Val Thorens is located at an altitude of 2300 meters and is considered the highest ski resort in Europe. There is always a lot of snow here, and skiing safety is ensured by a special Gaz-ex avalanche system. Val Thorens' black and red trails are located in the Cim de Caron, Lac du Loup and La Mas districts, while in Pointe de Torrance, freeride enthusiasts will find excellent virgin fields. Snowboarders will delight in a fan park in the Plateau sector with unusual modules and special tracks for competitions. The resort also has slopes for those who are just starting to ski.
In addition, Val Thorens has a 6 km toboggan run, a snow and ice car run, a large sports complex, France's best Underground disco and many wonderful après-ski spots.
Photogallery of the Val Thorens resort
Le Menuire - family resort and a beginner's paradise, most of the tracks are for those starting out or looking to improve their skills. From hotels and apartments to the slopes does not take long to get, they start right outside the doorstep.
There are also tracks for professionals in Les Menuires, they are located on the slopes of Mont de la Chaumbre, and an excellent fan park is equipped for snowboarders in the same area. Les Menuires offers beginner skiers a special ski area with an area of about 5000 sq. m and a conveyor hoist. The village has a sports center with an aqua club, kids club, restaurants and bars.
Photogallery of the resort Les Menuires
Meribel is a great family-run mountain ski resort... It is located in the center of the Three Valleys region and consists of three villages. This place is perfect for those who are just mastering winter mountain sports or want to put children on their skis. Wide pistes in the Altiport and Rond-Poin areas and the free beginner's drag lift will help any traveler to experience the charm of skiing. However, there are also steep tracks in Meribel for professional athletes, for example, the Olympic women's track La Fas or the descent to Combe du Valon. Meribel will also delight snowboarders - there are two special zones, Platier Snow Park and Arpasson Moon Park. In the first, a 650-meter track with obstacles, a half-pipe and a baby-pipe, is open for snowboarders, and in the second, a kilometer-long track with obstacles and two half-pipes.
Meribel has a sports complex, bowling alley, cinemas and nightclubs. The resort's restaurants are usually open after 17:00. Fans of parties and noisy parties can be advised the village of Mottaret, where there are many discos, bars and nightclubs.
Photogallery of the resort of Meribel
Brides-les-Bains is a superbly located ski resort with ideal access to the Three Valleys. Straight cable car Olympus will take skiers and snowboarders to Méribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel. The town was built for the 1992 Olympic Games and offers budget accommodation at 600 meters above sea level.
The total area of the slopes of the resort is 77 km, there are 58 ski lifts with throughput 64 thousand people per hour. There are two fan parks for snowboarders and 33 km of cross-country ski tracks.
In Brides-les-Bains, you can not only go for a great ride, but also improve your health; there is a large wellness center with thermal springs.
Val d'Isere is one of the most sporting resorts in the French Alps. Every year in November, the first starts of the World Cup are held here, in 1992 the resort hosted the Winter Olympics, in 2009 - the World Ski Championships. The sports trails in the Bellevard area are open to the public in the afternoons. At the same time, in Val d'Isere there are special ski areas for beginners, as well as excellent ski schools, where they will teach everything necessary for both children and adults. The resort's guests have at their disposal a well-thought-out lift system that connects the Val d'Isere with all ski areas, and 150 km of perfectly prepared slopes, including 12 green, 24 blue, 28 red and 15 black slopes. Ysera is renowned for its diversity, with a vertical drop of 1300 m.
Three ski areas: Bellevard, Soleis and Col de Liseran offer a variety of pistes for sports fans. There are freeride areas, sport slopes, challenging black trails and gorgeous panoramic slopes that will impress you. Snowpark Val d'Isere is located in the Belleward area. The resort is renowned for its beautiful architecture, an excellent selection of comfortable hotels and apartments and great restaurants. Outdoor ice rink, aquacenter, night club, many restaurants and cafes will allow you to have a great time after skiing. Tourists can be sure that in Val d'Isere they will have a truly varied leisure time.
Photogallery of the Val d'Isere resort
Megève is an excellent alpine resort where both skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of opportunities for interesting skiing. The city itself looks great with buildings in the Savoyard style. It has great hotels, great entertainment venues, restaurants and shops.
