The 3 best resorts for French Alps skiing holidays

Vistas of sharp summits attached at one end to the clouds, foundations sinking into white landscapes at the other. The forests are a spectrum of deep green to white ascending the mountainsides and valleys, getting heavier with the weight of snow. White pistes pockmarked with moving figures winding their way across the scarred surfaces of ski slopes. 

The French Alps are a mountainous idyll unlike any other. Spanning a vast distance of almost 1,000km, it is Europe's largest mountain range with varying terrain and vegetation as you move from North to South. The Northern French Alps are home to some of the world's best and oldest ski resorts. Although it is beautiful, it is also formidable.

The steep slopes in winter conditions entice skiers and snowboarders of all levels of expertise to take on the elemental challenges the mountain shows off. Whilst the mountain has its untamed side, it also offers comfort. Its variousness makes French alps holidays rounded and balanced; a display of both natural might and manmade ingenuity and comfort that leaves visitors utterly dumbfounded. These unique features make it one of the best luxury holiday destinations in the world.

The following ski resorts in France are some of our most-loved destinations and should be on any skiers bucket list.

Courchevel 

Who is it for?

Courchevel is a resort best suited for those looking for a more glamorous destination. With great skiing for all skill levels, easy accessibility to all of the slopes and excellent opportunities for amazing food, it is the perfect place for intermediates who enjoy taking their time over lunch, or would be happy to languidly explore the vast ski area.

A sunny day in the French Alps takes on a divine aura. The sun, once it peers over the impressive peaks, casts light and shadow in juxtaposing sharpness. As the sun grows in confidence and the icy cold of the night begins to soften, the light reflects off the glistening white snow, brightening the surroundings. The days feel brighter in the high altitude ski resort of Courchevel, but it's Courchevel's hospitable character that makes it feel so warm. 

On crisp mornings, having kitted yourself up, boots tightly fastened and skis over one shoulder, poles clattering slightly with each movement, you march into the shadows thrown down by the impressive peaks. The atmosphere of the lift queue is sleepy, yet febrile. Once in the quietude of the lift, it ferries you to the summit of La Saulire, where the adventure begins. From here, the sweeping views of Mont Blanc are stunning.

Courchevel is located in Les Trois Vallées, the world's largest ski area. Les Trois Vallées is comprised of the valleys of Courchevel, Méribel, and Belleville amounting to a monstrous 600km of piste. The area is well-served by a network of lifts, making it relatively easy for skiers to explore and traverse the extensive terrain. Tear down manicured black runs, or wend through trees along a gentle blue run. There is skiing on offer for everyone.

Alpine ski chalets litter the area, as their traditionally whittled fronts seem to be bearing the weight of snow-laden roofs. Courchevel has a reputation for luxury chalets and hotels and is a popular skiing destination for opulent holidaymakers. Whilst Courchevel is glamorous and a great place to take luxury France holidays, it is not all seriousness. There is a lot of fun to be had, with a bustling nightlife and some thriving après ski. 

Courchevel will have foodies falling over themselves to get a gustatory glimpse of the finery on offer in Courchevel. With around 13 Michelin-starred restaurants it is a destination that offers so much more than skiing. Your body will thank you for replenishment of this standard after a long day of exertion on the mountainside. 

We have an extensive catalogue of luxury ski chalets in Courchevel for you to choose from. Explore our list of experiences and recommendations in this Courchevel guide. 

Val d'Isère and Tignes

Who is it for?

Val D'Isère is undoubtedly perfect for the sporty types who also like to have a bit of fun on the side. There are endless opportunities for exciting skiing and equally exciting après. The area draws a young crowd, but it is ideal for anyone is also up for some thrilling skiing. 

Val d'Isère and Tignes make up the Espace Killy ski area - over 300km of skiable piste, as well as some of the best lift-served off piste. Tignes and Val d'Isère both sit at a very high altitude offering some incredibly snow-sure skiing for a longer season than most Alpine skiing destinations.

Some of the highest slopes can be found at soaring heights of 3,400m, with the Grande Motte glacier at 3,456m. Although the snow cover is generally excellent, the higher altitude means thinner tree cover for many of the slopes, leaving skiing conditions vulnerable to poor visibility. 

Val d'Isère is a hugely popular destination amongst Britons during the winter months. The attractive-looking village is perched on a plateau, the stage of an amphitheatre bordered by a huddle of grand mountains. Tignes, however, is more modern and has abandoned much of the charming Alpine architecture for more purpose-built forms of accommodation.

It might not be the winter wonderland of the Alps, but you will get some of the best and most seamless skiing in the Alps. The conditions are suitable for anyone, but best for intermediates and experts. Some of the black runs, such as La Face, and the off piste are formidable, making Espace Killy an icon of the Savoy's sporty arsenal.

A skiing holiday without delicious well-earned food is kind of like skiing without poles. Gastronomy is an essential feature on any Alpine itinerary. Restaurants like La Peau de Vache on Val d'Isère's La Face mountainside is a warming and welcoming treat for diners. Its unsophisticated, yet comforting menu pleases all pitstopping guests. Alternatively, choose to fine dine at Ursus, which has been celebrated with one Michelin star. 

Whether you choose to stay in Val d'Isère or Tignes, Le Collectionist is able to assist you and piece together your dream holiday in the French Alps.

Megève

Who is it for?

Megève is civilised and stylish. It is suited to those who would prefer a balanced skiing experience: time to wander the streets, ski, and enjoy warming food. The skiing is suited to intermediates, and the atmosphere fitting for those who do not intend on flogging it on the slopes all day.

Megève is an authentic, yet unapologetically refined destination in the picturesque French Alps. A plentiful choice of brilliant skiing, coupled with the charming town and an array of world-class dining establishments, makes Megève an unforgettable overall experience. Exploring the mountains over the old-fashioned winter sports resort will reveal varied piste and off-piste skiing that appeals best to intermediate skiers. 

The ski area includes three mountains: Rochebrune, Mont d'Arbois, and Le Jaillet. The majority of the ski area is situated on Mont d'Arbois. Although most of the piste is at quite low altitude, the thorough piste grooming and snowmaking means the quality is generally high. The low altitude, however, means that many of the runs are treelined, providing excellent cover on days of inclement weather. Megève boasts superb cruise skiing with long runs, really allowing skiers to familiarise themselves with the stunning surroundings.

One of the biggest attractions to a luxury ski holiday in Megève is the high standard of its culinary scene scattered across the attractive town. It is a wonderful place to wander; the peaceful cobbled streets dimly glowing in the warm light of streetlamps whilst snow dances towards the ground, freckling the night sky with white.

Meander through the centre of the village to La Table du Trappeur, where the snug Alpine atmosphere and traditional French cuisine will make you forget about the cold upon entry. One of our favourite restaurants is the three Michelin-starred Flocons de Sel, which prides itself on mouth-watering food in an unpretentious atmosphere.  

Let us tend to your every need when it comes to your French Alps skiing holiday by exploring our luxury ski chalets and getting in touch, leaving you to ski France's awe-inspiring Alps without a worry in the world.