We have drawn up a list of the perfect French ski resorts you’ve by no means heard of. Sometimes visiting an unknown ski resort can have its benefits. It can mean shorter lift queues and quieter slopes, especially if you are skiing during the week.
Isola 2000
Isola 2000 is located just two hours from Nice Airport and is a great choice for a weekend of skiing. The ski resort sits at a solid 2,000m and reaches an altitude of 2,610m. Isola 2000 is a great base for beginners and intermediate skiers, with plenty of varied terrains to practice your turns. Locals describe the ski resort as one of the most beautiful ski areas in the Alps. Experience the breathtaking views of the impressive Massif des Ecrins to the Mediterranean Sea as you cruise down the slopes.
If you are a group who prefers to get up and out early, there are a number of ski-in and ski-out properties in Isola. You can simply roll out of bed and earn those first tracks, then cruise directly home after a successful day skiing. If you are a sun worshipper you will love Isola. It is a little gem with a record number of blue-bird days, perfect for those well-earned afternoon drinks.
Le Corbier
Le Corbier is a unique purpose-built resort that offers fantastic ski terrain in a modern and unique setting. The ski resort is a brilliant hub for those non-skiers in your group. There is a covered shopping centre connecting some buildings in the town, reflecting the forward-thinking and contemporary design of the ski resort. Le Corbier has that added peaceful charm of being traffic-free too. There is plenty of activities in the ski resort. These include snowmobiling, paragliding, tobogganing, sleigh rides, and top-class spas as well as much more.
The region has access to an impressive total ski area, which is surprising for a ski resort relatively unknown to the Brits. You will be kept busy with a ski terrain amassing a sizeable 310km. Situated in the Maurienne Valley, Le Corbier is part of the fourth-largest ski area in France. The top station reaches a height of 2,620m and the resort has plenty of snow cannons ensuring the area has a good base of snow at all times.
Le Grand Bornand
Another French ski resort you’ve by no means heard of is Le Grand Bornand. It is situated in the Haute Savoie region of France and has a total ski area of 220km. The unique ski resort offers the charm of a traditional French mountain village with the facilities of a modern ski resort. If you are visiting the ski area you will find there is a smaller ‘satellite’ village higher up the mountain called Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon which is the base for the main area of skiing.
If you are looking for a ski resort suited to beginners and intermediates this is your bet. There are lots of nursery slopes and wide-open pistes for your group to develop their skills. For the more advanced skiers, there is a limited amount of challenging runs. However, the ski area is linked to more popular resorts such as La Clusaz which has every kind of slope you are looking for. Le Grand Bornand is an ideal resort to visit for a quick break, with transfers taking just under two hours from Geneva it is a no-brainer.
Peisey-Vallandry
This ski resort is made up of a cluster of small satellite villages, with access to the famous Les Arcs ski region. The quaint villages have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with a small selection of bars, restaurants, and shops. The atmosphere is best suited for those with families and couples who prefer a quieter ski holiday.
Peisey-Vallandry has access to a mammoth 425km of piste via the Paradiski ski area. There are plenty of harder runs for those looking to develop their turns. For beginners, Peisey-Vallandry is a fantastic option. There are 170km of blue runs and plenty of gentle red runs to boost confidence. Transfers are just over an hour from Chambery and 1 hour and 40 minutes from Grenoble.
Saint Gervais
The ski resort of Saint Gervais is part of the larger ski region of Megève. The charming resort is just over an hour from Geneva, making the trip from the UK extremely easy. The ski area has 81 ski lifts accessing over 263km of piste. The scenery is one of the best you can find in the Alps, with Mont Blanc towering above it is hard not to marvel at its mammoth size as you ski down the piste.
A unique addition to the ski resort is its famous thermal baths. Choose to visit one of the luxurious thermal spas for the ultimate relaxing experience after a tiring day of skiing. Or if you are looking for a little bit more excitement, visit the lively après scene with the resort’s very own La Folie Douce. Lower down the ski resort can be lovely and sunny in the afternoon, the perfect place for a well-earned drink in the sun.
Sainte Foy
You probably haven’t heard of this ski resort either. Sainte Foy is nestled between its more popular neighbours of Tignes, Val d’Isère, and Les Arcs. It is the perfect ski resort for families who want to escape the mayhem of the busy Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area.
Sainte Foy is heaven for powder hounds, with terrific off-piste across many parts of the ski resorts. Plus, there is also the added bonus of minimal crowds. The perfect combo of unreal ski conditions and no one to share it with!
The village itself is typically Savoyard-style, with plenty of wood and stone alpine chalets and family-run businesses throughout the area. There are a number of bars and restaurants, however, they do not offer the lively energy neighbouring ski resorts offer.
Samoëns
Samoëns or ‘Ville Fleurie’ which directly translates to ‘Flower City’, is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in France. The ski resort has direct access to Flaine and Les Carroz via the Grand Massif ski area. Just an hour from nearby Geneva and with 265km of runs, it is a great weekend ski resort.
The town itself is traffic-free, with a picturesque square adding to the beauty of the ski resort. The main centre has a number of delis and restaurants offering local produce, including meats, cheeses, and pastries. Ideal for any foodie wanting to sample the regional delicacies.
Valmorel
Finally, Valmorel is another fantastic ski resort that by no means you have heard of. Made up of a collection of satellite villages an hour away from Chambery. Valmorel is part of the Grand Domaine ski area, offering 165km of piste. The region is a great place for families and beginners. A majority of the ski slopes are steady greens and blues, with a dedicated learning area for all ages to progress. Plus, many properties in this region are ski-in and ski-out, making access even more convenient.
The locals in the ski resort are very welcoming and with the ski resort being car-free it contributes to the peaceful atmosphere you are looking for. It is particularly relaxing for families as you can navigate the town safely being traffic-free.
To find out more about French ski resorts call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
