Ski resorts in France
Ski resorts in France aren't limited to the slopes. They offer a well-rounded experience that combines winter sports, relaxation, and exploration. After a day on the slopes, you can unwind at a spa, savor local specialties in a cozy chalet, or explore the villages picturesque surroundings.
To learn more about skiing in France, read our detailed article here.
To discover the Portes du Soleil, read our article here.
Definition and presentation - What is a ski resort?
A ski resort is a tourist complex dedicated to winter sports, primarily downhill skiing. Located in the mountains, these resorts offer a variety of snow-related activities, as well as accommodations, dining options, and recreational facilities. A ski resort typically includes several marked trails, ski lifts (chairlifts, gondolas, etc.), as well as equipment rental services.
Characteristics of ski resorts in France
France's ski resorts are distinguished by several key features: altitude, the number of slopes, the variety of activities, and the type of accommodations available. They also offer services such as ski schools, local shops, and recreational facilities like spas and water parks. These resorts are designed to meet the needs of skiers of all skill levels—from beginners to experts—as well as those looking for a diverse winter vacation experience.
Types of ski resorts in France
Resorts at the foot of the slopes
Resorts located at the foot of the slopes provide immediate access to the ski areas, offering great convenience for skiers. These resorts are often more modern and offer a wide range of directly accessible services, such as restaurants, bars and ski schools.
French ski resorts in the valley
These resorts are located at the bottom of the valley and often require the use of ski lifts to access the slopes. They offer the advantage of a more peaceful and authentic atmosphere, with easy access to nearby villages and non-skiing activities.
Village stations
Village ski resorts offer a special charm with their traditional architecture and friendly atmosphere. They are ideal for those looking for a more picturesque ski experience, often close to medium-sized ski areas, perfect for families.
France's best-known ski resorts
Resorts in the Alps
Find out more about the Alps, read our detailed article here
Val Thorens
Located at an altitude of 2,300 meters, Val Thorens is the highest resort in’Europeoffering exceptional snow conditions. It is part of the Trois Vallées ski area, the largest in the world.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Renowned for its history and majestic setting at the foot of the Mont-Blanc, Chamonix is a mecca for skiing and mountaineering, attracting skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
Les Arcs
Part of the Paradiski area, Les Arcs offers a variety of trails suitable for all levels, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Ski resorts in France - the Pyrenees
Find out more about the Pyrenees, read our article here.
Saint-Lary-Soulan
This family-friendly resort is one of the largest in the Pyrenees, offering a diverse ski area with trails for all skill levels, as well as excellent après-ski activities.
Font-Romeu
Font-Romeu is famous for its exceptional sunshine and accessible ski area, ideal for families and beginners.
Peyragudes
Known for its breathtaking scenery and modern facilities, Peyragudes is a vibrant resort, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.
Resorts in the Massif Central
Want to discover the Massif Central? Read our article here.
Super-Besse
Super-Besse, at the foot of the Puy de Sancy, is a dynamic resort offering a wide range of slopes and activities for the whole family.
Le Mont-Dore
Le Mont-Dore, a historic resort in the Massif Central, offers a charming and authentic setting, ideal for lovers of nature and wide open spaces.
La Bourboule
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, La Bourboule is a small resort offering slopes for all skill levels and easy access to other ski areas in the Massif Central.
Ski resorts in Vosges, France
Discover the Vosges mountains here.
Gérardmer
Known as the «Pearl of the Vosges,» Gérardmer is a popular resort known for its varied slopes and friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for family vacations.
La Bresse-Hohneck
The largest ski resort in the Vosges, La Bresse-Hohneck offers a vast ski area with pistes for all levels and numerous après-ski activities.
Ventron
Ventron is a small, family-friendly resort in the Vosges mountains, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet in an unspoilt natural setting.
Resorts in the Jura
Les Rousses
Les Rousses is an emblematic Jura resort, offering unspoilt surroundings and a wide range of winter activities, from cross-country skiing to biathlon.
Métabief
Métabief is a dynamic Jura resort, well suited to families, with varied slopes and easy access to the surrounding mountains.
