
• Les Gets – This charming village is easy to navigate on foot or by mini-train. Kids can enjoy gentle and themed slopes, while the resort offers activities like dog sledding, ice skating and chocolate-making. Parents can explore the wider Portes du Soleil area.
• La Plagne – La Plagne is great for families with reliable snow, gentle slopes and mostly pedestrian streets. Magic carpets, baby tows and childcare across the villages make it stress-free, though it gets busy during French school holidays.

💡Tip: Look for the French Ministry of Tourism’s Famille Plus Montagne accreditation. This shows that a resort meets criteria for family-friendly slopes, childcare, activities and accommodation.⁵

Best areas for beginners and cruisy intermediates

• Alpe d’Huez – Alpe d’Huez has plenty of nursery slopes for people who’ve never skied before. Once you’ve got your skis turning, there are 49km of beginner (green) runs and 54km of easy (blue) runs. Stunning scenery adds to the first-time ski experience.⁶
• La Plagne (Paradiski) – Part of the vast Paradiski area, La Plagne has an extensive network of wide, well-groomed blue and red runs for intermediate skiers to explore.

Best areas for advanced and off-piste skiers

• Val d’Isère– Linked to Tignes, Val d’Isère is a high-altitude resort with exceptional snow. Its advanced on-piste runs include the Olympic-level Face de Bellevarde, and there are vast areas of accessible off-piste terrain.²
• Chamonix – Chamonix’s is considered a major destination for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The Grands Montets area offers extreme freeriding opportunities, including steep descents and narrow couloirs.⁷

Planning to go off-piste in France? It’s allowed, but you’ll be in avalanche terrain as soon as you leave the piste. Ideally, you should be an advanced skier with backcountry experience. It’s a good idea to hire a guide and take an avalanche safety kit, including a transceiver, probe and shovel.⁸

Planning your perfect ski trip in France

Best time of year to visit a ski resort in France

The main ski season runs from December to April, though some high-altitude resorts like Val Thorens open earlier and close later. January and February generally offer the best snow conditions, but March often brings longer, sunnier days and fewer crowds.

Prices vary widely depending on the time of year — expect higher rates during school holidays and Christmas. Booking early can give you better deals on accommodation and flights.

How to get to your French ski resort from the UK

By plane

It’s common to fly from London or a regional airport to Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble, or Chambéry. Once you land, many resorts are within a 2–3 hour transfer. Booking flights early can mean major savings, and midweek flights are often cheaper and less crowded.

By train

Worried about your carbon footprint? Swap out planes for trains. The Eurostar Snow service takes you from London to the French Alps with a quick change at Lille. This route is limited for now, but expected to expand for the 2025–26 season.⁹

It’s also possible to take the regular Eurostar to Paris or Lille before continuing to your resort via train, coach or car. Buy Eurostar tickets early to get them cheaper, you can book up to 120 days in advance, and flexible tickets allow free changes up to 7 days before departure.¹⁰

By car

Consider driving to your French ski resort, crossing the Channel via the Eurotunnel or ferry. You can use your UK licence, but check your car insurance covers European travel.

Renting a car is an option too, though drivers usually need to be over 21 with at least a year on their licence. Make sure you understand the local driving rules and laws before driving in France as a Brit including winter tyre and chain requirements.

Catered chalets vs hotels and apartments

Catered chalets are great if you want convenience over flexibility. Meals are cooked for you and served at set times, and someone else takes care of the cleaning. Chalets often suit families and groups with a larger budget who want their own base for socialising and resting.

Hotels give you more variety, from budget options to five-star luxury. Services usually include daily housekeeping, a concierge and on-site restaurants.

Self-catered apartments give you the freedom to cook your own meals, set your own schedule and save money. They often suit families with kids and travellers who want more flexibility.

Essential packing list for a ski holiday in France

• Equipment(unless you’re renting at the resort) – skis or snowboard, poles, boots and a helmet.
• Resort wear– ski jacket, salopettes, thermal layers, ski socks, goggles, gloves and buff/balaclava.
• Slope-side **essentials **– sunglasses, suncream and sensible winter shoes.
• Important documents– your passport, driving licence, travel insurance details and GHIC/EHIC card to access healthcare in France.
• Travel money – Try the Wise card for easy spending in 40+ currencies including euros and zero worries about high transaction fees or marked-up exchange rates.

