Where to Ski in France in Winter 2025-26

Snow-sure glaciers, chic Alpine villages, and the largest linked ski areas on Earth make France a perennial favourite for ski trips in winter 2025-26. From family-friendly slopes and gourmet mountain dining to legendary off-piste terrain, France’s resorts deliver a mix of expansive terrain, reliable snow and vibrant ambiance that skiers (and non-skiers) love. High-altitude domains like Tignes/Val d’Isère and Les Trois Vallées stretch the season well into spring, while purpose-built hubs such as Avoriaz and Les Arcs keep ski-in/ski-out convenience front and centre.

Whether you’re planning first turns on gentle greens or chasing long red runs above the treeline, deciding where to ski in France in winter 2025-26 feels less like a gamble when you know the highlights of each region. So, let’s buckle up, grab a pain au chocolat, and explore France’s top ski areas for the upcoming season together.

Resort / Area	Pistes (km)	Top height	Ski pass (adult 1-day)*	Best for
Chamonix (Mont Blanc)	~150 (local areas; more with Mont Blanc Unlimited)	3,842 m	from ~€70–100 (area choice & dates)	Experts, off-piste & big-mountain buzz
Val d’Isère & Tignes	~300	3,456 m	~€64–75 (Tignes–Val d’Isère)	Intermediates, experts & lively après
Les Trois Vallées – Courchevel / Méribel / Val Thorens	~600	~3,200 m	~€80–82 (Les 3 Vallées)	All levels & big mixed groups
Paradiski – La Plagne & Les Arcs	425	~3,226 m	~€58–85 (La Plagne / Paradiski link)	Families & mileage-hungry intermediates
Portes du Soleil – Morzine, Avoriaz & more	up to ~600	~2,450 m	~€68–72 (Portes du Soleil)	Intermediates, freestyle & weekenders
Alpe d’Huez (Grand Domaine)	~250	3,330 m	from ~€66 (Alpe d’Huez area)	Sun, families & long runs
Les Deux Alpes	~200	3,600 m	~€53–66 (Les 2 Alpes)	Youthful vibe, park & nightlife
Évasion Mont-Blanc – Megève & Saint-Gervais area	~400	~2,500 m	~€63–65 (Évasion Mont-Blanc)	Chic village life & relaxed cruisers
La Clusaz & Le Grand-Bornand (Aravis)	~210	~2,500 m	from ~€50–55 (La Clusaz / Aravis)	Families, village charm & off-piste pockets
Notes: * Adult 1-day prices are indicative for winter 2025–26 (dynamic/online rates, local vs full-area passes and promo days mean your exact dates may differ). Kids & family deals: Many French domains offer free or heavily discounted passes for young children (often under 5–8), plus family / “tribu” formulas that give everyone the child rate, especially in big areas like Les 3 Vallées, Portes du Soleil, Évasion Mont-Blanc and Tignes–Val d’Isère. Check exact ages and dates before you choose. Pass networks: Mont Blanc Unlimited covers the Chamonix valley plus Courmayeur and more; Évasion Mont-Blanc links Megève with Saint-Gervais / Les Contamines; the Aravis pass joins La Clusaz with Le Grand-Bornand; multi-area products like AEON (Les 2 Alpes–Alpe d’Huez–La Grave) and big domains such as Paradiski, Portes du Soleil and Les 3 Vallées are ideal if you plan to roam widely during one trip.

Chamonix (Mont Blanc)

At-a-glance
Under the dramatic spire of Mont Blanc, Chamonix offers a collection of ski areas totaling around 115 km of pistes (or much more with the Mont Blanc Unlimited pass). These diverse sectors, from the beginner-friendly slopes of Les Houches to the steeps of Grands Montets, make up an alpine adventurer’s playground rather than one giant linked resort.

What Chamonix lacks in convenient connections it makes up for in grandeur: Aiguille du Midi’s cable car (3,842 m) accesses the legendary Vallée Blanche off-piste run, and the resort village bustles year-round with mountaineering heritage and lively après-ski spots. Streets remain walkable and full of charm, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to gear shops lining the historic town centre.

Who it’s best for
Chamonix rewards confident skiers, experts and off-piste enthusiasts. Advanced skiers and snowboarders looking where to ski in France flock here for the extreme terrain and off-piste descents (with guides) like the Vallée Blanche. Intermediates have plenty of long runs (e.g. Brévent-Flégère’s reds with views of Mont Blanc) but should be comfortable on varied terrain.

Mixed-ability groups can split up between areas (e.g. Les Houches offers gentle tree-lined slopes for novices and families) and reconvene in town. Non-skiers have lots to do as well, from scenic tram rides (e.g. Montenvers railway to the Mer de Glace) to winter hikes and a vibrant shopping and dining scene. True first-timers can learn in Chamonix (each sector has a beginner zone), but the fragmented layout means beginners might prefer a more integrated resort for long stays.

Good to know
The ski areas are separate, so a ski bus or car is needed to hop between Grands Montets, Le Tour, Flégère, Brévent, etc. Plan your day accordingly: for example, start early to catch lifts to the top of Grands Montets (weather permitting) before they fill up, or stick to one area per day. Chamonix’s lift pass options include Mont Blanc Unlimited, which includes access to Courmayeur and partner benefits/access in Verbier’s 4 Vallées, a unique perk for intrepid explorers.

High alpine lifts (like Aiguille du Midi and Grands Montets top) can close in bad weather or high winds, so build some flexibility into your schedule for bucket-list runs. In the valley, the free Chamonix bus network and SNCF train make it easier to get around without a car. And if you need a break from skiing, try ice climbing, the alpine museum, or just enjoy a pastry while gazing up at Mont Blanc.

Getting there
Chamonix sits just 88 km from Geneva Airport, making it one of the most accessible big-mountain resorts. Direct shuttles and private transfers from Geneva take about 1–1.5 hours. By car, it’s a straightforward drive on the A40 motorway from Geneva. From within France, driving from Lyon takes ~2 hours 30 minutes.

Train access is also possible: the nearest TGV station is St-Gervais-les-Bains Le Fayet (connected to Paris), from which a charming Mont Blanc Express train (or 20-minute taxi) continues up to Chamonix. Once in town, you can walk between many hotels, lifts (e.g. the Brévent gondola rises just above the centre), and restaurants, while ski buses link you to outlying sectors. For a side excursion, the Mont Blanc Tunnel connects Chamonix to Courmayeur, Italy in about 30 minutes by car/bus (remember your passport!).

Why Ski Chamonix in Winter 2025-26

• New Grands Montets lift scheduled to open: After a 2018 fire destroyed the old Lognan mid-station, Chamonix is rebuilding Grands Montets. For winter 2025-26, the first section of the new Argentière–Lognan gondola is scheduled to open, restoring lift service to 1,972 m and unveiling a revamped beginner area at Lognan. (The top section 3S cable car is due by 2026-27, so for now only ski-tourers reach the 3,275 m summit.) This marks a milestone in the iconic ski area’s comeback.
• 90 years of Les Houches’ Bellevue cable car: Opened in 1936 to serve the early Alpine Ski World Championships, the Bellevue cable car is being celebrated all winter with a special heritage programme. At the Montagnard Museum in Les Houches, the “Cable Cars and Company” exhibition (running until mid-May 2026) dives into Bellevue’s story – and the other lifts of the village – through archive photos, historic plans and first-hand accounts, plus family-friendly guided tours and workshops. It’s a cosy, low-effort outing for a white-out day.
• Climate & glacier focus: Chamonix is doubling down on climate education. Construction is underway on a new International Glacier & Climate Interpretation Centre at Montenvers (planned for summer 2026) to raise awareness of glacial change. Even in 2025-26, visitors can see signs and exhibits around the Mer de Glace – a sobering but insightful look at the changing Alps.

Where to stay

After tracing pistes and homeward runs across the valley, we’ve pulled together ski-in/ski-out hotels in Chamonix where you can clip in almost as soon as you step outside.

•  Le Faucigny - Hotel de Charme & SPA (3★) – A charming boutique-style hotel hidden just off the main square, prized for its cosy lounge with a crackling fireplace and mountain-chic decor. There’s a small spa area (jacuzzi and sauna) perfect for unwinding after tackling the Vallée Blanche. With only 26 rooms, this family-run hotel feels intimate and welcoming. Guests love the homemade breakfast and the fact that you can stroll to Chamonix’s shops, restaurants, and the Brévent lift in minutes. A gem for those seeking authentic warmth over big-resort glitz.
•  Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix (5★) – The grande dame of Chamonix, this beautifully refurbished hotel combines historic elegance with modern luxury just steps from the town centre. Rooms are sumptuous, many with balconies facing Mont Blanc, and the Spa by Clarins (around 250 m²) features a heated outdoor pool, outdoor hot tub with mountain views, sauna, hammam, fitness room and treatments using plant-based products. Le Matafan serves refined seasonal and Savoyard dishes, while the cosy lounge/bar is ideal for tea or cocktails. Skiers benefit from an on-demand shuttle to the slopes, and the central location keeps you close to all the resort’s buzz.

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Val d’Isère & Tignes

At-a-glance
Together, Val d’Isère and Tignes (formerly “Espace Killy”) form one of the world’s great ski areas with around 300 km of linked pistes spanning 1,550 m up to 3,456 m. This high-altitude domain (topping out on the Grande Motte glacier) is as snowsure as it gets, with a long season from late November into May. Val d’Isère is the quintessential alpine town, blending rustic chalets and chic boutiques with a buzzing nightlife and dining scene.

Tignes, by contrast, is purpose-built across several hamlets (Le Lac, Val Claret, etc.) with a more laid-back, sporty vibe and often better ski-in/ski-out convenience. Ski-wise, the area is a paradise for intermediates and up: endless reds and blues cruise through bowls and valleys, and famous black runs like La Face de Bellevarde (an Olympic downhill piste) or the Sache offer challenges for experts. Beginners have dedicated zones (Val’s village nursery slopes, Tignes’s Almes area), though the sheer scale means it’s great to progress here once you’ve mastered the basics.

