Whether skiing with a group of friends, on a corporate trip, or with a family of all ages, there are plenty of ski holidays in France suited to intermediate skiers. The best ski resorts are for mixed-ability groups, which have a nice balance of slopes. Intermediate skiers are competent on the piste and are confident mainly on red runs. This type of skier can range in ability, but generally, most can navigate their turns perfectly down challenging routes.
Confident intermediate skiers may try to progress to the advanced pistes on one day, and the next they may want to take it easy on the blue slopes. Have the choice of a variety of pistes to develop turns one way or another. Fortunately, France has a great range of ski resorts suiting many different preferences. This is why the country is the go-to ski destination for many Brits. With the highest ski resort in Europe and some of the largest connected ski regions in the world, it’s a no-brainer for many. Discover our top pick of the best ski resorts in France for intermediates.
Avoriaz
Avoriaz is a fantastic choice for an intermediate ski resort. The ski town is completely ski-in ski-out with vehicle-free roads. The ski resort sits proudly at 1,800m and looks over the entire valley down to Morzine. Skiers will have direct access to Switzerland in just one chairlift. Plus, Avoriaz is in the heart of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area, encompassing 650km of pistes, 210km being red runs!
Stay At:
This fabulous hotel is part of the Ski Solutions Collection and an excellent five-star stay. Enjoy the direct ski-in ski-out access and remarkable views.
Val d’Isère
Val d’Isère is one of the world’s favourite ski resorts and there’s no wonder why. It has the perfect balance of excellent ski terrain, premium accommodation, and lively après (it was here where après-ski was revolutionised in the 80s). The ski resort is part of the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area offering 300km of pistes, 147km being blue and 74km red. Most of the slopes are blue and red ideal for intermediates to find their feet at first. There are several black slopes to conquer once you feel brave enough!
Stay At:
Club Med Val d’Isère is located at the base of the slopes giving excellent ski access to guests. Have everything taken care of for you in this premium all-inclusive hotel.
Courchevel
Courchevel is an exclusive ski resort set across four separate villages. The four areas include Courchevel 1850, Courchevel Moriond (formerly known as Courchevel 1650), Courchevel 1550, and Courchevel Le Praz. Each area has its own characteristics and an authentic Alpine feel. The ski area is well-known for its fantastic intermediate skiing, but beginners and experts will also find plenty to keep them occupied. The piste-bashers take pride in keeping the resort’s slopes impeccable, with the best snow above 1,650m.
Stay At:
The Portetta is a wonderful hotel in the heart of Courchevel 1650. The friendly establishment has an excellent restaurant providing a cleverly curated menu using seasonal produce.
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez offers a great variety of ski terrain and is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers. The ski area has a thrilling mix of green, blue, red, and black runs. The majority of the slopes are categorised as red, making the region the perfect option for established skiers. Alpe d’Huez sprawls over the open mountainside and has a superb sunshine record, ideal for sun-worshippers.
Stay At:
Chalet La Breche is the perfect stay for larger groups in Alpe d’Huez. The chalet is next to the Telecentre lift and close to a great selection of shops and bars.
La Plagne
La Plagne is one of the best ski resorts in France for intermediates. It is one of the most popular in the world as it has something for everyone. La Plagne has as many as 12 resorts and villages in the region and tons of accommodation options. The vast and varied ski area has more than 425km of terrain to explore, with 166km being dedicated red runs. The altitude reaches 3,250m meaning skiers will be able to find good snow throughout the season.
Stay At:
Hotel Carlina is everything you want in a ski hotel. The location is excellent, the atmosphere is fantastic and there’s a superb wellness area. That’s not even including the fabulous restaurant!
Méribel
Méribel is a quaint, chocolate-box ski resort in the heart of the Three Valleys ski area. The ski resort is a firm favourite with Ski Solutions clients, as not only is it in a prime location but it is also purpose-built. This means everything is geared towards making your ski holiday as easy as it can be. Skiers will have easy access to one of the largest ski regions in Europe. Explore 600km of pistes and almost 200 lifts in no time. For intermediates, it’s fantastic, as there are 204km of red slopes.
Stay At:
Chalet Mont Tremblant is the ultimate five-star getaway. The luxurious 12-person chalet has superb facilities, including a chauffeur, wellness area, an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Les Arcs
Les Arcs is home to four purpose-built ski areas each named according to their height, Les Arcs 1600, 1800, 1950, and 2000. The main hub is Les Arcs 1800, for its lively après scene and bustling centre. The higher-up resorts are more exclusive, consisting of traditional and luxury properties, popular with the wealthy. The ski area encompasses a total of 425km of piste. Fortunately for intermediates, 160km of those are red, making Les Arcs a great choice for a ski destination.
Stay At:
Hotel Taj-I Mah is Les Arcs’ first five-star luxury hotel. The fabulous location allows guests to make the most of the slopes from its ski-in ski-out location.
Tignes
Tignes is a great choice for well-established skiers. The ski resort sits at 2,100m and neighbours Val d’Isère, giving skiers access to 300km of piste. The region is popular with groups and families as there is a nice variety of slopes. The high altitude also ensures good snow throughout the season, which runs until late April. Tignes is instantly recognisable for the ‘Eye of the Rock’ formation found by the Aiguille Percée lift, where skiers can traverse down several intermediate runs.
Stay At:
Chalet Banksy Tribute is a unique stay in a fabulous ski resort. The chalet is furnished with an eclectic mix of artwork and ornaments, which will make your stay truly unforgettable.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens takes the crown as Europe’s highest ski resort. The ski destination sits at 2,300m and reaches a ski elevation of 3,250m. The resort is part of the Three Valley ski area and neighbours Méribel and Courchevel. Val Thorens is a popular snow-sure ski resort, which begins in early December and finishes in late April. There’s a good balance of slopes, perfect for intermediates to practice their turns. The ski town is accessible via three main airport hubs, making it easily accessible from different areas in France.
Stay At:
Hotel Le Fitz Roy is a fabulous five-star hotel in the centre of Val Thorens. The hotel sits directly on the slopes and benefits from a fabulous wellness area, featuring an indoor pool.
La Clusaz
La Clusaz is a terrific choice for people who want to make the most out of their ski holiday. The ski resort is just an hour’s drive from Geneva and has plenty of ski-in ski-out accommodation. It’s a great resort for beginner and intermediate skiing, plus it also has a solid snow record. La Clusaz has a small Alpine town atmosphere, homely and welcoming. Ski altitude reaches almost 2,500 and there’s more than 200km of slopes to explore. There are several thrilling intermediate runs that tail into wide blue slopes, ideal for a progressing intermediate.
Stay At:
Hotel Coeur du Village is a fantastic base for a luxury ski holiday. The hotel has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, with highly attentive staff.
To find out more about the best ski resorts in France for intermediates, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
