Which ski resort borders France. The best ski resorts in France. Young and inexpensive recreation area

Of course, it will never be possible to achieve complete unanimity on the issue of the best ski resort in France, because they are all so different! And at the same time, any of them will provide you with excellent conditions for skiing, will give you incredibly beautiful landscapes and the atmosphere of a real holiday. Some resorts are themed and styled down to the smallest detail, others retain the natural charm of the French Alps, and some are especially famous for their après ski. Each of them boasts an extraordinary ski area where you will have a great time. In addition, all resorts have individual programs of activities that will not let you and your family members get bored, regardless of age and hobby. We offer a brief overview of the five most popular and luxurious French ski resorts, going to which you will definitely not be disappointed.

Chamonix

Keeps the charm of Alpine culture and is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, where the 1924 Olympic Games were held. Stunning, majestic Mont Blanc provides a magnificent scenery, making this place a real paradise for lovers of skiing and entertainment. Chamonix is ​​a luxurious, cozy resort with great opportunities for skiers of all levels, excellent après ski and countless other activities. It has 145 tracks with a total length of more than 140 km, which are located in 8 different zones of the valley. Extreme lovers will find very steep and high-speed descents for themselves. There is also an excellent transport system: special buses will take you to any of the resorts. You can stay on vacation in first-class chalets, as well as in rented apartments or hotels.

Taking the cable car up from the valley to the peaks, travelers can enjoy amazing views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.

Well, gourmets should try fondue cheese - a dish that this area is famous for.

Courchevel

Courchevel is part of the 3 Valleys ski area.

And a very serious contender in the ranking of the most glamorous places in the world. The length of its tracks is 150 km, and the resort itself is so huge and diverse that it will satisfy an athlete of any level of training.

Courchevel 1850 is an exclusive, popular and amazingly designed resort. Here you will find palaces and 5-star luxury chalets that make this place especially popular among Parisians and Russians.

In addition to skiing, here you can enjoy excellent cuisine in gourmet local restaurants, great shopping and unforgettable relaxing treatments.

Meribel

Part of the "Three Valleys", has a reputation as a resort with excellent après-ski and is considered the best place for real hedonists. By the way, this place is also perfect for both advanced skiers and those who are just starting to learn. First-class instructors will do everything necessary for your confident mastering of the ski slopes.

In addition to skiing, it offers hot air ballooning, many heavenly spa treatments, glacier walks and excellent food. Fondue and raclette are again on the list of must-try dishes while in these places.

Val d'Isere

One of the most popular ski resorts in France, which is especially appreciated by young skiers and snowboarders who want to get an excellent physical activity and a lot of vivid impressions.

This large resort hosted many Olympic events in 1992.

The ski area is quite extensive, so it is able to satisfy the requirements of any sportsman and ordinary skier. The place is also famous for its extremely active après-ski. There is no shortage of bars and other entertainment venues in the city.

Val Thorens

It is the highest ski resort in Europe and the largest ski area. Val Thorens is part of the "Three Valleys", and its treelessness and high location makes the resort one of the most attractive for real fans of skiing.

Val Thorens is one of the most stunning and impressive ski resorts, which, in addition to height, can be considered an extraordinary environment. Its wide slopes are suitable for skiers of all skill levels, and the delightful atmosphere will make your stay unforgettable. This resort, with its excellent après ski and dog sledding opportunities, is very popular with tourists visiting France.

- these names are known not only to avid skiers or snowboarders, but also to people far from sports. In this article we will tell you about the best resorts in France, where in winter it is pleasant not only to relax, but to ride with the breeze.

Chamonix, overlooking Mont Blanc

The town of Chamonix is ​​located in a great location overlooking the highest peak in Western Europe - Mont Blanc. Height above sea level - 1035 meters. Chamonix is ​​a mecca for climbers in summer and skiers in winter.

In addition, the natural reserve Mer de Glace (Sea of ​​Ice) is nearby, one of the most visited in the world.

