Ski Holidays In France 2024/2025

Getting To France

Grenoble and Geneva (in Switzerland) are the two key gateways to the French Alps, although Turin airport can also be an option if you're heading to ski resorts like Tignes and Val d'Isere. During the winter months, several airlines like Jet2, easyJet and British Airways, put on direct flights from the UK to these ski airports.

Once you've arrived, by far the best and easiest option to get to the French ski resorts is by airport transfer, either shared or private. Private will obviously cost more but if there's a few of you, splitting the cost can help reduce the price of this. Alternatively, shared coaches and mini buses will run at certain times of the day to the larger resorts, although it's worth booking in advance for these to make sure you get a seat.

Ski Train

The so-called Ski Train or Snow Train, is the rail option from the UK to the French Alps. Previously a direct train, the route now uses the London to Lille Eurostar service, where you then change trains and head from Lille down to French ski resorts like Chambery, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg Saint Maurice. This option runs from mid December through to early February, although check with Eurostar for exact dates. The best part? 2 bags and ski equipment are included in the price of the ticket.

Tour Operators

Some of the biggest ski tour operators to France include Crystal Ski, Inghams Ski and Iglu Ski, all three of which are ABTA and ATOL protected, meaning when you book a ski package with flights and accommodation, you have extra financial protection. A couple of other popular brands include Ski France, Sunweb and Neilson Holidays. The most reputable tour operators will be able to offer both hotels and ski chalets, and add on extras like lift passes, ski and snowboard equipment hire, as well as airport transfers. Some of the best ski deals can be by booking far in advance and including lift passes and equipment hire within your package.

Popular Ski Resorts In France

There are many fantastic ski resorts to choose from, and each offers a different vibe, so it's important to choose where you stay and ski appropriately. From the views of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, to the alpine resort of Morzine, here are some of the more popular places to visit:

Grand Massif

Located in Haute-Savoie about 70 minutes drive from Geneva airport, the popular Northern Alps region of the Grand Massif Ski Area is made up of 5 key resorts, Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoens and Sixt, and has 139 pistes to discover and enjoy. 25 of these are beginners slopes, and 11 are black slopes, so everyone is catered for here. There's also a whole bunch of other fun activities to try out including dog sledding, snowshoeing, sledging and even an exhilarating alpine coaster in Les Carroz.

The Three Valleys / Les 3 Vallees

The Three Valleys, or Les 3 Vallees as it's also known, is the largest ski area in France, made up of the very popular Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens. It's here you'll find hundreds of kilometres of ski slopes joining the three areas, as well as skiing all the way through until early May at Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe. This place has it all, from Michelin star restaurants and fantastic apres ski, to the fairways of not one, but two golf courses (okay so you can't play golf there in winter, but still!)

Pyrenees

Along France's southern border with Spain and Andorra, the French Pyrenees are a great alternative to the French Northern and Southern Alps, and sometimes can offer much cheaper skiing holidays too. Resorts like Saint-Lary-Soulan and Les Angles provide skiers (and snowboarders) with a fantastic facilities, budget friendly accommodation, ski out accommodation and excellent ski areas.

Ski Holiday Types

Skiing holidays come in all shapes and sizes and that means everyone is welcome!

Events

Ski weekends, concerts and events can make a ski holiday in France all the more fun and exciting, especially if you love some good nightlife. The bars, clubs and restaurants come alive during big festivals and celebrations. Les Deux Alpes Winter Festival and Snowboxx in Avoriaz, Morzine, and European Snow Pride are all lively events, ready to make your trip all the better with live music and DJs set up around the resorts.

Accessible Ski Holidays

Skiing is also a great option for those who have additional needs, or require adapted skis. Places like Grand Massif cater well to disabled skiers and snowboarders with adaptive ski lifts on certain runs, accessible car parks, ski rental and ski schools.

Family Ski Holidays

Ski holidays are great for families, with self catering apartments and chalets ensuring a more affordable option for those on a budget. Instructors offer skiing and snowboarding classes and courses for all levels, with dedicated children's ski lessons available, ensuring they have fun and make lots of new friends on the piste. Popular, family friendly ski resorts in France include La Plagne, with excellent off-piste activities and even night skiing, and Morzine, for that true alpine experience.

Luxury Ski Holidays

With five star hotels and premium catered chalets with hosts, the luxury ski holidays France has to offer is a lovely treat if you're celebrating or simply want to splash out. Upgrade your flights, accommodation and private airport transfers to ensure the best you can get.

Beginner Ski Holidays

Being such an establish area, the French Alps are ideal for beginners, with excellent ski schools, a good range of easy runs and plenty of off-piste activities and apres ski. Take a look at our best ski resorts for beginners for more inspiration