Who it’s best for
Intermediates and advanced skiers will get the most out of Val d’Isère and Tignes’s vast terrain – it’s a dream for mileage-hungry cruisers and experts alike. Confident intermediates can ski from one end of the map to the other, tackling long runs like “Criterium” down Solaise or the beautiful glacier descent from Grande Motte, all on well-groomed snow. Off-piste aficionados have world-class options (best with a guide) like the Tour du Charvet or Tignes’ Mickey’s Ears.

Snowboarders and freestylers love the snowparks (Val d’Isère’s park and Tignes’s snowpark) and the extensive off-piste. Mixed-ability groups are also at home here: the area is so large that everyone can find suitable terrain, and both resorts offer non-ski activities (ice driving, aquatic centres, winter hikes) for rest days. Beginners will find excellent ski schools and gentle zones (especially in Tignes Le Lac and on Val’s Solaise sector with its “ski tranquille” slow-ski areas), but they should stick to those designated areas initially, since many standard runs here are steeper or longer than in smaller resorts.

Good to know
Despite the joint ski area, Val d’Isère and Tignes are distinct bases separated by a ridge. You can ski between them via Col de Fresse or Tommeuses (using lifts like Borsat, Tommeuses or the Tovière gondola), but factor in travel time if you have lessons or lunches booked. Plan your route home carefully, as each resort sits at the end of its own valley (there may be shuttle options, but don’t rely on them – check timetables carefully).

For an easier progression, beginners in Val d’Isère are best off on the gentle nursery slopes in the village and up on Solaise, where wide green runs and designated slow-ski zones make it easier to build confidence. In Tignes, beginners are best in Lavachet or on the magic carpets at Val Claret. Both resorts are mostly above the treeline, so visibility can be challenging in bad weather. When the clouds roll in, skip the exposed bowls and stick to lower, more sheltered runs: think the tree-lined descents to La Daille and Les Brévières rather than high, open gullies. 

Nightlife: Val d’Isère is famous for its big après-ski (La Folie Douce on the slopes, then Cocorico, etc.), while Tignes has a slightly more laid-back but still lively scene (Loop Bar for terrace après and Le Whitney Bar for cocktails and live music). Note that Val d’Isère is largely pedestrian in the centre, and Tignes Le Lac/Val Claret are compact, so you can walk or ski-bus around easily. Finally, try to catch Val d’Isère’s evening ESF ski show with torchlit descent and fireworks, or one of Tignes’ torchlight descents, as both create a quintessential Alpine atmosphere.

Getting there
These resorts sit in the Tarentaise area of Savoie. By air, the closest major airports are Geneva (about 3 hours by road to Val d’Isère, slightly less to Tignes), Lyon (roughly 3 hours), and Chambéry (about 2 hours). Private or shared transfers are plentiful, as are rental cars (note the mountain road from Bourg-Saint-Maurice is winding but well maintained).

By train, you can travel via Paris on TGV INOUI to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in just under 5 hours, and for winter 2025-26 there’s also a revived Eurostar Snow service offering direct London–Bourg-St-Maurice trains on winter weekends. From Bourg, it’s about a 30–40 minute climb by bus or taxi to the Tignes villages (around 30 km), and roughly 45–55 minutes in total up to Val d’Isère at the head of the valley. Uniquely for winter 2025-26, a Paris–Bourg St-Maurice overnight train is running weekly (19 Dec 2025–20 Mar 2026) – you depart Paris in the evening and wake up in the Alps, a carbon-friendly and nostalgic way to travel (transfers from Bourg station to the resorts are readily available). Once in resort, free shuttles circulate within Val d’Isère and Tignes; a car isn’t necessary unless you’re staying in a satellite village.

Why Ski Val d’Isère–Tignes in Winter 2025-26

• New Aiguille Percée chairlift (Tignes): Tignes–Val d’Isère has a shiny lift upgrade this winter. Tignes has installed a brand-new detachable 6-seater chair at L’Aiguille Percée, replacing the old fixed-grip lift and whisking skiers to the famous ‘Eye of the Needle’ rock formation in just over three minutes. The high-speed chair (2,800 skiers/hour) will complete a multi-year lift overhaul on Tignes’ western flank, making laps in that sector noticeably quicker and more comfortable.
• Overnight ski train returns: Getting here became easier and greener – a Paris–Alps night train has been reintroduced by Travelski/CDA for this winter. Every Friday night, it departs Paris and reaches Bourg-Saint-Maurice by morning, with sleeping compartments (including women-only options) and even a bar carriage. Skiers bound for Tignes or Val d’Isère can hop on a bus at Bourg station and be on the slopes by late morning Saturday. It runs weekly through the season, offering a novel, eco-minded alternative to flying.
• World Cup action in Val d’Isère: The tradition continues – Val d’Isère hosts the Critérium de la Première Neige races in December 2025. The Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup is scheduled for 13–14 Dec 2025, and the Women’s World Cup follows on 20–21 Dec 2025, with the world’s best racers tackling the resort’s legendary OK and Face de Bellevarde courses. These events bring a festival atmosphere (and some course closures), plus a chance to see well-regarded stars up close. Off the slopes, Val d’Isère also lights up the season with its Classicaval classical music festival (provisional dates: Jan 13–15 & Mar 10–12, 2026) and the Scara youth ski race finals (end of March – early April 2026).

Where to stay

•  Hôtel Avancher (3★) – A Val d’Isère favourite reborn: originally a mid-20th-century lodge, the Avancher re-opened after a full rebuild, now offering modern alpine style and top-notch comforts while retaining a friendly, unpretentious vibe. Rooms are sleek and sizable (many with balconies), and the hotel spa on the rooftop is a highlight. You can relax in the outdoor sauna with a view of the Olympic downhill face. There’s also a hammam and jacuzzi, perfect for soothing sore legs. Families love the playroom for kids and the three-bedroom apartments in the Avancher Lodge annex next door. The ski shuttle stops outside, but you can easily walk ~5–7 minutes to the village centre and lifts. Don’t miss the generous breakfast or the on-site restaurant’s Savoyard dinners (the raclette is a must-try).
•  Le Yule Hotel & Spa (5★) – If you want true ski-in/ski-out luxury at the foot of Solaise, Le Yule is an excellent choice. This chic, Scandinavian-style hotel sits right on Val d’Isère’s front-de-neige, with the Solaise and Bellevarde lifts, plus the main ski-school meeting points, just metres from the door. Inside, bright contemporary rooms and suites (including family options) open onto balconies overlooking the slopes, while the spa offers an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and hammam using Biologique Recherche & Wesak Paris treatments. A lively south-facing terrace and stylish bar make it easy to slide from last run into après, and extras like babysitting and ski-to-door convenience keep things smooth for families and high-end guests alike.

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Les Trois Vallées (Courchevel, Méribel & Val Thorens)

At-a-glance
The Three Valleys need little introduction – this is the largest ski area on earth, with roughly 600 km of interlinked slopes across seven resorts including Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens. The terrain spans from 1,300 m villages up to around 3,200 m at the top lifts above Val Thorens, ensuring a vast variety: Courchevel’s perfectly groomed boulevards, Méribel’s wooded mid-mountain runs, Val Thorens’ high-altitude bowls, and even quiet corners like La Tania or St-Martin for crowd-free cruising.

The modern lift system is incredibly efficient, with fast gondolas and chairlifts whisking you between valleys, and reaching all three valleys in one day is an achievable adventure. Off-slope, each base has its own flavour, offering those who are searching where to ski in France a little bit of everything: Courchevel 1850 brims with luxury boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants, Méribel charms with chalet architecture and a lively après scene, and Val Thorens (at 2,300 m) is a youthful, ski-in/ski-out village known for its energetic nightlife and reliable snow cover.

Who it’s best for
Everyone – one of Les Trois Vallées’ greatest strengths is its appeal to all skier levels and group types. Intermediates rule here, with an endless supply of well-groomed blue and red runs rolling from every lift; you could ski a week without repeating runs. Beginners and families have dedicated zones in each resort (e.g. Courchevel’s protected ZEN areas, Méribel’s Yeti Park, Val Thorens’ magic carpet zones) and plenty of wide gentle slopes to build confidence.

Advanced skiers and off-piste seekers will find famous challenges like Courchevel’s Grand Couloir, steep moguls under the Saulire, and extensive off-piste itineraries (Mont Vallon, Lac du Lou) – plus the option to hire a guide and explore the legendary “fourth valley” off-piste behind La Masse. Snowboarders will enjoy the linked terrain (minimal traverses) and funparks (the DC Area 43 park in Méribel, Val Thorens’ VT Park). Non-skiers or mixed groups can take advantage of pedestrian lift passes to meet for lunches at mountaintop restaurants, as well as off-slope activities: aquacentres in Courchevel and VT, toboggan runs, shopping, or simply savoring each village’s apres-ski scene (from classy piano bars to raucous dance parties). In short, if you have a mixed-ability group and want lots of options, the Three Valleys is a top pick.

Good to know
The full Three Valleys ski pass is pricey, but you truly get what you pay for in terrain. If you’re a beginner sticking to one area, you can save by buying a local pass for e.g. Courchevel Valley or Méribel Valley only, then upgrade for a 1-2 day excursion to all 3V once you’re ready. The area’s size means it’s vital to watch lift closing times if you venture far: a missed connection could mean an expensive taxi ride around the mountains. For example, if based in Méribel and skiing in Val Thorens, plan to leave VT by mid-afternoon to comfortably get back over the ridges. High winds can sometimes shut the inter-valley links (like the Cime Caron cable car or chairlifts on the ridges), so check the live lift status each morning. On stormy days, it’s often best to stay in the valley where you reside.

