Ski resorts in France: an overview, prices, service. How to choose a ski resort in France for a holiday?

On the right ski resorts of France are considered to be the most prestigious in the whole world. The Alpine range, which runs through this European country, has more than four thousand trails, among which there are both very sophisticated, designed for professionals, and quite simple, where even a child can get the pleasure of skiing.

Overview of all recreation areas

In this area more than two hundred recreation areas are concentrated, each of which is characterized by its peculiarities both geographically and artificially created (hotels, restaurants and other institutions). However, all the ski resorts in France, regardless of the degree of prestige, include hotels of different categories (from two to five stars), a variety of restaurants and cafes, and, most importantly, different routes. That is, coming to any point of the French Alps, you can pick up for yourself as the most difficult descent, and extremely simple, and enjoy the rest. Moreover, tourists can move around in this zone without any restrictions. You can book a hotel in one resort, and some day you can go on the routes of another.

Landscapes of the world heritage

Now consider the most visited and recognizable ski resorts in France. Chamonix is considered the heart of the whole Alpine range, where a unique nature and a very pleasant climate are happy to welcome every tourist. It is located near the borders of Switzerland and Italy, so in this region you will also be able to notice a small synthesis of cultures. Despite the fact that this recreation area is equipped with the best routes of various complexity, the legendary place here is the "White Valley". This point is at an altitude of 3842 meters, and climbing there, you can go down as much as you like off-road. The place is extreme, but everyone who has experienced all the delights of such skiing, wants to return there again and again. Well, and of course, like all the ski resorts in France, Chamonix is the center of ice climbing, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding over snowy peaks and much more.

A young and inexpensive recreation area

If you are looking for a secluded place, where prices are very acceptable, but the service remains at a high level, then for sure you will be attracted by the following option. The French ski resort of Tignes occupies a vast area within the Alps, which in the common name is called "Killy Space". This place is characterized by a well-developed infrastructure, which consists of metro, gondola and a huge network of cable cars, which regularly transport tourists to various corners of the Alpine ridge. The property of the resort is also a giant glacier called "Grand Mota", suitable for skiing all year round. At its top is a lot of so-called blue trails, which are often chosen by carving lovers. If you still prefer freeride, then the ideal location for descents will be lower routes that are in the west of the recreation area.

The most visited ski resorts in France

"Three Valleys" - the generalized name of 600 kilometers of trails, which are located at an altitude of 1300-3230 meters. More than two hundred ski lifts constantly transport vacationers to various heights, from which you can go down on skis and snowboards. It is in this region that the championships in winter sports have been held repeatedly, and it is here that nature is most organically combined with the creation of the human hand. The "Three Valleys" includes such recreation areas as Val Thorens, Courchevel and Meribel (France). Val Thorens ski resort is the highest point in the region. Skiers here climb to a height of 2300 meters, which offers a stunning view of the entire Mont Blanc. The descents here are calm, without obstacles, but still steep, so only a professional will feel safe here. Courchevel is the center of social life. This is the pride of France. There are always important ceremonies and parties, the hotel business and the service sector are just on top. In addition to all this, the number of trails of various complexity goes off scale. The height of the descents of Courchevel ranges from 1300-1800 meters, and among them there are not only simple descents, but also paths for jumping, for salmon or downhill. There are also many ice arenas and much more.

The golden mean of the Three Valleys

The Meribel ski resort is considered the most suitable place for a family holiday. At an altitude of 1400 meters here there are cross-country trails and ordinary descents, where coaches work, which will help everyone, including small children, to understand the basics of winter sports. The architecture of the region is entirely in French style, it is cozy and beautiful. Service in hotels and restaurants is at a level, and at the same time prices are quite acceptable. Do not forget here and about fans of ice entertainment. For hockey players are equipped with special rollers, where suitable skates are issued, as well as the necessary outfits. For those who like to just skate on the ice, there are a lot of open-air arenas where children and adults go for a drive. But the most interesting entertainment of Meribel are walks-racing on sleds. Every child will receive a lot of impressions from such entertainment, although adults can take part in the races.

Island of the Alpine Sun

The resort of the highest grade is located in one of the sunniest places in the world, where golden rays envelop the mountain peaks 300 days a year. The recreation area of the Alps d'Huez is characterized by trails that are located on the upper plateau. All of them are facing south, which allows you to enjoy the sun until late at night. In this region, many descents are designed for children and beginners. The fact is that they are all flat and broad enough, there are at least a minimum of obstacles, and therefore security at a high level. It is here that there are two of the most legendary descent: Saren, which is 16 kilometers long, and the Tunnel is a route that was cut through a glacier. On the territory of the recreation area there are also ice arenas, ice rinks for hockey players and much more.

The oldest recreation area in the Alps

Modern ski resorts in France were mostly built on the places of old settlements, which have historical significance. Some of them have completely collapsed under the influence of time, but something has survived and survived to this day. For example, the Megeve region is a living monument of architecture and art, whose history began in the Middle Ages. In the surrounding villages all roads are paved with beech, and traffic is prohibited here. Houses that are rented to tourists have been standing here for more than 200 years, but they have been beautifully restored and perfectly clean. Many guests of the French Alps come here just to enjoy the spirit of antiquity, to feel how people lived here before and how wonderful it was. Also in the town there is a temple that was erected in the 13th century, next to it a monastery was built, and in the center of the city there is a large clock tower.

Training center for beginners

The recreation area called Port du Soleil is another place that is illuminated almost all year round by the sun. Here there are a total of 650 kilometers of trails of varying complexity, but most importantly, there is a mass of schools in which everyone can learn mountain skiing or improve in their skills. The resort is divided into four skiing areas - Morzine, Avoria, Le Zhe and Chatel. You need to choose one or the other depending on your skiing skills , as well as the aspirations and tops that you are going to overcome. A separate business here is well developed, but there are not a lot of different events and secular institutions here. People come here primarily to restore their sports form or from scratch to learn how to ski freely. Often graduates of local schools become Olympic champions or masters of winter sports.

A small afterword

Every year, more and more new tourists to their lands take ski resorts in France. Prices for tours here are quite acceptable (fluctuate within 500 cu for a week of rest), which makes it possible for people to visit this place not only with a high but also with an average income. The infrastructure is excellent here, there are excellent mountain starts of various complexity, schools for those who want to learn the art of skiing. And, of course, to the services of leisure travelers, social parties. A lot of interesting things here are waiting for every tourist with any tastes and preferences.