The resort offers its guests 222 slopes and is located in the center of the large ski area of Evazion-Mont Blanc, where there are about 445 km of marked slopes of various difficulty levels and 113 lifts. The ski season here lasts from December to April. The most interesting, beautiful and at the same time difficult slopes can be found in the Mont Joly and Mont Jou areas. There is one more section with "red" and "black" tracks in Kot-2000. Those who are not so confident in their abilities should pay attention to the descents to Mont d'Arbois or Complux. Beginners will also find where to ride in Megeve, light "green" and "blue" tracks can be found not only down the town, but also in all three ski areas.
Snowboarders will appreciate the slopes at Combloux-les-Jaillet, as well as the Pist-de-Fentin border trail in Cote 2000 - Rochebrune. In addition to the Palais des Sports with a swimming pool, saunas, a gymnasium and a fitness center, Megeve has cinemas, a bowling center, an indoor Olympic skating rink and even an air club. Lovers of evening entertainment will find casinos, jazz and bridge clubs, discos and many boutiques. Magnificent views of Mont Blanc open from Mont Joly, and in Saint-Gervais you can swim in the thermal springs.
Photogallery of the resort of Megève
Courchevel is perhaps the most prestigious French resort, very popular with Russian tourists. A variety of slopes, an excellent selection of trails, wonderful virgin slopes - all this allows both beginners and experienced alpine skiing enthusiasts to get a lot of pleasure from their rest. The shopping and social life of Courchevel is amazing.
Beginners will find the wide green and blue slopes in the Bellecot and Pralon ski areas. Those who are confident in skiing and snowboarding should look at the beautiful forest slope of Bouc Blanc and the “red” slopes in Marmot and Creux. Professionals will appreciate the "black" slopes of the Col de la Loz, Les Aval, Col du Paz du Lac, as well as the slopes from Solir stations. There are 65 ski lifts to the alpine peaks. Courchevel has a snow park, half pipe, lots of snow cannons, and a 2 km toboggan run. An indoor sports center, bowling alley, fitness center, skating rink, concert hall and cinema, numerous discos, galleries and restaurants will not let you get bored after skiing.
There are more than 100 stores in the resort, where all well-known world brands are represented. Courchevel's restaurants and boutiques cater to high-income tourists. The closest railroad station, Moutiers Saline, is a half hour drive from the resort.
Courchevel Village is a cozy family ski resort located at an altitude of 1550 m. Until 2013, it was better known as Courchevel 1550. It is a small alpine Savoyard town with a budget hotel, excellent apartments and modern luxury chalets.
Two lifts connect Courchevel Village with the main ski areas of the region. There is a ski school, tourist information office, rental office, restaurants, bars, a discotheque and an ice rink. The resort will appeal to families and secluded travelers alike, although it offers easy access to the noisier parts of Courchevel with its eminent restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Courchevel resort photo gallery
The popular Tignes ski resort is located at 2,100 m in the Espace Killy ski area. Spacious wide pistes, excellent freeride opportunities and long seasons make it an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders. The three ski areas of Tignes - Tignes-le-Lac, Val-Claret and Lavache are connected by a system of lifts and are located next to picturesque lake... On the Grand Mott glacier ski season opens in early October, in other areas - at the end of November and lasts until the first third of May.
Sports enthusiasts will find 76 slopes in Tignes, most of them blue and red, a snow park with a halfpipe, a mogul slope and an excellent ski school. Here you can also go skiing, ice skating, snowkiting, ice climbing or paragliding or helicopter flight.
Cozy cafes and restaurants, noisy discos and bars will not let you get bored after skiing. The resort's infrastructure is famous for its compact and convenient location, and the prices for accommodation here are quite budgetary.
Les Arcs is a group of resorts located in the heart of the French Alps, in the Haute Tarentaise valley. The resort towns are located here at altitudes from 1600 to 2000 meters above sea level and are connected by ski slopes and ski lifts. The skiing season is from mid-December to the end of April. For mountain winter sports enthusiasts, there are 121 ski and snowboard trails, a wide variety of lifts, two snow parks with halfpipes in Les Arcs. There are also opportunities for practicing unusual sports, for example, speedwriting and skijoring.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular ski resort in the Alps, at the foot of Mont Blanc. The first tourists appeared in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc at the beginning of the 19th century, and since then the resort has only been gaining popularity. In 1924, it was here that the I Winter Olympic Games were held. Today Chamonix-Mont-Blanc receives up to 5 million tourists and athletes a year.
