Where to go skiing this winter? Complete guide to the Alps, Pyrenees, Jura and Vosges
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Winter is approaching, and with it the desire to hit the slopes. But where to go skiing this season? Whether you’re looking for huge ski areas, a family atmosphere or less crowded resorts, France offers a multitude of options. From the majestic peaks of the Alps to the enchanting landscapes of the Pyrenees, via the Jura and Vosges massifs, here’s a complete guide to choosing your next ski destination.
1. The Alps: A skier’s paradise
The Alps are the ultimate destination for ski enthusiasts. With some of the largest ski areas in the world, they offer pistes for all levels, breathtaking scenery and top-quality infrastructures.
- Les Trois Vallées: The world’s largest ski area, with resorts such as Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens.
- Espace Killy: Tignes and Val d’Isère, ideal for experienced skiers and freeride enthusiasts.
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: The cradle of mountaineering, perfect for thrill-seekers.
Why choose the Alps?
- Varied, well-maintained trails.
- Luxury or family resorts, depending on your preferences.
- Off-ski activities: spas, gastronomy, helicopters.
2. The Pyrenees : Authenticity and diversity
The Pyrenees seduce with their warm atmosphere and unspoilt landscapes. With smaller but equally charming ski areas, they are ideal for families and beginners.
- Grand Tourmalet: The largest ski area in the Pyrenees, between La Mongie and Barèges.
- Font-Romeu: Guaranteed sunshine and pistes for all levels.
- Saint-Lary-Soulan: A family resort with a thermal spa for relaxing after skiing.
Why choose the Pyrenees?
- A friendly, authentic atmosphere.
- Rates are often more affordable than in the Alps.
- Varied landscapes, between mountains and valleys.
3. The Jura: Ski nature and tranquillity
The Jura massif is an ideal destination for those looking to ski in a natural, unspoilt setting. With smaller ski areas, it offers an intimate, family-friendly experience.
- Les Rousses: A varied ski area with pistes to suit all levels.
- Métabief: Perfect for beginners and cross-country skiers.
- Monts Jura: A group of small resorts for a quiet getaway.
Why choose the Jura?
- A calm, family atmosphere.
- Attractive rates.
- Nature activities: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, forest walks.
4. The Vosges: accessible, friendly skiing
The Vosges is an ideal destination for a ski weekend without breaking the bank. With compact ski areas, they are perfect for beginners and families.
- La Bresse: The largest ski area in the Vosges, with a wide variety of slopes.
- Gérardmer: A charming resort overlooking the lake.
- Le Markstein: An area suitable for beginners and children.
Why choose the Vosges?
- Proximity to major cities in eastern France.
- Very affordable rates.
- A friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
5. Where to ski this winter? Resorts in Andorra:
Vallnord: Includes the Pal-Arinsal and Ordino-Arcalís sectors, ideal for families and freeride enthusiasts.
Grandvalira: The largest ski area in the Pyrenees, with a wide range of activities and easy access from Andorra la Vella.
Where to ski this winter? Comparative table of ski resorts .
I have prepared an updated table with links to the websites of each resort, in addition to location, prices, kilometers of slopes, activities on offer and specific details:
| Station | Location | Adult day rate (€) | Km of trails | Suggested activities | Specific details | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courchevel | Savoie, Northern Alps | 70-80 | 150 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, spa, gastronomy, helicopter | Luxurious estate, wide slopes, private airport, many Michelin-starred restaurants. | www.courchevel.com |
| Méribel | Savoie, Northern Alps | 65-75 | 150 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, skating rink, restaurants | Traditional architecture, heart of the Trois Vallées, family atmosphere. | www.meribel.net |
| Val Thorens | Savoie, Northern Alps | 60-70 | 150 | Ski, snowpark, nightclub, snowshoeing, via ferrata | Europe’s highest resort, a festive atmosphere, guaranteed high slopes. | www.valthorens.com |
| Les Menuires | Savoie, Northern Alps | 55-65 | 160 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, bowling | Family resort, modern architecture, direct access to the Three Valleys. | www.lesmenuires.com |
| Tignes | Savoie, Northern Alps | 60-70 | 300 | Ski, snowpark, skating rink, swimming pool, paragliding | Year-round glacier, varied slopes, sporty atmosphere. | www.tignes.net |
| Val d’Isère | Savoie, Northern Alps | 65-75 | 300 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, ski museum, nightclub | Prestigious resort, world cup skiing, chic and festive atmosphere. | www.valdisere.com |
| Les Arcs | Savoie, Northern Alps | 55-65 | 200 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, swimming pool, spa | Innovative architecture, trails for all levels, panoramic views. | www.lesarcs.com |
| La Plagne | Savoie, Northern Alps | 55-65 | 225 | Ski, snowpark, bobsled, snowshoes, via ferrata | Olympic bobsleigh, family trails, linked to Les Arcs (Paradiski). | www.la-plagne.com |
