Take a trip around the biggest ski areas in France

Overview

The French Alps are home to some of the world’s largest ski areas. There’s hardly a better ski destination for you, if you’re aiming to stack up those mileage numbers on the slopes. Brad Keens, Group Account Manager with NUCO Travels, knows all too well about these areas. He delves into his experiences and shares some valuable insights in his blog entry. Enjoy!

Three Valleys

Val Thorens, Courchevel, Méribel, and Les Menuires - all under one ski pass! These world-renowned resorts sit nestled, high above sea level, hugged by Les 3 Vallées. Topping the list as the largest ski resort in France, the Three Valleys offers over 600km of piste, reliable snowfall, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. As the valley with the highest ski resort in Europe, you can expect one of the longest ski reasons available, running for a whopping 150 days.

The Three Valleys is a vast expanse of snowy-goodness, branching out over 20km (as the crow flies), with a mix of beginner-to-pro runs. It’s so large, it could fit the five largest US resorts into it’s ski area alone. Catering for the new skiers out there, it makes it a great choice for anyone starting their snow sports journey. The Three Valleys has a wide range of green and blue runs, with plenty of local amenities, which means you’re never left wanting for access to those all precious lunch time spots! With 50% of the runs being green/blue and the other 50% being red/black, it’s the perfect alchemy bringing the Three Valley’s it’s chemistry.

Beyond it’s piste markers lies the very asservation of more than just a days skiing; the breath-taking experience of the Three Valleys’ off-piste selection. Any mountain guide or ESF instructor will happily support you, ensuring your safety whilst you glide through the fresh powder beyond the piste’s restraints. They may even venture to those hidden-gems that all seasoned professionals know about.

If you’ve got a little pair of legs to look after, there is no shortage of family fun. The Three valley’s feature a plethora of features for those smaller skiers, including the Yeti Park, the Piste des Inuits/Animaux, or the Fun Park in Courchevel. Whatever you’re looking for, the Three Valley’s has it, and has it in abundance. Look no further this winter, Head over to the Erna Low website to explore your options and build your perfect ski package.

Portes du Soleil

Two countries, two cultures, one shared love of snow. The Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski resorts in France and Switzerland, combines both the French Chablais and the Swiss Valais regions, covering over 600km. In one day’s ride, you can stream your way across the immaculate slopes of France, falling into Switzerland, and back again in time for a vin chaud. The Portues du Soleil’s boundless breadth offers a real door-to-snow experience, with a range of possibilities. Ski (or board) along pine forests, groomed slopes, or freeride tracks - it really is a wonderland for all skillsets.

For any freestyle fans, the area boasts 11 snowparks, and 4 boardercross around resort, featuring big air jumps, wall rides, raised bends, and air bags. It’s the perfect place to hone your skills, from youngster to adventurous adult, the new Jake Burton-inspired give snowriders multiple routes through Les Lindarets forest past (and over) some unforgettable wooden sculptures.

You may need to brush up on your snow sport ability before taking on any jumps. If that’s the case, the Portes du Soleil has numerous activities for beginners, including a designated learning area in each of it’s 12 resorts. This gives all those new-starters the confidence to practice their skills without the worry of others. Situated a short distance from Geneva, the Portes du Soleil makes a great choice for those shorter trips, and family holidays in one of the biggest ski resorts in France. Don’t miss out.

Paradiski

264 tracks, 3250 meters of altitude, 425 kilometers of skiable area. That’s what awaits you in the Paradiski area.

Paradiski is an exclusive and limitless playarea for all keen skiers and snowboarders. With it’s unique sense of accessibility to families, and all those who wish to involve themselves in snow sports.

It’s piste ride the whole spectrum, from wide ranging blues, to those all important blacks to cater for any advanced skier. Taking advantage of the latest technology, Paradiski features the most recent, and top-level performance lifts, carrying holiday goers quicker than ever before. Using Paradiski’s very own Yuge app, you’re able to check the queues on each lift, before committing yourself to a wait to reach the top.

With 3 quarters of it’s piste above 2000m, Paradiski boats reliable snowfall all year round. For any of those lower points, the latest snow cannons are at hand to top up any of those patchy points. Two glaciers well above 3000m provide a expansive and graceful run right through the valley; definitely on the bucket list!

With four airports in close proximity, Paradiski is one of the largest ski resorts in France, and the most accessible! Fly into Lyon, Geneva, Grenoble, or Chambéry and have less than 2 and a half hours ride up to resort. Head over to our website to find out more.

Ready to book your adventure to one of France's large ski areas? Call us now on 020 7584 2841 to speak to our knowledgeable team who will build your perfect package.