You can’t beat stunning alpine views. The French Alps have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. In addition, a traditional mountain village can be truly pleasing to the eye wherever you are staying in France. Our ski experts have created a guide about the prettiest French ski resorts.
Alpe d’Huez
Located in the Southern Alps, Alpe d’Huez is one of the prettiest ski resorts in France. Its high altitude and location mean you get stunning mountain range views. There is 250km of slopes to enjoy in the area which has something for any level of skier. It is famed for its sunshine record throughout the season, which means a lot of incredible bluebird days on the slopes. Whether you’re on the slopes or in the village Alpe d’Huez is very picturesque.
Stay At:
Club Med Alpe d’Huez offers a ski-in ski-out all-inclusive ski holiday in one of the finest resorts in Europe.
Chamonix
For the views of the iconic Mont Blanc alone, Chamonix is one of the prettiest French ski resorts. Its mixture of unique terrain and medieval history in the town makes it one of the most appealing ski resorts to visit in the world. In addition, the snow conditions are usually fantastic throughout the season, with skiers around the globe flocking to the area for great powder. It has 150km of slopes that any level of skier will find a slope they will enjoy.
Stay At:
Chalet Ardoise in Chamonix is a luxurious, bright and spacious chalet.
Châtel
It is rare that a French ski resort has kept its traditional alpine charm, rather than built up apartment blocks that become an eye sore. Châtel has a delightful village and is a hidden gem within the superb ski area of the Portes du Soleil. From this lovely village, you can access an incredible 600km of slopes with a full lift pass. There are fantastic links to Avoriaz and Morzine, as well as easily crossing the border to ski in Switzerland. Ideal for those that want a peaceful experience or are taking their families.
Stay At:
Les Chalets d’Angele is a self-catered property with a modern yet rustic feel in Châtel.
Courchevel
Probably one of the most glamorous ski resorts you can visit in the Alps, Courchevel is a stylish winter destination. Spread across four different villages, Courchevel has incredible luxury accommodation options. On top of this, there are some breath-taking views to admire on and off the slopes. Part of the Three Valleys ski area, you can ski an amazing 600km of slopes. Courchevel’s terrain is mainly suited to intermediate skiers with plenty of wide-open red runs.
Stay At:
Hotel L’Ecrin Blanc is a luxurious ski-in-ski out hotel in Courchevel, with three on-site restaurants.
La Clusaz
La Clusaz has the winning combination of beautiful mountain scenery and a traditional alpine village. This makes it one of the prettiest French ski resorts. Considered a bit of a hidden gem, you can admire incredible views of the Aravis mountain range. Despite it having a small village atmosphere you can ski a vast amount of pistes, with 220km of slopes that are great for all levels of skier.
Stay At:
Chalet Le Coeur is located in the ski resort of La Clusaz and sleeps up to eight guests.
Le Grand Bornand
Neighbour to La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand has equally stunning mountain views and is a delightful mountain town. It is a peaceful part of the French Alps and is little known to tourists. Expect uncrowded slopes and fantastic scenery. You can ski 220km of slopes that are suitable for any level of skier. There is a beautiful church in the centre of town that adds to the aesthetically pleasing nature of the area.
Stay At:
With a unique location next to the slopes, Le Roc des Tours has an intimate atmosphere with just 39 apartments, each sleeping between 2 and 8 people each.
Les Carroz
Part of the Grand Massif ski area, Les Carroz is one of the prettiest ski resorts in France. It has a more traditional alpine charm compared to its more well-known neighbour Flaine. There is a relaxed atmosphere and delightful mountain views to enjoy during your visit. You can ski 265km of slopes with a full lift pass with pistes suitable for any level of skier. It prides itself on keeping its natural beauty and has many sustainability initiatives.
Stay At:
Residence Les Fermes du Soleil in Les Carroz are luxury apartments with spectacular views of the mountains.
Megève
Megève does luxury skiing with style. It has amazing ski accommodation options, lovely smart boutiques, and a delightful restaurant scene. On top of this, Megève has still managed to keep its traditional values with wonderful cobbled streets, old baroque clocktowers and cosy wooden chalets. You can access an impressive 445km of slopes with a full lift pass. On or off the slopes you can admire incredible mountain views, enjoyed by our own ski expert Craig.
Stay At:
Hotel L’Alpaga in Megève is a five-star luxury hotel with a Michelin-star restaurant and a fantastic wellness centre.
Saint Gervais
Saint Gervais de Véroce shares the same ski area as Megève, and packs some incredible scenery. The village itself is famous for its thermal baths – a perfect way to relax after a day on the slopes – as well as the exquisite church in the centre of the village. Around the festive season, expect a fairy-tale setting with all the lights they put up. As part of the Mont Blanc region, you can see the iconic mountain top on and off the slopes.
Stay At:
A beautiful Hotel surrounded by the mountains in Saint Gervais, France, Hotel Armancette is perfect for skiing.
Samoëns
Samoëns is one of the prettiest ski resorts in France and is part of the Grand Massif ski area. It has the perfect combination of historical values and natural beauty surrounding it. There are delightful old buildings in the area, keeping their traditional charm. There is 265km of superb slopes to enjoy with great links to neighbouring ski resorts Flaine and Les Carroz. It has a traffic-free village centre which makes it peaceful during your stay.
Stay At:
Club Med’s ski-in ski-out hotel in the heart of Grand Massif is the perfect all-inclusive family getaway, with instant access to the slopes.
To find out more about the prettiest French ski resorts, please call our ski experts on 020 3944 9656.
