For Britishers, France has been the traditional destination for skiing holidays. Each year, millions of British tourists descend upon the slopes of the French Alps. Despite the burgeoning popularity of Austria and Switzerland, France remains the number one skiing destination for UK residents.

Courchevel Ski Resort, France by Matt Squirrell / License: Creative Commons

Part of the reason for France’s popularity as a skiing destination is the quantity and quality of ski resorts in the country. Eastern France is dominated by Alpine ski resorts, many of which date back to hundreds of years. Some of the most popular ski resorts in France are:

1. Courchevel, Saint-Bon-Tarentaise

Courchevel is where celebrities, royalty and multimillionaires go for their skiing holidays. One of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, Courchevel offers facilities like no other resort in France. There are 11 five-star hotels in the resort, and two hotels have even been awarded the rare and much sought after six-star, or “palace” rating. Further, there are a total of seven restaurants sharing 11 Michelin stars between them.

All these facilities come at a price, of course. Courchevel can be frighteningly expensive for the average holidaying family. But if you want the finest ski holiday possible, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Courchevel.

2. Les Deux Alpes, French Isere departement

The second oldest resort in France, Les Deux Alpes has a rich history, challenging runs and plenty to offer for beginners as well as intermediate skiiers. The resort is located at a height of 1,650m with chair lifts going as high as 3,600m. There are plenty of accommodation options, including a Michelin star restaurant. Les Deux Alpes also boasts one of the best nightlife scenes among French resorts.

3. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie

The oldest ski resort in France, Chamonix has grown over the centuries into one of the central skiing destinations in Europe. Unlike many of the other resorts on this list, Chamonix is spread over a vast area and has extensive accommodation and dining options. Skiing in the town of Chamonix is very affordable and the views are breathtaking. You can take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi which has stunning views of the Alps. The skiing is moderately difficult with very rough terrain.

Aiguille du Midi, Mont-Blanc, France by Cristian Bortes / License: Creative Commons

4. Montgenevre, Haute-Alpes

No resort can match Montgenevre for budget conscious holidayers. The little ski resort town is tucked away near the Italy-France border and offers plenty of challenging skiing opportunities for intermediate to beginner skiiers. The resort has plenty of cheap accommodation options, including all-expenses paid packages that run less than £400 per person.

5. St. Martin de Belleville, Rhone-Alpes

Another value-for-money ski resort nestled in the Rhone-Alpes region of France, St. Martin de Belleville is the quintessential Alpine town. Located at a height of over 3,500m, the resort has plenty of challenging ski routes and is a part of the Three Valleys ski area. Besides affordable hotels and challenging slopes, the resort is also well known for the 2 Michelin star restaurant, La Bouitte.

6. Val d’Isere, Savoie

One of the favorite ski resorts among British skiiers, Val d’Isere is famous throughout Europe for its challenging slopes. The terrain is rough and more suitable for intermediate to advanced skiiers. The accommodation is cheap and plentiful and caters to the British snowboarding/adventure tourist crowd.

7. Flaine, Haute-Savoie

Reasonably priced accommodation, good dining options, and moderately challenging slopes along with good beginner courses have turned Flaine into one of the most popular ski resorts among families. Add breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc to the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for a French ski holiday.

Brad Chambers is a blogger and journalist at Sealskinz.com a centre for sporting apparel and waterproof ski gloves. Brad enjoys, running, climbing and travel and holidaying in the South of France with his two daughters.

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Val d’Isère, France by Eric

The Village

Frequent skiers would know that when you visit a mountain, almost as important as the snow conditions is the village itself, as it’s where you spend most of your nights, and where you dine. There are a number of classic French restaurants here wherein most have English speaking capacity, and believe me, there are MORE than enough stores devoted to just selling chocolate. If you’re looking for somewhere to dine here, try the Ormelune Restaurant, or perhaps La Schuss Restaurant. Be careful though, ordering a hot chocolate in the village can mean you will literally get a bowl of melted chocolate.

The Mountain

A mountain pass for two weeks will only set you back around $415, and this mountain is huge. It has a wide variety of run difficulties, but typically as you get closer to the top, the runs will get harder and harder. Also, in Europe, ski run difficulty is not measured like you might be used to. It goes from easiest to hardest, as green, blue, red, black, double black, orange, and yellow. Still note that a black run is still as hard as a black run in any other country, orange and yellow runs typically just signal the area is unpatrolled. Another feature of the mountain is the ski classes, and while they are fantastic and most instructors speak English, they can be a bit loose on duty of care when it comes to looking after children (I was left alone by a ski class, and it was not fun). If you want an instructor though, they will really just show you the best parts of the mountain that are hidden away from the other skiers. Discovering these beautiful ski lines is really what skiing in Europe is all about. When your all tuckered out and your feet have gone numb, a mountain restaurant would be the best place to head, and with over five of them, you may as well try them all, but a personal favorite is the ‘La Ferme de l’Arsellaz Restaurant,’ it gives great views and a killer buffet.

