Skiing is an activity that provides a great basis for a fantastic holiday. It doesn’t matter if you are an adrenaline junkie or not, it doesn’t matter if you have skied before or you have not, everybody can go at their own pace and their own level. Plus, ski holidays are widely associated with luxury due to the stunning chalets and beautiful scenery.
France is a highly popular place for ski holidays, and this blog post will reveal the best resorts in France to stay for a ski vacation. With so many different resorts for you to choose from, it is only natural that you may be feeling a bit perplexed regarding which one to select. So, let’s take a look at three resorts that will never disappoint…
Chamonix
Chamonix is located in the South East of France, in the Rhone-Alpes region, and it has been open for 95 years. This is a place that attracts keen skiers – or extreme skiers – because it boasts the highest European mountain to the west of Russia. Nevertheless, extreme skiing is not a necessity, so don’t let that put you off. While 35 per cent of the mountain is for advanced runs, there is another 35 per cent for intermediate, and 15 per cent for beginners. Another reason why Chamonix is so popular and famous is that it has an outstanding cable car. The cable car goes up to the Aiguille du Midi Mountain – that means it takes a 12,605 ft trip. It was the highest cable car in the world when it was constructed. Last year, the resort was open for 158 days, and it is projected to be open for 168 days in 2019. In 2018, there were 11 days of total snowfall in Chamonix, with 128 cm falling during this period. The summit here is 3275 m, with a base of 1042 m, meaning there is a 2233 m vertical drop.
Meribel
Meribel is a fantastic ski resort found in the Tarentaise Valley, in the Savoy region of France. The Tarentaise Valley is actually home to the largest concentration of ski resorts on a global basis. Meribel provides a picture-perfect experience. There are some beautiful towns nearby, combining a friendly feel with breathtaking scenery and sights. The accommodation is to die for as well. Take a look at Les Bartavelles in Meribel to see an example of the sort of luxury accommodation you can expect when taking a holiday here. This is a great resort for the family because skiing is available at all levels, with 40 per cent of the runs suitable to intermediates skiers, and there are other fantastic activities to enjoy as well. There is even the option of disabled skiing as well, and so no one is excluded on weekend ski holidays to Meribel. The summit here is 2952 m, with a base of 1100 m, meaning there is a 1852 m vertical drop. The resort is expected to be open for 140 days this year.
La Tania
La Tania is one of the more recent ski resorts you can travel to, as it was only developed in 1992 – just over 25 years ago. La Tania was born for the purpose of the Albertville Olympics and can be found in Les Trois Vallees, more specifically the Courchevel area. This is the perfect ski resort for those who are looking for a tranquil and relaxing break. You can enjoy skiing, experience the stunning and traffic-free town, and soak in the beautiful sights and ambience. There is a real community feel surrounding La Tania and most people positively comment on the atmosphere. With regards to skiing, there is a lot of fun to be had. There is a free beginner’s drag lift, and an area benefitting from snow cannons, meaning that it can be used all season long. The summit here is 2732 m, with a base of 1350 m, meaning there is a 1382 m vertical drop.
If you are planning a ski weekend away this year, then you should definitely consider the three locations mentioned in this blog post. They are assured to provide you with an experience you will cherish dearly for the rest of your life, and you never know; you may find yourself going back there next year. Of course, France is not the only option when it comes to amazing skiing opportunities in Europe. Both Austria and Switzerland are pretty good too.