There are several ski regions in the Chamonix valley: Grand Monte, Le Tours, Brevin, Les Houches, Flégères, as well as the famous off-piste descent from the top of the Aiguille du Midi 20 kilometers long - the White Valley. It is because of the White Valley that the resort is considered the capital of extreme skiing in France.
There is no single ski area in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, however, ski buses will take tourists to the ski lifts in 7-15 minutes. Good hotels and great bars, interesting museums and mountain Railway to Mont Blanc (at an altitude of 2372 m) will make your vacation in Chamonix interesting and enjoyable, even if you are not going to ride all day long.
Ski resorts in France are considered one of the best in the world. It is home to the fabulously beautiful French Alps, home to very extensive, interconnected ski areas. Fans of downhill skiing, snowboards, bobsleigh and other types winter sports more than four thousand different tracks are expected here. Tourists can choose the most suitable slope depending on the level of skill, so local resorts will be a great place for recreation, both professionals and beginners. On the local alpine slopes, organizing competitions of the highest class.
The French Alps have hosted the Olympic Games three times.
Val d'yZeur and Tignes
These ski resorts in France are close to each other. Val d'Zeur and Tignes are recognized as the kings of alpine skiing among professional athletes. The height of the peaks is 1850 m and 2100 m, respectively. Local ski slopes are not only recognized as the best in France, but also compete with the best resorts in the world for the championship. Centers for winter sports fans are located 200 km from Geneva.
If you get to these resorts in France at the beginning of winter, you can see firsthand the World Cup under the name "Criterium of the first snow". By the way, the tracks are covered with snow from November to May. Not only is there nowhere else such a variety of slopes, but also all the work moves around tourists. An important point is the absence of queues for the lifts.
Val d'Zer and Tignes are not in vain discussing as a whole. These resorts are connected to the "Killy Space" by lifts. It is in the complex that the resorts bring maximum pleasure to active vacationers. The funicular (3500 m) called Grand Mot has a fairly high speed. In just 6 minutes you can climb from the station at 2100 m to an altitude of 3300 m. "Killy Space" offers vacationers comfortable trails of sufficient width, with high-quality markings. Their length is up to 300 km. Lovers of skiing can ski on virgin soil, also all year round skiing on the glacier is available.
Les Deux Alpes
This ski resort in Alpine France is literally at the foot of the Mont de Lans glacier, which is considered the largest in all of Europe. Height - 1650 m. The easiest way to reach it is from Geneva. To do this, you will have to overcome even a length of 220 km. Not only skiers but also snowboarders love to relax here. A local "snowboard park" is open especially for them.
The glacier ensures the availability of snow all year round, including the summer months, so skiing in France is relevant not only in the frosty season.
The total length of slopes in the ski resort Les Deux Alpes is 200 km, among them:
- Reds - 21;
- Blue - 25;
- Greens - 22;
- Black - 8.
In the Loisan massif there is a high-mountainous region of grandiose proportions. It is considered as unique as the White Valley of Mont Blanc. Recreation will not be limited to skiing, the ski resort offers a lot of entertainment for vacationers. On the territory there are wellness centers, heated swimming pools (indoor and outdoor). To touch the fabulous atmosphere, it is worth going down to the artificial ice grotto. Other leisure options include paragliding torch skiing.
Courveshel
"Chosen by the stars" - this is what this ski resort is called modern France... It gained such fame thanks to its high quality service. Here are the most comfortable hotels and restaurants with the best level of service in the world. The resort has 4 levels from 1030 m to 1850 m, which are connected by lifts. The total length of the local ski area is 600 km. Also located in Courchevel:
- 2 Olympic ski jumps;
- 1 track for descending at high speed;
- 3 slalom tracks;
- 2 tracks for snowboarders;
- Climbing wall (13 m);
- Ice climbing tower (39 m).
To make your leisure time unforgettable and bright, restaurants and bars, discos and nightclubs are constantly operating in Courchevel, sport complexes with tennis courts.
Meribel
A ski resort located right in the heart of the Three Valleys. Height - from 1450 to 1800 m. It is famous for its architectural sophistication. This highland point of France consists of three parts - Belvedere, Motaret and central part... They are connected by lifts and roads.
Trails of various difficulty make the picturesque landscapes even more chic. It is the beauty of the French Alps that attracts so many tourists to Meribel. Equally exciting rest awaits on the territory of the resort, both lovers of comfortable slopes and fans of virgin lands. The length of the tracks is 600 km.
The lift system is designed so that skiers do not have to use taxis and buses.
