French Ski Resorts

The French are renowned for their stylish resorts, captivating the affluent and famous from around the world.  Some of the France ski resorts also have a name for celebrity spotting but there are those that are family orientated too and appropriate for beginners in the sport. 

In addition to fine skiing conditions and wonderful food and scenery, many France ski destinations have a lot of experience in providing safe and delightful skiing.  One of the most famed ski areas is at Meribel, a favourite with both skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels.  There are downhill pistes and backcountry trails.  The resort is expediently situated, being simply a an hour drive away from Chambery airport. 

Val d’Isere is another well known spot.  The scenery is wonderful and it is just 3 miles from the Italian border.  It has been a skiing destination since the 1930s, attracting newbs, intermediate and advanced skiers and now snowboarders too.  It’ll show itself off at the Alpine World Ski Championships in 2009.  The resort is famous for its glorious off piste skiing and there is a ski college for beginners, a Junior Course and a selection of bars and restaurants.  It can be the base to do some heli-skiing in Italy. 

Away from the celebrity circuit, many families and novices wish to go to one of the less widely recognized France ski resorts,eg Jougne in the Jura region.  It is a small area with gentle slopes and most OK for noobs.  Another of the France ski locations to be favored by newbies is Les Sybelles.  This area comprises six resorts and is also popular with snowboarders.  There are plans for expansion for shops, shops and eateries.  Holidaymakers like to wander round the traditional hamlets, explore the walking trails, go dog sledding or chill out in one of the bars. 

Many expert skiers frequent the resort at Courchevel in the Savoie area of the French Alps.  It was actually the first purpose built ski destination in the country and can be accessed from Courchevel airport.  Mont Blanc is a formidable site and the resort at Chamonix is located at its base.  This area was the site for the 1924 Winter Olympics and draws complicated skiers and snowboarders.  Les Planards is more fitted to beginners and intermediate folks, although some like to board off piste into Switzerland with the help of a mountain guide.  The resort is also known for its excellent nightlife.

Although we wouldn’t suggest a hire car for a holiday in the Alps, if you’re looking to include a couple of days skiing in a longer visit to france then a cheap French rental car from www.instant-car-hire.co.uk would be the ideal choice.

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