Choosing the right ski area: Our tips for skiing in the Alps
As winter approaches, our attention is already turning towards the upcoming holidays. If, for you, they conjure up images of snowy landscapes, the aroma of mulled wine, and the sound of edges carving into the snow, there's no doubt about it: skiing is what you need! Here's a guide that will help you choose the appropriate resort and ski area from the plethora of slopes in the Alps. Altitude, landscapes, sustainability, legendary slopes - we've scrutinized a few criteria to provide you with an overview of the ski areas.
Looking for limitless skiing? Les 3 Vallées offer you the largest skiing area.
With its 8 interconnected resorts and 600 kilometres of slopes, Les 3 Vallées is often regarded as the largest ski area in the world. In case you were wondering, it brings together the valleys of Courchevel, Méribel, and the Belleville Valley (Saint Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens) in Tarentaise, as well as the slopes of Orelle on the Maurienne side. With 85% of the slopes located above 1,800m, culminating at Pointe du Bouchet (3,230m) in Val Thorens, it's an area with reliable and regular snowfall, reinforced by an impressive snowmaking infrastructure.
Its sheer size makes Les 3 Vallées area heaven for tireless skiers and explorers alike, though the connection between valleys is quick thanks to the latest generation of ski lifts. Rest assured, though, 7 days of skiing is plenty enough to explore all its corners and enjoy the less crowded slopes on the fringes of the area, like the Masse sector in Les Menuires, the Saint Martin de Belleville area, or the beautiful forest trails that descend towards La Tania.
Legendary slopes in Les 3 Vallées:
- The Combe de Caron accessible via the Caron cable car (Val Thorens)
- The Grand Couloir, with an 80% gradient in its final section (Courchevel)
- The Eclipse, black slope created for the World Ski Champioships last season (Courchevel) which has been inducted into the hall of fame of ski slopes
Dreaming of breathtaking landscapes? Evasion Mont-Blanc is made for you.
The 230 slopes of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area seem to have only one objective: to allow you to admire Mont-Blanc from all angles. Connecting the resorts of Megève, Saint Gervais, Les Contamines, St Nicolas de Véroce, Combloux, and La Giettaz, the area stretches across the Mont-Blanc massif, the Beaufortain, and the Aravis. This geological diversity guarantees a wide variety of slopes and landscapes, and allows skiers to discover villages with preserved Savoyard identity.
Evasion Mont-Blanc is an exceptionally welcoming area where skiers enjoy winding through wide slopes amidst fir trees, chalets, and alpine farms. Its reasonable altitude, ranging from 850 to 2,350 meters, makes it a playground of choice for families and those looking for alpine authenticity.
Seeking challenging and intense skiing? Head to Tignes-Val d'Isère.
The ideal playground for skiing fanatics? An area that combines altitude, elevation changes, and, preferably, a map of the slopes where red and black are the predominant colours. The Tignes-Val d'Isère ski area meets all the criteria for the most demanding skiers. Situated between 1,550 and 3,450 meters in altitude, it's the highest ski area in France. It even ventures onto two glaciers: the Grande Motte on the Tignes side, and the Pisaillas on the Val d'Isère side. It's also an exceptional spot for freeriders, with vast bowls and couloirs that are perfect for off-piste skiing (while always adhering to the guidelines provided by the ski patrol).
Legendary slopes in Tignes-Val d’Isère:
- The Face de Bellevarde, where first French race of the Alpine Ski World Cup is hosted every year
- The Vallon de la Sache, with a challenging 1,200m of elevation change between Aiguille Percée and Tignes Les Brévières
Love exploring and changing scenery? Les Portes du Soleil and Espace San Bernardo open borders.
Skiing from one country to another without taking off your skis or worrying about borders is the promise made by two cross-border ski areas: Les Portes du Soleil and Espace San Bernardo.
Located in the far north of Haute-Savoie, Les Portes du Soleil provides a skiing experience between France and Switzerland, spanning nearly 650km of slopes. The area connects 12 resorts on both sides of the border: Abondance, La Chapelle d'Abondance, Avoriaz, Châtel, Morzine, Les Gets, Saint Jean d'Aulps on the French side; Champéry, Val d'Illiez-Champoussin-Les Crosets, Morgins, and Torgon on the Swiss side. It's the perfect area for ski safaris, stretching between Mont-Blanc, visible from Les Gets, and the balcony overlooking Lake Geneva from the top of the slopes in Torgon. And for food-loving skiers, the diverse culinary offerings are irresistible. On the menu: Valaisan toast and a glass of Fendant in the mountain huts of Switzerland, or berthoud and wine from Ripaille on French tables!
Legendary slopes in Portes du Soleil:
- The Pas de Chavanette, also known as “Mur Suisse” or “Swiss Wall”, a feared and revered black slope between Avoriaz and Champéry
- The Stash, freeride and freestyle area hidden away in the forest of Avoriaz
The Espace San Bernardo also has dual nationality. The Franco-Italian area combines the slopes of La Rosière in Haute-Tarentaise and those of La Thuile in the Aosta Valley. These two territories were once united in the heart of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, yet they developed distinct traditions and cultures on either side of the Col du Petit St. Bernad (Little St. Bernard Pass). The Espace San Bernardo boasts 154km of slopes with distinct characteristics: the slopes are welcoming and well-exposed in La Rosière, while those in La Thuile are more challenging and protected by a north-facing exposure. All of this is spread between 1,350 and 2,800 meters in altitude, providing panoramic views of the Vanoise mountains, the Italian side of Mont-Blanc, and, it is said, even up to the Matterhorn!
Legendary slopes in the Espace San Bernardo:
- The Mont Valaisan sector and its 2 chairlifts providing access to 6 newly created red slopes
- The Franco Berthod, a black slope with a fearsome gradient that dives into the village of La Thuile and has hosted a number of Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup races
Looking for more eco-friendly skiing? Serre Chevalier Vallée has you covered.
Serre Chevalier Vallée is one of the last large interconnected ski areas, and the largest in the Southern Alps. With its 250km of slopes, it connects a town, Briançon, and three village-resorts - Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Le Monêtier-les-Bains. Each has its own ski lift departure point to access the area, culminating at Pic de l'Yret, (2,830m). 80% of the slopes are situated above 2,000m, ensuring good snow conditions throughout the season.
Serre Chevalier Vallée is also one of the most environmentally responsible ski areas. The company that operates the resort has committed to a low-carbon strategy by implementing green energy production facilities (wind, photovoltaic, and hydroelectric power) to supply its ski lifts. The two wind turbines installed at the top of Prorel are both the most visible symbol and the first green investment of SCV Domaine Skiable. It represents a genuine environmental transition that involves all stakeholders in the resort and positions Serre Chevalier Vallée as a leader in sustainable winter tourism.
Legendary slopes in Serre Chevalier Vallée:
- The Luc Alphand, historical slope renamed in honour of the local legend who won the overall Alpine Ski World Cup title in 1997.
