Snowboarding season is upon us and the French Alps are gearing as much as welcome travellers with itchy snowboarding legs. From excessive altitude snowboarding heavens to extra laid-back thermal cities, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area is dotted with ski resorts which might be as picturesque as they’re exhilarating.
Which resort to select? We’ve gone over a few of our favourites that will help you select.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Open from December 2nd 2023 to Could fifth 2024
Chamonix could also be one of many world’s greatest identified ski resorts, nevertheless it additionally lies on the coronary heart of a characterful valley, surrounded by spectacular, stunning nature. This winter, the buzzing alpine city is celebrating 100 years because it staged the world’s first ever Winter Olympic Video games.
Snowsport lovers head to Chamonix for the world-class snowboarding after all, with snow-sure situations from December to Could as 90% of the snowboarding is above 2,000m. While Chamonix has solid its repute on its excellent off-piste potentialities, the valley additionally gives loads of nice intermediate-level cruising terrain, tree-lined trails, snow parks and several other glorious inexperienced persons’ areas.
Epic journeys can embrace a cable automotive journey to the well-known Aiguille du Midi at 12,000ft with its 360° breathtaking panorama, additionally the start line of the legendary Vallée Blanche descent. Snow-shoers might delight within the spectacular backdrop of the Mont Blanc area which is a sanctuary for wildlife together with chamois, ibex, deer, white hares, black grouse and ptarmigan.
Val Thorens
Open from November twenty fifth 2023 to Could fifth 2024
Within the coronary heart of the Trois Vallées, at 2,300m excessive, Val Tho’, as it’s affectionately identified, is within the working once more for ‘Finest Ski Resort within the World’ this 12 months on the World Ski Awards. Providing totally ski-in/ski-out services, the resort can be identified for its breathtaking panorama of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Be sure you snap some photographs of the summits earlier than descending the wonderful slopes – and with entry to 600km of pistes, you’re spoilt for selection.
There’s enjoyable for the entire household, with newbie’s and enjoyable slopes but additionally sledging, snowtubing and Europe’s highest zipline and a plethora of different non-skiing actions for these days off the slopes. The après-ski provide is as wealthy as ever with a large selection of inns, bars and eating places, a revamped Malaysa membership and new additions to the spa services.
Val d’Isère
Open from December 2 2023 to Could fifth 2024
With entry to over 300km of slopes on the sting of the beautiful Vanoise Nationwide Park in Savoie, Val d’Isère has an awesome ski provide however not solely: paragliding, ice-skating, dog-sledding, mountaineering, icefall climbing…the mountain is your playground and Val d’Isère, your ticket to actual enjoyable within the snow. To profit from all these off-the-slopes actions, a brand new 4-hour ski move will likely be obtainable to get pleasure from the most effective of each worlds.
To make bookings even smoother, the resort is launching a brand new app for this winter season, streamlining to course of to purchase carry passes.
Tignes
Open from November twenty fifth 2023 to Could fifth 2024
Nestled within the coronary heart of the French Alps, Tignes is a skier’s paradise. Its high-altitude location ensures dependable snow all through the season, making it a favorite for winter sports activities fans. The resort gives a mixture of difficult slopes for knowledgeable skiers and mild, extensive pistes for inexperienced persons, together with a brand new, family-friendly enjoyable themed path on mountain animals and a few new actions for infants and toddlers.
However Tignes isn’t nearly snowboarding; it’s a vibrant city with a vigorous après-ski scene. After a day on the slopes, you may unwind in cozy alpine lodges and revel in scrumptious Savoyard delicacies. There’ve been some additions to the slope-side eateries too: Le Casse-Croûte and The Panoramic. Whether or not you’re carving by way of powdery trails or sipping mulled wine by the fireplace, Tignes gives the right winter escape.
Meribel
Open December 2nd 2023 to April twenty first 2024
As one of many first resorts within the Alps (1938!), Meribel is the epitome of a basic Alpine ski resort. Nestled within the coronary heart of the Three Valleys, it gives entry to one of many world’s largest interconnected ski areas. Surrounded by nature, the resort offers you entry to the Tueda pure reserve and its deep blue lake and to La Traie, to gaze upon the majestic alpine peaks.