Near Chamonix you will find a bunch of not only ski activities. You can go to the town of Annecy, climb Mont Blanc by train, take walks in the caves and a lot more.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) - the largest ski resort

The Three Valleys (or le Trois Valais) is a huge resort that combines several bases at once in the Vanoise mountain range. This includes:

• Courchevel (Courchevel - hotels at this link),
• Meribel (Meribel - hotels),
• Les Menuires (Les Ménuires - hotels),
• Val Thorens (Val Thorens - ),
• La Tania (La Tania - hotels),
• Brides (Brides - hotels)
• and Orelle (Orelle - hotel offers).

Avoriaz - calmness

Situated at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, Avoriaz is a modern resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Between the forest and the mountains, the village, completely closed to cars, fits perfectly into the alpine nature. After skiing on the ski slopes of Portes du Soleil (total length - 650 km), you can visit Aquariaz - hot springs center, with a temperature of 29°C.

Although you will not see a single car in Avoriaz, there are other modes of transport. The proximity of the resort to nature is its main advantage.

Avoriaz resort official website: www.avoriaz.com

Les 2 Alpes - the largest snowpark

In the Oisans Mountains, on the border between the Southern and Northern Alps, is the dynamic resort of Les 2 Alpes. This is the largest chain of ski slopes in Europe. The resort is located at 3600 m above sea level. So the snow lies here almost all year round, so you can meet skiers here both in winter and in summer.

The station also continues to develop its snowpark: a large playground, snow tube, wall, slide area for beginners and large cushions (a huge 15m mattress) are installed at the bottom of the slopes.

Chamrousse - a real Olympic village

On the southern edge of the Belledonne mountain range is the resort of Chamrous, built in the forest. It offers an exceptional view of the Grenoble valley. The station was used during the 1968 Winter Olympics. Many future Olympic champions have performed or trained here.

Official website of the resort Sharmus: www.chamrousse.com

Saint-Dalmas le Selvage - cross-country skiing

Saint-Dalmat-les-Selvages is the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes (1347 m - 2916 m). The place is an ideal resort for lovers of cross-country skiing. In the heart of nature, with unspoiled landscapes such as the Isthmus of Braïssa (2599 m), Mount Aunos (2514 m), Cross Carl (2529 m), Isthmuses of Moutière (2454 m), the icy waterfall of Gialorgues, you must find your happiness.

Great place for snowboarding too.

Official website of Saint-Dalma-les-Selvage: hiver.saintdalmasleselvage.com

Le Sauze - family resort

A ski resort located in the Ubaye Valley. Soze has become famous as a family resort. In addition to the joy of skiing, don't miss the Igloo Inuksuk village tour, a real village with six igloos and Inuit traditions!

Official website of Les Sauzes: www.sauze.com

Megève - the most exclusive resort

Megeve has retained its charm of an authentic mountain village. Surrounded by three mountain ranges with gentle slopes and green forests, stands a fourteenth-century medieval village with luxurious shops, cobbled streets, a unique atmosphere and, of course, wonderful trails.

This is a fashionable resort where chalets, hotels and restaurants tirelessly fight for their prestige.

Megeve resort official website: www.megeve.com

Serre-Chevalier - the sunniest resort

It is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps with 250 km of ski slopes. Located at altitudes from 1200 to 2800 m above sea level. At the foot of the highest peaks lies the sun-drenched Ecrins National Park.

Serre Chevalier is one of the sunniest places in the Alps, with 300 days of sunshine a year!

Serre Chevalier official website: www.serre-chevalier.com

Enjoy your holiday in the French Alps!

When looking at the list of the best ski resorts in France to plan your vacation, it can be difficult to make a choice. Each of them has its own advantages and offers great opportunities for recreation and sports entertainment. Consider the top five French ski points for a luxurious holiday!

