Ski Accommodation Overview of France

Looking for ski accommodation in France?

You’re in the right place ̶ with a ski holiday heritage that stretches back to 1932 and a founder who invented the ski chalet break, no one knows French ski accommodation better than Erna Low.

The French Alps is the ultimate snowsports playground for many skiers and snowboarders, with several huge lift-linked ski areas full of diverse resorts offering well-groomed pistes, freestyle areas and snow parks aplenty, as well as excellent apres-ski and a range of off-slope activities.

When we find you the right accommodation for every member of your party, it takes your French ski holiday to the next level of satisfaction ̶ whether you prefer the independence of a self-catering apartment or the onsite luxuries of a ski hotel. Furthermore, we can locate accommodation with doorstep skiing which is close to village amenities, or a quiet residence on the fringes which is a little more private and exclusive.

As you’d expect, we have the best places to lay your head and recharge your batteries in renowned French ski areas like Espace Killy, Grand Massif, Paradiski, Portes du Soleil, The Three Valleys and more.

So if you’re yearning for a plush pad in high-altitude havens Tignes or Val d’Isère, want an apartment that’s an ideal base for exploring the 265km of skiing available in Grand Massif resorts like Flaine, Morillon or Samoëns, or chalet-style accommodation in Three Valleys hotspots like party town Val Thorens (Europe’s highest ski resort) or foodie magnet Courchevel, Erna Low always delivers.

Another great factor to consider with ski accommodation in France is that the general standard is so high that many reasonably-priced accommodations have facilities that would be regarded as luxuries elsewhere ̶ such as onsite pools, spas and wellness centres where you can relax and unwind in between sessions on the slopes. Furthermore, for those days when you can’t be bothered prepping a snack in your kitchenette or heading out to a local café, many resorts have bakery delivery services which ensure that you and your clan have a hot croissant or pain au chocolat under your belt before heading out to conquer the mountains.

Whatever your budget, requirements and preferences, trust Erna Low to get your French ski accommodation right first time, every time!

Ski chalets in France

There’s something so cosy and romantic about the classic Alpine A-frame chalet that never fails to warm the cockles of your heart.

From the solid stone base and the intricately carved wooden balconies to the snow-covered roof that’s the icing on the cake, every element of the chalet is a brilliant blend of rustic style and mountain practicality. While the basic chalet silhouette has changed little from the days when their sole purpose was as shelter for cows and shepherds, interiors are no longer covered in hay and packed with farming tools (thankfully!) but instead feature roaring log fires, comfy bedrooms and bathrooms with all the mod cons.

Some of the chalet-style accommodation you’ll find in France borrows architectural features of the chalet for the exterior, but the building interior is split into several self-contained apartments or suites and furnishings vary from traditional to contemporary.

Here are a few of our favourite chalet-style accommodation options from across our selection of French Alps ski resorts:

• Le Chalet des Arolles in Arc 2000 is handily located just 30m from the free Rhodos drag lift, which whisks you up to the slopes in no time at all, while the centre of the village is also only a five-minute walk away. The complex comprises several chalets split into salubrious apartments with comfy, traditional Savoyard décor and your apartment will either have a scenic view of the mountains or the ski slopes. Facilities in this fab residence include a sauna, steam room, gym and indoor heated swimming pool, free Wi-Fi is available throughout and you’re in close proximity to quality bars and restaurants.

• Le Chalet du Vallon is definitely worth considering when you’re looking for ski accommodation in Belle Plagne. Chalet-style apartments are available with 2-5 bedrooms sleeping 6-10 comfortably and there are comfy living rooms as well as ample baths, showers and WCs ̶ no need to queue for the facilities before you head off to the slopes in the morning! Located at 2050m at the entrance to Belle Plagne, this classy residence is a stone’s throw from the shops and amenities in the resort centre. Apartments are decked out on superb Savoie mountain style, with lots of plush furnishings and warm autumnal colours, and configurations are available for 6,8, and 10 guests. There’s an onsite relaxation centre which you can use for an additional fee and it has a therapeutic sauna and wonderful whirlpool bath.

