The higher the resort, the more reliable the ski conditions. Around the French Alps, there is a great selection of high altitude ski resorts to explore. Our ski experts have created a guide to the highest ski resorts you can visit on a ski holiday to France.
1. Val Thorens 2,300m
Val Thorens is one of the highest ski resorts in France and it’s the highest in Europe too. It has an altitude of 2,300m-3,230m. This means it has a fantastic snow record, which makes for great piste conditions and powder pockets. As part of the Three Valleys ski area, you can access 600km of pistes with a full lift pass. Due to its high location, most of the accommodation is ski-in ski-out, maximising your time on the slopes.
Stay At:
Sitting among the snow capped peaks, Club Med Val Thorens offers guests spectacular panoramic views of the Alps.
2. Tignes 2,100m
Part of the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, Tignes has a high altitude of 2,100m-3,456m. It has some of the highest skiing in the world and 300km of pistes to explore. It has superb lift links to neighbouring ski resort Val d’Isère with 75 lifts in the area. The ski resort has the Grande Motte Glacier, which means the ski season can be extended later than others. Tignes also has some summer skiing opportunities too. If you love off-piste skiing Tignes has some fantastic terrain to explore too.
Stay At:
The exceptional five-star boutique Hotel Diamond Rock is ideally-located in Tignes Valley.
3. Alpe d’Huez 1,860m
An altitude of 1,860m-3,330m makes Alpe d’Huez one of the highest ski resorts in France. It also has an impressive 250km of brilliantly groomed pistes. The village itself is spread across the mountainside with stunning views of the Southern Alps. If you’re looking for great nightlife Alpe d’Huez has a great lively atmosphere in the many bars and clubs. A superb winter destination on and off the slopes.
Stay At:
Hotel Pic Blanc is located in the Bergers area of Alpe d’Huez, with skiing to the doorstep and brilliant views.
4. Val d’Isère 1,850m
The other ski resort in the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area that makes our highest ski resorts in France list is Val d’Isère. The access to 300km of pistes makes it one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. No wonder too with its fantastic skiing and off-slope activities. There’s also an incredible selection of luxury accommodation, top-class restaurants and unique bars. Live the high life in many ways and explore the ski resort of Val d’Isère.
Stay At:
Located in the heart of Val d’Isère, Hotel Ormelune is close to the nursery slopes and ski school making it a great base for beginners.
5. La Plagne 1,800m
Based in the Paradiski ski area, La Plagne has a high altitude of 1,800m-3,250m. You can explore a fantastic 425km of pistes during your stay in the ski resort. It’s connected to the neighbouring ski resort Les Arcs with a 160 state-of-the-art lift network. If you love powder skiing there’s incredible off-piste terrain off the north face of the Bellecôte. Off the slopes, there’s a brilliant choice of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Stay At:
With modern design and minimalist décor, staying at Hotel Belle Plagne Vacances Bleues is a stylish and relaxing experience.
6. Avoriaz 1,800m
The highest ski resort in the Portes du Soleil ski area is Avoriaz. It has an altitude of 1,800m-2,466m and you can explore 600km of pistes with a full lift pass. It has fantastic links to Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel and Champery with its brilliant lift system. The area is on the Swiss-French border and is very close to Geneva. The village itself is car-free and all of the accommodation is ski-in ski-out due to its location.
Stay At:
The Hotel Mil8 in Avoriaz sits in the heart of town, with great access to all the resort has to offer.
7. Les Deux Alpes 1,650m
Les Deux Alpes has a high altitude of 1,650m-3,570m. It also has the second-largest glacier to ski on in France behind Chamonix. All this combined makes Les Deux Alpes a very reliable resort for snow. In fact, you can go summer skiing on the glacier. You can ski 229km of pistes when visiting the ski resort. If you love après ski, Les Deux Alpes has a thriving nightlife with plenty of bars and clubs. There’s also a great range of restaurants to enjoy on and off the slopes too.
Stay At:
Chalet Renard Lodge is a great chalet in a brilliant location close to the Venosc Square.
8. Les Arcs 1,600m
Another high altitude ski resort in the Paradiski ski area in Les Arcs. It has an altitude of 1,600m-3,225m. If you’re in a mixed ability group or family this resort has slopes great for all levels of skier. You can explore 425km of pistes with a full lift pass. Some slopes are seriously high and guaranteed to be snowsure throughout the season. Not only does Les Arcs have great skiing, but the après scene is also very popular too. One of the highest ski resorts in France.
Stay At:
Altezza Arc 1800 Hôtel & Spa is a modern hotel with a prime location looking over the Tarentaise Valley and the peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif.
9. Méribel 1,400m
In the heart of the Three Valleys ski area is Méribel, with a high altitude of 1,400m-3,200m. You can ski far and wide with a full lift pass, as there is an impressive 600km of pistes to enjoy. It’s very popular with British holiday-makers due to the choice of accommodation, restaurants and bars. You can head over to neighbouring Courchevel and Val Thorens with ease due to the amazing ski lift network.
Stay At:
The Hotel La Chaudanne in Méribel is a comfortable hotel which offers great access to the slopes.
10. Courchevel 1,300m
Courchevel has a high life with location and its glamourous reputation. The ski resort has an altitude of 1,300m-3,000m and access to 600km of pistes. Its high altitude means there are great snow conditions throughout the season. The level of luxury accommodation, bars and restaurants are very high. If you’re a foodie you’re in for a treat as Courchevel has the most Michelin starred restaurants in the Alps. On and off the slopes this ski resort delivers something for everyone.
Stay At:
The Hotel Portetta in Courchevel 1650 is a friendly four-star hotel with easy access to the superb ski area.
To find out more about the highest ski resorts in France, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
