Ski season is approaching and you're already dreaming of hitting the slopes or enjoying a hot chocolate in front of the peaks?
But before you put on your skis, there's a crucial question to answer: which ski resort should you choose? With over 300 resorts in France, it's not always easy to find the one that's right for you and your budget.
Whether you're going for a quick weekend or a longer stay, with family, friends or as a couple, there's a resort that's right for you. Here's our advice on how to make the right choice and get the most out of your mountain experience.
Length of stay: a key criterion
Your choice of resort depends first and foremost on how long you plan to spend in the mountains. Depending on whether you're going for a weekend or a week, some destinations will be more suitable than others.
Short breaks: focus on the local area
If you're going away for a weekend or a few days, it's best to avoid long journeys. Choose a resort that's easy to get to, served by the train or close to major towns such as those in the Vosges, Jura or Savoie regions, so you can start skiing as soon as you arrive.
👉 Some resorts suited to short breaks:
- Chamrousse (Isère): just 30 minutes from Grenoble.
- La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie): 1h30 from Lyon.
- Le Mont-Dore (Massif Central): 45 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand.
Long stay: opt for a large ski area
If you've got a week or more, opt for the big ski areas, where you'll be able to explore numerous runs and vary the pleasures. The 3 Valleys, Paradiski or Espace Killy offer hundreds of kilometres of pistes, ideal for avoiding routine.
Our recommendations:
- Les Arcs / La Plagne (Paradiski area, 425 km of pistes).
- Val d'Isère / Tignes (Espace Killy, 300 km of runs).
- Les 3 Vallées (Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, 600 km of pistes).
Number of people and family situation
Your choice of resort also depends on the type of holiday you're planning: romantic, festive or family.
A couple's holiday: a cocooning atmosphere
For a stay for two, choose a resort with authentic charm, great wellness facilities and a peaceful atmosphere.
Our recommendations :
- Megève: typical chalets, spas and gourmet restaurants.
- Morzine: warm atmosphere and off-ski activities.
- Serre-Chevalier: thermal baths and unspoilt surroundings.
Staying with friends: a festive resort
If you're looking for a lively resort with a great après-ski atmosphere and nightlife, there are a few spots you won't want to miss.
Our recommendations:
- Val Thorens: bars, clubs, festive après-ski.
- Les Deux Alpes: young, dynamic resort.
- Tignes: lots of entertainment and festivals.
Family holidays: a practical, child-friendly resort
For holidays with children, opt for a resort with the Famille Plus label, which guarantees child-minding facilities, adapted slopes and entertainment for young and old alike.
Our recommendations :
- Les Karellis: 100% pedestrianised, ultra-safe for children.
- Le Grand Bornand: a family resort with an excellent ski school.
- La Rosière: gentle skiing and lots of activities.
Resort labels: a guide to making the right choice
- Famille Plus’ label: ideal for holidays with children.
- Top of the French Alps’ label: a guarantee of premium facilities.
- Nordic France’ label: specialising in cross-country skiing and Nordic activities.
Local activities
If skiing is at the heart of your holiday, other criteria may also influence your choice.
Skiing and ability levels
Beginners: small, suitable resorts
If you're a beginner, choose a resort with wide, little-frequented green and blue runs.
Our recommendations :
- Orcières-Merlette (Hautes-Alpes).
- Le Mont-Dore (Massif Central).
- La Norma (Northern Alps).
Experienced skiers: go for the big resorts
Experts looking for a challenge will prefer resorts offering freeride and technical slopes.
Our recommendations:
- Chamonix: off-piste paradise.
- Val d'Isère: committed skiing and legendary descents.
- Les 2 Alpes: glacier and XXL snowpark.
Other activities: wellness, hiking, après-ski...
If you want something different, some resorts offer alternatives to skiing:
- Thermal baths and spas (Ax-les-Thermes, Saint-Gervais).
- Snowshoe trekking (Les Saisies, Jura).
- Unusual activities (dog sledding, paragliding at Valmorel).
For even more comfort, make the most of your G-Heat heated clothing during your activities!
Budget: choosing what you can afford
Low budget: go for affordable resorts
Some resorts offer excellent value for money, with affordable ski passes.
Our recommendations:
- La Norma (affordable ski pass, accessible accommodation).
