There are some fantastic pistes to enjoy all over France, with varied and challenging terrain. If you are visiting France for a ski holiday, you have several superb ski resorts to choose from. Many of these resorts have extremely long pistes to enjoy cruising down during your visit. Whether you are after a slope that takes a day to tackle or just an afternoon, discover the longest ski runs in France in our guide.
The Vallée Blanche – Chamonix (23km)
The Vallée Blanche is the longest ski run in France, totalling 23km of unmarked, unmaintained, and unmanned ski terrain. The mammoth ski run equates to more than 13 miles of skiable terrain. Skiers descend from a vertical drop from the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842m to their final destination in Chamonix. It is the ultimate Alpine adventure and is reserved for the advanced skier. You must take a knowledgeable mountain guide, as the terrain passes through glaciers, bowls, seracs, and crevasses. Marvel at the spectacular peaks and summits of Mont Blanc Mountain while experiencing some of the toughest terrain in Europe.
Stay At:
Penthouse Le Lustre is the epitome of luxury. The five-star apartment is a high-spec art deco property in the heart of Chamonix. It is a unique accommodation just moments away from the bustling centre.
Jandri – Les Deux Alpes (16km)
The Jandri is an extremely long blue run in Les Deux Alpes, descending almost 10 miles of ski terrain. Take the Jandri Express lift to the foot of the glacier at 3,200m. The views from this peak are stunning, especially on a good weather day. The lengthy run starts from the top of the lift and travels down to the resort at 1,650m. Explore Les Deux Alpes and the second-longest ski run in France next time you visit!
Stay At:
Hotel Chalet Mounier is in the centre of Les Deux Alpes and within minutes from the nearest ski lift. The hotel is smartly furnished and offers a calming, friendly atmosphere to its guests.
Sarenne – Alpe d’Huez (16km)
Alpe d’Huez is one of the most popular ski resorts in France and is home to a fantastic variety of ski slopes. The Sarenne is a unique long ski run that is an absolute necessity. There are two ways to descend the Sarenne, either the ‘regular’ way, by taking the DMC 1 and DMC 2 followed by the Pic Blanc gondola. You will then reach an elevation of 3,300m, where you must admire the spectacular views below. The second way of accessing the Sarenne run is by traversing through ‘The Tunnel Run’. This unique route is much steeper once out of the tunnel and can be tricky in challenging conditions. Once you have successfully travelled through the tunnel, you’ll be met by the third-longest ski run in France.
Stay At:
Hotel Daria-I Nor is a favourite amongst Ski Solutions clients. The hotel is perched directly on the slopes and offers excellent ski-in ski-out access.
Les Cascades – Flaine (14km)
Les Cascades is a lengthy 14km blue run on the edge of the Sixt-fer-à-Cheval nature reserve. Journey to the 2,480m peak of Les Grandes Platèires and ski all the way down to Sixt. Experience 1,800m vertical descent while admiring the remarkable scenery at every angle. Marvel at the untouched beauty and appreciate that there isn’t a ski lift in sight! Skiers will need a full area ski pass and allow for three hours for the entire journey. At the bottom of the run, a shuttle bus takes skiers to the Grand Massif Express in Samoëns.
Stay At:
Hotel Alhéna is a beautiful five-star hotel on the slopes of Flaine. The ski-in ski-out hotel is perfect for those wanting to make the most out of their ski holiday.
La Vanoise – Courchevel (12km)
La Vanoise is an exceptional 12km long run and the longest piste in the Three Valleys ski area. The slope connects the popular ski resorts of Courchevel and Méribel. The ski run is an excellent way to explore the biggest ski area in Europe. Travel the 7.4-mile run and appreciate the beautiful views of both ski resorts. The ski run is challenging due to its longevity, so we recommend tackling the piste first thing!
Stay At:
Portetta is a fantastic stay when visiting Courchevel. The hotel is based in Courchevel 1650 and is wonderfully charming. Enjoy a laid-back gourmet meal in one of the most friendly hotels in the ski resort.
Combe du Vallon- Méribel (11km)
Combe du Vallon is a fantastic piste and one of the longest ski runs in France. It is the jewel in Méribel’s crown, serving a long red run with incredible terrain. Snake through bends and turns while admiring the panorama of the Tueda Natural Reserve below. Skiers must continue to the ski resort centre on the Ours piste then onto Truite for the full 11km experience. To get there, you have to ascend to Mont Vallon, where you will be spoiled with breathtaking views. Marvel at the largest glacier in the Three Valleys before heading down the thrilling piste.
Stay At:
Hotel Le Kaila is in an enviable location in the heart of Méribel with ski-in ski-out access. The hotel boasts Méribel’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, which offers an exceptional menu.
Vallon De La Sache – Tignes, (10km)
Vallon De La Sache is a popular freeride ski slope found in the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area. More specifically, it is located in Tignes – a mecca for advanced off-piste skiers. For many skiers, it is an exciting run however it does come with its challenges. It is one of the most famous runs in the ski resort, with skiers from Val d’Isère travelling across the mountain just to do it. To access the run, take the Aiguille Percée chairlift to the top and traverse across the ridge to find an entry point.
Stay At:
Hotel VoulezVous is a unique stay in the popular ski resort of Tignes. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon soaking in the summit-facing spa after a long day on the slopes.
Aiguille Rouge – Les Arcs (7.4km)
At a mammoth 3,226m, the Aiguille Rouge is the highest point in the Paradiski ski area in Les Arcs and the start of one of the longest ski runs in France. The route is the perfect slope for adrenaline seekers and advanced skiers. Descend from a glacier peak and end in a pastoral setting via a truly remarkable ski run. Skiers will experience an elevation difference of more than 2,000m as the final destination, Villaroger, sits at 1,200m.
Stay At:
Suite Zozi is a fantastic chalet-aparment in Les Arcs. The apartment sits right on the slopes and is opposite two chairlifts. Guests have access to the superb facilities at the neighbouring Bear Lodge.
The Mont Blanc – La Plagne (7km)
The Mont Blanc ski run is the longest piste in La Plagne, at 7km. It is considered one of the world’s best intermediate pistes, and most definitely La Plagne’s best blue pistes. The piste starts above the Montchavin treeline, right by the Bijolin chairlift and the Dos Rond chairlift. The slope veers by the Vanoise Express gondola and via the satellite village of Les Coches. The final destination is the lower village of Montchavin, where you can enjoy a well-deserved beer.
Stay At:
Chalet Iris Bleu is a beautiful Alpine accommodation in the bustling centre of La Plagne. Enjoy the fabulous views of the ski resort from the large open-plan living room.
La Linga – Châtel (5km)
La Linga is a great 5km blue slope in the Portes du Soleil ski area. The piste is a comfortable intermediate slope that is perfect for a long cruise. Ski over to Les Combes chairlift and descend to Châtel ski resort. The run is north-facing so you’ll be able to experience it well into spring. Enjoy one of the best ski resorts in the second-largest ski region in Europe.
Stay At:
Chalet Alpaka is a 28-person accommodation in the traditional centre of Châtel. Enjoy the wonderful facilities the chalet has to offer, including a detoxing sauna to soothe achy ski legs.
To find out more about the longest ski runs in France, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