• Les Chalets de Jouvence in Les Carroz is a chic apartment hotel in authentic chalet style, and it has much to recommend it. This complex comprises eight discrete chalets close to the pistes, designed with comfort and style in mind. Balconies provide brilliant views of the surrounding scenery and there’s an onsite fitness room, sauna, steam bath, and heated covered pool. But that’s not all ̶ the Ô des Cimes wellbeing centre is the jewel in the crown and offers a wide range of cathartic beauty treatments. Apartments have free Wi-Fi access, large screen TVs and spa baths as standard, so you can spoil yourself in your room if you can’t be bothered venturing further afield.

These three chalet accommodations are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of ski accommodation in France, but they should serve to whet your appetite for your holiday ahead!

Ski apartments in France

The beauty of ski apartments in France is that they combine the homely comfort of a chalet with some of the luxuries of a hotel, all delightfully infused with the freedom of independent living.

Ski apartments are also perfectly set up for the new normal since (if it’s your preference) they’re ideal for a self-drive, self-catering break where you travel and holiday exclusively in your own familial bubble.

But you might also simply appreciate the flexibility inherent in apartment living ̶ you can rest and play to your own timetable, prep and eat meals together and venture out into your ski village to sample the apres-ski or children’s entertainment when the mood takes you. You’ve got all the advantages of home life, minus the everyday hassles!

Sounds pretty sweet? Take a look at a few of our favourite ski apartments in France:

• Les Bergers Ski Residence in Alpe d’Huez is the ideal base for exploring this popular powdery paradise. This is a Famille Montagne Plus-rated ski resort, and aptly, Les Bergers is set up superbly for families. This four-star residence with outdoor heated swimming pool boasts attractive wooden facades and scenic balconies, is located just 100m from the ski lifts and even has its own onsite restaurant, ‘La Fondue’, serving sumptuous local fare. Les Bergers is also a short stroll from the ski resort shops, has an onsite bar where you can slake your thirst after a busy day on the pistes and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout.

• Saskia Falaise in Avoriaz is an attractive apartment complex in this high-altitude, snow-sure, car-free resort which is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area and combines cutting-edge skiing and snowboarding with authentic Alpine charm. Located in the beating heart of the resort, this complex comprises nine exceptionally well-designed buildings with warm and ambient apartments which maximise natural light to create an awesome ambience, as well as offering majestic mountain views. This is also a convenient location for attractions like the Aquariaz water park and the beauty and wellness treatments available at the plush Deep Nature Spa. Apartment and studio configurations are available which sleep between 4-6 guests in comfort.

• La Forêt in Flaine is an apartment complex with a contemporary grey flint façade that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape. Located in the quiet upper sector of Flaine on the edge of a forest, but still only 100m from the ski lifts, this brilliant bolthole offers the best of both worlds, with serene suites where you can rest up between exciting sessions on the slopes and a warm friendly reception area with a roaring log fire, pool tables and a children’s play area. Wi-Fi is available throughout this ski-in/ski-out residence, pets are allowed (provided you’ve secured the required paperwork) and there’s a wellness centre to keep mind, body and soul in tip-top condition.

If ski apartments in France sound right up your street, please contact us for a recommendation!

Ski hotels in France

If you like feeling spoiled during your French ski holiday, staying at a hotel is probably your best bet in terms of accommodation. When you’re not resting in your lovely suite you can enjoy gorgeous Gallic or international cuisine at the inhouse restaurant, splash around in the pool, unwind all the way in the sauna or hammam and socialise at the bar over a cold beer, fine wine or cool cocktail. Here are a few top-rated French ski hotels from our collection:

• Hotel Village Montana is a terrific Tignes accommodation where you and your family will enjoy living in the lap of luxury for the duration of your trip. Rooms are designed in chic yet comfy contemporary Alpine style, blending traditional stone and wood features with more modern fixtures and fittings, and this ski-in/ski-out residence is very close to the beginner’s area in this awesome high-altitude resort. Les Bains du Montana spa is onsite and features a jacuzzi, sauna, relaxation room and heated Nordic swimming pool, while Les Chanterelles restaurant serves lip-smacking French food fused fabulously with exotic international flavours. All rooms have Wi-Fi as standard, you’re provided with a comfy dressing gown and slippers and baby cots and chairs are available on request.