La Plagne
It was impossible to remain silent about this ski resort, because it is the largest in France. Despite the fact that the number of slopes is simply incredible (123), so also the quality of the tracks is capable of striking outright. The resort includes four stations at the foot of the mountains and six stations of the alpine type.
If you buy a special pass in La Plagne, you can ride all the ski lifts in Les Arcs for free. If the pass has a duration of 6 days or more, then it will be possible to ride for free during the day at each of the Olympic resorts belonging to the Savoy area. This way you can visit the main ski resorts in France, saving you a lot. These are places like:
- Three Valleys;
- Pralonian en Vanoise;
- Le Sesi;
- "Spaces of Killy".
Each La Plagne station has one free lift and ski Kindergarten... Not only skiers come here, but also snowboard lovers. There is a snowboard park for them. To recharge after skiing, La Plani has 21 restaurants, so it's hard to stay hungry here.
Chamonix
This ski resort of the French border zone is considered one of the most visited in Europe. It is located right at the foot of the glaciers worldwide. famous mountain Mont Blanc. The height of the summit is 4807 m, and the resort itself is located at an altitude of 1050 m, occupying the intersection of the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland. The highest point of the local lift is 3842 m.
Chamonix is famous for its "White Valley", which provides tourists with as much as 20 km of off-piste skiing. People from all over the world come here to admire the nature. But it's not just fabulous landscapes as well as in comfort. Chamonix has a well-developed infrastructure, which makes the rest not only interesting, but also convenient for every tourist.
For leisure guests are open:
- Wellness centers;
- Climbing wall;
- Track and field stadium;
- Indoor ice rink;
- Swimming pool;
- Gym.
Ski regions
French Alps (Rhône-Alpes region and Alpes department) - highest mountains Western Europe, the ski resorts of France are the largest winter sports center in the world: 380 ski stations, the largest number of ski lifts in the world (3900!) and the shortest queues for them. This is the largest ski area and the widest selection of slopes, the most high peak Western Europe Mont Blanc (4807 m), stable weather, plenty of sun, guaranteed snow cover from early December to mid-May, plus the possibility of skiing in summer. The most popular resorts in the region are Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Tignes, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, La Plagne, Megeve, Meribel and others. 175 resorts are equipped with snow cannons. 230 sports centers offer trails for flat skiing ...
In addition to the famous alpine resorts, France has a huge set of great skiing destinations, scattered in abundance throughout mountain systems country. Most often these are small mountain villages used as local recreation areas and by and large not able to compete with the Alps. But on the other hand, such small sports centers are very attractive both as summer mountain climatic and balneological resorts, and as recreation areas for lovers of flat skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and hiking. Usually located in very picturesque places near major roads, on weekends and holidays they often collect no fewer guests than the famous alpine centers, but the price level here is usually much lower.
One of the most interesting and intensively developing ski recreation centers are Pyrenees.
V Central massif due to its natural and climatic characteristics "clean" ski vacation unlikely. However, for the same reason, this area is considered one of the best places France for flat skiing, initial training in alpine skiing and snowboarding, hiking and equestrian routes, and its amazing nature allows you to relax here at any time of the year.
Low Vosges widely renowned as a great destination for cross-country and lowland skiing.
Surprisingly, but even a hot Mediterranean island Corsica has a whole network of its own mountain centers. The relief of the island and the abundance of zones with their own microclimate allow skiing from December (more often from mid-January) to March-April.
Climate
The first snow in the French Alps falls at the end of November and lasts until mid-May. Due to the mild climate, even in winter in valleys at an altitude of about 1500 m, the temperature does not drop below -10 ° C. The most favorable time for skiing begins in mid-February, when stable sunny weather sets in. The height of the snow cover, depending on the height of the terrain, ranges from 0.7 to 4 meters.
Average monthly air temperature at an altitude of about 1500 m (° C): in November 0 ..- 2, in December -2 ..- 4, in January -5 ..- 7, in February -2 ..- 4, in March 0 ..- 2, in April +2 .. + 4.
The average height of snow cover at an altitude of about 1500 m (cm): in November 6-80, in December 90-120, in January 140-200, in February 160-220, in March 160-240, in April 140-220.
Subscription
In France, you can buy a pass for half a day, for a day, for two, etc. You can purchase both a general ski pass for the entire ski area, and a separate one for each valley. It is more convenient and profitable to buy a ski pass for the entire ski area at once. Ski-pass for children under 5 years old and for adults over 72 years old is free, there are special rates for adults over 60 years old. There are also special family rates.