Courchevel has multiple village levels (1850, 1650 now “Courchevel Moriond”, 1550, Le Praz), connected by lifts and free shuttles; similarly, Méribel has satellites (Mottaret up at 1750 m, Méribel Village). Val Thorens is more compact – virtually all accommodations are slope-side. In regards to dining, each valley offers everything from casual crêpe stops to world-class gastronomy (Courchevel alone has several Michelin stars). A few unique experiences: try lunch at Chez Pépé Nicolas (a cosy farm restaurant between Les Menuires and Val Thorens reached on skis or skidoo) or La Folie Douce Méribel-Courchevel for an on-mountain cabaret + dance party in ski boots.

Getting there
By train, the Three Valleys are well served: the TGV/Eurostar stop at Moûtiers – Salins – Brides-les-Bains is about 45–60 minutes by bus or taxi from both Méribel and Courchevel, and about 45 minutes from Les Menuires/Val Thorens (the station is down in the valley). This makes rail a convenient option – e.g. TGV from Paris in ~4.5 hours or the seasonal Eurostar ski train (if running) from London.

By air, Geneva (approx 2h30 to Méribel), Lyon (2h30), and Chambéry (1h30) airports have the most transfers. Chambery is closest but has limited flights. Geneva and Lyon have more options and plentiful shared shuttle services on Saturdays. Self-driving is also popular – it’s motorway to Albertville, then an N-road to Moûtiers and up the mountain roads. Keep snow chains handy for the final climb, especially to Val Thorens which is the highest and often snowiest access road. Once in resort, free ski buses connect the village strata (e.g. Courchevel’s levels, Méribel and Mottaret). One perk: many Three Valleys villages allow skiing back to the valley floor in good snow (e.g. La Tania to Le Praz runs, or Méribel to Brides-les-Bains if you’re adventurous).

Why Ski Les 3 Vallées in Winter 2025-26

• Courchevel’s Chenus lift 2.0: In Courchevel 1850, a major lift modernisation is debuting this season. The old Chenus gondola (after 55 years of service) has been completely rebuilt into a 10-person gondola with a higher capacity ~2,400 pph. The Chenus gondola now departs from a new freestanding base station on the La Croisette snowfront, improving skier and pedestrian flow. Beyond shorter queues and a quicker ride up to the Loze sector, the €20 million project also went green – the new lift has solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and uses fewer lift towers for a cleaner look on the mountain. At the top station, skiers will find a new picnic room and panoramic terrace to relax and soak up views, so picnic lunches just got an upgrade!
• Val Thorens expands access: Europe’s highest resort hasn’t stopped improving. Face Nord gondola (a brand new 10-seater gondola) opens in Val Thorens, providing direct access to the Asters and “Face Nord” slopes from the top of Moraine. This modern lift (1450 pph) replaces an old tangle of chairs and crucially creates a smooth link toward the Orelle sector via a blue run, making it easier for all abilities to explore the “4th Valley” on the far side. Also returning after an upgrade is the iconic Cime Caron cable car with new, larger cabins, reclaiming its spot whisking skiers and pedestrians up to 3,200 m for that jaw-dropping 360° panorama of over 1000 peaks (and to access the renovated Caron 3200 complex with its restaurant and wine bar).
• Freeride & festival fever: The Three Valleys calendar is stacked for 2025-26. Val Thorens will host a Freeride World Tour stop for the second year running on January 24–29, 2026. The world’s best freeriders will drop into VT’s big mountain terrain (last year’s event on the Lac Noir face drew huge crowds). Over in Courchevel, the resort is celebrating its 80th anniversary (founded 1946) with festivities all winter, including a women’s Night Slalom World Cup scheduled for 16 Dec 2025 under the lights. Expect a party atmosphere in Courchevel’s village that evening as top female slalom racers duel on the Emile-Allais stadium. And beyond sports, Courchevel’s ode to fine living continues: the resort now boasts 7 Michelin-starred restaurants (more than any other ski resort in France), capping its reputation for luxury both on and off the slopes.

Where to stay

From Bellecôte-side spurs to tucked-away cul-de-sacs, we’ve pinpointed hotels with ski-to-door access in Courchevel so your day starts and ends right on the snow.

•  Hôtel Le Sherpa Val Thorens (3★), Val Thorens – A family-run chalet-hotel at 2,300 m, Le Sherpa wraps you in a warm Savoyard embrace. It’s perched just above the village centre, ski-in/ski-out by way of a short easy slope. Inside, the style is cozy alpine, with wood paneling, a crackling fireplace in the lounge, and friendly staff who’ve been welcoming guests for decades. The on-site spa features a hot tub, sauna and hammam with mountain views, plus spa treatments to knead out any post-ski knots. Families appreciate the quad rooms and relaxed restaurant (half-board here includes generous breakfast and hearty dinners mixing French/regional/Savoyard cuisine). Being slightly above the main drag means it’s quiet at night, yet it's also one of the hotels near bars and clubs in Val Thorens. Overall, a convenient and congenial base that doesn’t break the bank in this high-altitude playground.
•  Hotel Le Chabichou (5★), Courchevel 1850 – An iconic white chalet-hotel in the heart of 1850, Le Chabichou pairs its historic two-Michelin-starred restaurant with a superb alpine spa and relaxed five-star service. Its 41 renovated rooms mix contemporary style with cosy mountain touches. The 1,000 m² spa is one of the largest in the 3 Vallées, with a big heated indoor pool, steam room, salt cave, ice fountain, saunas and experience showers. Food is a highlight: Chef Stéphane Buron’s fine-dining restaurant showcases local, inventive cuisine, complemented by a casual bistro. Ski-in access is easy via a nearby beginner piste leading to the main lifts. With a kids’ club in school holidays and a private resort shuttle, it combines family-friendly comfort with top-tier Courchevel luxury.

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Paradiski (La Plagne & Les Arcs)

At-a-glance
Paradiski links the extensive domains of La Plagne and Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry, forming a combined 425 km of slopes accessible with one pass. The double-decker Vanoise Express cable car soars over the valley to connect these areas, creating a skiers’ paradise that ranges from the tree-lined slopes above village resorts (Montchavin, Vallandry) to high glacier runs on the Bellecôte (La Plagne, 3,250 m) and Aiguille Rouge (Les Arcs, 3,226 m) peaks. La Plagne alone comprises 11 villages (from purpose-built Plagne Centre at 2,000 m to rustic Champagny at 1,250 m), known for abundant gentle cruisers and family-friendly terrain.

Les Arcs brings variety too: Arc 1800 is a lively hub for intermediates, Arc 1950/2000 offer altitude and advanced challenges, and lower Villaroger gives long thigh-burning descents. The terrain mix is excellent for intermediates and families – wide blues and reds everywhere – but also with notable expert attractions like the 7 km Aiguille Rouge black run and famous off-piste routes (the North Face of Bellecôte for the daring). Villages in Paradiski are generally modern and functional rather than postcard-charming (except Champagny or old Montchavin/Peisey), but they are extremely convenient, with plentiful apartments, ski-in/out lodging, and activities like bobsleigh in La Plagne or toboggan runs in Les Arcs.

Who it’s best for
Families and intermediate skiers will find their nirvana here. Paradiski is practically designed for families: many of La Plagne’s villages are pedestrianised or very compact with doorstep skiing, ski schools are well-regarded, and there are fun themed areas for kids (e.g. the Colorado toboggan run and fun area in Plagne Centre, the Milka purple cow run in Arc 1800 / Peisey-Vallandry). Mileage-cruising intermediates can cover huge distances on forgiving terrain – you can do circuits like Plagne Bellecôte down to Montchavin, hop the Vanoise Express, then ski from Arcs 1600 to 2000 and back in a day. There’s a lot of easy/intermediate terrain, so beginner and lower-intermediate skiers quickly gain confidence.

Advanced skiers will enjoy Paradiski too, albeit the on-piste blacks are limited; however, there are some steep gems (Arc’s Dou de l’Homme, La Plagne’s Bellecôte blacks) and endless off-piste possibilities with a guide. Snowboarders are well catered to with snowparks in both La Plagne and Les Arcs and generally board-friendly lifts (though a few flats in La Plagne might require a push). Non-ski activities range from the Olympic bobsleigh run in La Plagne (you can ride it in a bob raft) to zip-lining, skating, and even an igloo village in Les Arcs, making it suitable for mixed groups or those who don’t plan to ski full-time.

Good to know
The sheer size means you should plan “expeditions” – e.g., dedicate one day to Les Arcs side, another to La Plagne, rather than rushing back and forth. The Vanoise Express cable car (connecting Plan Peisey to Montchavin in 4 minutes) is a highlight ride in itself, but check its operating hours and weather holds; it generally runs roughly 09:00–16:00 and closes in high winds. Each half of Paradiski can fully occupy a week on its own, so don’t stress if you don’t cross the link often. Les Arcs has long continuous verticals – e.g., the 7 km Aiguille Rouge run drops 2,000 m to Villaroger – so pace yourself and plan coffee breaks in charming spots.

La Plagne’s villages vary in atmosphere: Belle Plagne and Plagne Centre are most convenient for nightlife and amenities, whereas Bellecôte is a bit dated but has the glacier access. If staying in a lower village like Montchavin or Villaroger, note you’ll rely on link lifts to start your ski day (but you gain cozy village charm). Nightlife overall is quieter than Val d’Isère or Méribel, but there are bars and a few clubs (e.g. Scotty’s in Plagne Centre, and Red Hot Saloon or Apocalypse in Les Arcs 1800) for those who seek evening fun. Finally, altitude and snow: much of La Plagne is above 1,970 m and Les Arcs goes high too, so snow reliability is strong, but some lower slopes (e.g. towards Champagny or Villaroger) might get slushy in spring – plan to ski those earlier in the day.

