France is a country steeped in skiing heritage, with some of Europe's finest ski resorts. You can explore the best French Alps ski resorts, including Europe's highest-altitude ski resort, Val Thorens. Ensure you get the most out of your ski holidays in France by choosing one of the top 10 French ski resorts.

Explore French ski resorts that cater to all levels of experience, from beginner-friendly resorts to some of the most challenging black runs in the world. Whether you’re heading for a family ski holiday or getting away to challenge yourself on mountain slopes, we have the perfect resort for you. 

We spoke with our experts at The Snow Centre, and in this guide to the 10 best ski resorts in France, you'll discover:

  • Val Thornes 
  • Tignes
  • Avoriaz Ski Resort
  • Morzine Ski Resort
  • Samoens Ski Resort
  • Chamonix Ski Resort
  • La Plagne Ski Resort
  • La Clusaz Ski Resort
  • Les Arcs Ski Resort
  • Grenoble Ski Resort
  • How The Snow Centre can get you ready to tackle your ski holiday in France.

1. Val Thornes

The highest ski resort in Europe has a base elevation of 2,300 metres. It's famed for its black runs that can prove a tricky task for even the most experienced of skiers. Despite being known for its advanced black runs, Val Thorens has plenty on offer for skiers of all abilities and, due to its high altitude, operates with an extended ski season, opening in November and remaining open until May. 

  • The highest ski resort in Europe.
  • Famed for its black runs that challenge even experienced skiers.
  • Ski runs for all abilities. 
  • Extended ski season runs from November through to May.

2. Tignes

One of the most popular ski resorts in France, Tignes has 300km of slopes for you to explore, ranging from gentle green runs perfect for beginners to steeper advanced runs designed to challenge advanced skiers. Tignes offers reliable snow conditions throughout the ski season.  

  • Popular ski resort.
  • 300km of slopes for all abilities. 
  • Reliable snow conditions throughout the ski season.

3. Avoriaz Ski Resort

Sitting at 1,800 metres, Avorias ski resort straddles the border between France and Switzerland, located in the Portes du Soleil, one of the world's largest ski areas covering 600km of slopes. With the highest average snowfall in all of France, you won't be lacking for fresh blankets to ski down. With different runs designed for all kinds of abilities, there's something for everyone at Avoriaz.

  • On the border of France and Switzerland.
  • Located in Portes du Soleil, one of the world's largest skiing areas.
  • Sees the highest average snowfall in all of France. 
  • Runs for all abilities.

4. Morzine Ski Resort

Like Avoriaz, Morzine also sits in the Portes du Soleil, providing varied terrains that cover all levels of experience and ability. With access to 600km of slopes to explore and a beautiful Alpine town filled with traditional chalets, you can experience the Morzine ski resort and enjoy a thrilling day on the slopes before retiring for some après ski in the lively town. 

  • On the border of France and Switzerland.
  • Differing terrains that cover all levels of experience and ability. 
  • 600km of slopes to enjoy.
  • Lively Alpine town filled with restaurants and bars.

5. Samoens Ski Resort

Samoens offers one of the best ski resorts for families. The Samoens ski resort provides excellent access to 265km of linked slopes in the Grand Massiff ski area. This old school village makes the perfect base for families looking to head to the heart of the slopes of the best beginner zone in the Grand Mastiff area. The slopes are lined with trees that protect them from the weather. 

  • Great for families.
  • Access to 265km of linked slopes.
  • Located in the Grand Mastiff ski area.
  • Slopes are protected from the elements by tall trees.  

6. Chamonix Ski Resort

Skiers flock from around the world to the Chamonix ski resort due to its renowned reputation for the challenging off-piste terrain. Fancy keeping your skis on-piste? There are 173km of marked pistes for you to explore that offer a challenge for all skiers. You should be considered an advanced skier to enjoy skiing in Chamonix due to the lack of beginner runs. A lively après village in Chamonix is packed with bars and clubs that await you after a day on the slopes.

  • A world-famous ski resort.
  • Great on and off-piste skiing available.
  • Lack of beginner slopes.
  • Aimed towards advanced skiers.

7. La Plagne Ski Resort

Comprising 10 separate villages, La Plagne ski resort offers exceptional skiing experiences for skiers of all abilities with 225km of slopes to choose from. Explore gentle pistes or push yourself on more challenging terrain; there is even off-piste skiing to discover, with most guests not even knowing it exists. You can tackle these expert steep slopes that deliver a thrilling ride that can't be matched. La Plagne has so much to offer, from beginner-friendly and expert pushing slopes to being spoilt for choice when it comes to après ski.

  • 10 villages in the resort.
  • Great skiing for all abilities.
  • Off-piste runs for expert skiers.

8. La Clusaz Ski Resort

Nestled in the quiet, small, scenic village of La Clusaz, this ski resort offers access to a large skiing area that crosses five mountains. Enjoy 132km of slopes that are perfect for intermediate skiers with runs above and below the tree line, ranging from 1,000 metres to 2,600 metres. You can enjoy varied and enjoyable runs. What makes La Clusaz stand out is the incredible freeriding on offer that has made the quiet town a popular destination for the freeriding scene. 

  • A small village that offers an extensive range of 132km of slopes.
  •  Runs are perfectly suited for beginner and intermediate skiers.
  • Popular destination for freeriding skiing. 

9. Les Arcs Ski Resort

If you’re looking for a French family ski destination, then there is nowhere better than Les Arcs. Seven villages are located throughout the ski area that feed into the 200km of slopes. Not only are the beginner and intermediate-level runs perfect for families, but they also offer an incredible view of Mont Blanc, ski down the green runs, tackle the high altitude glacier runs that sit above the treeline or take to the large amount of off-piste terrain. 

  • One of the best resorts for families. 
  • Seven villages feed into the resort.
  • 200km of beginner and intermediate-friendly slopes.
  • Incredible scenic views of Mont Blanc.
  • Plenty of off-piste running available.

10. Grenoble Ski Resorts

Grenoble is the gateway to some of France's best ski resorts. The city has numerous resorts surrounding it, with the nearest being just 20 minutes away. With access to resorts catering to all levels of experience, you can enjoy beginner-friendly resorts or push yourself to tackle some expert slopes. Whether you’re heading to Alpe D’Huez or one of the downhill skiing areas, you can get access to incredible slopes and create memories with family and friends.

  • The city is located near numerous resorts. 
  • Grenoble’s ski resorts cater to skiers of all abilities.

Get Ski Holiday Ready at The Snow Centre

By choosing one of the ski resorts we have highlighted, you will be sure to have an incredible time out on the slopes across France. If you’re looking to learn to ski before heading on your holiday or just shake off some of the rust, our ski lessons at Manchester and Hemel Hempstead cater for all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts and kids to adults. You can find the perfect lesson out on our slopes. 

If you have any questions about our ski lessons, be sure to contact us, and a member of our team will be happy to help. Fancy finding out more about skiing in France or seeing what else Europe has to offer? Why not check out our guide to the best ski resorts in Europe?