1. Chamonix (Chamonix)

Would you like to spend your holidays somewhere in the snowy Alps? The resort of Chamonix should definitely be on the list of places you can go to. Guests of the resort call it the winter heart of France, because it is here that athletes and ordinary vacationers come from all over the world to test their strength on the endless slopes of the Alpine mountains.
The resort offers its guests a lot of amazing slopes, designed for both professionals and beginners who have skied or snowboarded for the first time:

• Grands Montets (1235 m – 3300 m),
• Brevent and Flegere (1030 m – 2525 m),
• Balme – Vallorcine (1453m – 2270m),
• Les Houches (950m -1900m),
• La Vormaine (1480 m),
• Le Savoy (1049 m),
• Les Chosalets (1230 m).

The magnificent "Chamonix" is famous for its stunning cable car to the Aiguille du Midi, which stretches for 3842 m. It is even hard to imagine an area of ​​​​landscapes that attract the human eye from its top!

As for sights, one cannot help but think of the panoramic restaurant at the top of the Brevent cable car. If you decide to taste its incomparable cuisine, do not miss the opportunity to admire the spectacular scenery of the Mont Blanc mountain range.
Also in Chamonix, you can order helicopter tours for the territory of the Mont Blanc massif (from Chamonix-Argentiere). From an impressive height, you will be able to enjoy not only the endless range of the Alpine mountains, but also the beauty of the villages in the valley, such as Les Houches and Vallorcine. You can also ride a tram to visit the Mer de Glace glacier and much, much more.

2. Courchevel (Courchevel)

This, without exaggeration, luxurious, luxury resort is located on the territory of the "Three Valleys" ("Val Thorens") and is part of one of them - Saint-Bon-Tarentaise. Together with the valleys des Allues and Belleville, they create the largest area for skiing in the world.
Courchevel is famous for its amazing system of lifts (65, including funiculars), which every season hosts tens of thousands of people who want not only to relax at a height under the endless sky, but also to test their strength, sliding along the breathtaking alpine slopes.

In addition to sports entertainment, connoisseurs of branded clothing can visit luxury stores such as LouisVuitton, Prada, Cartier, Fendi, Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Valentino and others.
Courchevel is a favorite resort of VIPs and representatives of royal families, so it is not difficult to imagine how luxurious hotels are located on its territory, and how first-class service is provided in local restaurants.
Speaking about the cuisine of Courchevel, it is worth saying that restaurants with Michelin stars are located here. And this, as you know, is the most respectful award, which is awarded only to the best of the best restaurateurs.

3. Meribel (Meribel)

The resort offers much more than just skiing and snowboarding! Countless recreational activities for you and your family will ensure an unforgettable holiday. And it does not matter at all how much money you are willing to spend - Meribel will take care of all its guests.
The lifting system of the resort is one of the most modern, and it is important that all tracks, equipment and equipment for skiers and snowboarders are constantly being improved and updated.
"Meribel" is especially appreciated for the possibility of accommodating tourists in comfortable rural houses, animators with whom you can leave your children, and tour operators who are ready to fully provide themselves to you in order to provide exceptional relaxation and an unforgettable experience.

Luxurious hotels, residences and self-catering apartments can afford not only high-income guests - the resort takes care of all its visitors.
The winter season usually starts from the second week of December and lasts until the very end of April (New Year, February and March are the busiest times in the resort).
Méribel is adjacent to many other ski resorts, making it the perfect starting point to explore the vast 3 Valleys ski area.

You may find these articles about the best ski resorts in the world useful:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

4. Val d'Isere (Val d'Isere)

The incomparable slopes of the Val d'Isere have always been a place of high sporting achievements, whether it be the Olympic Games or the World Ski Championships. However, this legendary area is an ideal place not only for professionals and champions, but also for those who just want to feel in paradise, settling in luxury rooms, tasting delicious restaurants, relaxing in the spa - touching the real French winter mountains

300 kilometers of slopes, freeride routes and snow parks, together with a specific geographical location, make the resort not only one of the most popular among tourists pursuing sports interests, but also a place where VIPs from all over the world rush to get with anxious expectation.
The guests are presented with a charming village with about 1800 inhabitants, for each of which, in the winter season, there are 15 tourists who can also live in these fabulous houses with large fireplaces, delicious food and simply excellent living conditions.