Getting there
Paradiski sits in the Tarentaise near its 3V neighbours. By train, it’s very accessible: the TGV/Thalys/Eurostar stop at Aime-la-Plagne (for La Plagne) and Bourg-Saint-Maurice (for Les Arcs) put you right at the foot of the resorts. From Aime, buses or taxis take 45 min up to Plagne Centre; from Bourg, the Arc en Ciel funicular zips you to Arc 1600 in just 7 minutes. Many UK visitors take the Eurostar ski train (if available) or TGV to Bourg and skip the hassles of flying.

By air, the same airports serve Paradiski: Geneva ~2h45, Lyon ~2h45, Chambéry ~1h45, and Grenoble ~2h. Shared shuttle services run on weekends, or you can rent a car.

Driving from Calais is about 9–10 hours (often done with an overnight halfway). Once in resort, both La Plagne and Les Arcs have internal shuttle buses linking their sub-villages (free of charge). If you’re based in Peisey-Vallandry (midway between), you have one of the best locations to explore both sides with minimal transit. One more tip: Brides-les-Bains is a spa town in the valley that offers budget lodging and a 25-minute Olympe gondola up to Méribel – but for Paradiski, an analogous approach is Brides-les-Bains doesn’t directly connect (that’s for 3V), so better to stay up in Paradiski itself or in Bourg St Maurice (where you can funicular up daily).

Why Ski Paradiski in Winter 2025-26

• Big lift upgrades: Paradiski is investing heavily for winter 2025–26. In La Plagne, the new 10-seater Roche de Mio gondola (opening Dec 2025) replaces the old bottleneck from Plagne Bellecôte, following a revised route via Col de Forcle to boost capacity and speed access to the high-altitude Live 3000 sector from Plagne Bellecôte, Belle Plagne and Champagny. In Les Arcs, Villaroger now has a 10-person gondola from Pré-derrière (1,200 m) to Plan des Violettes (2,119 m) in under 7 minutes, replacing two chairlifts, cutting ascent time by about 10 minutes and making it easier than ever to lap the full 2,000 m Aiguille Rouge vertical.
• Enhanced snow & sustainability: Across La Plagne and Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry, eight reservoirs now feed a modern snowmaking network, shoring up key return runs in lean-snow periods. The Villaroger gondola project includes strong ecological measures (over 3,000 trees replanted, a new wetland and protected black grouse habitat), while a new 25-year operating contract in La Plagne (with Compagnie des Alpes, to 2052) commits to long-term investment in lifts, slopes, shuttles and the bobsleigh track with a focus on environmental performance. Alongside earlier steps like shifting glacier access to Live 3000 and running CDA’s groomers on low-carbon HVO100 fuel, Paradiski is clearly future-proofing its high-altitude terrain.
• New experiences & events: For 2025–26, Paradiski refreshes the on-snow fun. On the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry side, the revamped Transarc now has roomier 10-seater cabins, a faster ride, an immersive Mineral Gallery and a panoramic “balcony above the clouds” terrace, plus a new Chronoski speed slope and extended kid-friendly Minis trail. Higher up, the Aiguille Rouge area is a must-do combo of light-and-sound show, adrenaline zipline (up to 130 km/h) and a 2,700 m terrace drink, while over in La Plagne the free Subli’Cimes festival each April again turns five peaks into themed adventure zones with zen decks, jacuzzis, high ropes and family fun.

Where to stay

Having checked the maze of pistes and return tracks, our selection of ski-in/ski-out hotels in La Plagne focuses on places where “back to the door” genuinely means it.

•  Araucaria Hotel & Spa (4★), La Plagne – Stylish and fun, the Araucaria pairs Plagne Centre’s prime ski-in/ski-out location at the foot of the Jean-Luc Crétier slalom slope with a hip, family-friendly vibe. Expect a colourful lobby bar, gaming zone, kids’ corner and a superb spa with indoor pool, massage jets, waterfall, hammam, sauna and an ice cave. Rooms range from snug doubles to smart family duplexes, all bright and comfy. Generous half-board buffets with show-cooking are served on site, and you’re steps from other La Plagne eateries. Trendy yet relaxed, it suits couples, groups and families wanting convenience with a touch of urban-boutique style.
•  Hôtel Taj-I Mah by Les Etincelles (5★), Arc 2000 – Les Arcs’ first 5-star hotel, the Taj-I Mah crowns Arc 2000 with ski-in/ski-out access beside the Lanchettes lift and sweeping views of the Aiguille Rouge. Its 400 m² spa offers an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, hammam, salt-wall relaxation room and experience showers. The 48 chic rooms and suites are spacious, many with floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies. Dining is a highlight, as the hotel restaurant serves refined, produce-led cuisine, while a second restaurant focuses on Savoyard favourites like fondue and raclette. With an in-house ski shop, generous breakfasts and cosy lounge with terrace for après vin chaud, it delivers top-tier comfort and cuisine without sacrificing Arc 2000’s ski-focused convenience.

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Portes du Soleil (Morzine, Avoriaz & more)

At-a-glance
Straddling the French-Swiss border, the Portes du Soleil is a giant network of 12 resorts offering up to 600 km of runs – a mileage monster’s delight that is celebrated as one of the world’s largest lift-linked areas. The French side includes Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Chatel, etc., while Champéry, Morgins and others sit in Switzerland. The scenery is varied: Avoriaz is an elevated, purpose-built marvel at 1,800 m (famed for its snowy pedestrian streets and bold architecture), whereas Morzine (1,000 m) and Les Gets are charming villages with Savoyard character and year-round life.

The ski terrain isn’t as high as in the Tarentaise (peaks reach ~2,400 m) but it’s sprawling and diverse: tree-lined slopes above Les Gets and Morgins, wide powder fields around Avoriaz’s Hauts-Forts sector, and playful terrain parks including France’s first (Avoriaz’s legendary snowpark scene). You can actually do a full circuit around the Portes du Soleil in a day, crossing international borders on skis. With dozens of modest peaks and passes, skiing here often comes with stunning views of Lake Geneva in the distance or the Dents du Midi range. In sum, it’s a vast playground where you can drop into a new village for lunch each day (fondue in Champéry? Crêpes in Les Lindarets goat hamlet?), and the ambience remains unpretentious and family-friendly.

Who it’s best for
Intermediate skiers and families will get the most out of Portes du Soleil’s breadth. Confident intermediates can roam from village to village on mainly blue and red runs, perfect for a safari-style ski holiday. The area isn’t particularly known for super steep on-piste challenges (there are a few blacks like the Swiss Wall/Chavanette mogul field for bragging rights), but the sheer variety keeps intermediates entertained. Beginners who wonder where to ski in France are well served in local sectors (each resort has its nursery slopes – e.g. Morzine’s Pléney area, Avoriaz’s Plateau, Les Gets’s Mappy area) and can “graduate” to easy greens and blues that link villages.

Snowboarders and freestyle skiers absolutely love Avoriaz – it’s a mecca for freestyling with multiple parks (from the beginner-friendly Lil’Stash to the big kicks of Arare) and natural half-pipes, plus the Stash (an acclaimed tree-run park with wooden features). The area’s powder stashes and off-piste between pistes also attract freeriders (though note the lower altitude can mean heavier snow). Non-skiers have options, especially in Morzine/Les Gets (snowshoe trails, spas, ice skating, even museum visits), and can use pedestrian lift passes to meet skiers for lunch in several mountain restaurants. For mixed-ability groups, Portes du Soleil works well: experts might seek bigger challenges elsewhere, but if your group is mostly beginners to lower-advanced, everyone will find suitable terrain. It’s also ideal for short breaks or weekend trips given the proximity to Geneva.

Good to know
The circuit is vast but not 100% contiguous by lifts – there are a couple of spots where a short ski-bus is quicker than a convoluted lift route (e.g. linking Champéry to Morgins in Switzerland). But within the main French sector, everything from Avoriaz to Les Gets is linked via pistes and lifts. Avoriaz, being car-free, requires parking in Morzine or at the Prodains cable car base and then ascending (or taking a snowscat or horse sleigh to your lodging) – but that car-free atmosphere is magical at night when stars reflect off snowy streets. Morzine and Les Gets are lower and can suffer in warm spells; Avoriaz is the snow-sure anchor (often open early December to late April). Late season, plan to ski Avoriaz slopes or north-facing runs as they hold snow better.

A popular event is the Rock the Pistes festival, a week in March (15–21 Mar 2026) with free midday concerts on the slopes accessible only on skis – previous acts have ranged from rock to reggae, and locations change daily among the resorts. Avoriaz also hosts Snowboxx (March 14–21, 2026), a high-energy music festival with DJs and parties that week. If you’re visiting during those times, expect a fun crowd and maybe adjust your ski plan to catch a concert. For food, don’t miss a piste-side lunch or a Swiss chocolate chaud. Lastly, Geneva airport transfers: can be as quick as 1 hour to Morzine in light traffic, but on peak Saturdays allow extra time (shared shuttles and private transfers abound, and it’s one of the few ski areas where even a short weekend trip is logistically easy).

Getting there
This is one of the easiest major ski areas to reach. Geneva Airport is about 80 km from Morzine and 100 km from Avoriaz (roughly 1–1.5 hours by road), with frequent shared transfers (e.g. AlpyBus, Skiidy Gonzales) and plenty of rental cars available (remember Swiss vignette and winter tyres). With a morning flight into Geneva, you can realistically be on the slopes by afternoon. Driving from Calais takes around 8–9 hours, as Portes du Soleil sits on the northwestern edge of the Alps, a touch closer than the Tarentaise resorts.

By train, head to Cluses or Thonon-les-Bains (both ~30 km away), then continue by bus or taxi (Cluses for Morzine/Les Gets, Thonon for the Châtel side). Once you’ve arrived, you don’t need a car: Morzine has free shuttles to the Prodains Express for Avoriaz, and Les Gets–Morzine are linked by ski and by a short 5–10 minute drive/bus. Avoriaz is car-free and reached via the Prodains 3S cable car from Morzine (4-minute ride) or by road to the resort entrance car parks with snowcat/sled luggage transfers. For outlying spots like Champéry on the Swiss side, you can use the regional ski bus or train from Troistorrents if you’re not skiing across. All told, it’s a very accessible domain – a big reason it’s so popular with UK skiers and weekenders.

