Experience France’s premier high-altitude ski resort, where reliable snow quality and luxury combine to deliver an unforgettable Alpine getaway.
With global warming on the rise, now is the time to find out which resorts are located at higher altitudes so that your precious time on the slopes isn’t completely wasted.
Thankfully, we’ve found some reliably snowy holiday spots in some of France’s high altitude ski resorts, which guarantee a fantastic, long season – perfect for making the most of your trip in style.
Skiing at high altitude has several advantages, including better snow conditions due to cooler temperatures, which helps maintain natural as well as artificial snow.
From the party atmosphere of Val Thorens to the best family resorts in La Plagne, here’s our handpicked guide to high altitude ski havens, all of which can be booked through trusted sites like Alpine Elements.
Val Thorens
Maximum altitude: 3230m
As the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens offers unparalleled snow quality and direct access to the slopes, making it a top choice for avid skiers and party-goers alike.
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort not only in France but in all of Europe. At an altitude of 2,300 to 3,230 metres, the resort boasts an excellent snowfall record, guaranteeing great powder and excellent slope conditions.
Plus, Val Thorens is part of the vast Three Valleys ski area, giving you access to 600 km of slopes on a single ski pass, and most of the accommodation in this high-altitude ski area offers ski-in, ski-out accommodation, maximising your time on the slopes.
This famous ski resort is known for its high altitude terrain, guaranteeing the best skiing conditions all season long. It also offers ski-in/ski-out apartments, chalets and ski lodges, all offering panoramic views as some of the most desirable property options. With plenty of entertainment options, including live music bars and clubs, it’s the perfect place for ski lovers and party animals.
The closest airport to Val Thorens is Chambéry but has a limited flight schedule, so skiers usually choose Geneva, or go to Val Thorens bus terminal to take the free bus shuttle, or catch the train from Moutier, the nearest train station.
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Tignes
Highest altitude: 3456m
With its high altitude and the Grande Motte Glacier, Tignes offers year-round skiing in four pretty villages and a diverse range of terrain.
Tignes’ altitudes range from 2,100 to 3,456 metres, and its location on the Espace Killy ski slopes makes it one of the highest ski resorts in France. Skiers can explore over 300km of slopes, with excellent ski lift connections to the neighbouring Val d’Isère ski resort.
This fantastic resort is spread across four villages, each at a different altitude and offering lift pass tickets: the highest is Val Claret, followed by Le Lac, then Tignes-les-Boisses and finally Tignes-les-Brevières.
Tignes is home to the Grande Motte Glacier, which is accessed from Val Claret, so the ski season here is much longer than elsewhere. The resort also has great summer ski facilities and some great off-piste areas to explore.
Val d’Isere
Highest altitude: 3456m
Val d’Isere blends classic charm with modern upgrades, with challenging slopes, elegant chalets and lively après-ski.
Located next to Tignes, Val d’Isère is full of small village charm and although experienced skiers flock here to tackle the challenging runs, beginners are also welcome.
In recent years, the French ski resort has benefited greatly from redevelopment projects, including a two-year plan to redevelop the Sorèze area, including the mid-mountain station at an altitude of 2,500 metres. Val d’Isère is a well-established ski resort with a long history of skiing.
Val d’Isère’s rustic elegance can be seen in its tasteful chalets, upscale shopping outlets, fine restaurants and cozy après-ski bars – in fact, the resort is especially renowned as the party capital of the Alps for its vibrant nightlife, making it well worth a visit.
Alpe d’Huez
Maximum altitude: 3330m
With vast slopes and year-round sunshine, Alpe d’Huez offers breathtaking scenery and fantastic skiing for the whole family.
Another high altitude resort, at 1,860-3,330 metres, is Alpe d’Huez, which boasts 250 km of superbly groomed slopes. This luxury mountainside resort offers fantastic views of the Southern Alps and more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
Alpe d’Huez is part of the Grande Rousse ski area and is known in particular for La Sarenne, the longest black run in the world, and the resort also offers premium ski facilities and is very family friendly.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants with live music to keep your après-ski fun going long after the sun goes down.
La Plagne
Maximum altitude: 3250m
Ideal for families and beginners, La Plagne offers varied terrain and a pleasant stay within the Vanoise National Park.
Gentle slopes and an excellent ski school make La Plagne a popular high altitude ski destination for beginners and families. What’s more, altitudes range from 1,250m to 3,250m, and the terrain is varied over a large area, making it part of a paradisiac ski area.
Luxury accommodation options are limited in La Plagne, but there are plenty of cosy chalets and four-star hotels to suit all budgets. For the more daring, La Plagne is also home to an Olympic-sized bobsleigh track, as well as extensive cross-country skiing trails.
Belle Plagne has a number of restaurants and bars that offer a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, and the après-ski atmosphere is a bit more laid back and family-friendly.
Located on the edge of Vanoise National Park, La Plagne is a purpose-built resort offering plenty of accommodation, off-piste activities and plenty of sunshine, making it a huge hit with everyone.
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Les Arcs
Maximum altitude: 3250m
Les Arcs offers convenient ski-in/ski-out access, a charming village and a paradise ski area experience that combines a laid-back atmosphere with a lively après-ski experience.
If you’re looking for a ski-in, ski-out accommodation resort with high-altitude skiing, head straight to Les Arcs, part of the Paradise Ski Area. Designed by Canadian company Intrawest, the area is known for its ski-in, ski-out convenience.
The gentle runs offer reliable glacier skiing, and the resort caters for all ages and abilities with its pedestrian-friendly design, attractive architecture and upscale accommodations.
Les Arcs is spread across a series of charming alpine villages, all with ski-in/ski-out facilities and access to the slopes, plus families will find a laid-back atmosphere, while partygoers can head to Arc 1800 for its lively bar, or Arc 1950 for the rustic alpine atmosphere.
The après-ski atmosphere varies from village to village, but generally you’ll find a diverse range of options, with everything from casual eateries to chic restaurants.
Avoriaz
Maximum altitude:
The car-free village of Avoriaz and its diverse slopes offer breathtaking views and easy access to the extensive network of Portes du Soleil, making for a lively skiing experience.
Four terrain slopes and a wide choice of snowy slopes make Avoriaz a great choice for everyone in the car-free Portes du Soleil ski area in the French Alps. This ski-in, ski-out resort features unique architecture and a lively atmosphere, appealing to skiers of all levels.
The Portes du Soleil region offers skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating, plus breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi.
An extensive network of lifts and slopes allows skiers to travel seamlessly between resorts, enhancing their skiing experience.
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Author: Armughan Zaigham
Author Email: armughan.spoliamag@gmail.com
Bio: Join Armughan on a journey that will satisfy your wanderlust. Explore hidden gems, sample local flavours and immerse yourself in vibrant cultures from around the world. Magical things happen when you follow the compass of your curiosity.
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