Spotlight on: Skiing in France

France is one of the most exhilarating skiing destinations in Europe, if not the world. With resorts including Chamonix, Les Trois Vallées and Alpes D’Huez, France has many of the highest-acclaimed pistes, mountain restaurants and après scenes in the world.

Here, we will look at activities to take part in while enjoying France, as well as some of the best and most popular elements of French cuisine.

Destinations

France offers a range of resorts, so whatever reason you are taking a ski trip, there is no shortage of destinations to take your fancy.

Alpes D’Huez

Famed for being one of the longest and harshest climbs on the annual Tour de France cycling race, the destination of Alpes D’Huez has a lot to offer when it comes to your ski season. One of the most beautiful resorts in Europe, it sits on a plateau 1860m above sea level and offers varied skiing terrain.

Chamonix

Chamonix has a low altitude of 1035m, yet offers reliable and safe ski areas over 2000m. Suitable for skiers of all experiences, Chamonix and its five resorts has vast areas of both on and off-piste areas on which to show off your skills. There are areas to explore outside of the resorts too; hire a guide and explore the beautiful Vallée Blanche, a fabulous off-piste route.

Les Trois Vallées

This resort needs no introduction. This is the largest ski areas in the entire world, and comprises of some of the most best resorts anywhere on earth. Including Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville. The connections between the resorts and the vast areas to explore mean that more than a once a year ski trip may be in order. A gap year ski season, anyone?

Aprés, Anyone?

Your skiing experience is about more than just the time on the slopes. France has one of the most famous and varied cuisines in the world, as well as boasting resorts offering some wonderful opportunities to unwind and relax after a day in the snow.

What to eat?

Where to start? The famed French cuisine has it all, from rich cheeses to lighter options for before a ski run. Try Raclette, a semi-firm, salted cheese made with cows’ milk, served warm and often accompanied by meat, potatoes and pickles.

Famously, France commonly sees escargot – snails - served as part of a meal, often in a garlic butter – largely delicious with some fresh, crusty bread. Fondue Savoyarde is a selection of local cheeses, served with crusty bread, and perfect to get stuck into after showing off your ski skills.

The croque monsieur is the most wonderfully enhanced cheese toastie, and what better to get in and around than a magnificent French onion soup. There are endless options – just make sure to sample as many as possible.

And to drink?

There are so many fantastic bars in the ski resorts of France, and an endless selection of drinks to sample. Offering a mulled wine vibe, Vin Chaud is a spiced red wine drink, and of course what trip to France is complete without a Champagne. Kick back with a refreshing lager or warm up with a luxurious hot chocolate. The choice is yours.

Activities Away from the Slopes

Skiing isn’t just about skiing, there are other activities - not just eating and drinking - that may grab your attention. Relax in the pools and spas the hotels offer and hit the shops of the resorts to pick up those all-important souvenirs.

Branch out into cross-country skiing and for the real thrill-seeker why not try your hand at dog sledding, parasailing and even have a go at snow biking.

The options for activities are extensive, and combined with your skiing experiences and wonderful cuisine, your visit to the French resorts will leave you longing.