Why Ski Portes du Soleil in Winter 2025-26

• Lift upgrades in Châtel & Les Gets: This winter brings two key lift improvements. In Châtel, the old Linga gondola is replaced by a high-speed 6-seater chair that runs at 6 m/s, cuts the ride to about 5 minutes, increases capacity to 3,000 pph, uses a quieter, energy-efficient drive system and has fewer pylons, plus a new panoramic picnic spot at the top. In Les Gets, the ageing 4-seater La Rosta chair is swapped for a modern 8-seater in the Chavannes area with a DirectDrive motor to reduce noise and energy use, easing bottlenecks and speeding laps on popular runs like Mélèzes. Result: more skiing, less queuing across this part of the Portes du Soleil.
• Festival season hits full swing: March 2026 is festival heaven. Rock the Pistes (15–21 March 2026) returns with daily free concerts for lift-pass holders on different slopes around the area – ski in the morning, then dance in your boots at lunchtime to French and international acts. At the same time, Snowboxx (Avoriaz, 14–21 March) brings an electronic/club vibe with DJ sets, big open-air parties and fun extras like bottomless brunches and snowball fights, turning Avoriaz into a full-on festival village. Together they create a huge spring celebration, while quieter pistes remain easy to find away from the main stages.
• New experiences & mountain huts: For 2025/26, Portes du Soleil adds fresh flavour on and off the slopes. Morzine has opened a cosy refuge at Col de Cou (1,920 m) in a former customs cabin, reachable by snowshoe or ski touring and serving hearty local food with big Dents du Midi views. In Champéry, the revamped Le Centre complex now hosts a gourmet restaurant and wine cellar in a restored 18th-century building, ideal for a ski-to-lunch treat. Swiss areas like Champoussin and Morgins offer a CHF 10 beginner lift pass on gentle slopes, and Les Gets launches the Premier Ski Festival (21–28 March 2026) for first-timers, with lesson packages, group activities and social events to build confidence, keeping the doors wide open for newcomers.

Where to stay

We’ve followed the high-altitude cat tracks and snowy promenades to hand-pick hotels with ski-to-door access in Avoriaz, ideal for car-free, ski-everywhere days.

•  Hôtel La Chaumière (3★), Morzine – Cosy and family-run on the quieter side of town, La Chaumière blends traditional chalet charm with hotel comforts. Its star feature is the heated indoor pool, where you can swim amid steamy air and snowy views. It’s about 5 minutes’ walk from the centre and a short shuttle (or 10-minute walk) to the Super Morzine gondola. Wood-accented rooms, many with balconies, feel warm and welcoming. This family-friendly hotel in Morzine, it offers practical comforts for skiers with family rooms and a well-organised ski and boot room that make getting everyone on the slopes much easier. Handy lift shuttles, cosy fondue nights and good-value half-board with tasty French and international dishes give stays here an easygoing, convivial feel that fits perfectly with Morzine’s relaxed, village-style vibe.
•  Hôtel MiL8 (4★), Avoriaz – Opened in 2019, MiL8 is a sleek ski-in/ski-out design hotel that channels Avoriaz’s playful architecture into warm, contemporary interiors. All 42 rooms and suites have panoramic views, and families are well catered for with smart duplex options and a colourful playroom. The rooftop wellness area steals the show: an outdoor heated pool overlooking the pistes, a glass-fronted sauna and a small fitness room, with treatments available on request. Downstairs, the bistro-bar with fireplace and loungers is ideal for vin chaud and cocktails, while the restaurant serves modern, Savoyard-inspired cuisine, plus a kids’ menu. Step outside and you’re on Avoriaz’s main drag, with ski school, sledging slope and rental shops just a short glide away.

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Alpe d’Huez (Grand Domaine)

At-a-glance
Nicknamed “L’Île au Soleil” (Island of the Sun) for its reputed 300 sunny days a year, Alpe d’Huez sits on a broad, south-facing plateau at 1,860 m in the Grandes Rousses massif. Its ski area – the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine – unfurls over 250 km of runs, linking the main resort with satellite villages like Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany, Auris, and Villard-Reculas. This high, open terrain is famed for both beginners and experts: huge gentle areas up on the mid-mountain are ideal for novices, while the high peak of Pic Blanc (3,330 m) launches the legendary 16 km Sarenne black run, one of the world’s longest. In between is a playground of cruising reds and blues, plus the infamous Tunnel run (literally through a mountain) for thrill-seekers.

Alpe d’Huez’s village is a sizable town – somewhat utilitarian in architecture, but steadily modernising with 5-star hotels and a vibrant centre (shops, restaurants, a sports palais with pool and ice rink). Off-slope activities include a large outdoor ice rink, indoor pool, sports centre, and events like comedy festivals. With slopes rolling across mostly treeless alpine bowls, views from the top stretch to the Ecrins National Park peaks and even Mont Blanc on a clear day. The resort’s slogan is “big skiing, big sun” – an apt summary.

Who it’s best for
Intermediates and families find a great match here, as do mixed groups with a range of abilities. For intermediates, Alpe d’Huez offers endless options – wide confidence-boosting runs like Marcel’s Farm (a themed fun slope) or long red cruises from 2700 m down to Oz village. The link over to Auris-en-Oisans opens up additional easy slopes that are often blissfully uncrowded. Beginners have some of the best facilities in the Alps: a huge beginner zone at Bergers area, lots of gentle green runs directly above the resort, and even high-altitude greens (the Glacier Nord and Signal greens) once they progress – allowing novices to enjoy top-of-the-world views early in their learning.

Advanced skiers get the thrill of the Sarenne (best tackled mid-morning when freshly groomed) and the Tunnel (steep moguls after the actual tunnel), plus a wealth of off-piste itineraries with guides (the Château Noir, Couloir Fleur, etc.). Freestylers and snowboarders appreciate the variety of snowparks (including a beginner park and a large expert park that often hosts events) and generally forgiving terrain – though note flat sections do exist connecting some lifts, so boarders should keep speed in traverses.

Non-skiers or casual skiers have plenty to do: try ice skating in the open air, snowshoe walks, dog sledding, or catch the Télévillage gondola down to the authentic old village of Huez for a slice of history. The resort is also known for its lively après-ski scene – from the famous Folie Douce up on the slopes (dancing in ski boots by afternoon) to bars like Sphere and others. And if you come in summer, you’ll know it from cycling fame (the Tour de France’s iconic 21 hairpins climb finishes here) – but in winter, that just means a well-developed town infrastructure at your service.

Good to know
The south-facing orientation is a double-edged sword: sunny weather is common (great for morale and terrace lunches), but in spring the lower slopes can turn slushy by afternoon. Fortunately, the lift network and free bus system make it easy to adjust – ski the lower runs early, then stick to higher north-facing slopes (like above Vaujany or the Glacier) later in the day. Snow coverage is bolstered by extensive snowmaking on key runs. Alpe d’Huez’s layout can be a bit sprawling; there are district names like Vieil Alpe (old town), Jeux, Bergers – but most accommodations have fairly easy access to lifts thanks to connector lifts and magic carpets.

A handy tip: instead of walking across resort, you can use Alpe d’Huez’s little ‘yoghurt pot’ Télécentre gondola and the newer Alpe Express / Huez Express urban lifts, which link the village centre with the main snowfront and lift hubs. There is often night skiing on the floodlit Signal slope on selected evenings each week, and it’s typically included with your lift pass – check the current schedule when you arrive. Expert skiers can arrange a guided day trip to La Grave from Alpe d’Huez, usually via an organised transfer along the Romanche valley towards the Col du Lautaret rather than a quick hop from Auris, opening up some of the Alps’ most legendary off-piste terrain. Families should check out “Grotte de Glace” – an ice cave with sculptures at 2,700 m – easily accessed by all and a big hit with kids.

Getting there
The resort is in the Isère department of the southern Alps. Grenoble Airport (~1h45) and Lyon Airport (about 2h) are common gateways, with Chambéry (about 1h45) for some winter charters. From the UK, many opt for Grenoble due to its proximity. There are direct shuttle buses from those airports on weekends, or one can rent a car (the road up is a famed switchback climb – clear in most conditions, but carry chains for storms). Geneva Airport is a bit further (roughly 3h) but also an option with more flights.

If coming by train, the nearest TGV station is Grenoble (about 3h from Paris). From Grenoble’s bus station, the Transisère coach up to Alpe d’Huez takes about 1h30 and meets many TGV arrivals. Driving from Calais is about 9 hours (with the last segment being the mountain ascent). One unique aspect: Alpe d’Huez has an altiport – small planes or helicopters can land right on the slopes above the resort, which some luxury travellers use (or even for scenic flights). But for most, the journey up the 21 bends by road – the same ones climbed by cyclists in summer – is part of the Alpe d’Huez experience.