5. Val Thorens (Val Thorens)

No other ski resort is closer to the sky than Val Thorens.
The exceptional location brought him unsurpassed fame, because the Alps on its territory are the highest in Europe.

Perched among six giant glaciers, ski resort Val Thorens offers a variety of routes and trail options for both professionals and beginners. Having at its disposal a huge number of hotels, restaurants, attractions, sightseeing tours, Val Thorens will provide you with all the conditions so that you can enjoy your vacation to the maximum.
A huge observation deck on one of the tops of the lifts will allow you to appreciate the exceptional landscape beauty of the Alpine peaks (near the French, Swiss, Italian borders).
Val Thorens is not only the gateway to a pompous ski park of indescribable dimensions, but also vast masses of snow, thanks to which you can enjoy a unique panorama, descending from a height of 3200 meters.

Ski resorts in France are considered one of the most modern not only in Europe but throughout the world. The French Alps open the eyes of tourists with magnificent landscapes, and skiing on equipped slopes is breathtaking. Fans of skiing, snowboarding, as well as bobsledding and other winter sports come here.

All trails are divided into categories, depending on the level of difficulty. Some of them will be most comfortable for beginners, while others will appeal to professionals. Sports competitions are often held on the local tracks, and the Olympics have also been held here three times. 200 resorts are interconnected so that every traveler finds the perfect option for himself.

Skiing on plains or steep slopes takes place on tracks lit at night. Modern lifts and cozy hotels with a high level of service await tourists during.

Ski season French Alps

In the mountainous region of France, the ski season starts in February. It is during this period of the year that the weather is clear.

• The first snow covers the slopes of the mountains in November. At this time, from six to eighty centimeters of precipitation falls.
• In December, mountain peaks (at an altitude of 1.5 km) are covered with 90-120 cm of precipitation.
• In January, this figure reaches 140-200.
• In February, the ground is covered with 160-240 centimeters of snow.
• And from March to April, the snow cover is kept at the level of 140-220 cm.

There are also areas where the volume of snow can exceed four meters. Melting of precipitation begins in the second half of May.

Pricing policy of ski resorts in France

More than two hundred lifts and about 600 kilometers of marked trails await tourists in the Three Valleys region. Even a long stay at the resort does not involve repetition of routes, which impresses professional skiers. To relax in the resort of Val Thorens in a 3 * hotel, tourists will have to pay about 750 euros for one week, and accommodation in a four-star hotel will cost two hundred euros more.

The most famous French ski resort Courchevel offers accommodation in the most luxurious hotels. Also, elite restaurants and boutiques are open here. For a week of rest in a three-star hotel, tourists will spend about 700 euros, in 4 * - 1300 euros, and in a 5-star hotel - about 2150 euros, per person.

More than three hundred kilometers of modern trails await travelers in the highest mountain resorts of Tignes and Val D "Isère. The snow cover here lasts all season. A week of rest for one person in a 2 * hotel will cost 720 euros, a room in a hotel 3 will cost only 10 euros more * For accommodation in a four-star hotel, they will ask about 850 euros, and in a 5 * hotel - 1100 euros.

The best winter resorts in France

Among the most impressive resorts in France, we can distinguish the following Top 7 best:

1. Meribel

This stunning resort is located in the "heart" of the Three Valleys ski system. Excellent trails, equipped lifts and recreation areas will give tourists a pleasant pastime. This resort is deservedly called the "pearl" of places for recreation for skiers and snowboarders.

Original route schemes connect the small town of Meribel, Meribel Village and Mottaret. There are 150 kilometers of routes for recreation and skiing. For beginners, 8 "green" routes are open here. The blue marking marks the tracks for those who have basic skiing skills. Twenty-three "red" slopes are suitable for experienced skiers, and nine slopes marked in black will appeal to extreme skiers.

This fabulous place is distinguished by its sunny slopes, where the warm rays warm the skiers during the day. On the territory of the resort there are fifteen gondola lifts, as well as lifts with chairs and 14 rope tows. To keep the snow cover even, 685 snow installations are used.