The Olympic ski area includes Three Valleys, Espace Killy, Paradiski. A subscription to one of the zones (minimum 6 days) entitles you to one day of skiing in one of the others (during the validity of the subscription).
Equipment rental
Ski and snowboard equipment rental is organized in almost all sports shops. There are also items for servicing inventory: edge sharpening, lubrication, etc. Equipment for athletes is selected individually: depending on weight, height and level of skiing.
Ski schools
There are several levels of training - for beginners, advanced training, for professionals, etc. If you combine the booking of lessons in ski schools with the purchase of a ski-pass ticket, it will be cheaper. Special discounts are available for families of 3-4 people. During the Christmas (Catholic) holidays, when booking a lesson for one adult - one child is enrolled for free.
Alpine ski resorts in France are rightfully said to be one of the best winter resorts worldwide. The French Alps are the world's largest center winter holiday: more than three hundred ski stations, almost 4 thousand lifts, and the shortest queues at them. There are more than four thousand interconnected and differing in difficulty levels for downhill skiing, snowboarding and other types of extreme winter recreation. If you ever come across a selection of resorts in france, check out this article!
On the slopes of the Alps, various competitions are often held, including world championships and the Olympics.
The most popular resorts in the region are Chamonix, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Val Thorens, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes, La Plagne, Megeve, Meribel, etc.
Chamonix
Chamonix- the largest ski resort in France, located in the heart of the French Alps at the top of the famous crystalline massif of Mont Blanc.
Chamonix Valley- unique natural area near the borders of Italy and Switzerland is included in the list of landscapes that make up the world heritage. The longest slopes reach several tens of kilometers, the most high point Chamonix is the famous "White Valley".
Its height reaches 3842 m, and its length is more than 20. Such extreme sports as ice mountaineering, rock climbing, winter rafting, paragliding, canyoning are developed here. In summer, the resort welcomes mountain bikers and climbers.
You can stay in the Chamonix resort in the following hotels:
- Les Chamonix Sud
- La Riviere
- Res. Chamois blanc
- Le Cristal D'argentiere
- Res. La Ginabelle
Espace Killy
Espace Killy is an area in the French Alps, named after its three-time world champion in alpine skiing, Jean-Claude Keely, which rightfully deserves a reputation as one of the most wonderful resorts not only in the Alps, but throughout the world. On its territory are located the popular resort towns of Val d'Isere and Tignes - ultra-modern slopes, suitable not only for beginners, but also for professionals.
On the glaciers of this region, you can ski not only in winter, but also in summer (thanks to the Pissaillas glacier), beginners in skiing have the opportunity to study at ski schools located right on the gentle slopes. Snowboarders can enjoy the ultra-modern corridors Le Lasvancher, Les Danaides, La Table and Kern. The resort is visited not only by sports enthusiasts, but also by those wishing to try a helicopter ride, dog sledding, snowmobiling or snowshoeing.
Espace Killy can be reached from the following airports: Geneva - 160 km, Grenoble - 143 km, Chambery - 120 km and Lyon - 340 km. In addition, take the motorway via Albertville or Moutiers. Before resort area There are bus routes from Geneva and Lyon airports 3-4 times a day.
You can stay in such hotels:
- AVENUE LODGE 5 *
- AIGLE DES NEIGES 4 *
- CRETES BLANCHES 3 *
- BREVIERES CLUB HOTEL MMV (2 *)
Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallees)
The Three Valleys (LeTroix Vallee) is the largest region in the world ski slopes with a total length of 600 km, located at an altitude of 1.3-3.2 km.
It includes a resort Val Thorens- "Roof of the Three Valleys", located at an altitude of 2,300 km, Its peak is a picturesque mountain peak Cime de Caron, offering a magnificent view of Mont Blanc.
Second resort - Meribel- "Heart of the Three Valleys". It is located at an altitude of 1.4 km and is divided into the classic French Méribel Center and the more modern Méribel Mottarea, both areas are completely covered with perfectly smooth slopes and cross-country trails. In addition, here you can play hockey, just go for a drive on the ice rink and even take part in sled races.
And finally the famous Courchevel- which is one of the most prestigious resorts France, with developed infrastructure, hotels of the highest level, excellent quality of service and a developed entertainment network. Courchevel is located at altitudes from 1300 to 1850 m. At the same time, a lover of ski slopes can ski every day on various slopes for a month, conquering new heights and slopes every day, never repeating his route.
