Few parts of the world are quite as beautiful and inspiring as the French Alps during winter. If you’re looking for a trip that provides plenty of jaw-dropping scenery and offers well-developed modern facilities and a sustainable ethos, then ski holidays in France are a fairly obvious choice.
Winter wonderland awaits in the French Alps. By Steve Jurvetson – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/39444567322/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=110827350
Iconic Ski Resorts in the French Alps
A number of French resorts command respect throughout the skiing world. Many of them are interconnected. This means that you’ll be able to travel from one valley to the next. One can enjoy enough variety to get you through weeks, or even months, of time at the resort.
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Among the best options are Chamonix, which is perfect for experienced skiers looking for a challenge; Val d’Isère, which offers access to more than a thousand hectares of piste; and Courchevel, which appeals to skiers of all levels.
Snow Conditions & Ski Seasons
The higher the resort is, the more reliable the snowfall will tend to be. For this reason, high-altitude resorts like Val Thorens and Tignes offer extended ski seasons. In some cases, you can book a trip as late as May, and still enjoy excellent conditions.
Before you head out, however, you’ll want to be sure that the conditions are right. In some cases, the quality of the snow might determine your route through the resort.
Après-Ski Culture & Gastronomy
Different French resorts tend to offer slightly different après-ski experiences. For best results, it’s a good idea to look for bars and restaurants that reflect your preferences, and French culture. If you’re looking for lively nightlife, then Val d’Isère might interest you; if you want fine dining, Courchevel might be a better bet. Assess your options before you head out, and book accordingly.
Sustainable Skiing Practices
Over the years, the French skiing authorities have implemented a number of practices and technologies designed to preserve the environment, and keep the skiing reliable. In recent times, however, there’s been a marked downturn in development, with local administrative courts blocking development plans both in l’Alpe-d’Huez and Le Grand-Bornand.
The use of artificial snow is also being questioned, thanks largely to a surge in reliance on it. It’s not all bad news as far as sustainability is concerned, however: the ‘Flocon Vert’ (or ‘green snowflake’) label is being increasingly used to guarantee that resorts remain sustainable, through the use of renewable energy, efficient (slower) chairlifts, and other measures.