Walking along equipped paths, hang-gliding, cable car travel, a bowling alley, an ice rink and a swimming pool, as well as sports shops and many cozy catering establishments - all this awaits the guests of the Meribel resort.

This tourist resort is equipped with comfortable lifts and cozy hotels for travelers. This place is open to tourists all year round and invites outdoor enthusiasts to go skiing or snowboarding in winter, as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery at any time of the year.

In addition to snowboarding and downhill skiing, the area offers sports such as telemark or squall. Snow remains on the tops of the mountains all year round. Three hundred kilometers of modern tracks and one hundred high-speed lifts are equipped here (including a funicular with seated cabins). This resort is visited by both beginners and professional athletes. There are often competitions.

1. Val Thorens

This resort is considered the most democratic in France. It can be easily reached from many cities by plane or train. Diverse recreation includes a quiet pastime and winter sports. Most of the hotels here have access to ski lifts. The overhead lift is capable of moving 150 people at the same time. For the convenience of skiers and snowboarders, the slopes are equipped with anti-avalanche systems. Snow cannons and other "snowmaking" systems provide excellent coverage throughout the season, which starts in November and ends in May.

The local snowboard parks are distinguished by the presence of ski jumps, quarter pipes, half pipes and other places for skiing where competitions take place. Val Thorens has thirty-one lifts and sixty-six marked pistes, with a total length of 140 kilometers. Relief descents, difficult trails or a gentle area at the foot of the mountain for beginners - all this will appeal to athletes of any level.

There is a ski school for adults and children. Also, the resort has an aqua club (with a pool and a sauna), tennis courts, squash and volleyball areas, a climbing wall, a rollerdrome, gyms and even a paragliding club. Especially for children, mini-clubs and Fun Park are organized here, where there is a pool filled with balls, slides for kids, trampolines and an inflatable palace. Among other things, there are a large number of cafes, restaurants, bars, discos and nightclubs.

1. Chamonix

This mountain valley will give tourists an unforgettable experience. A fourteen-kilometer natural glacier and a twenty-kilometer ski slope connect here. Snow flooring here is preserved from December to May. Forty-seven lifts and seventy-eight runs, with a total length of 140 kilometers, will conquer any skier or snowboarder.

In addition to boarding or skiing, here you can go snowshoeing, snowmobiling or dog sledding to the icy peak. Also, tourists are offered hang-gliding and helicopter flights. Among other things, there is a bowling alley, an ice rink, a swimming pool, dance floors, bars and restaurants where you can have fun.

1. Courchevel

The most beautiful famous resort is considered one of the most presentable French regions. This elite holiday destination is distinguished by its developed infrastructure, amazing natural wealth, as well as a large number of chic restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues, from the windows of which the peak of the famous Mont Blanc is visible.

Here you can go ice skating and go bowling, squash or tennis. A large selection of trails for beginners, as well as extreme routes, are popular with snowboarders and skiers. Sixty-two lifts are open here, and the length of multi-level trails is one hundred and fifty kilometers.

1. Les Arcs

This popular resort is located in the province of Savoy. Several villages connected to each other are located on different levels. A large number of lifts (there are fifty-four in total), professional equipment, as well as tracks with a total length of about 420 kilometers, impress tourists. There are slopes of all levels. You can ski here from December to the end of April.

Professionals practice off-piste skiing on the slopes of the resort. All slopes are illuminated at night. Cross-country trails will appeal to skiers. The snowboard park impresses with the number of jumps and tricks, as well as a half-pipe and a boarder-cross track. There are schools for beginner skiers and children.

Among other things, here you can visit an ice cave or a museum, as well as hang gliding, ride horses or dog sleds, play paintball, relax in the sauna, swimming pool or solarium.

1. megeve

The very "heart" of the Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc can be seen by visiting this fashionable resort. This place is very prestigious, so hotel rooms are booked in advance. A huge number of a wide variety of entertainment, as well as unforgettable skiing or snowboarding, awaits tourists here. The length of the slopes for skiing is 440 kilometers. A multifaceted holiday will appeal to connoisseurs of luxury.