Snow sports travel insurance

Standard travel insurance usually won’t cover a skiing or snowboarding holiday. Look for winter sports insurance that covers related injuries, mountain rescue and your equipment.

Some policies also cover piste closures, lost ski passes and unused rentals or lessons due to illness or injury.

As a tourist, you’ll usually have to pay a French hospital bill upfront and ask for a refund later using your GHIC card and travel insurance.

Slope safety and mountain etiquette in France

French resorts follow 10 rules of good conduct on the slopes:¹¹

1. Control your speed
2. Don’t stop where you might endanger others
3. Leave space when you overtake
4. Respect beginner’s quiet zones
5. Check uphill and downhill where ski runs cross
6. Skiers ahead of you have priority
7. Respect others
8. Respect warning signs and markers
9. Get help if you see an accident
10. Identify yourself to ski patrol if you witnessed an accident

Other important rules include:¹²

• No smoking – As of July 2025, smoking is banned in most outdoor public spaces in France, which likely includes ski lifts and pistes.
• Drink responsibly – While there’s no set alcohol limit, endangering others while drunk can bring a €15,000 fine or even time in prison.

Activities beyond skiing at French ski resorts

Après-ski in France: What to expect

Après-ski can mean anything from lively bars and DJs in Val Thorens to cosy wine bars in Les Gets. Expect live music, terrace drinks and plenty of cheese-based snacks like fondue or raclette.

Other winter activities

If you’re not skiing or snowboarding every day, try snowshoeing, ice skating or tobogganing. Many resorts also offer spas, swimming pools and even dog sledding experiences.

Dining in French ski villages

Food is a highlight of any French ski trip. Many mountain restaurants serve local dishes like tartiflette, croziflette and fondue.

Paying for ski passes, lessons and equipment

You can often find early bird and online deals by buying your resort pass in advance. Look out for family discounts and half-day passes, too.

Resorts often have their own rental shops conveniently close to the slopes, although it can be cheaper to go with independent providers. You’ll need to provide your height, weight, and ability level so staff can set up your equipment safely.

You’ll find English-speaking instructors in most French ski resorts. You can book private lessons for a personalised experience, or join group lessons if you want to cut the cost and meet new people.

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Plus, you pay only a low fee* on withdrawals after the first £200 making it a great way to save whether you’re paying by cash or card in France.

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Average costs of a ski resort holiday in France

The average ski holiday in France costs just over €1,000 per person for a week.¹³ But prices vary widely depending on where you stay.

For example, a 7-night ski holiday package can cost around €3,000 per person in Courchevel, but less than €1,000 in Les Deux Alpes.^{14, 15}

Organising the holiday yourself? On average, a 4-person self-catered studio can cost around €500 per week. Expect to pay around €200 per week to rent ski equipment for one adult, and around €300 for a 6-day adult pass. A 3-hour group ski lesson will typically set you back €150-200 per person.¹³

Remember to look for discounts, book early, travel midweek and make your own meals if you want to make big savings.

Save money on the slopes with Wise

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Sources used in this article:

1. Ski Resort Info - Courchevel is largest ski area in the world
2. French Quarter - luxury ski resorts
3. We Ski - affordable resorts
4. Ski Solutions - après ski and nightlife
5. Top Snow Travel - family ski resorts
6. Ski Solutions - ski resort for beginners
7. See Chamonix - Chamonix advanced slopes and areas
8. See Chamonix - understanding avalanches
9. Protect Our Winters UK - Eurostar Snow packages
10. Eurostar - Eurostar pricing
11. Val d'Isère - skiing etiquette
12. Ski Racing - European rules on the slopes
13. Trip2France - average cost of skiing holiday
14. Ski Solutions - cost of Courcheval ski resort
15. Ski Solutions - cost of Les Deux Alpes ski resort

Sources last checked on: 16 October 2025