Why Ski Alpe d’Huez in Winter 2025-26

• Tomorrowland Winter returns: Back for its 6th edition from 21–28 March 2026, the Tomorrowland Winter festival turns Alpe d’Huez into a snow-and-music playground with 100+ artists across eight stages on the slopes and in town, including a refreshed MainStage and the new Orbyz mountain stage. Big-name DJs like Charlotte de Witte, Steve Aoki, Steve Angello, Lost Frequencies, Dimitri Vegas, Alok, Netsky, MORTEN, Nina Kraviz and NERVO mean you can ski by day and dance at sunset with snowy peaks as your backdrop. Even if EDM isn’t your thing, the international crowd and buzzing atmosphere make this week feel very different to a standard ski holiday, and outside those dates Alpe d’Huez still has a packed events calendar, from the January International Comedy Film Festival to regular live music at spots like La Folie Douce.
• Altitude 3300 lift project underway: The long-term “Altitude 3300” project to modernise Alpe d’Huez and strengthen links with Oz 3300, Vaujany and Villard-Reculas ramps up in 2025/26. The Poutran gondola from Oz 3300 will turn into a fast 10-seater, giving quicker access to 2,100 m and into the main area, while the old Rif Nel télémix has been replaced by a 10-person gondola easing snowfront queues and feeding toward Pic Blanc. Higher up, the Pic Blanc cable car has upgraded intermediate stations and cabins for better comfort and reliability to 3,300 m. A new free “Direct to the Peak” online booking system lets you reserve a time slot for Pic Blanc to cut waiting at busy times, with a classic queue still available for those who don’t pre-book.
• New on-slope experiences & family fun: Winter 2025/26 also adds fresh fun beyond skiing. A dedicated Mountain Kart track lets you race downhill in chunky three-wheel karts on a marked course in the Les Jeux sector by day and on a floodlit run some evenings, while freestyle fans can launch into a giant airbag near the top of Rif Nel to safely practice tricks. For slower moments, a new indoor picnic room at the top of the first Pic Blanc section offers seating, so families can enjoy the view. In-resort, the escape game offer grows with a new room for 2025/26, and the cosy “Cabane à Sucre” at the foot of the slopes lets you make honey lollipops on snow, toast marshmallows and sip hot drinks or the house apple–cinnamon–rum tipple, a sweet new stop for families and sugar lovers.

Where to stay

After mapping lifts, links and final schuss options, our ski-in/ski-out hotels in Alpe d’Huez round up stays where you can glide straight from the breakfast table to the first chair.

•  Langley Hôtel Le Petit Prince (3★) – One of the resort’s most family-friendly hotels, Le Petit Prince sits on the lower slopes about 5 minutes’ walk above the centre, with near ski-back access and big valley views from its sunny terrace. A kids’ club and animation team run crafts, games and activities, giving parents time to ski or unwind. Rooms are simple, modern and well set up for families with bunks and adjoining options. An in-house ski rental shop and free shuttle to the main lifts add convenience. Affordable, relaxed and sociable (with board games by the fire and live music nights), it’s a great pick for families and groups who want easygoing comfort with plenty of Alpe d’Huez sunshine.
•  Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa (5★) – Recently transformed, this historic, family-owned hotel is now a chic ski-in/ski-out retreat near the Rond-Point des Pistes. Rooms and suites range from stylish doubles to vast options with private hot tubs, all mixing designer touches and copper accents with alpine warmth. The standout Spa des Alpes (around 350 m²) has an indoor pool, sensory showers, sauna, steam room and an outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi overlooking the slopes, built around an “altitude wellness” concept. L’Espérance serves refined regional cuisine, while La Ferme d’Hubert offers relaxed on-slope terrace lunches; there’s also a cosy wine bar for tastings. With warm hospitality, lifts almost on the doorstep and village shops a short stroll away, Les Grandes Rousses delivers indulgent five-star pampering in a prime Alpe d’Huez location.

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Les Deux Alpes

At-a-glance
Les Deux Alpes is a vibrant resort perched on a high plateau at 1,650 m, stretched out along a 2 km long main street of hotels, bars, and shops. It’s particularly famous for two things: its glacier skiing (lifts up to 3,600 m, making it one of Europe’s highest skiable glaciers, open even in summer) and its lively, youthful atmosphere (après-ski and nightlife are part of the DNA here). The ski area offers ~200 km of marked runs, with an unusual “upside-down” nature: many easy pistes are up high on the wide glacier and Pied Moutet sectors, whereas the lower runs back to resort are steeper – something beginners quickly learn (downloading in lifts is common for novices at day’s end).

Intermediates have ample terrain, especially mid-mountain around La Toura and the Cretes, while advanced riders can go off-piste to La Grave (famed off-piste mecca) or tackle one of the thrilling black runs to village (the Valentine or Diable, if legs allow). Freestyle is huge here – Les 2 Alpes’ snowpark is consistently rated among the best in France, with halfpipes, big air, and a cool vibe attracting pros for spring sessions. Off the slopes, the resort keeps guests busy with attractions like a swimming pool, ice rink (access included in lift pass), bowling alley, and even paragliding and snowmobiling. Thanks to relatively easy access and plenty of apartment accommodation, it’s popular with student groups and young adults, but families also enjoy the resort’s informal atmosphere and abundance of ski schools.

Who it’s best for
Youthful, energetic skiers and snowboarders will love Les 2 Alpes – from the banging après at Pano Bar and Umbrella Bar on the slopes to the nightclub scene late at night, it’s often compared to Val Thorens or Ibiza-on-snow for its party credentials. Freestyle enthusiasts (both ski and snowboard) flock here for the terrain park, halfpipe and boardercross – plus events like Rise Festival and Uni week parties keep the vibe lively. That said, intermediate skiers of any age will also enjoy the extensive blues and reds, as long as they’re comfortable downloading via lift instead of skiing the home run if it’s icy or crowded.

The resort is making strides to be more beginner-friendly: beginners can download on the Jandri gondola at the end of the day, avoiding the tricky bottom section, and new high-altitude beginner zones ensure even novices can experience glacier vistas. So beginners are welcome, but ideally with some planning (like starting on the gentle slopes by the Champamé area or the mid-mountain “CoolZone” slow-ski area). Families appreciate reasonably priced accommodation, multiple daycare options, and family-focused events – though be aware the main strip can be noisy at night, so staying slightly off the centre can be preferable for light sleepers.

Advanced skiers have a paradox: the on-piste advanced runs are not super numerous (a handful of steep blacks), but the off-piste potential is enormous – linking with La Grave or guides opening up serious terrain in the Écrins mountains. Snowboarders especially have long adored Les 2 Alpes as a welcoming haven since the early days of the sport (wide runs, few drag lifts, and that park!). All in all, if you’re looking for a resort with a social, high-energy environment and plenty of skiing above the treeline – and you don’t mind that the village is more functional than picturesque – Les 2 Alpes is a fantastic choice.

Good to know
Les 2 Alpes is essentially one long road, so check where your accommodation sits relative to the lifts. The two main bases are the Diable chair (Venosc/south end) and the Jandri Express gondola (Mont de Lans/north end), which is the main route to the glacier. A free shuttle bus runs the length of town, and on poor-weather days it’s smarter to ski the lower, more sheltered Vallée Blanche area or hit the leisure centre (pool, indoor sports) instead of the glacier.

For après, Pano Bar (2,600 m) and Umbrella Bar at the base both host lively DJ parties. Rise Festival (6–13 December 2025) brings a big early-season music week and a more party-focused crowd, while Christmas, February and Easter lean more family-friendly. When snow allows, the long, gentle Vallée Blanche and Demoiselle runs down to Mont de Lans (~1,300 m) are a lovely, quiet excursion to the lower hamlets for a rustic lunch, just note they depend on natural snow and may close in spring.

Getting there
Les 2 Alpes sits in the Isère region near Grenoble. Grenoble Airport is about 1h 40m away (with seasonal UK flights), Chambéry ~1h 50m, and Lyon around 2h 15m. From the airports, you can use scheduled shuttles (e.g. Ben’s Bus, Transisère) on peak days, or book private transfers / hire a car. The drive climbs up from Bourg d’Oisans on a well-maintained but winding road with some hairpins – less steep than Alpe d’Huez, but in winter you should carry chains for the final ascent. Train travellers can take a TGV to Grenoble, then a bus (around 1h 30m, with some services timed to TGV arrivals).

Once in resort, Les 2 Alpes is walkable and served by a frequent free shuttle (navette). Parking is generally easy and often free, with many hotels offering their own spaces plus public car parks. Your lift pass + free shuttle also brings extra options: in winter, a 6-day Les 2 Alpes pass usually includes one day in Alpe d’Huez with a free bus on certain days, and it’s possible (with a guide) to reach La Grave via the glacier lifts and an off-piste link, or by a 30-minute drive. If you’re arriving on a Saturday afternoon, expect the main street to be busy with traffic and changeovers, but things calm down by evening once everyone’s checked in and heading for the slopes or bars.

Why Ski Les Deux Alpes in Winter 2025-26

• Beginner terrain boost & night skiing green: Les 2 Alpes is reinforcing its credentials as a learner-friendly resort. For winter 2025/26, two brand-new beginners’ areas have opened at altitude (between ~2100 m and 2600 m) – these protected zones ensure that even in early/late season, novices have snow-sure gentle slopes to practice on, away from faster traffic. They’re serviced by easy lifts and have terrain adapted for first turns with a soft gradient. In town, the resort is introducing a green run for night skiing alongside the existing floodlit red on the Vallée Blanche sector. This means on night-ski openings that happen on selected evenings each week, beginners can also partake in the magic of skiing under the stars, not just experts – a rare offering and great news for those new to skiing. Together, these efforts show Les 2 Alpes’ commitment to accessible skiing for all. Ski schools are excited about these developments, as it guarantees excellent snow for teaching all season and a fun progression (once a beginner conquers the village slopes, their instructor can take them up high to a gentle glacier slope – a real “wow, I’m on top of the world!” moment for a newbie).
• RISE festival kicks off the season: Les 2 Alpes starts winter with a bang at RISE Festival (6–13 December 2025), a week-long music and snowsports event that’s grown into one of Europe’s top early-season parties, with world-class DJs and live acts across mountain stages and village venues. You can ski freshly opened pistes by day and dive into high-energy après and nightlife, with past editions featuring igloo raves, secret sunrise sets and plenty of fancy dress on the slopes. The crowd is an international mix of students, young professionals and music lovers, and packages often bundle lift pass and accommodation. Non-festival visitors should expect a lively, sometimes noisy atmosphere at night but enjoy quieter slopes in the mornings as many revellers start late; once RISE wraps up, the mood over Christmas and into January turns much calmer and more family-focused.
• Tech and connection upgrades: Les 2 Alpes has seriously upgraded its backbone lift with the new Jandri 3S gondola, which now carries skiers from 1,650 m to the glacier at 3,200 m in about 17 minutes with just seven pylons and much greater capacity. Up high, the self-service restaurant area around 3,200 m offers big windows and views towards La Meije for glacier-lap coffee stops. On the ground, a free in-resort shuttle network makes it easy to move between the main lift hubs without a car, and regional buses link Les 2 Alpes with Bourg d’Oisans and the valley lifts. For now, the link with Alpe d’Huez and La Grave is via multi-area passes, which already give access to all three ski areas on a single ticket.

