Top French Ski Resorts for the Ski Season 2016 – 2017

September 15, 2016 Anna

Summer 2016 is already halfway and inevitably approaching towards autumn and winter seasons. That, of course, is sort of a sad feeling if you consider yourself a true summer patriot, but it also is one of the best things to know for all the snow and winter fun lovers! Start thinking about your ski holiday right away! If you opt for a ski holiday in France in 2016, here is some quick information about the most popular French ski resorts. Ski season in France is closer than you think!

La Plagne – a gigantic ski area with 11 resorts

La Plagne is an eclectic ski area consisting of 11 different villages and ski resorts. La Plagne undoubtedly has always been one of the most popular ski resorts in France. Since there is a plenty of wide and gentle slopes, customer and professional reviews suggest that it would suit skiers with intermediate skill level and family holidays the best. Did you know that La Plagne has also been one of the competition places in Winter Olympics 1992? La Plagne offers other interesting activities besides of skiing and snowboarding such as:

Snowshoeing;
Paragliding;
Tobogganing;
Zip lines;
Bobsledding, ice climbing and many other.

Season opening and closing dates: 10th December 2016 – 22nd April 2017.

Morzine, Portes du Soleil – the perfect mountain holiday hideaway

Portes du Soleil, or Gateway of the Sun, with its 650 km of pistes and 197 lifts it surely competes for the title “World’s largest ski area”. Morzine is also one of the top destinations during the ski season in France. There are 12 ski resorts in Portes du Soleil, but Morzine, the largest town, pleasures with its picturesque views and adorable wooden chalets could be the best French ski resort 2016 for the perfect holiday getaway. Great extras:

One of the shortest transfer times – the trip from Geneva to Portes du Soleil only takes an hour;
Morzine is right in the heart of Portes du Soleil and offers the perfect blend of traditions and culture, becoming one of the most popular holiday resorts in France.

Season opening and closing dates: 17th December 2016 – 23rd April 2017.

Alpe d’Huez, Grandes Rousses – one of the sunniest ski resorts in Alps

Located only 90 minutes away from Grenoble airport, Grandes Rousses is famous with its super sunny pistes and long lasting ski season from early December to late April. This is why so many travellers recognize if as one of the top French ski resorts – it is extremely comfortable to get there! It is also possible to enjoy summer skiing on a couple of slopes. Enjoy some sun and stunning Alpine views from all those sun terraces or immerse yourself in hot jacuzzis after a long day on slopes in one of the most popular ski resorts in France – the choice is yours! Great extras:

Multiple valley runs available from almost all of the villages;
Wide choice between easy, intermediate and difficult runs for experienced skiers;
Night skiing offered.

Season opening and closing dates: 3rd December 2016 – 23rd April 2017.

The Three Valleys – the world’s largest ski area

Includes many of the most popular French ski resorts such as Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens and others:

● Courchevel is a four village conglomerate in Three Valleys ski area. Due to its northern location, it is famous for its superb snow quality which appears to one of the best in all of the most popular ski resorts in France. Definitely worth trying!

Season opening and closing dates: 10th December 2016 – 17th April 2017.

● Meribel – Mottaret is one of the safest choices for ski holidays in France in 2016 if you are busy or not too keen on putting too much effort into planning your trip. There is not only one reason to love this place – wonderful Alpine architecture, friendly and cosy atmosphere along with comfortable resorts and great ski slopes. You can also visit the Olympic Centre built for Winter Olympics 1992.

Season opening and closing dates: 10th December 2016 – 23rd April 2017

● Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe – 99% of its ski area is at least at 2,000-metre altitude. It is also known as the snowsports paradise – carving, off-piste, great snowpark and other activities are offered to fit everyone’s wishes. Just open the door and you are already on the slope! It will be one of the most popular holiday resorts in France this year! The season will start on 26th November with the “Grande Premiere” – snowsports, equipment tests and the breathtaking show will be there to excite you!

Season opening and closing dates: 26th November 2016 – 1st May 2017.

Chamonix, Haute-Savoie – the Alpine capital of extreme sports

Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, it is located on the north side of the summit of Mont Blanc. Undoubtedly, its breathtaking peaks and deep valleys are reminiscing of the power and majestic of nature! Chamonix lures skiers and extreme sports lovers from all over the Europe and world, and for the keenest ones, there is also late season skiing guaranteed in May. Great extras:

Artificial snow available;
Ski kindergarten for the youngest skiers.

Season opening and closing dates: December 2016 – April 2017.

Espace Killy – two majorly different resorts in one area

Espace Killy is the third biggest skiing area in France and one of the popular ski resorts in France. It consists of two very different ski resorts – Tignes and Val d’Isere. Tignes is considered to be famous among extreme sports lovers whereas Val d’Isere is for more relaxed people who enjoy a good après-ski program.

Season opening and closing dates: 26th November 2016 – 1st May 2017.

The French Alps offers a great variety of ski resorts for different tastes and needs. Pick one out of the top French ski resorts and start arranging your ski holidays in France in 2016 right away! Always take into account that skiing resort opening and closing dates can vary due to weather conditions, so always keep yourself updated and check the latest information regularly! Enjoy!

Never too early to prepare. Check out the Ski resort opening dates for 2017 – 2018!