When it comes to France, we Brits tend to keep heading back to the same old ski areas. OK, they are great, but France actually has more than 200 ski areas, so there are plenty more French ski resorts to choose from. Many are big areas too, and they have the bonus of usually being more affordable. And with fewer English voices to be heard, you feel like you’re in the “real” France.
Here are five of the best French ski resorts if you fancy somewhere a little different:
St Sorlin d’Arves
The Sybelles ski region has quietly become one of the largest in France – and indeed Europe and possibly even the world – with over 300km of runs. Easy to reach from the Chambéry, Lyon or Geneva airports, St Sorlin is one of the higher and more snow-sure villages of the six that are linked by pistes and lifts. The 3★ Résidence Les Fermes de St Sorlin at the foot of the slopes includes the largest indoor pool in the resort of St Sorlin as well as two saunas and two Jacuzzis.
Les Orres
Located in the Hautes-Alpes region, Les Orres offers 100km of terrain for all abilities and great panoramic views from its larch-lined slopes where you can enjoy the sunshine of the Southern Alps. Located 1650m above sea level with north-west-facing slopes, it’s famed for its snow quality which, combined with the Southern climate, is a winning package! The 4★ Résidence Les Balcons Des Airelles sits just 100m from the piste and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and sunny south-facing balconies. It’s accessible via the Turin, Grenoble or Marseille airports.
Valmeinier
For a taste of the “real” France, Valmeinier, which shares around 160km of ski runs with neighbouring Valloire, is an authentic village with a rich heritage that’s easy to access from the Chambéry, Lyon or Geneva airports. Enjoy great views and a spa with a Jacuzzi and sauna at the 4★ Residence Le Vermont in spacious, good-quality apartments located just 50m from the slopes.
Vaujany
You may already know Vaujany’s ski area, as it’s the huge and exciting terrain around the resort of Alpe d’Huez, which extends to 250km of piste over more than 2,000 vertical metres – one of the world’s 10 biggest lift-served verts. The skiing includes the world’s longest black run (it’s more of a red, really), the 10km-long Sarenne. Vaujany, which is a short transfer from the Chambéry, Lyon or Grenoble airports, is an unspoilt, traditional village with a big, fast cable car connecting it to the ski circuit. For an affordable stay at a good location for the cable car, Les Valmonts de Vaujany has its own wellness centre with sauna and hammam.
St Lary
If you fancy heading down to the French Pyrenees to enjoy some sunshine with your snow and a laidback Southern French/Spanish atmosphere, St Lary, originally a spa resort and still a charming village resort with traditional stone and wood-faced architecture, has some of the best skiing in the area and is easy to reach from Toulouse–Blagnac Airport. The Résidence Cami Real is centrally located just 300m from both the resort’s spa centre and the gondola up to the slopes.
Special French Ski Resorts offer for InTheSnow readers !
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