Jura Mountains
Located in the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, the Monts Jura resort offers slopes with breathtaking views of the Alps, as well as a wide variety of activities.
Ski resort activities in France
Downhill skiing
Downhill skiing is the main activity at ski resorts in France. The ski areas offer a wide variety of runs for all skill levels, from green runs for beginners to black runs for experts.
Snowboard
Snowboarding is very popular in French resorts, with numerous snowparks and slopes suitable for riders of all levels.
Cross-country skiing
The resorts also offer cross-country skiing, with hundreds of kilometers of trails through magnificent scenery, particularly in the Vosges and Jura.
Snowshoeing
For those who prefer to explore the mountains in a different way, snowshoe trekking is a very popular activity, allowing you to discover nature in complete tranquillity.
Other winter activities in French ski resorts
Sled
Tobogganing is a fun activity for the whole family, with specially prepared runs in many resorts.
Dogsled rides
This activity offers a unique experience, allowing you to discover the mountains in an authentic and traditional way.
Ice rink
Some resorts offer outdoor ice rinks, providing an alternative activity for those days when you want a break from skiing.
Après-ski activities
Spa and wellness
Many resorts offer spas and wellness centers, which are perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes. Other cities have thermal spas.
Discover spa resorts in France here.
Restaurants and gastronomy local
Resorts often serve local specialties such as fondue, raclette, and other hearty mountain dishes.
Evenings and nightlife
For those who want to extend their day, some resorts offer a lively nightlife with bars, discos and events.
Complete list of ski resorts in the Pyrenees
Below is as exhaustive a list as possible of ski resorts in the Pyrenees, including the French, Spanish and Andorran areas.
1. French Pyrenees
According to Wikipedia, here are the main stations by department:
Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64)
Artouste, Gourette, La Pierre Saint-Martin, Iraty, Issarbe, Le SomportHautes-Pyrénées (65)
Saint-Lary-Soulan, Domaine du Tourmalet (Barèges/La Mongie), Cauterets, Piau-Engaly, Val-Louron, Luz-Ardiden, Gavarnie-Gèdre, Hautacam, Nistos, Payolle-Campan, Val d'AzunHaute-Garonne (31)
Luchon-Superbagnères, Peyragudes, Le Mourtis, Bourg-d'OueilAriège (09)
Mijanès-Donezan, Guzet, Les Monts d'Olmes, Ax 3 Domaines, Ascou-Pailhères, Goulier-Neige, Plateau de Beille, Domaine du Chioula, Étang de LersAude (11)
CamuracPyrénées-Orientales (66)
Les Angles, Font-Romeu, Formiguères, Porté-Puymorens, La Quillane, Espace Cambre d'Aze
Other sources confirm that there are about 33 to 34 ski resorts in the French Pyrenees
2. Andorra
Main resorts in the Andorran Pyrenees :
Grandvalira (including Pas de la Case, Grau Roig, El Tarter, Soldeu, Canillo, Encamp)
Pal Arinsal
Ordino Arcalís
Naturlàndia - La Rabassa (cross-country skiing)
Grandvalira is the largest ski area in the Pyrenees and southern Europe, with around 215 km of trails
3. Spain
Main resorts in the Spanish Pyrenees, Aragon and Catalonia:
Aragon Aramón Cerler, Aramón Formigal-Panticosa, Astún, Candanchú, Panticosa-Los Lagos, Llanos del Hospital (bottom), Le Somport-Candanchú (bottom), etc.
Catalonia Baqueira-Beret, Espot Esquí, La Molina, Masella (Alp 2500), Port Ainé, Tavascan, Boí Taüll, Vall de Núria, Port del Comte, Rasos de Peguera, etc.
Nordic funds Aransa, Guils Fontanera, Lles, Sant Joan de l'Erm, Virós-Vall Ferrera, Tuixent-La Vansa, Pla de Négua
French Alps - Complete list of ski resorts by department
Haute-Savoie (74)
According to Wikipedia, the main resorts in this department are listed as tourist resorts (and therefore also ski resorts):
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Châtel, La Clusaz, Combloux, Contamines-Montjoie (Les), Grand-Bornand (Le), Les Gets, Les Houches, Manigod, Megève, Morzine, Praz-sur-Arly, Samoëns.
