Ski Resorts in France
French Ski resorts after all remain a favourite for snowboarders and skiing enthusiasts the world over, and whilst last year the snowfall was not as good as had been hoped for, there is a good reason why these reports continue to remain amongst the most favoured destinations for international visitors.
Resorts typically are in one of two categories, the first being more modern high altitude resorts that have been purpose built to provide skiing facilities, giving them a more modern feel, great services and a warm atmosphere to accompany the skiing facilities. The contrasting option is the more traditional skiing village, which are usually at lower altitudes and offer a more traditional experience.
France has some of the best ski resorts in the world, offering services that are appropriate for skiers of all levels and preferences. Since the country is already famous as a tourist destination, it is hardly surprising it becomes a preferred destination for skiing during the winter.
If you are planning on taking a ski vacation to France, you should be aware that what the country has to offer in terms of destinations are both varied and diverse.
Ski resorts in France fall into four distinct areas, all of which are linked to each other. France has created large ski areas that are usually covered with a single pass. All resorts feature modern lift systems which make the areas easy to navigate and access.
Check out the below video of Meribel skir resort by Top Snow Travel to see what it can be like.
It should come as no surprise that the main ski areas in France are centred around the French Alps, which provide a diverse landscape, and offer the perfect backdrop for anyone wishing to take a ski vacation. The region is well known for getting extremely cold during the month of January. Despite this fact it remains the ideal ski destination, with snow cover guaranteed between November and April.
Avoriaz is in the heart of Les Portes du Soleil: This particular resort is actually an area in between Switzerland and France and is shared by both country. Every year Avoriaz aside from its fantastic skiing, provides plenty of other entertainment options, that promise to brighten your skiing vacation.
Families perhaps may be interested in a resort such as Les Gets, which is considered one of the most family friendly resorts in all of France. There is an entire area devoted to children and is completely free of charge.
If you are a sports fanatic however, you may prefer Tignes or Les Deux Alpes. The latter offers a variety of sporting activities, such as snowmobiling and paragliding amongst other things, another favourite is bumper car rides on the ice.
Tignes, which is the highest ski resort in Europe, offers skiing all year round, and it is even possible to ski up there during the middle of summer.
Self Drive Skiing Holiday In France
If the English Channel is closest to you, then simply jump aboard a Dover to Calais ferry or a Dover to Dunkirk ferry for a chilled, relaxing crossing, then scoot off onto the nearby motorway which will take you straight to the Alps.
Alternatively, perhaps a Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry provided by Stena Line would be better if you are more westerly based.
If you are coming from Ireland, then Cork to Roscoff ferry would be your best bet.
Book Dover Calais
P&O
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Saver from £68
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Standard Flexi from £100
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Fully Flexi from £179.50
DFDS
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From £68, car + 4 one way
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Up to 30 daily crossings
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No baggage restrictions
Book Dover Dunkirk
DFDS
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From £68 car + 4 passengers, one way ticket
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Up to 24 daily crossings
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Pet friendly
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Travel Guarantee – rebook for free if travel is impacted by Covid-19. Valid for crossings take before 30 Sept 2023.
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Earn Nectar points on your booking
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Travel +/- 4 hours either side of your booked sailing time. Subject to availability
Book Cork to Roscoff
Brittany Ferries
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From £49 for one way foot passenger
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Car, van, minibus, motorbike & bicycle
Book Portsmouth to Cherbourg
Stena Line
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Economy, Standard and Flexi available
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From £39 for a foot passenger
France is one of the world’s most popular self drive ski holidays, with people travelling from all over Europe to experience all the exhilaration a week on the piste has to offer.
Along with all this, the other major reason many people choose to drive is the lack of baggage restrictions, which means you can bring exactly what you want with you (even if it is that extra pair of jeans you know you’ll never wear!).
On top of that you can bring up to 9 people per car, and with prices starting at just £68, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to visit the Alps with their car than ever before.