Answers to frequently asked questions from readers

What is the winter temperature in French ski resorts?

The Alpine mountains are famous for their beautiful weather all year round. Pleasant temperatures are maintained here even in winter. The following temperatures are typical for the entire season:

• November and March: from 0 to -2 ⁰С;
• December and February: from -2 to -4 ⁰С;
• January: from -5 to -7 ⁰С (very rarely -10 ⁰С);
• April: from +2 to +4 ⁰С.

What resorts are best to visit with children?

Anyone who prefers a family vacation should go to resorts where there are children's ski schools, mini-clubs, kindergartens and amusement parks. Among these options will be resorts such as:

• Les Arcs;
• La Plagne;
• Avoriaz;
• Val Thorens;
• Samoyed.

Which of the resorts are distinguished by the presence of thermal springs?

Among the French mountain resorts that will allow you to combine skiing and SPA-rest, the following stand out:

• Brid Le Ben. The large urban SPA-center offers everyone who wants to relax and improve the body immediately after skiing.
• Megeve. Near the resort is located the thermal park "Saint Gervais les Bains". Tourists will be able to improve their health thanks to the local hot mineral springs.

Extraordinary experiences of charming mountains and French lifestyle await tourists here. This is the place to go for thrills and wonderful emotions from the contemplation of landscapes, to guarantee you the most amazing ski tour.

The highest peak in Western Europe with excellent conditions for skiing, a huge number of resorts for every taste and endless opportunities for off-piste skiing - it's all about winter holidays in the most romantic European country.

#tours to france #france #holidays in france #courchevel1850 #tours to courchevel #ski resorts#tours #santour #suntour

The French slopes have consistently attracted good skiers and are home to several iconic mountains for freeriders. At the same time, it is in France that you can easily find wide, simple slopes on which it is convenient to ski for the first time. In this country, there are expensive, prestigious resorts, and quite affordable accommodation options. It is in France that the most resorts with the possibility of ski-in / ski-out are located, when the tracks start right from the hotels and apartments, and you can also return on skis.

The Three Valleys and the resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Les Menuires are known far beyond the borders of the country, this is the world's largest fully connected ski area (600 km of slopes). About 650 km of pistes (though not completely connected) are shared by France and Switzerland in the Portes du Soleil region (Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets are located on the French side). The Paradiski ski region (Les Arcs and La Plagne resorts) offers guests 420 km of slopes, a little less in the Espace Killy (Val d'Isère and Tignes). A little further south are Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux Alpes - each of these stations boasts the presence of glaciers and an extensive (more than 220 km) network of trails. The legendary resort of Chamonix, the very first ski resort in France, is located at the foot of the legendary Mont Blanc.

Climbers began to conquer the impregnable peak long before the advent of ski lifts and the peak of the popularity of mountain skiing. After the first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix in 1924, the mountaineering town also became a fashionable ski resort. The Chamonix Valley stretches for 16 km, to the very border with Switzerland. Unlike many French resorts, Chamonix does not have a large combined ski area, most of the slopes (there are 163 km of them in Chamonix) are in the Brevent / Flegere, Le Tour and Grands Montets areas. The first skiing area, Brevent and neighboring Flégere, is located right above the city, here you can find a sufficient number of comfortable slopes for beginners and more advanced skiers. The Le Tour area is also a good place for beginners and advanced snowboarders. And for those who are looking for thrills, it is better to go to Grand Monte - this is where the world-famous area is located, very popular among freeriders and professionals from all over the world. In Argentiere, from where the road to Grand Monte begins, a hotel is still operating, where Marina and Anastasia Tsvetaeva stayed in 1903. “To the white giant, towering over the whole choir of loners and mountain ranges, to Mont Blanc. Burnt blue.