Savoie (73)
The ski resorts listed in this department include :
Fontcouverte-la-Toussuire, Hauteluce, La Plagne Tarentaise, Landry, Montricher-Albanne, Montvalezan, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Peisey-Nancroix, Pralognan-la-Vanoise, Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, Saint-François-Longchamp, Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves, Tignes, Val-d’Isère, Valloire, Valmeinier, Villarembert.
Isère (38)
Resorts described as tourist resorts (and therefore skiable):
Allevard (spa), Autrans, Bourg-d'Oisans (Le), Chamrousse, Corrençon-en-Vercors, Les Deux Alpes, Huez, Saint-Martin-d'Uriage, Vaujany, Villard-de-Lans.
Hautes-Alpes (05)
Major station in the large :
Serre Chevalier (Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, Le Monêtier-les-Bains) - the largest ski area in the Southern Alps
Other resorts in this department (this list is not exhaustive) include La Foux d’Allos and Sainte-Anne-la-Condamine (in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, though some sources mention similar resorts in the Hautes-Alpes; adjust as appropriate).
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04) - southern border
La Foux d'Allos (Espace Lumière, part of the Alpes du Sud region)
Sainte-Anne-la-Condamine (more confidential resort, modest ski area)
Ski resorts in France, complete list in the Massif Central
According to the Wikipedia on winter sports resorts in the Massif Central, there are several resorts spread over thirteen départements. Here is the complete list, showing both alpine and Nordic ski resorts, with their associated departments:
CorrèzeChadebec, Saint-Setiers
AllierLa Loge des Gardes
ArdècheLa Chavade - Bel-Air, La Croix de Bauzon
AveyronLaguiole, Brameloup, Espace Aubrac
CantalLe Lioran / Prat de Bouc (Alpine + Nordic area), Col de Légal, Saint-Urcize, Pailherols, Haut Cantal - Puy Mary
GardPrat Peyrot
LoireChalmazel, Haut-Forez, Monts du Pilat
Haute-LoireLes Estables, Meygal, Pradelles
LozèreFer-à-Cheval (Nasbinals), Aubrac-Sud (Les Hermaux), Mas de la Barque, Bleymard - Mont Lozère, Les Bouviers
Puy-de-DômePessade-Pleine-Nature, Chastreix-Sancy, Le Mont-Dore, Super-Besse, Prabouré, Saint-Germain-l'Herm
Saône-et-Loire(no current stations listed, only older ones)
Rhône(old stations reported, no current stations detailed in the main list)
Complete list of Jura ski resorts
According to Wikipedia, here is a complete list of French winter sports resorts in the Jura Mountains (downhill and cross-country skiing):
| Station (Jura/Doubs/Ain) | Ski type | Noteworthy detail |
|---|---|---|
| Bellefontaine (Jura) | Alpine & nat. | Small alpine resort (~3 km slopes) |
| Foncine-le-Haut (Jura) | Alpine & Nordic | Notable cross-country skiing (~103 km trails) |
| Haute-Joux (Jura) | Nordic | Extensive range (~230 km of cross-country trails) |
| Champagnole Nozeroy Jura (Jura) | Nordic | Large-scale ski area (~285 km of cross-country trails) |
| Haut-Jura Grandvaux (Jura) | Alpine & Nordic | Nordic area (~200 km cross-country trails) |
| Haut-Jura Morez (Jura) | Alpine & Nordic | Nordic area (~190 km cross-country trails) |
| Haut-Jura Saint-Claude - Haute-Combes (Jura) | Nordic | Nordic area (~150 km cross-country trails) |
| Les Rousses (Jura) | Alpine & Nordic | Massif's largest resort (~52 km alpine) |
| Métabief (Doubs) | Alpine & Nordic | Extensive domains (~40 km alp.; ~150 km cross-country) |
| Chaux-Neuve (Doubs) | Alpine | Small alpine resort (~0.6 km slopes) |
| La Combe Saint-Pierre (Doubs) | Alpine & Nordic | Moderate Nordic area (~37 km cross-country trails) |
| Le Larmont (Doubs) | Alpine & Nordic | Mixed-use ski area (~28 km cross-country trails) |
| Les Fourgs (Doubs) | Alpine & Nordic | family estate (~12 km alp.; ~100 km cross-country) |
| Jura Mountains (Ain) | Alpine & Nordic | Major site (~60 km alp.; ~160 km fond) |
| Plans d'Hotonnes / Plateau de Retord (Ain) | Alpine & Nordic | Mixed terrain (~15 km alpine; ~150 km cross-country) |
| Belleydoux, Brenod, Giron, Hauteville-Lompnes, Sur Lyand Grand Colombier, Pontarlier, Lachat | Alpine/nordic miscellaneous | Small and/or Nordic local |
Complete list of Vosges ski resorts
Here are the main stations in the Vosges mountains, taken from various sources:
Gérardmer - renowned family resort, "La Mauselaine" ski area (~40 km of alpine runs) .
