France has many huge ski resorts. It even boasts the largest ski resorts in the world! Hundreds of kilometres of slopes are the rule rather than the exception. Moreover, the mountain peaks are at high altitudes, so you don't have to worry about snow security. If you enjoy long skiing trips, France is the place to be! However, always take a piste map with you and make sure you are in time for the last lift back to your base. Below we listed the 10 largest ski resorts in France.
Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires are all ski villages located in the Les Trois Vallées ski area, accessible with one ski pass. With 600 kilometres of slopes, this is one of the largest ski areas in the world. A complete ski universe awaits you in Savoie, with more than 150 lifts and 2,100 snow cannons.
Les Portes du Soleil boasts 600 kilometres of piste that spread across France and Switzerland. This mega area is home to well-known destinations such as Avoriaz, Châtel, Morzine and Champéry. Here you can make a wonderful circuit that is also doable for light skiers. If you are looking for a challenge, try out the infamous 'Swiss Wall'.
The ski resort of Evasion Mont-Blanc lies in the shadow of the Alps' highest mountain, Mont Blanc. Its 445 kilometres of slopes run mostly through forests. There are also excellent opportunities for cross-country skiers. The authentic and fashionable village of Megève is part of the region and well worth a visit.
The ski resort of Paradiski belongs to the villages of La Plagne and Les Arcs. They are located in different valleys and connected by the distinctive Vanoise Express. The ski area boasts 425 kilometres of slopes and is very snow-sure due to the Bellecôte glacier that reaches an altitude of 3,250 metres.
The ski resort of Via Lattea boasts 400 kilometres of slopes. Only 20 % of its slopes are on French territory, while the rest are in Italy. The French village of Montgenèvre is located at an altitude of 1,860 metres. It is an excellent base for beginners and advanced skiers. In 2006, the slopes of Via Lattea hosted the alpine skiing competitions of the Winter Olympics in Turin.
The ski resort of Les Sybelles is located in the heart of Savoie. It boasts 310 kilometres of slopes and is known for beautiful views, excellent slopes and a friendly atmosphere. This destination is also popular with families as certain parts of this region have the 'Famille Plus' label for family-friendly destinations.
Val d'Isère and Tignes are two very popular destinations, praised among many winter sports enthusiasts. The Tignes-Val d'Isère ski resort will satisfy all your needs. With two glaciers, 300 kilometres of slopes and off-piste possibilities, there's not much more one could wish for.
Le Grand Massif is a versatile ski area with 265 km of slopes located in Haute Savoie, between the valleys of Giffre and Arve. It is connected to the villages of Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoëns, Sixt Fer à Cheval and Morillon.
Serre-Chevalier describes a group of ski villages and its ski area located close to Briançon. Its more southern location makes for an optimal climate - enough snow and plenty of sunshine. The Serre-Chevalier ski area boasts 250 kilometres of slopes that reach a maximum altitude of 2,800 metres.
With 250 kilometres of slopes, L'Alpe d'Huez is currently ranking #10 among France's largest ski resorts. But chances are the ski resort will climb up the ladder in the coming years as major changes have been announced recently. The ski area will be modernised, and a lift connection will be established with the nearby ski area of Les Deux Alpes. As if that were not enough, they are also thinking of connecting L'Alpe d'Huez and the Les Sybelles ski area in the future.
I grew up in Slovenia, close to the Julian Alps. Early on, my parents put me on skis and skates, and the winter sports enthusiasm hasn't left me since. I also enjoy cross-country skiing and have been a keen snowboarder for the past 20 years.
