Skigebiete in France
France has the largest linked ski areas on earth. Les Trois Vallées, Paradiski and the Espace Killy were purpose built in the 1960s and 70s to move thousands of skiers efficiently between high, snow sure bowls, which is why a French week suits confident intermediates who want to cover ground. The trade off is architecture: many of the highest resorts are functional rather than pretty, and the chocolate box villages such as Megève, Morzine and La Clusaz sit lower with a shorter reliable season.
All 37 France ski resorts by size
Ranked by kilometres of marked piste on the resort's main lift pass.
- 1Les SybellesMaurienne, FranceSix villages linked into the fourth largest French ski area, without the marquee prices.310 km
- 2Alpe d'HuezIsère, FranceFamously referred to as l'île au Soleil for its average of 300 sunny days annually, Alpe d'Huez majestically sits atop a southern-oriented plateau, elevated above the clouds, and provides breathtaking panoramic views.250 km
- 3Serre ChevalierSouthern Alps, FranceSunny south facing valley with 250 km of tree lined pistes and thermal baths.250 km
- 4La PlagneParadiski, FranceOne of the world's largest ski resorts, offering exceptional terrain for every level and France's only bobsleigh track.225 km
- 5Champagny-En-VanoiseParadiski, FranceA peaceful, traditional village on the edge of Paradiski, with easy access to high-altitude skiing and unforgettable alpine scenery.225 km
- 6Les Deux AlpesIsère, FranceEurope's largest skiable glacier. Reliable snow and one of the strongest freestyle scenes.220 km
- 7Les ArcsParadiski, FranceFour unique alpine villages, making up one resort; with something to offer everyone both on and off the slopes.200 km
- 8RisoulSouthern Alps, FranceSunny Forêt Blanche resort linked to Vars, popular with families and freestylers.185 km
- 9VarsSouthern Alps, FranceLinked with Risoul into the Forêt Blanche and home to the world speed skiing record.185 km
- 10ChamonixMont Blanc, FranceBest known as the birthplace of extreme skiing, it is considered one of the most famous ski resorts in the world.170 km
- 11ValmorelTarentaise, FrancePedestrian friendly modern chalet village linked into the Grand Domaine.165 km
- 12Les MenuiresLes 3 Vallées, FranceThe value entry point into the Trois Vallées with easy grooming and huge access.160 km
- 13Val ThorensLes 3 Vallées, FranceEurope's highest ski resort, in the largest ever ski area, and with one of the longest and most reliable seasons around.150 km
- 14MéribelLes 3 Vallées, FranceChocolate box chalet village at the heart of the Trois Vallées. Polished, wooded, sociable.150 km
- 15CourchevelLes 3 Vallées, FranceThis glamorous French ski resort is known as the jewel in the crown of the world's biggest ski area, the Three Valleys.150 km
- 16TignesEspace Killy, FranceWorld-known for its high-altitude skiing, extensive terrain, and reliable snow conditions all year-round.150 km
- 17Val d'IsèreEspace Killy, FranceElegant World Cup village with 300 km of linked pistes and world class off piste.150 km
- 18AvoriazPortes du Soleil, FranceHere you'll learn the true meaning of ski-in/ski-out, with car free streets you can ski everywhere right to the door.150 km
- 19St Martin de BellevilleThree Valleys, FranceSerene Savoyard village with access to 370 miles of slopes in France's Trois Vallées.150 km
- 20FlaineGrand Massif, FranceFamily friendly Flaine is a Bauhaus inspired ski resort with 160 miles of varied slopes for all abilities.140 km
- 21La ClusazAravis, FranceAuthentic Savoyard village close to Geneva with underrated off piste bowls.132 km
- 22Val CenisMaurienne, FranceA French ski paradise with 78 miles slopes, reliable snow, and vibrant après-ski.125 km
- 23MorzinePortes du Soleil, FranceTraditional Savoyard town at the hub of the cross border Portes du Soleil circuit.120 km
- 24Les GetsPortes du Soleil, FranceA family-friendly resort in Portes du Soleil with over 400 miles of slopes and charming alpine charm120 km
- 25Les Contamines-MontjoieEvasion Mont-Blanc, FranceAn authentic family resort with scenic slopes and stunning views of Mont Blanc.120 km
- 26La RosièreTarentaise, FranceSunny south facing village linked to La Thuile in Italy over the Petit Saint Bernard.110 km
- 27Saint Lary SoulanPyrénées 2 Vallées, FranceThe largest ski area in the French Pyrenees, with 100km of pistes across three sectors, thermal baths at the foot of the slopes, and a French-Spanish village character you can taste in the tapas bars.105 km
- 28MegèveMont Blanc, FranceRefined old money village with tree lined pistes and superb food scene.100 km
- 29La Mongie - Grand TourmaletGrand Tourmalet, FranceFrench Pyrenees' largest ski area - where pistes range from sheltered forest runs to open alpine bowls, a cable car takes you to the Pic du Midi for freeride and stargazing, and a thermal spa town waits below.100 km
- 30Saint Gervais Les BainsEvasion Mont-Blanc, FranceBask in the serenity of Mont-Blanc, where heritage meets expansive slopes just an hour from Geneva100 km
- 31ChamrousseIsère, FranceGrenoble's local mountain. Big city day trip appeal and a serious World Cup racing pedigree.90 km
- 32Le Grand-BornandAravis, FranceWorking farming village near Annecy with biathlon World Cup pedigree and mellow slopes.90 km
- 33Pra LoupEspace Lumière, FranceA sun-drenched Southern Alps resort where Mediterranean sunshine meets reliable snow - with high-altitude beginners' slopes, a generous ungroomed-powder policy, and a relaxed Provençal pace.90 km
- 34Puy Saint VincentÉcrins, FranceCompact south facing family resort on the edge of the Écrins national park.75 km
- 35Les HouchesFrance, FranceFramed by stunning Mont-Blanc views, this family-friendly resort offers a serene atmosphere with challenges for advanced skiers55 km
- 36Sainte-Foy TarentaiseTarentaise, FranceSmall, quiet off piste secret in the Tarentaise with genuine ski touring access.45 km
- 37Super BesseFrance, FranceA purpose-built resort in the Auvergne Volcanoes Natural Park set around a frozen lake - where 40km of pistes meet volcanic panoramas, proper Auvergnat cooking, and one of the longest zip lines in Europe.43 km
Highest skiing in France
- Chamonix3842 m
- Les Deux Alpes3600 m
- Tignes3456 m
- Val d'Isère3456 m
- Alpe d'Huez3330 m
Best for beginners and families
- Méribel150 km
- Courchevel150 km
- La Plagne225 km
- Morzine120 km
- Les Gets120 km
Cheapest lift passes
- Chamrousse46 $
- Sainte-Foy Tarentaise46 $
- Puy Saint Vincent48 $
- Le Grand-Bornand52 $
- Val Cenis52 $
Frequently asked questions
- Which French ski resort is best for a first trip?
- Les Gets, La Clusaz and Serre Chevalier combine gentle nursery areas with village charm and English speaking ski schools. Avoid the very highest purpose built stations for a first week, as their beginner terrain is exposed.
- When is the French ski season?
- Most French resorts open mid December and close mid to late April. Val Thorens and Tignes usually run from late November into early May thanks to altitude and glacier terrain.
- How long is the transfer from Geneva?
- Geneva serves the Portes du Soleil and Mont Blanc in around 75 to 90 minutes, and the Tarentaise resorts such as Courchevel and Val d'Isère in two and a half to three and a half hours. Each resort page here lists its nearest airports and drive times.