Where to stay

•  Hôtel Aalborg (3★) – For slope-side convenience and laid-back Scandinavian-style hospitality, Aalborg is a great choice. Set right at the foot of the pistes, with ski-in access to the back terrace and a short glide to the Jandri lift, it’s all about easy comfort: simple, practical rooms (many with sunny south-facing balconies), generous breakfast and 3-course dinners, plus a welcoming, sociable vibe. There’s a small wellness area with sauna and hammam, an in-house ski shop/rental, a kids’ club in peak weeks and a family-friendly lounge with games. It’s ideal for those who want maximum ski time, a friendly atmosphere and good value. Just note that higher, non-Umbrella-Bar-facing rooms are quieter at night.
•  Hôtel Chalet Mounier (4★) – Les 2 Alpes’ oldest hotel (family-run since 1879) is also one of its most charming, offering refined chalet style in a calmer part of town about 5 minutes’ walk from the Diable lift. Its 43 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated in upscale Alpine style, many with balconies over the Ecrins peaks, and guests can unwind in the spa with indoor pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and a pretty garden that’s snowy in winter. The standout is its Michelin-starred restaurant Le P’tit Polyte, serving inventive, locally inspired gourmet cuisine, plus a more relaxed brasserie for hearty mountain dishes. With warm, personal service, a cosy bar and the ability to arrange everything from guides to romantic extras, Chalet Mounier is a peaceful, foodie-friendly base that feels genuinely special.

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Megève (Evasion Mont-Blanc)

At-a-glance
If you like your ski holiday with old-world elegance and French art de vivre, Megève is spot on. This chic village in the Mont Blanc Massif grew in the 1920s as France’s answer to St. Moritz, and still feels like a Savoyard farming town turned stylish resort: pedestrian cobbled centre, horse-drawn carriages by the old stone church, plus high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants. The Evasion Mont-Blanc area offers around 400 km of slopes with links to Saint-Gervais, Les Contamines and more. Megève’s local slopes (Le Chamois, Mont d’Arbois, Rochebrune, Jaillet) are relatively low (1,113–2,350 m) but deliver extensive cruising with superb Mont Blanc views, especially on flattering blues and reds through meadows and forests – ideal for intermediates and relaxed skiers.

Experts won’t find many extreme steeps; it’s more about enjoyable mileage than adrenaline, though there’s off-piste potential on powder days (e.g. around Mont Joly or in higher Les Contamines sectors up to 2,500 m). A quirky microclimate can bring good snowfall, but lower slopes may get slushy late season, making the higher Les Contamines link useful for more reliable snow. Off the mountain, Megève shines: it’s a gastronomy hotspot (including Michelin-starred tables), a classy shopping destination, and a place where an afternoon is as likely to be spent people-watching in the square or at a spa as it is chasing one last run – a big part of its charm.

Who it’s best for
Couples and families wanting a refined, scenic ski break will feel at home here. Megève is perfect for intermediates who prefer leisurely, picturesque runs to big vertical or intense terrain – think long forest blues and gentle reds on Mont d’Arbois that you can cruise side by side. Beginners are well served with strong ski schools (the ESF “Piou Piou” kids’ garden is famous) and plenty of easy slopes, though some nursery areas (like Mont d’Arbois mid-station) require a short bus or lift ride. Non-skiers and ambiance-seekers may get the best value of all, with winter walking trails, horse sleigh rides, an open-air ice rink, boutiques and a modern spa and wellness scene.

Advanced skiers who crave serious steeps or big freeride zones might find the piste offering tame, but a guide can unlock hidden powder or tree runs and day trips (e.g. towards La Giettaz when conditions allow). Après is refined rather than rowdy – more champagne, wine and live music in stylish lounges (like Cocoon Club) than table dancing, with a few spots such as Palo Alto adding some late-night buzz. Overall, Megève suits those who prioritise atmosphere, food, style and a well-rounded winter escape over maximum vertical and hardcore terrain.

Good to know
Megève’s ski area is split into three main sectors: Rochebrune, Mont d’Arbois (linked to St-Gervais) and Le Jaillet (linked to La Giettaz). Rochebrune connects to Mont d’Arbois by lifts, while Le Jaillet is separate (a few-minute shuttle or horse carriage from town), so it’s best to plan each day around one or two sectors rather than trying to ski them all. Rochebrune offers pretty tree runs; Mont d’Arbois is the largest, reaching the high point at Mont Joly with big views; Jaillet is quieter, sunny and family-friendly. The Evasion Mont-Blanc pass covers Megève plus Saint-Gervais, Les Contamines, Combloux and more; a day in Les Contamines (≈25 minutes away) is worthwhile for higher, more sporty and scenic terrain.

Snowmaking has been improved on key lower runs, but Megève is still a lower-altitude resort: January usually means good coverage, while March can feel spring-like. Grooming is excellent (“velvet” corduroy in the mornings), and when snow is thin in the village it’s often wiser to download on the lifts than brave icy lower slopes. Mountain dining is a major draw, with numerous slope-side restaurants (e.g. L’Idéal 1850, Auberge de la Côte 2000) – reservations are essential in holidays. The village also hosts stylish events like snow polo tournaments, ski jumping competitions and, in 2026, the Back to Back Freestyle Invitational plus the Classiquicîme festival. In short, always check the events agenda, as there’s usually something chic and interesting happening.

Getting there
Megève is one of the easiest resorts to reach from Geneva: about 1h15 by road (70 km) from Geneva Airport, making weekends very doable. Private transfers and shared shuttles are common, and many upscale hotels can arrange limousine pick-ups. By car, you follow the motorway to Sallanches (exit 20, A40) then continue 20 minutes up a gentle alpine road with no extreme switchbacks. Lyon Airport (~2-2,5h) and Chambéry (~1h30) are other options. Rail travellers can head to Sallanches–Combloux–Megève station (12 km away) via direct TGV inOui from Paris Gare de Lyon (or TGV + TER connection), then a short hop to the resort. From there, buses (line Y83) or taxis reach Megève in about 25–40 minutes.

Once in resort, you won’t need a car: driving is restricted in the pedestrian core, and free shuttle buses loop between the village and main lift bases (Mont d’Arbois, Rochebrune and Jaillet). Horse-drawn carriages double as atmospheric – if pricey – taxis. Parking can be tight in busy weeks, but there are several underground garages and many upscale hotels offer parking, often with valet service. For those arriving in style, Megève has a small altiport receiving private planes and helicopters (including heli transfers from Geneva in ~20 minutes). The village centre is compact and walkable, so pack practical yet stylish boots – looking the part is half the fun among the Parisian weekender crowd.

Why Ski Megève in Winter 2025-26

• Freestyle goes Back to Back: From 20–22 March 2026, Megève hosts the Back to Back Freeski Invitational at the Stade de la Côte 2000, turning the sector into a big, spectator-friendly freestyle playground. The programme mixes backcountry-style features, moguls, speed riding and ski base-jumping, with creative modules like knuckle and wallride contests and the much-heralded return of the local WindShut crew with an emblematic rider. The event is free to watch (excluding certain indoor parties), comes with DJ sets and a relaxed festival atmosphere at the bottom of the course, and includes a big party on the Friday night – a great time for freestyle fans or families with teens to visit, and a lively counterpoint to Megève’s more classic image.
• Cultural crescendo – Classiquicîme: From 26–29 March 2026, Megève hosts the second edition of the Classiquicîme classical music festival, in partnership with Diapason magazine. Over four days there are around ten concerts across three main venues (including Le Palais and the village church), plus “off-site” musical moments on the village square and up on the slopes, family-friendly shows, café-style meet-ups with artists, and themed events like the Vivaldi night and a dedicated kids’ programme (Classi’Kids). Some performances are ticketed while others are free in open-air settings, so you really can weave chamber music and orchestral works into your ski days just as the late-March sun starts to soften the snow.
• Small lift upgrade and noble causes: For winter 2025/26, the wider Portes du Mont-Blanc area focuses on comfort with the brand-new Beauregard 10-seater gondola from Combloux, replacing the old chairlift and providing faster, smoother access from the village up into the shared ski area with Megève–Jaillet and La Giettaz. The project boosts capacity and improves boarding for children, handiski users and groups, underlining a shift towards more accessible, sustainable infrastructure rather than simply adding new pistes. On the community side, the elegant charity weekend “L’Élégance a du Cœur” (31 January–1 February 2026) sees exceptional classic and modern cars parading on a synthetic-ice circuit and through the village, with a Concours d’Élégance, festive animations, auctions and even a friendly ski event – all raising funds for organisations supporting seriously ill children, and giving visitors that week the chance to cheer on the cars and feel part of something bigger than just the skiing.