Meribel’s picturesque chalet-style structure – the legacy of architect Charlotte Perriand – and charming village environment create a comfy and alluring ambiance. Skiers of all ranges will discover their excellent trails right here (you would even be part of the model new ESF Masterclass to excellent your expertise), whereas the resort’s glorious facilities guarantee a seamless keep. With gourmand eating, quaint outlets, and a variety of off-slope actions, Meribel seamlessly combines the joys of snowboarding with a contact of luxurious.
Les Menuires
Open from December ninth 2023 to April nineteenth 2024
Les Menuires, located at 1,850m within the Belleville Valley, gives a variety of snowboarding alternatives for all ranges. The resort “the secure wager” of the expansive Les Trois Vallées ski space, making it a really perfect vacation spot for households.
Les Menuires’ fashionable services and reasonably priced lodging choices guarantee a snug keep. The encompassing landscapes are breathtaking, and the relaxed environment makes it a sexy vacation spot for these in search of each journey and tranquillity.
Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry
Open from December sixteenth 2023 to April twenty seventh 2024
Nestled within the Tarentaise Valley, Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry is a snowboarding haven with over 70% of slopes situated above 2,000m. Its huge and numerous terrain caters to skiers and snowboarders of all ranges. Because of its place inside Paradiski, one of many world’s largest ski areas, guests can get pleasure from an array of trails and breathtaking vistas. Finish the day in model with a brand new providing this winter season: the Final Tracks expertise the place you may descend with the ski patrollers and revel in a sundown apéritif.
Little ones and massive youngsters alike will love the brand new Malgovert Giants rising from the forest, whereas dad and mom Conventional mountain structure and a heat, welcoming environment characterize the villages of Peisey and Vallandry, providing a captivating distinction to the exhilarating snowboarding experiences.
La Plagne
Open from December sixteenth 2023 to April twenty eighth 2024
La Plagne, a resort situated within the Paradiski ski space, is an inviting vacation spot for winter sports activities fans. With a wonderful mixture of slopes, it caters to skiers and snowboarders of all talent ranges. And when you’ve put the skis away, there’s nonetheless a wealth of snowy actions to get pleasure from. For the primary time this winter, a brand new bobsleigh expertise will open to the general public, introducing fortunate individuals to the game with professionals.
The resort’s 10 distinct villages provide a variety of lodging choices, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Apres-ski actions are plentiful, and the breathtaking vistas from the Bellecôte glacier make La Plagne an unforgettable vacation spot for mountain lovers. The brand new Glaciers carry will take you to fulfill the summits at 3,000m for a soothing and contemplative expertise among the many peaks.
Flaine
Open from December sixteenth 2023 to April twenty first 2024
Flaine is a novel and placing ski resort famend for its daring structure. The village was awarded the 20th Century Heritage label and a few buildings are even categorized as Historic Monuments. The modernist buildings mix seamlessly with the snowy panorama, creating a particular environment. Do you know you would get pleasure from sculpted artwork workby Picasso or Dubuffet within the village too?
Positioned between 1,600m and a pair of,500m, the resort boasts glorious snowboarding situations, and the Grand Massif ski space gives a various vary of trails. Don’t overlook to search for and round earlier than you head down the slopes: the resort unparalleled 360° views of the Mont Blanc vary will take your breath away. Flaine’s family-friendly vibe, ski-in, ski-out comfort, and very good childcare companies make it a best choice for these touring with youngsters.
Brides-les-Bains
For a peaceable Alpine getaway, Brides-les-Bains gives a refreshing change of tempo. This charming spa city is understood for its thermal waters and wellness companies. Whereas it’s not a conventional ski resort, Brides-les-Bains serves as a really perfect base for exploring the huge Trois Vallées ski space, together with Meribel and Courchevel. After a day on the slopes, loosen up and rejuvenate within the city’s soothing thermal spas, making it an interesting vacation spot for these in search of a restful mountain escape.
Lead photograph credit score : Flaine © OTFlaine / M.Dalmass
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