Val d’Isère, France by Gimli_36

Accommodation

If you have kids, hands down the best place to stay is ‘Club Med’ on the mountain. Its ski in ski out (which, trust me, is fantastic), they have a bunch of activities for kids and their own ski school. Not to mention the buffet is very filling after a great day skiing. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try ‘Cretes Blanches Hotel’ in the village. It’s a bit further away from the lifts, and only two stars, but if you’re on a budget it’s the best ‘bang for your buck.’ If there’s a group of you and you’re willing to fork out a little money, you can get a catered chalet. For instance, the Crimson Chalet is right on the mountain edge, with the cable car 50 meters away. You get a private and personal experience with friends or family. If you have the money, go for it. I always envied those who stayed in these tucked away chalets.

Author: Tom Wilson+ is an aspiring blog writer who has travelled to numerous parts of the world and writes by personal experience.

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So, sticking with Europe, there are several locations that are primary destinations for a good bit of skiing, snowboarding or whatever else takes your fancy. Most places are perfect for all types of people, whether it be families, couples or a bunch of friends. If travelling as a group, why not get some clothing to show that and do some clothes printing with Expressgarmentprinting.co.uk.

In fact, ensure that you do have the correct clothing when skiing in winter as the temperatures can fall dramatically. Wrap up in layers, remember your gloves and don’t forget your long-johns!

France

One of the most popular and obvious destinations for a lovely bit of skiing is France and the country has developed a fantastic reputation for its famous French Alps and its jet-set nature.

Saulire, 2700m, Courchevel, France by Pete southsea

On the border with Italy and Switzerland is Courchevel, the largest resort of the prestigious Three Valleys (3 Vallees) area in the Savoie province of France. The Three Valleys holds the world’s largest ski domain and has a total of 372 miles of trails and slopes; as an example of how big the area is, America’s six largest ski resorts would fit inside the Three Valleys.

Courchevel is built on four levels and is possibly the most luxurious location for skiing thanks to its expensive range of shops and bars, as well as luxury hotels; something celebrities often take advantage of, so keep your eyes peeled.

Turkey

Possibly not one of the first places you’d think of for a great skiing holiday is Turkey, but the resort of Uludag is a far cry away from warm beaches and cocktails by the pool.

Uludag range, Turkey by Bicounet

Turkey seems to have jumped on the opportunity of being able to tempt holiday goers in with their mountainous ranges, especially when there’s been some snowfall. In mythology, Uludag is the fabled Mount Olympus where the gods watched the Trojan War. However, now the mountain’s primary purpose is to reign in the tourists.

The slopes are usually open from December through to March and as well as the opportunity for skiing, the national parks are also great places to explore.

Austria

One of the more purposeful settings for skiing holidays and other extreme sports is the Austrian resort of Kitzbühel. The location has one of the most demanding runs in the form of the Hahnenkamn.

Kitzbuhel Alps, Austria by Mahmut

There are great slopes for beginners, as well more challenging slopes for those with a good deal of experience and confidence in their skiing. A great deal of investment has gone into the site and so the likes of ski lifts and other amenities have been vastly improved of late.

Also available are a fantastic array of hotels, bars and restaurants for when you’re not hitting the slopes.

About the author: Sam writes for Express Garment Printing and you can click here for great deals on printed polo shirts and printed hoodies.

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New Year, fireworks in Zurich, Switzerland by Zürich Tourismus

Scintillating Switzerland

With a population of less than 7.5 million, Switzerland borders with Austria, Germany, France, Italy and Lichtenstein. The excellent positioning of the country makes it one of the most easily accessible locations from any corner of the world. Among the most fascinating countries, Switzerland has been a famous tourist destination courtesy of its scintillating snow-covered mountains, dense forests and sparkling lakes. The scenery is perfect postcard material, and one of the main reasons why the country is so popular among tourist groups is skiing. Medieval cathedrals, museums and castles are the ones you can’t afford to miss when on tour. Swiss chocolate and cheese is world renowned, and a trip to the scenic paradise can be finger-licking good.

Fabulous France

Located on the West of Europe, France is one of the most diverse countries that make for a fantastic destination regardless of what you like or dislike. Filled with culture and seeped in history, the country has everything you need for an exhilarating vacation. While the north of France has Paris – the most visited and the largest city in the country, the south boasts of sensational scenery that changes dramatically on your way to the French Alps. Mountain activities and winter sports are in full swing during the season, making Chamonix a household name. Over ten million people visit France each year, and the nation delivers a fabulous time. Champagne hails from France, and the country is also home to some of the most exotic dishes. The nightlife is exuberant, to say the least, and an evening in Paris will certainly stick long in your memory.

Astonishing Austria

Mozart is probably the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Austria. The country is located in the heart of Europe and boasts of some of the finest works of architecture. Vienna, its capital city is filled with medieval museums, cafes and imperial palaces. Austria is an ideal destination for those who like to soak up nature and relax as it is considered an eco-friendly location. With phenomenal scenery, you can find a large number of lakes, flowers, mountains and fields. The country possesses endemic species and preserves them. The Austrian Alps is the perfect place for those who like to have their share of fun in the snow. Skiing and other mountain activities thrive in this region, and an Austrian vacation promises to serve as a reinvigorating getaway.

Andy Butler is an expert associated with Burger Davis Sotheby’s International Realty, dealers of property available for rent and sale in the French Riviera.

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