The dazzling brilliance of the snows, so many of them that it will not melt from the summer sun! - this is how Anastasia Tsvetaeva spoke about her visit to Grand Monte in her "Memoirs". Perhaps, only Belaya Dolina, a legendary 20-kilometer glacial zone, can boast of greater attraction for skiers. For the mesmerizing experience of traveling through the Vallée Blanche, it is worth coming to Chamonix at least once. This city is surrounded by mountains from all sides - it is difficult to find a place where one of the peaks would not be visible. The most majestic panorama opens from a height of 3842 m, from the Aiguille du Midi, where you can climb in 20 minutes by cable car.

It is amazing not only the mountains, valleys, glaciers that have opened up, but also how people could build such a monumental structure at such a great height. Endless Valleys The fact that skiing in the Three Valleys is one of the best in the world is obvious: 600 km of pistes and vast expanses of virgin lands, 180 ski lifts, a whole army of snowcats and ski-in/ski-out opportunities everywhere. However, the resorts of the Three Valleys have a reputation for being overly expensive. Indeed, a trip for a week to a five-star hotel in Courchevel will cost a round sum. But besides this resort (where, however, you can also find very democratic housing), there are many other opportunities in the Three Valleys. Even for travel on a budget.

Many do not perceive the Three Valleys as a system of resorts where you can confidently go at the beginning or end of the season. Although, if you take a closer look, it turns out: for example, the season in Val Thorens opens in November and closes on May 9th. And if you go to Val Thorens in early December or mid-January, in other words, in the low season, you can take advantage of all kinds of discounts on accommodation, ski passes and other services. And the resort itself is located at an altitude of 2300 m, the highest in Europe. Despite the fact that Val Thorens was built specifically for skiers, there is something to do here for those who are tired of skiing or are generally indifferent. The resort has a huge sports center, many hotels and apartment complexes have modern SPA centers. Val Thorens has had a reputation for being a gourmet destination for many years. The “fault” is, first of all, the elegant restaurant L’Oxalys, located in the hotel of the same name. Gourmet and unusual dishes are created by Jean Sulpice, the youngest Michelin-starred chef in Savoy (Jean recently received a second Michelin star). To get acquainted, it is recommended to take a tasting menu, then you will not have to rack your brains over the choice of suitable wines: it has already been done for you.

In dishes Sulpica combines the traditions of Savoyard cuisine, original seasonings in a bizarre way, and the dishes themselves are remembered not only for their delicious taste, but also for their unusual accents. Despite his Michelin status, Jean Sulpice likes to go out to the guests, talk with them and, together with his sommelier wife, recommend the best wines. And for those who want to learn how to cook his dishes, Jean holds cooking classes once a week. Les Menuires was founded in the 1960s, when the concept of "cheap high-rise buildings is the best option for a ski resort" prevailed in French resorts. Today, the Menuire is a mixture of traditional chalets and not-too-pretty concrete buildings.

But in Menuire, unlike its neighbors, you can find very inexpensive accommodation options, and the price level here is much lower than that of the neighbors. In addition, this resort is constantly evolving and offers a lot of interesting things for families with children. Les Menuires is in onevalley with Val Thorens. Those who cannot imagine a winter holiday without old chalets should settle down in the village of Saint-Martin de Belleville located just below the slope, connected to Les Menuires by a lift. The hotels built in recent years were designed for skiing "to the door", the tracks were laid with the expectation of the maximum variety of terrain and the highest level of safety, and most of them have a southern exposure. There are about 160 km of own tracks around Les Menuires, and if you take into account the system of lifts that connect all the resorts of the Three Valleys, if you wish, you can ride all 600 km of this region. It is not surprising that with such open spaces, the designers of the resort spared no space for beginners. The special section of La Croisette is completely at the mercy of kids and beginners - this is a full-fledged skiing area of ​​​​5000 sq. m. All lifts in this area are free, the slopes are simple, wide and even. La Croisette also has the largest of the local ski schools - ESF, there is a Schtrumpfs children's park, which accepts babies from the age of three months. It is no coincidence that the resort is marked with the Famille Plus brand - this “quality mark” marks the best resorts for families with children.