| Avoriaz | Haute-Savoie, Northern Alps | 60-70 | 650 (Portes du Soleil) | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, swimming pool, cinema | Pedestrian resort, unique architecture, access to the Portes du Soleil international ski area. | www.avoriaz.com |
| Morzine | Haute-Savoie, Northern Alps | 55-65 | 650 (Portes du Soleil) | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, skating rink, museum | Traditional village, access to Avoriaz, family atmosphere. | www.morzine-avoriaz.com |
| Flaine | Haute-Savoie, Northern Alps | 50-60 | 265 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, ice sculptures | Brutalist architecture, sunny resort, varied slopes. | www.flaine.com |
| La Rosière | Savoie, Northern Alps | 55-65 | 160 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, spa, Mont Blanc views | Franco-Italian estate, family atmosphere, exceptional sunshine. | www.larosiere.net |
| Serre-Chevalier | Hautes-Alpes, Southern Alps | 50-60 | 250 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, spa, via ferrata | Sunny resort, historic village, varied slopes. | www.serre-chevalier.com |
| Alpe d’Huez | Isère, Northern Alps | 55-65 | 250 | Ski, snowpark, skating rink, swimming pool, museum | Sarenne slope (the longest in the Alps), record sunshine. | www.alpedhuez.com |
| Les Deux Alpes | Isère, Northern Alps | 55-65 | 220 | Ski, snowpark, glacier, paragliding, nightclub | Year-round ice cream parlour, festive atmosphere, varied area. | www.les2alpes.com |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | Haute-Savoie, Northern Alps | 60-70 | 150 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, Aiguille du Midi, museum | Mythical domain, view of Mont Blanc, freeride paradise. | www.chamonix.com |
| Megève | Haute-Savoie, Northern Alps | 65-75 | 445 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, spa, gastronomy | Picturesque village, luxurious ambience, varied estate. | www.megeve.com |
| Valmorel | Savoie, Northern Alps | 50-60 | 165 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, educational farm | Family resort, architecture integrated into nature, friendly atmosphere. | www.valmorel.com |
| Les Sybelles | Savoie, Northern Alps | 45-55 | 310 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, via ferrata, tobogganing | Varied terrain, authentic atmosphere, slopes for all levels. | www.lessybelles.com |
| Montgenèvre | Hautes-Alpes, Southern Alps | 50-60 | 110 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, via ferrata, Italian border | Franco-Italian estate, exceptional sunshine, family atmosphere. | www.montgenevre.com |
| Pra Loup | Alpes-de-Haute-Provence | 45-55 | 180 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, paragliding, tobogganing | Sunny resort, varied slopes, friendly atmosphere. | www.praloup.com |
| Auron | Alpes-Maritimes, Southern Alps | 50-60 | 135 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, swimming pool | Family resort, exceptional sunshine, view of the Mediterranean. | www.auron.com |
| Grand Tourmalet | Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrenees | 45-55 | 100 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, astronomical observatory | Largest ski area in the Pyrenees, breathtaking views, authentic atmosphere. | www.grandtourmalet.com |
| Font-Romeu | Pyrénées-Orientales, Pyrénées | 40-50 | 58 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, swimming pool, solar observatory | Record sunshine, varied slopes, family atmosphere. | www.font-romeu.fr |
| Les Rousses | Jura | 35-45 | 220 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, biathlon | Varied estate, family atmosphere, close to Switzerland. | www.stationdesrousses.com |
| Métabief | Doubs, Jura | 30-40 | 40 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, mountain biking on snow | Compact area, ideal for beginners, friendly atmosphere. | www.metabief.com |
| La Bresse | Vosges | 35-45 | 220 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, swimming pool | Varied estate, family atmosphere, close to Alsace. | www.labresse.com |
| Gérardmer | Vosges | 30-40 | 40 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, lake | Compact estate, friendly atmosphere, view of Lake Gérardmer. | www.gerardmer.net |
| Les Angles | Pyrénées-Orientales, Pyrénées | 40-50 | 55 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, wildlife park | Family estate, animal park, friendly atmosphere. | www.lesangles.com |
| Piau-Engaly | Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrenees | 45-55 | 70 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, via ferrata | High-altitude ski area, varied slopes, authentic atmosphere. | www.piau-engaly.com |
| Saint-Lary-Soulan | Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrenees | 50-60 | 100 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, spa, swimming pool | Varied estate, family atmosphere, thermal spa. | www.saintlary.com |
| Cauterets | Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrenees | 40-50 | 36 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, spa, thermal baths | Spa resort, family atmosphere, varied slopes. | www.cauterets.com |
| Gourette | Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Pyrénées | 35-45 | 35 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, via ferrata | Sunny resort, friendly atmosphere, varied slopes. | www.gourette.com |