In addition to the traditional tracks, professionals can appreciate the two Olympic jumping tracks. There are several ice slalom and downhill slopes,
Alpe d'Huez- one of the few resorts where a wide variety of tracks is presented in a relatively small area. A cozy compact village in the shape of a triangle is located above the Romansh valley; most of the hotels and residences are located next to the track or the ski lift.
Among the French themselves, the Alpes Duez has earned the romantic name "Sun's Frame" due to the fact that the slopes located on the upper plateau and facing south from early morning until late at night bathe in the sun.
This is the fifth largest french region for riding on alpine skiing... The most famous trails in Europe are located here: the Saren descent with a length of 16 km, and the Tunnel trail, cut through the glacier.
Resort hotels:
- Res. L'ours Blanc
- Res. Le Cristal De L'alpe
- Res. Les bergers
- Res. Les Horizons D'huez
- Res. Les Melezes
Location:
The resort can be reached from Geneva, from where there are regular flights every day. On Saturdays, very quickly (only 1.5 hours) can be reached from Grenoble by charter flight.
Megeve
Megève is an excellent ski resort with three ski areas. These are Rochebrune-Cote, Mont-d'Arbois and Le Jail. It also houses an open-air museum. Megève is considered to be the most elegant and sophisticated mountain resort in France.
It is one of the oldest resorts in the French Alps and has recently become a member of the “The Best of the Alps” club of privileged ski resorts. The resort has a classic alpine village atmosphere. For example, it is forbidden to drive along the main street and you can only ride on horse-drawn carriages. The central streets of the town are paved with ancient cobblestones; some houses were built here at least 200 years ago.
The main attractions are old church built in the 13th century, medieval monastery and city tower... The skiing spots are located at an altitude of 1-2.3 km, and there are many slopes for both beginners and the most real extreme lovers.
Your ski vacation in Megève can be planned at once on three massifs that make up the Evasion ski area: Rochebrune-Cote 2000, Mont d`Arbois, Le Jaillet ...
Ski tours in Megève will satisfy skiers of all skill levels, as the resort can offer a wide variety of slopes.
For professionals - the Mont Joly and Mont Joux areas, there are black and red slopes in Rochebrune - Cote 2000 (Cote 2000).
For the intermediate level - the tracks in Mont d'Arbois, the tracks are more difficult - in the areas of Combloux and Le Jaillet.
For beginners - Rochebrune and Mont d`Arbois, associated with the lift.
Location:
Megeve Located 70 km from Geneva airport and a few km from neighboring Chamonix.
Hotels in Megève:
- Relais & Chateaux Flocons de Sel
- Chalet d'Antoine
- Les cimes
- Les fermes de marie
- Alpaga
Climate in the Alps
The tourist season in the Alps starts in December and ends in March. For a Russian tourist, the climate of the Alps will always be favorable. Winter is much milder and warmer here than in Russia. average temperature in winter + 1 degree Celsius. And although freezing temperatures can occur at any time, it never drops below -10. The winds in the Alps are also not very strong. You can have a rest with children at any time of the tourist season.
Impressions of tourists
The French Alps leave only pleasant impressions for Russian tourists. Russians associate snow-white snow with severe frost or muddy roads. In the Alps, snow resembles clouds. Firstly, the climate of the Alps is very mild and warm, and secondly, there is very clean air and everything around.
Service on alpine resorts of the most genuine European quality. Here you can find comfortable hotels, gourmet cuisine, and stunning ski slopes. For Russians, the French Alps are like winter at home, only cleared of all the flaws ...
If you like relaxing in the mountains, regardless of the season, we recommend that you read the following articles:
- - going to Italy you can look at the Alps from the other side.
- is a wonderful Polish resort with decent service.
- - as you know, Bavaria is famous not only for its castles, but also for its extremely beautiful mountain landscapes.
Don't rush to leave! Here are some more interesting articles:
France is the most interesting country and it has the largest ski areas in the world and the most ski lifts. This country is considered the most visited in the world, because Paris is a sophisticated and fashionable city, and the Eiffel Tower is a world attraction. Many amateurs active rest, including newlyweds during honeymoon prefer exactly the ski resort in France.
Tourists are attracted by the hospitality and first-class service, when you can enjoy the variety of difficulty of the tracks and the beauty of the landscapes. There are several dozen modern and the best ski resorts here, which are known to all skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
Ski resorts in France, it's not just beautiful landscapes and steep mountains, it is more than four thousand different slopes, which are suitable for both beginners and specialists and masters of skiing.