• Hotel Le Kashmir in lofty Val Thorens is located at the entrance to this famous Three Valleys ski resort which unlocks over 600km of skiable terrain for you to explore. The décor is in the lush, exotic style of the Kashmir area, practically every suite offers panoramic mountain views and you’re conveniently located at the foot of the slopes. There’s a convivial bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink, the onsite Beef & Lobster restaurant excels in surf and turf delicacies and the sun-kissed terrace is the perfect place to sip sundowner cocktails while soaking up the sublime views of the Cime Caron. There’s also a well-appointed relaxation area here, with pool, hot tub, fitness room and sauna, plus you can treat yourself to a wide range of wellness and beauty therapies.

• Hotel Carlina Residence in Belle Plagne is a highly-rated 4-star accommodation option perched at 2100m in a prime position for exploring La Plagne and the wider Paradiski area. There are 44 plush bedrooms here, 5 roomy apartments and three high-end chalets to choose from. The ‘Residence’ section of the complex has five spacious apartments with panoramic views of the snow-crested mountains and each is equipped with a modern kitchen for prepping tasty snacks and a cosy open-plan living/dining room where you can gather together at the end of a thrilling day on the slopes and share tales of your latest Alpine adventures. What’s more, each apartments boasts its own sauna and ski storage area with a boot dryer and direct access so that you can ski in and ski out. The hotel’s communal spa area has a hammam, sauna, jacuzzi and heated indoor swimming pool, while the onsite restaurant with sun terrace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner lovingly prepared by skilled resident chefs.

Ski hotels in France always go the extra mile to ensure guests feel completely satisfied and these quality establishments merely offer a taster of what’s available across the Alps!

Facilities & Amenities in French ski resorts

For many skiers and snowboarders, the hospitality available in the French Alps is pretty much peerless and every resort has something special to offer children and adults alike.

In terms of apres-ski, you’re spoiled for choice: Val d’Isère is home to the original Folie Douce cabaret bar (there are now several outlets of this famous après brand across the Alps) as well as the legendary Dicks Tea Bar, Meribel has ‘the Ronnie’ (as those in the know call Le Rond Point pub) and O’Sullivan’s Irish bar, and Alpe d’Huez has Lounge 21 with its exotic barbecue meats and strong shots.

However, every resort has its own distinct offering, whether that’s slanted to the more laid-back side or primed for partying, and don’t forget that you’re in the home of haute cusine, which means that everything tastes especially delicious, whether it’s a cup of vin chaud from a roadside stall, a croque monsieur from a café or a slap up meal from a Michelin-starred emporium.

Many resorts are set up superbly for kids too, with ski schools like the highly-rated ESF providing lessons for all ages and kindergartens and qualified nannies aplenty. Furthermore, if you want that extra layer of reassurance, look for the Famille Plus Montagne label, the official seal of approval for family-friendly French ski resorts. Several excellent resorts have this accreditation, including Alpe d’Huez, Avoriaz 1800, Courchevel, Flaine, La Plagne, La Rosiere, Morillon and Morzine.

Off the slopes, French ski areas offer a wide range of alternative entertainment, including laser tag, ten-pin bowling, husky dog sledging, tobogganing, igloo experiences, ice grottos and more.

Whether you’re holidaying in France as a solo skier, active couple or lively family, you’re in for a real treat every time.

Selecting your ideal French ski accommodation

By now it’ll be obvious that there’s a wide range of ski accommodation in France available through Erna Low and (especially if you’re a first-timer) the choice can feel a bit bamboozling.

However, with generations of experience in snowsports hospitality and staff who have all spent at least one season living and working in ski resorts, no one knows the French Alps inside out like Erna Low, so it’s an absolute pleasure to help you narrow down your choice.

We’ll help you work out which lift-linked ski area and resort best meets the needs of every member of your ski travel party and which accommodation matches your taste, requirements and budget. Whether you want a luxury chalet experience, a value-focused apartment, or something in between, we can get you set up swiftly and securely.

Whenever you want reliable, quality and cost-effective French ski accommodation, think Erna Low every time!

Ready For Fantastic French Ski Accommodation? Contact Us To Book!