Where to stay

•  Au Coin Du Feu (3★) – This “by the fireside” chalet-hotel really leans into its name, with a warm lounge, big stone fireplace and snug armchairs that feel like a private mountain home. Just a 5-minute walk from Megève’s centre and the Rochebrune lift, it has 22 renovated rooms mixing cosy chalet style with modern comforts. Guests can unwind in the small wellness area (sauna, hammam and treatment room) before dinner at the on-site restaurant Le Saint Nicolas, known for refined, local-produce cuisine and excellent breakfasts with homemade jams and local dairy. Independent and open year-round, Au Coin du Feu is praised for its genuinely friendly staff, personal service and intimate, homely atmosphere, making it a lovely pick for couples or small families who want authenticity and easy walking access to town and lifts.
•  Les Fermes de Marie (5★) – An icon of Alpine hospitality, Les Fermes de Marie is a hamlet of beautifully restored farmhouses on the edge of Megève, setting the benchmark for rustic-chic luxury. With around 70 individually decorated rooms and suites, it feels like a private mountain village, yet it’s only a short walk or quick hotel shuttle from the centre. The Pure Altitude Spa (about 1,000 m²) is a destination in itself, with pool, jacuzzis, sauna/steam and a long treatment menu using the hotel’s own Edelweiss-based products. The hotel is famously family-friendly too: there’s a kids’ club / Winter Camp, play spaces and thoughtful services like babysitting, while adults enjoy two on-site restaurants (refined regional cuisine and cosy cheese-focused dining), a stylish bar lounge and sunny terraces. Add in a gym, concierge service and valet shuttles to the lifts, plus warm, polished service, and you’ve got one of Megève’s most atmospheric addresses, equally perfect for a romantic escape or a blow-out family treat.

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La Clusaz & Le Grand-Bornand (Aravis Range)

At-a-glance
In the Aravis mountains just an hour from Geneva, La Clusaz and its neighbour Le Grand-Bornand form a delightful ski area of ~210 km that’s sometimes overlooked internationally but much beloved by French families. La Clusaz is a charming Savoyard village at 1,100 m with a centuries-old church, a compact centre, and a lively French ambience. Its ski area unfolds across five interconnected massifs (peaks) up to 2,500 m at Balme, giving a good mix of terrain: mellow sunny slopes closest to town, steeper powder bowls on the backside of the mountain, and everything in between. Le Grand-Bornand, just over the ridge, has its own 90 km of slopes on predominantly open alpine faces and some tree skiing down low, and an absolutely postcard-worthy village (Grand-Bornand Chinaillon) with wooden chalets galore.

The Aravis region may not be as high or as vast as the big domains, but it wins on rustic charm, manageable scale, and often excellent snow (microclimate funnels snow in, and the Balme area of La Clusaz is fairly snow-sure, plus there’s extensive snowmaking). La Clusaz has a reputation as a freeride mecca (home resort of famous freeskier Candide Thovex) thanks to its off-piste bowls and a strong snowpark lineage. It also boasts a bustling village life with weekly markets, slope-side concerts, and a warm welcome to families (many beginner areas, and even free lift passes for the youngest kids). It’s one of those resorts where you might see the local schoolkids doing ski PE in the afternoons or a farmer using a piste-basher to get to his high alpine farm, an authentic Alpine life mixed with the excitement of a ski resort.

Who it’s best for

Families and intermediate skiers are especially well served in La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, with plenty of gentle blues and cruisy reds through pastures and forests. Beginners have good nursery areas near the villages (les Nant and Beauregard in La Clusaz; multiple magic carpets in Le Chinaillon) plus low-cost starter lift passes. Intermediates can comfortably ski from one end of La Clusaz’s area to the other in a day (from Cret du Merle to Manigod’s long blues and up to l’Aiguille for something a bit steeper) without feeling overwhelmed, and on clear days the views of Mont Blanc from Balme are superb.

Advanced skiers and powder hounds will love the off-piste around La Balme and l’Etale (famous from Candide’s videos), though on-piste blacks are limited. On a powder day, the area is fantastic and usually less hectic than the mega-resorts. Freestylers get a solid park at La Cret plus Le Grand-Bornand’s “SnowparkGB”. Non-skiers can enjoy pretty villages, cheese shops (Reblochon is the star), sledging, snowshoeing and farm visits. Budget-conscious travellers benefit from gentler prices than in glitzier resorts, and the short, simple transfer from Geneva keeps costs down. Overall, it’s ideal for those who value charm, convenience and a relaxed vibe over huge, high-altitude mileage – especially for long weekends or families introducing kids to skiing in an unpretentious setting.

Good to know
La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand are not lift-linked – a possible connection via the Danay has been studied and debated on environmental grounds, but nothing is built, so you currently switch areas by road. The villages are about 5–6 km apart, with a free Aravisbus ski bus running all day between La Clusaz, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and Le Grand-Bornand; journey time is roughly 10–15 minutes, and it’s free for passengers.

New for this period, the Beauregard gondola base station in La Clusaz has been turned into “Beau Regard”, an immersive sound-and-light experience that runs through winter 2025/26 – a fun little show as you queue for the lift up to the gentle Beauregard plateau. In terms of snow, these are mid-altitude resorts (La Clusaz/Manigod up to about 2,600 m; Le Grand-Bornand up to about 2,100 m), with Le Grand-Bornand equipping a substantial part of its key runs with snowmaking (over 40 km of pistes), which helps reliability on the lower slopes in lean periods.

Getting there
Geneva Airport is about 65–70 km from La Clusaz, with typical transfer times of around 1–1h15 by car depending on traffic – one of the shorter Geneva transfers for a major French ski area, and very doable for weekend trips. Annecy is the nearest city and rail hub, roughly 30–35 km away; you can take a TGV/fast train Paris–Annecy in about 4 hours, then continue by bus (Y62/Y63) or taxi in around 45–55 minutes to resort. If you’re driving from Calais, allow roughly 8–9 hours.

La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand are separate villages, but well connected: the Y62/63 Annecy–La Clusaz–Le Grand-Bornand line plus the free Aravisbus skibus run regularly between the Aravis resorts, so you can ski both without a car as long as you check timetables. Within La Clusaz, a free village shuttle network (24 lines in winter) links outlying accommodation, lift bases and neighbouring hamlets, though many hotels are walkable to the central lifts such as Beauregard and Patinoire.

Why Ski La Clusaz in Winter 2025-26

• Beauregard base gets an immersive glow-up: La Clusaz’s Beauregard gondola has long been the gateway to the resort’s gentlest plateau, but winter 2025-26 is the first ski season where the Gare de Beau Regard immersive space runs with its full two-show line-up, including the new “Léna & le versant caché” film. This family-friendly sound-and-light experience turns the gondola garage into a mini attraction, using projections and storytelling to bring the village and surrounding mountains to life while you wait. It’s a fun extra, especially for kids, and makes the ride up to Beauregard’s beginner- and panorama-friendly slopes feel that bit more special.
• New Luge des Bois & revamped aquatic centre: This winter also sees the arrival of La Luge des Bois, a new four-season rail toboggan at Bossonnet. Down in the village, the Espace Aquatique has just reopened after a major renovation: stainless-steel pools, refreshed wellness spaces and a sunny outdoor area make it a great place to soak tired legs on bad-weather days or after ski.
• Freestyle & big events across the Aravis: La Clusaz continues to lean into its freestyle DNA. LCZ Freestyle Week is back from 1–7 February 2026 with European Cup slopestyle and big-air competitions on its Crêt du Loup snowpark, capped by the LCZ Freestyle Show night event in Champ Giguet – floodlights and big tricks right by the village. On the freeride side, strong skiers can still test themselves on the marked but ungroomed Candide Thovex run on Balme, a natural “snowpark” line inspired by the local legend. Over the pass in Le Grand-Bornand, the Biathlon World Cup returns from 15–21 December 2025, drawing huge crowds.
• Sustainable Aravis & easy links: The wider Aravis area is quietly getting greener and easier to navigate. Le Grand-Bornand has secured the Flocon Vert sustainability label (now at a higher “two-flocon” level), recognising its work on energy, transport and landscape protection. A big practical win for guests: the AravisBus network of free shuttles runs all winter between La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and Manigod, plus around each resort, so you can ski different areas or go watch events without needing a car.

Where to stay

•  Hotel Alpen Roc (3★) – A friendly 3-star hotel just a short walk from the centre of La Clusaz and the main lifts (around 150–300 m, depending on which base you use). It has around 100 rooms and a couple of suites, most in simple chalet style, and is best known for its All-Inclusive buffet formula: generous breakfast, afternoon “goûter” with cakes, buffet dinners and unlimited drinks (softs, some alcohol) during set hours, a big plus for easy budgeting. There’s also a small but attractive wellness area with a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi with large windows facing the snow. Overall it’s a relaxed, good-value base for families and groups who want views, included meals and a sociable atmosphere rather than high-end frills.
•  Au Coeur du Village (5★) – La Clusaz’s flagship 5-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, set right in the centre by the piste and ice rink, with true ski-in/ski-out or near-instant lift access. It offers 41 suites and 19 rooms, all in a contemporary alpine style, plus a luxurious Cristal Spa with pool, sauna, steam room and treatments, ideal after a full day on Balme. Dining is a major draw: the gastronomic restaurant Le Cin5 holds a Michelin star (since 2024) and serves inventive cuisine blending Savoyard produce with influences from Mauritius, while a second, more relaxed restaurant covers bistro-style meals. With its upscale spa, central location, family facilities and polished service (recently recognised with a MICHELIN Key for the hotel itself), this is the top choice in La Clusaz for travellers seeking full-on five-star comfort and gastronomy.

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Conclusion

From the soaring heights of the Mont Blanc region to the sun-drenched terraces of the southern Alps, France’s ski resorts each offer their own recipe for winter happiness in 2025-26. Choosing where to ski in France is less about finding snow, and more about finding your perfect fit. Whether it’s the high-octane adventure of Chamonix, the interlinked expanse of the Three Valleys, the family-oriented charm of La Clusaz, or the chic indulgence of Megève, the Hexagon has a mountain for everyone. And no matter where you lay your head, you’re never far from a cozy mountain restaurant, a well-earned vin chaud, and a stunning panorama to bookmark the day.

Instead of scrolling endlessly through generic options, use Travelmyth to pinpoint stays that match how you travel. Looking for a ski-in/ski-out family chalet, a hotel with a world-class spa, or perhaps an adult-only retreat for a romantic getaway? Travelmyth’s curated categories let you filter accommodations beyond the basics, so you find the perfect base for your next French ski escape.

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