It is an indescribable sensation and immense pleasure over several thousand kilometers of specially prepared ski slopes.
In France - Mont Blanc is considered the most high mountain The Alps, while the Three Valleys, have become contenders for the title of the largest ski region in the world, and the Vanoise Express is the fastest and largest two-story cable car.
It is believed that the ski resorts of France are the largest center for winter recreation and sports in the world. There are 380 ski stations and 3900 ski lifts, this is the largest area for skiing and snowboarding, and the largest selection of different slopes.
The highest peak in Western Europe is Mont Blanc, it is 4807 meters in height and at the same time guaranteed snow and sunny weather, which lasts from December to May, you are guaranteed.
The most popular resorts in France are Courchevel, Chamonix, Meribel, Megeve, Les Deux Alpes, Val d'Isere, Tignes, La Plagne, Val Thorens, these are exactly the places where you can relax and enjoy the climate and landscapes.
Pyrenees
This is by far the most interesting and developing ski resort, because the mountain range stretches for 430 kilometers along the southwestern border between the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean Sea known to all.
This is considered the most picturesque region of the country, because the snowy mountains are replaced by green and dry foothills. The nature here is virgin and pure, so fans and tourists are attracted by the variety of recreation and small resort areas.
If you are a beginner and don't know how to snowboard and ski, then your best bet is to learn in more flat areas like the Massif Central. This is the most best area for flat skiing, as well as for teaching snowboard and alpine skiing for beginners and children.
Haute Provence is located in southeastern France, it sparkles with a variety of landscapes and a wonderful combination of gorges and rocky and mountain ranges.
This place is just perfect for outdoor activities in the winter.
The villages, which are lit by sunlight, have slopes at an altitude of three thousand meters and attract with their cleanliness and freshness.
High alps
The highest and most massive mountains are located in the Hautes Alps, such as Barré des Ecrins four thousand meters high, and Mont Pelvoy also four thousand. All these mountains complement each other perfectly, and offer simply stunning views and landscapes, and the conditions for various winter sports are just perfect.
It is the Hautes Alps that attract many athletes with their quality and quantity of mountains. There are tracks for every choice, both for beginners and professionals.
Haute Savoie
The Haute-Savoie is of stunning nature and sights, a region of first class. Indeed, it is in the Haute-Savoy that the highest mountain in all of Europe is located - Mont Blanc, Annecy lakes, Lake Geneva, the Chamonix valley and the Rhone river.
Here vacationers will fully enjoy the first-class vacation, beautiful scenery and skiing. In this region today are the best ski resorts in the country, such as Porte du Soleil, Chamonix, La Clusaz.
The most visited ski resorts in France
Three Valleys is the most famous alpine ski center in France.
Trois Valleys, the second name of the Three Valleys, is the largest ski area for tourists.
The resort is located in the most famous ski province of Savvoy. There are eight main resorts: Val Thorens, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Saint Martin, Courchevel, Les Menuires, La Tania, de Belleville and Aurelles.
The length of the tracks is 600 km and 200 lifts, which are capable of delivering a quarter of a million people to the mountains every hour. Here every beginner and professional will find a suitable track, travel routes and skiing modes for themselves.
It is very convenient that you can alternate skiing with cross-country skiing and snowboarding. The most powerful ski lift network in the world and especially for snowboarders there are fan parks and half pipes.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens is the most visited alpine resort from the ski area "Three Valleys" it is a kind of roof, here, thanks to modern technologies, there is the most spacious overhead lift in all of Europe, it is designed for about one hundred and fifty people.
The mountains here are mostly steep, starting from the three-thousanders, so the area here is more designed for experienced skiers. The landscapes for vacationers are stunning beautiful view from the most picturesque peak of the Cime de Caron, opens directly to Mont Blanc.
Meribel
Meribel is the heart of the Three Valleys, as it is the largest and most famous of all ski resorts in France. This resort is mainly for family vacation and for not very experienced skiers. This is a calm place where you can spend time in peace and go not only on ordinary mountain skiing, but also on cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
Here vacationers are provided with entertainment centers where you can play hockey, go ice skating or even arrange a sled race. Beautiful place family vacation located at an altitude of 1400 meters.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains this resort, located at an altitude of six hundred meters and this is the most cheap resort in France, here it is thirty percent cheaper than in high-altitude resorts.
