A relaxed atmosphere in the Alps is a great way to unwind. Uncrowded slopes and peaceful ski towns are a recipe for a winter wonderland. There are plenty of quiet French ski resorts to choose from, each with its unique charm. Our ski experts have created a guide for quiet ski resorts in France.
Châtel
Châtel is a quiet French ski resort located in the Portes du Soleil ski area. It is a relaxed alternative to the neighbouring ski resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz. You can admire the beautiful surrounding landscape off and on the slopes and the village has a traditional alpine charm. If you buy a full lift pass you can explore 600km of slopes. The local slopes are mostly suited to beginners or intermediates but there is an excellent lift network that reaches terrain for all abilities. The locals are very welcoming and the nightlife is mostly low-key.
Stay At:
Les Chalets d’Angele is a self-catered property with a modern yet rustic feel in Châtel.
Isola 2000
A relatively unknown ski resort to most, Isola 2000 offers snow-sure slopes and a peaceful atmosphere on and off the slopes. You can ski 120km of pistes in the area, with enough variety to keep all types of skiers happy. There are great ski-in ski-out accommodation options to maximise your time on the slopes. In addition, the queue times throughout the season are minimal. Off the slopes, there’s a casual atmosphere with its family-friendly restaurants and cosy pubs.
Stay At:
Sowell Residences New Chastillon is set in the resort, Isola 2000 in the heart of the French Alps. The apartments are modern and offer ski-in ski-out access.
La Rosière
La Rosière is one of the best quiet ski resorts in France, because of its welcoming atmosphere and its unique location. Located on the French-Italian border, it is part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area that links to neighbouring Italian ski resort La Thuile. You can ski 160km of slopes that are suitable for families and intermediates. The village itself has a rustic mountain village charm and you can admire the beautiful Isère Valley mountain on and off the slopes. There are both Italian and French influences on the restaurant menus, giving a vast choice of cuisine in the area.
Stay At:
From its perch at 1,900m above sea level and facing south, the stone and wood clad Resort Club Med overlooks the entire Tarentaise valley.
Le Grand Bornand
Located in the Haute Savoie region, Le Grand Bornand is a lovely quiet French ski resort. This family-friendly ski resort has a traditional alpine charm. You can ski 220km of slopes which are mainly suited to beginners and intermediates. In addition, there are great links to neighbouring ski resorts La Clusaz and Manigod. Off the mountain, the nightlife is subdued with quiet bars and restaurants and friendly locals. If you want to try something different there’s 150km of cross-country skiing to enjoy too.
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
Just an hour away from Geneva airport, Les Carroz is one of the most easily accessible quiet ski resorts in France. Part of the Grand Massif ski area, you can ski 265km of slopes and is a great relaxed alternative ski resort to neighbouring Flaine. This ski resort is ideal for mixed ability groups and families who want a scenic ski break. The scenery is breathtaking due to keeping its natural environment intact. In this rustic ski village, there are some lovely local restaurants and bars that serve delicious French dishes. On top of this Les Carroz has prided itself on being run on sustainable energy sources such as wind, hydro and solar power since 2006.
Stay At:
Residence Les Fermes du Soleil in Les Carroz are luxury apartments with spectacular views of the mountains.
Les Gets
Les Gets is a quiet French ski resort that is a great alternative to the busy neighbouring resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil. The combination of uncrowded slopes in the local area and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere in the village makes it a bliss ski destination. The Les Gets bowl has fantastic slopes to enjoy for any type of skier. You can also ski 600km of slopes with a full ski area lift pass. A ski resort where you can truly unwind without the hustle and bustle of too many tourists.
Stay At:
Aviemore is a luxury set of apartments set on the piste in the family orientated resort of Les Gets, offering ski-in ski-out access.
Montgenèvre
Situated on the Italian-French border, Montgenèvre has plenty of uncrowded slopes and a charming mountain village. As part of the Milky Way ski area, you can ski 400km of pistes with a full lift pass. In addition, the 63 lifts in the area provide great links to neighbouring Italian ski resorts Cesana, Sestriere, Pragelato, Sansicario and Sauze d’Oulx. This means you can taste the best French and Italian cuisine in the local restaurants in the area.
Stay At:
Anova Hotel and Spa is a stunning boutique-style hotel with unique art pieces and stylish furnishings.
Peisey-Vallandry
Peisey-Vallandry is a delightful quiet French ski resort that’s part of the Paradiski ski area. If you buy a full ski pass you can explore 425km of slopes. The ski terrain is mostly suited to beginner and intermediate skiers, with great links to Les Arcs and La Plagne. Peisey-Vallandry is a collection of satellite villages that have a small selection of bars, restaurants and shops. A low-key atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding in the mountains.
Stay At:
Club Med Peisey-Vallandry offers an all-inclusive package and provides a hassle-free way to enjoy your ski holiday as everything is organised beforehand.
Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier has lovely uncrowded slopes that are ideal for skiers of any ability. There is 250km of slopes in the ski area with brilliant tree skiing to enjoy too. Located in the southern French Alps, Serre Chevalier is separated into four main villages. There are unique buildings spread along the valley from modern hamlets to more traditional alpine villages. You can expect cobbled streets and cute shops and bars. If you want a peaceful spot in the mountains then this is your ideal ski destination.
Stay At:
Le Grand Aigle Hotel & Spa in Serre Chervalier has an incredible location with ski-in ski-out access.
St Martin de Belleville
If you want to ski the Three Valleys without the lively nightlife, St Martin de Belleville is one of the, best quiet ski resorts in France. This hidden gem has fantastic links to nearby ski resorts Courchevel, La Tania, Les Menuires, Méribel and Val Thorens. If you buy a full lift pass you can access an impressive 600km of slopes, however for a relaxed ski stay locally for uncrowded slopes. The village itself has kept its 16th Century church and traditional alpine architecture. Despite it being a smaller ski resort than its neighbours, there’s still a good selection of bars, restaurants and accommodation to choose from.
Stay At:
Le Chalet is a stunning boutique chalet that sleeps up to ten guests in beautifully decorated rooms. The property features a superb wellness area, featuring a heated indoor pool, a sauna and steam room.
To find out more about quiet ski resorts in France call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
