Nature and landscapes
How to choose my ski resort this winter ?
With hundreds of resorts and six mountain ranges, France is truly the center of mountain in the world! The advantage: there’s something to suit every taste, need and desire. The downside: it’s not always easy to make a choice when planning your holiday! So, to help you get a clearer picture, here’s a brief overview.
Pyrenees
Stretching between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the Pyrenees boast over 430 km of mountains and an incredible variety of valleys. Here, intimate ski resorts sit alongside a region rich in traditions, fine cuisine and wellness activities. The mountain range is, in fact, one of the cradles of thermal spa culture in France.
Why choose a resort in this mountain range?
- For a variety of experiences: downhill skiing, Nordic activities, snowshoeing, wellness or exploring the local area can all be easily combined.
- To experience the mountains at their most authentic: villages, traditions, cuisine and local encounters lend your stay a strong cultural dimension.
- To enjoy a distinctive local character: Basque, Béarn, Occitan and Catalan influences make each valley unique.
- To treat yourself to a genuine wellness break: after a day’s skiing, spas and thermal baths await you, where you can enjoy the massif’s natural springs.
Southern Alps
From the Hautes-Alpes to the Alpes-Maritimes, the Southern Alps combine high peaks, unspoilt landscapes and almost always sunny weather. Thanks to the altitude, snow conditions are ideal for days out on the slopes with family or friends, where fun is always the order of the day!
Why choose a resort in this mountain range?
- To ski in the sunshine: the range’s exceptional sunshine is one of its great assets, making for particularly enjoyable days on the slopes… which end on a terrace.
- For a unique southern atmosphere: larch trees, blue skies, culinary specialities and the proximity to Provence lend your holiday a carefree feel.
- To entertain young and old alike with the many events and activities on offer throughout the winter.
- To strike the right balance between sport and a friendly atmosphere: the massif offers both vast play areas and warm, family-friendly village resorts.
Northern Alps
With its vast number of resorts, the Northern Alps offer a concentration of high-altitude mountain scenery, sweeping panoramic views and alpine villages. The resorts here vary greatly in character, ranging from vast ski areas to more intimate village resorts. Situated close to major urban centres, they are also easily accessible by train from stations in neighbouring towns.
Why choose a resort in this mountain range?
- To ski on vast ski areas: the Northern Alps are home to some of the largest and most renowned ski areas in France. Plenty of variety to enjoy throughout a day’s skiing!
- To ski together in the same place, even if you’re at different levels: there’s a suitable run for everyone in the group.
- To try out plenty of unusual activities before or after skiing: ice floating, mountain karting, zip-lining, ice caves…
- To combine skiing with the good life: local cuisine in restaurants, mountain villages and heritage tours.
Massif Central
How about skiing on a volcano this winter? That’s what makes the Massif Central so special: it offers a mountain range with gentle slopes and volcanic landscapes that are unique in France. From Sancy to Cantal, the resorts offer downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as a host of other activities, in a family-friendly atmosphere across a vast playground.
Why choose a resort in this mountain range?
- To enjoy a different kind of experience: skiing on the slopes of (extinct) volcanoes offers scenery and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
- To try out non-skiing activities with the family: skijoring, dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides – to discover the mountains in a different way alongside animals.
- To enjoy an exceptional view of this vast mountain range from the Puy-de-Dôme peak, a unique vantage point over the Massif Central.
- To stay in resorts that cater for the youngest guests with a wide range of activities and entertainment for children.
The Jura Mountains
Just three hours from Paris, the Jura Mountains offer a gentle yet particularly vibrant mountain landscape. Here, the ridges undulate above vast forests and, in fine weather, Mont Blanc reveals itself at its best. The range is renowned for its Nordic activities, whilst also offering family-friendly downhill skiing.
Why choose a resort in this range?
- To discover or rediscover cross-country skiing: the Jura Mountains are the ideal setting for cross-country skiing, skating and trails through vast forest landscapes.
- For family skiing: the gentler terrain and resorts on a human scale are perfectly suited to learning and exploring.
- To discover a region rich in local produce: Comté, Mont d’Or and other Jura cheese specialities offer the chance to try a new take on the traditional raclette…
- For skiing with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc: even though it’s hundreds of kilometres away, the ‘roof of Europe’ is clearly visible from the Jura Mountains. A truly unique landscape!
Vosges
Set amongst forests, lakes and rounded peaks, the Vosges offer a different take on winter in the mountains. The resorts are particularly well-suited to families and holidays where you’re looking for simplicity, nature and a friendly atmosphere. The perfect place to combine a slow-paced lifestyle with adventure in a single holiday!
Why choose a resort in this mountain range?
- For a family holiday: the resorts in the Vosges offer a reassuring and friendly environment, particularly well-suited to children’s first experiences in the mountains.
- To stay in the heart of nature: majestic forests, lakes and unspoilt landscapes are perfect for contemplation and relaxation in the great outdoors.
- To enjoy a wide range of activities: downhill skiing, as well as cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing and walks, offer plenty of variety.
- For their easy access: their location in north-eastern France makes them particularly accessible from several major cities.