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Skiing in the French Alps

The largest and most diverse site for skiing in Europe, the French Alps offer a range of options for beginners up to more experienced skiers. The key areas for skiing however focus around the Savoie and the Haute-Savoie regions on the Eastern border of France, offering a balance to the colder northern and warmer southern mountain ranges. Set within the Rhones-Alps mountains, and carrying the Isere river, skiing is focused around Les Trois Vallees (The Three Valleys) area.

Les Trois Vallees

Based in the larger Tarentaise Valley above the small town of Moutiers, the Valleys bring together the smaller areas of Saint-Bon, Les Allues and Belleville, and more recently the nearby Maurienne Valley. Saint-Bon includes the costly Courchevel resort, while Belleville is known for Val Thorens and Les Menuires. Often the most popular resort though for UK tourists has been Les Allues, with its easy access to Eurostar trains and its reputation for a more personal, family-friendly atmosphere. Les Allues includes Brides-les-Bains and the larger Meribel resort, the oldest in the region.

Particular interest and activities

Skiing options within the Allues resorts include a broad range of slopes for experienced skiers through to family and first-time visitors, as well as a range of accommodation choices. Both resorts have also acted as regular sporting destinations, having been part of the 1992 Winter Olympic Village. Beyond the ski resorts are the Vanoise National Park and the ancient village of Moutiers, while the region is easily connected to the rest of the Three Valleys. For the visitor who wants to combine world-class skiing and convenient travel, the region as a whole remains arguably the best destination for UK travellers and ski fans from around the world.