| Ax-les-Thermes | Ariège, Pyrenees | 40-50 | 80 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, spa, thermal baths | Spa resort, family atmosphere, varied slopes. | www.ax-ski.com |
| Formiguères | Pyrénées-Orientales, Pyrénées | 35-45 | 40 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, swimming pool | Compact ski area, family atmosphere, varied slopes. | www.formigueres.com |
| Superbagnères | Haute-Garonne, Pyrenees | 40-50 | 30 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, spa, thermal baths | Spa resort, family atmosphere, varied slopes. | www.superbagneres.com |
| Luchon-Superbagnères | Haute-Garonne, Pyrenees | 45-55 | 30 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, spa, thermal baths | Spa resort, family atmosphere, varied slopes. | www.luchon.com |
| Artouste | Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Pyrénées | 35-45 | 25 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoes, tourist train | Compact estate, tourist train, friendly atmosphere. | www.artouste.fr |
| Luz Ardiden | Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrenees | 40-50 | 60 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, via ferrata | Varied area, family atmosphere, varied slopes. | www.luz-ardiden.com |
| Hautacam | Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrenees | 35-45 | 20 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, paragliding | Compact estate, friendly atmosphere, panoramic views. | www.hautacam.com |
| La Pierre Saint-Martin | Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Pyrénées | 30-40 | 22 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, via ferrata | Compact area, friendly atmosphere, varied slopes. | www.la-pierre-saint-martin.com |
| Grandvalira (Andorra) | Andorra | 50-60 | 210 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, spa, shopping | Largest ski area in the Pyrenees, festive atmosphere, duty-free shopping. | www.grandvalira.com |
| Vallnord (Andorra) | Andorra | 45-55 | 93 | Ski, snowpark, snowshoeing, tobogganing, mountain biking on snow | Varied area, family atmosphere, slopes for all levels. | www.vallnord .com |
What’s the most accessible resort if you don’t have a car?
If you don’t have a car, many ski resorts in France are easily accessible by public transport (train, bus, shuttle). Here is a selection of the most accessible resorts without a car, classified by massif:
1. The Alps
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
- Accès :
- Train: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc station served by TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
- Bus: Shuttles from Geneva (1h30) or Lyon.
- Why? Ski area accessible by local shuttle bus, mythical atmosphere, views of Mont Blanc.
- Website: www.chamonix.com
Les Deux Alpes
- Accès :
- Train: Grenoble station, then bus or shuttle (1h30).
- Bus: direct connections from Grenoble and Lyon.
- Why? Varied area with ice cream parlour, festive atmosphere, efficient local shuttles.
- Website: www.les2alpes.com
Alpe d’Huez
- Accès :
- Train: Grenoble station, then bus or shuttle (1h30).
- Bus: Direct connections from Grenoble.
- Why? Sunny slopes, family-friendly ski area, free shuttles in the resort.
- Website: www.alpedhuez.com
2. The Pyrenees
Font-Romeu
- Accès :
- Train: Font-Romeu station (connections from Perpignan or Toulouse).
- Bus: Shuttles from Perpignan or Andorra.
- Why? Exceptional sunshine, compact estate, family atmosphere.
- Website: www.font-romeu.fr
Luchon-Superbagnères
- Accès :
- Train: Montréjeau station, then bus or shuttle (30 min).
- Bus: Connections from Toulouse.
- Why? Spa, ski area accessible by cable car.
- Website: www.luchon.com
3. Jura
Les Rousses
- Accès :
- Train: Morez station, then shuttle bus (10 min).
- Bus: Connections from Geneva or Lyon.
- Why? Varied area, family atmosphere, attractive rates.
- Website: www.stationdesrousses.com
4. Vosges
La Bresse
- Accès :
- Train: Remiremont station, then bus or shuttle (30 min).
- Bus: Connections from Strasbourg or Nancy.
- Why? A varied range, a friendly atmosphere and affordable prices.
- Website: www.labresse.com
Gérardmer
- Accès :
- Train: Gérardmer station, then shuttle bus (10 min).
- Bus: Connections from Nancy or Épinal.
- Why? Lake view, compact estate, family atmosphere.
- Website: www.gerardmer.net
5. Andorra
Grandvalira Resorts
- Accès :
- Bus: direct connections from Toulouse, Barcelona or Perpignan.
- Shuttles : From Andorra la Vella.
- Why? Largest ski area in the Pyrenees, duty-free shopping, festive atmosphere.
- Website: www.grandvalira.com
Practical tips for skiing without a car.
- Choose resorts with train stations or shuttles: Chamonix, Les Deux Alpes, Font-Romeu, etc.
- Book your transfers in advance: Buses or shuttles from train stations or airports.
- Choose compact resorts: Ski areas accessible on foot or by local shuttles are more convenient.
- Check out packages + transport: Some resorts offer packages that include transport.
FAQ: Where to go skiing this winter?
Where to go skiing this winter?
Resorts such as La Plagne, Les Gets and Les Rousses are ideal for families thanks to their adapted slopes and activities for children.
2. Where to ski on a budget?
The Vosges and Jura offer attractive rates, as do some resorts in the Pyrenees.
Which resort to choose for freeriding?
Chamonix, Tignes and La Grave are must-see spots for off-piste enthusiasts.