And it is in Brides-les-Bains especially for holidaymakers that there is not only a ski resort, but also the most famous thermal resort with a special sports and recreation complex and a wonderful recreation park.
Vacationers and tourists come here from all countries not only in winter for skiing, but also throughout the year in order to improve their health or just have a nice rest.
Courchevel
This alpine ski resort consists of four well-groomed villages, which are located on four levels - the first at an altitude of 1300 meters, the second at 1500 meters, the third at 1650 meters and the fourth at 1850 meters. This resort is considered the most prestigious and luxurious ski resort in the world.
Many people know that Courchevel is the most expensive and sophisticated resort, and the tracks are well-groomed, and the guides are polite, who can speak all foreign languages. This ski resort is one of the leaders in terms of level hotel complexes and entertainment centers.
There is the highest quality service and service, the most friendly staff and famous people rest there. There are several slalom trails, two Olympic trails specially prepared for ski jumping, a downhill trail, ice arenas and cross-country skiing trails.
Chamonix
Chamonix is the largest resort in the French Alps, known for over two hundred years, it is located right at the foot of the famous huge Mont Blanc massif. The fact is that Chamonix is the site of the very first Winter Olympic Games in the world.
The length of the tracks is 152 kilometers, total area- 762 hectares, the number of ski lifts - 49. Today it is a popular and relatively affordable vacation for lovers of snowboard and alpine skiing. Evening landscapes, restaurants and cafes, everything is created with comfort especially for relaxation.
Paradiski is the largest skiing area. The most popular resorts are Les Arcs, La Plagne, Les Coches and a small area at Peyse-Valandry. The name itself translates from French as a "ski paradise".
Paradiski - a ski paradise
There are two glaciers, 425 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty, at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 3250 meters, and 144 suspended lifts. Abundant snow cover from December to April, tracks of varying difficulty, it will be comfortable here for both beginners and professionals. There are also cross-country skiing and snowboarding trails.
And the famous Flying Kilometer track for breaking speed records has a maximum incline of 76 degrees. Excellent conditions for children will allow the whole family to have a rest, because there are twenty-three kindergartens, thirty-four lifts, two playgrounds, nine "rolling mats" for them. Ski schools teach children from the age of three, so you can come here with the whole family and have a great time.
Climate in the French mountains
Snow in the Alps falls in November and lasts until May, and mild climate provides comfort, because even high in the mountains the air temperature does not drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
But the most best time February is considered for skiing, then the sun rises and the sunny weather lasts for a very long time.
The snow cover reaches from 0.7 to 4 meters, depending on the height of the area itself. The air temperature, depending on the season from November to April, ranges from -7 ° C .. to + 4 ° C. The coldest weather in January is -5 .. -7 ° C, and the height of the snow cover from November to April is from 0.06 to 2.20 meters.
Subscriptions and Ski-pass, equipment rental and training school
In France, you can easily and simply buy a half-day, day and two-day pass, etc. as much as your soul desires. You can purchase a ski pass for each valley separately and for the entire ski area, the Ski-pass for children under five years old and for adults over seventy years old is free, and for couples and for pensioners there are special rates and promotions.
It is best to order the Ski-pass in advance and have a photo with you, because it will cost much more on the mountain, and the more days you want to spend there, the cheaper it will cost you. The Olympic ski area is Paradiski, Espace Killy and Three Valleys. If you purchase a subscription to one of these zones, then you can spend one day in any other.
For alpine skiing and snowboarding, there is a rental in absolutely all sports stores, where you will be provided with many additional services, such as equipment maintenance.
There is no need to worry about a suit, because in any sports store you will find a ski suit for your height, weight and level of skiing. In all corners resort towns there are similar stores that work especially for you.
Also in France in any city there are ski schools and there you can book lessons, and if you combine this with the purchase of a ski-pass, it will be much cheaper.
There are very convenient discounts for families, during the holidays when booking a lesson for an adult - the child can go for free. There are several levels of training in the ski school - this is a level for beginners who first start skiing in France, for advanced training, and for professionals who want to learn various tricks.
Courchevel and affordable skiing are real
Courchevel has everything from obscenely expensive hotels and restaurants to grocery stores and cozy chalets in old Le Pra. But first of all it is a gon-ski resort. Air, snow and mountains are free here, and the cost of the lifts is no higher than at any other major European resort.
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