La Bresse Hohneck - the largest in the Vosges (~37 runs, ~34 km, including Nordic skiing) .
St Maurice-sur-Moselle - smaller, family-friendly (~10 trails) .
Ventron - intimate, family-friendly resort (~9 runs) .
Le Lac Blanc - downhill and cross-country skiing in the heart of the park, modest ski area (~13 km of alpine trails) .
Other noteworthy stations (Mentioned in guides but without detailed figures) : Ballon d'Alsace, Brabant (La Bresse), Bussang, Field of Fireetc.
Total number of ski resorts in France
According to Alti-Mag (January 2025)France has approximately 350 ski resorts (including downhill and cross-country skiing), with around 250 downhill ski resorts and over 160 cross-country ski areas.
These variations depend on the criteria used: the STRMTG (Ministry of Transport) lists 310 stations (including 257 alpine after purification).
Distribution by mountain range
Also according to Alti-Mag, here is the approximate distribution of resorts by massif in France:
| Massif | Number of stations (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Alps | 188 |
| Pyrenees | 36 |
| Jura | 33 |
| Massif Central | 18 |
| Vosges | 30 |
| Corsica | 4 |
Visit Alps concentrate the majority of stations (more than half).
These figures correspond to alpine ski resorts spread over the main ranges.
Summary
Estimated total ~350 ski resorts (Alpine and Nordic combined), including ~250 Alpine ski resorts.
Distribution by massif (for downhill skiing) :
Alps: 188
Pyrenees: 36
Jura: 33
Massif Central: 18
Vosges: 30
Corsica: 4
FAQ : All you need to know about ski resorts in France
What are the best ski resorts in France?
The best resorts depend on your preferences, but names like Val Thorens, Chamonix, and Les Arcs in the Alps, and Saint-Lary-Soulan in the Pyrenees, often come up for their quality of service and diversity of slopes.
When is the best time to ski in France?
The best time to ski in France is between December and April, with January and February offering the best snow conditions.
What else can you do besides skiing?
As well as skiing, you can snowboard, snowshoe, toboggan or enjoy the spas and local gastronomy.
How do I choose a ski resort?
Choosing a resort depends on your skill level, your preferences for activities, and your budget. Families may prefer resorts like Les Rousses or La Bresse-Hohneck, while expert skiers will enjoy Chamonix or Val Thorens.
Are ski resorts suitable for beginners?
Yes, most resorts in France have pistes for beginners, as well as ski schools to help you make rapid progress.
What is the average cost of a ski trip in France?
The average cost of a ski vacation depends on the resort, the time of year, and the type of lodging, but you should expect to spend between 800 and 1,500 euros per week for a family of four.
Conclusion: Enjoy the diversity of France's ski resorts
With a wide variety of resorts, from the Alps to the Pyrenees, via the Massif Central and the Vosges, France offers ski experiences to suit all tastes There’s something for every taste and skill level. Whether you’re looking for challenges on the slopes, moments of relaxation, or a chance to immerse yourself in mountain culture, French ski resorts have everything you need to make your vacation unforgettable.
