Where to go skiing in France
CHAMONIX is where to go for some of the world’s steepest skiing and most striking scenery, so not a place for the faint-hearted. The resort is a climbing centre in the summer and in winter attracts powderhounds from around the globe.
At its highest level, COURCHEVEL is the country’s most chic and expensive resort, but that’s just 1850. You can also stay in the less glitzy alternative villages of 1650 or 1300. In all of them you will find outstanding skiing and snowboarding for all standards.
Part of the vast Paradiski area, LES ARCS shares a lift pass with La Plagne but has the steeper skiing of the two. Les Arcs exemplifies ‘purpose-built’ convenience, with absolutely everything ski-in/ski-out.
France’s most stylish resort, MEGÈVE, is family-friendly and geared towards beginners and intermediates. This is where you will find some of the best hotels in the Alps, including the exquisite Fermes de Marie which is based in converted farm buildings set around an ancient cow shed.
Instead of staying in futuristic but slightly bleak Avoriaz, choose instead to stay in MORZINE, lower down the mountain but with a lot more character. The Portes du Soleil ski area, which they share, has an astounding 195 lifts and 650km of piste.
For cross-country rather than downhill skiing, the small village of PAILHEROLS in the Auvergne is a lovely little place to stay – but it helps if you have at least some knowledge of the language! Gentle trails run through the woods in the Parc Régional des Volcans and you can stay in one of the pleasant family-run inns.
The little Pyrenean resort of ST-LARY is a well-kept secret among the British, although it has long been popular with French and Spanish families. This friendly place is totally different from the Alpine resorts with its unspoilt stone-built houses and small inns along a narrow main street, with skiing suitable for beginners to intermediates.
SAMOËNS is where I would choose to base myself in the Grand Massif ski area, instead of no-frills Flaine higher up the mountain. It is a real town with a life outside skiing and it also happens to have one of the best hotels and restaurants in the area: Hôtel Neige et Roc.
SERRE CHEVALIER is not a single resort but the collective name for a dozen villages that share a surprisingly varied ski area close to the Italian border. Villeneuve and the rustic hamlet of Le Bez have the most charm, but don’t miss having lunch on the slopes at the excellent Pi Maï restaurant.
More British skiers come to VAL D’ISÈRE than anywhere else in France, but other nationalities favour it too making it something of a melting pot for keen skiers and snowboarders. No fewer than eight entry points give mountain access, so queuing is never a serious problem here.
www.welove2ski.com