Make the French Alps your travel destination this winter and get ready for a fine European skiing experience.
James Bond might be seen in an Austrian ski resort in the movie ‘Spectre’, but that doesn’t make France any less haloed, especially when it comes to skiing. The colossal peaks (not to forget Mont Blanc) against blue skies may seem overwhelming, but the very idea of speeding along the piste and spraying snow around gives you that kick. Make the French Alps your travel destination this winter and get ready for a fine European skiing experience. Picturesque resorts, gondola lifts, euphoric evenings in old-world taverns and a gladdening dinning scene have been tempting travelers to this wonderland
Courchevel
Add oodles of glamor and glitz to a ski resort and what you get is Courchevel. This is where you find French Alps at its fashionable best. The generosity of the place is such that it accommodates skiers of every level of expertise. Even the beginners find themselves at ease because of the mild gradients of slopes and easy lifts. Moriond can be an ideal base for skiers who want to enjoy the best of both the worlds: skiing and touring.
Serre Chevalier
This resort in Southeastern France is quieter and more laid-back than its illustrious cousins up north
The same Serre Chevalier that attracts travelers as a kayaking destination during summer, becomes a popular ski resort with a slope of 250 km. This resort in Southeastern France is quieter and more laid-back than its illustrious cousins up north. Every March, the place roll its sleeves and hosts the Alpine Skiing French Championships much to the joy of tourists. Going for a hot bath in Les Grands Bains and guided snowmobiling are other pleasures that keep you going.
Val d’Isère
If you are looking for challenging terrains, steep gradients, and sharp turns, come to this high and remote ski resort
If you are looking for challenging terrains, steep gradients, and sharp turns, come to this high and remote ski resort. Val is a preferred French resort for British skiers and snowboarders and they have very good reasons. Black runs (or difficult runs) should be one of them. The champion skiers swear by the name of Face de Bellevarde, one of the most thrilling runs in the Alps. The place gives fillip to your desire as you speed down the slopes and do a balancing act with the poles. The 300 km of ski runs are too tempting to resist. World-class resorts and chalet architecture are the very essence of Val d’Isère.
St. Martin-de-Belleville
From dining in Michelin-starred La Bouitte to enjoying lamb casserole in no-frills eateries, the place leaves diners with enough options
Considered one of the prettiest destinations in Les Trois Vallées ski area (The Three Valleys), St. Martin-de-Belleville is where the couples flock to spend a quiet vacation in the midst of mountain slopes. You don’t have to forgo the fun of sliding down the powdery snow of the nearby Trois Vallées. When it comes to off-the slope entertainment, you have the option of attending free concerts in a 17th-century church, visiting the museum, and going on a dog-sledding trip. From dining in Michelin-starred La Bouitte to enjoying lamb casserole in no-frills eateries, the place leaves diners with enough options.
Méribel
Comparatively a young ski resort that was developed near the village of Morel, Meribel is favorite among skiers who are equally devoted to partying. A part of the famous inter-linked ski system, this fantasy land in the French Alps is known for large number of open connected runs. While beginners can try their skills in the gentle slopes of Altiport and Rond Point, the seasoned skiers can look for unabated thrill by rushing down from the top of the Mont du Vallon. Apart from Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, the visitors have other options for novelty shopping. From trying the famous Glaciers bakery to spending happy hours in taverns by listening to live bands, there’s lot for travelers to catch up with.
Aussois
This charming and sunny resort has a ski area of 55 km with altitudes varying between 1,500 and 2,750 meters
If you want to make the most of a ski holiday and enjoy the bucolic beauty of France, come to this resort in the Maurienne Valley. This charming and sunny resort has a ski area of 55 km with altitudes varying between 1,500 and 2,750 meters. Whether you watch the famous international sled dogs race (Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc) or go for snowshoe wildlife safaris, you will always be rewarded with experiences. Take a break from expensive upmarket chalets and step into the land of stone-and-slate houses before you can enjoy the energy in Tuesday markets, relish mouth-watering goats’ cheese, and try home-made bilberry tart.
Image Credit: Elpis Ioannidis, Jerome Bon, Leo-setä, Michael Gleave, InnaFelker