- Les Angles (Pyrenees, attractive prices).
Higher budget: enjoy premium facilities
If you want a top-of-the-range experience, opt for resorts with prestigious accommodation and exclusive services.
Our recommendations:
- Courchevel: luxury and prestige.
- Megève: charm and high standards.
The period of the holiday: when to go skiing?
High season: a lively but more expensive holiday
Christmas, New Year and February holidays = busy resorts but higher prices and crowded pistes.
Low season: attractive prices and less traffic
January and March-April offer a better quality/price ratio, with fewer people and often excellent snow on high altitude resorts.
Don’t let the cold spoil your stay!
No matter which station you choose, one thing is sure: the cold can quickly become your worst enemy in the mountains. Frozen hands on the ski lifts, numb feet on the slopes... does it mean anything to you?
At G-Heat, we have the solution: gloves, socks and warm clothing so you stay warm all day.
- Heated gloves: no more icy fingers on the chair lifts.
- Warm socks: to keep your feet warm even in the powder.
- Heated jackets and undergloves: homogeneous heat and adjustable with a click.
The means of transport: a fact not to be overlooked
Car access: flexibility but weather constraints
Ideal for self-driving, but think of the snow equipment required.
Access by train or plane: practical alternatives
Many stations are accessible by TGV (ex: Moûtiers, Bourg-Saint-Maurice).
For the Alps, it favours the airports of Lyon, Chambéry and Geneva.
Conclusion: 5 stations adapted to different profiles
Megève: ideal for a stay as a couple.
Val Thorens: perfect for a trip with friends.
Les Karellis: the top for a family stay.
Chamonix: essential for advanced skiers.
La Norma: a good compromise for a controlled budget.
FAQ – Choosing your ski resort
1. What are the best family ski resorts?
If you are travelling with children, go for the "Famille Plus" resorts, which guarantee suitable infrastructures: secure slopes, ski schools, daycare centres and activities for little ones.
👉 The best family resorts in France:
- Les Karellis (Savoie) – 100% pedestrian, perfect for children’s safety.
- La Rosière (Savoie) – Friendly atmosphere and many activities.
- Le Grand Bornand (Haute-Savoie) – Excellent ski school and accessible area.
- Les Menuires (Savoie) – A large ski area but suitable for beginners.
- Orcières-Merlette (Hautes-Alpes) – A resort with fun areas and family activities.
Tip: Some resorts offer discounted packages for families, check before booking!
2. Which ski resort to choose for a holiday with friends?
If you’re looking for a resort where the atmosphere continues even after the slopes close, bet on those known for their lively après ski and nightlife.
👉 The best holiday resorts in France:
Val Thorens (Savoie) – The highest resort in Europe, with bars, clubs and the famous La Folie Douce.
Tignes (Savoie) – Trendy bars, electro parties and a youthful atmosphere.
Les Deux Alpes (Isère) – Numerous pubs, clubs and festive events throughout the season.
Méribel (Savoie) – Ideal for ski enthusiasts and wild parties.
Avoriaz (Haute-Savoie) – Very lively, with the famous Igloo Bar and the Rock the Pistes festival.
Tip: Book ahead during busy periods to avoid any unpleasant surprises!
3. Which ski resorts are the closest to Paris?
If you want to go skiing without wasting a day on the road, prefer the stations accessible by train or car in less than 5 hours.
🚆 The closest ski resorts to Paris:
Les Vosges (3h by train + shuttle):
- Gérardmer: Ideal for a weekend ski fast.
- La Bresse-Hohneck: The largest estate in the Vosges, perfect for families.
- The Massif Central (4.5 hours by train):
- Le Mont-Dore: Accessible station with a good quality/ price ratio.
- Super-Besse: Perfect for beginners and short stays.
- Les Alpes (4.5 hours by TGV):
- Les Arcs: Accessible via Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
- La Clusaz: Only 1h20 from Annecy.
- Chamrousse: 30 minutes from Grenoble, ideal for a weekend.
Tip: The TGV Lyria serves some Swiss stations like Verbier or Villars, perfect if you want to vary the pleasures!
You just have to choose... and prepare your G-Heat thermal clothing for optimal comfort on the slopes! Discover our warm clothes to stay warm on the slopes! 🔥 See the collection