Alps squared

Les Deux Alpes is located at the foot of one of the largest glaciers in Europe. As in the neighboring Alpe d'Huez, it is better to get here not from Geneva, but from Grenoble - this is 109 km from the airport (part of the path goes along a serpentine). The resort itself stretches along the bottom of the valley - a walk from one end to the other will take about half an hour. Les Deux Alpes does not boast traditional Alpine architecture with many cozy log chalets, modern buildings or a mixture of styles are more common here. The liveliest part of the resort is the central street, which is full of bars and pubs, shops and restaurants. In Les Deux Alpes, you can ride from a fairly high height - the upper tow lifts tourists almost 3.5 km. Good snow cover, as a rule, lasts the whole season not only on the glacier, but also below, in the resort itself. The season here is very long - from the beginning of December to the end of April.

On the glacier there are simple and wide trails, suitable for beginners - blue and red. From the top of the glacier you can get to La Grave - the Mecca of extreme skiers. For the sake of visiting La Grave, freeride lovers go to Les Deux Alpes and its surroundings, because this is a unique place specially preserved in its original form for thrill-seekers and real extreme sports lovers. The Les Deux Alpes ski area (225 km of slopes) is interesting for almost everyone: there are enough slopes above the resort for beginners and intermediate skiers, and experts will find interesting freeride routes. The resort is the first European center for new school and snowboarding.

The slopes are equipped with a modern snow park and a Slide freestyle area, where you can train jumps, ski acrobatics and all kinds of tricks. Les Deux Alpes has been hosting major snowboarding and freestyle competitions for many years in a row. Special sectors for beginner snowboarders and freestylers operate on the slopes of the resort. Having mastered the slopes of the resort, you can go to your neighbors - a ski pass for 6 days or more gives you the opportunity to ski in Alpe d'Huez for 2 days, one day each in the resorts of Serre Chevalier, Puy-Saint-Vincent, Montgenevre and in the Italian Via Lattea (Sestriere resort ).

Paradise for beginners

The Paradiski ski area, which unites the resorts of La Plagne and Les Arcs, is 420 km of slopes. La Plagne is a generalized concept, there is no village with that name. This is the name of a rather large region, uniting many different villages scattered along the slopes. Plagne-Centre, Plagne-Belcote, Plagne-le-Soleil, Belle-Plagne and other Plany, and standing apart (the most remote from the center) the villages of Montalbert and Champagne-en-Vanouse. La Plagne, as well as the neighboring (connected to it by tracks) region of Les Arcs, is the result of the ski au pieds concept that was fashionable in France in the 70s (skiing from the threshold). Almost all the residences built at that time (as apartment complexes are called in France) are located on a slope, so you can ski right at the door and literally return to your balcony. Instead of the usual chalets with gable roofs, at that time it was customary to cost high-rise buildings with inexpensive apartments. Someone still considers this an "architectural crime", but those who appreciate good skating "from the door" are ready to turn a blind eye to the not too picturesque appearance of some buildings. In addition, in recent years, beautiful hotels and cozy chalets built of wood and stone have appeared in almost every village of Paradiski. Not to mention the new resort of the region - Les Arcs 1950.

This cozy village is like a picture from an American western. Only 4-star hotels and residences, no nondescript buildings and unpretentious apartments. Les Arcs 1950 was originally built as a luxury resort, right on the slope. It is small in area, but is always very popular with wealthy tourists and families with children. Teenagers will not be bored in Les Arcs either: the ski and snowboard schools in the region have special programs for those who love freestyle or want to improve their skills.

National teams from different countries come to train in the huge modern Apocalypse snowpark. However, there is a place for beginners as well: there are obstacles in the park that are accessible even to children. Just be prepared for the fact that you will not be able to take them out of the park later - this is not an easy task. The village of Montchavan Le Coche is also conveniently located - it is located just below the Vanoise Express cable car station, which allows you to ride both Les Arcs and La Plagne without wasting time. Actually, Montchavant is quite often chosen by families with different levels of training and / or children with a large age difference. While beginners train on the flat slopes near the village, snowboarders and freeriders can quickly get to the snow park and the most interesting slopes. Everyone gets pleasure.