7 Top Ski Resorts in France | Adventure Yogi

The Mountains are calling, and we have the answer.

The French Alps are a world of their own. From the comfort of your chairlift, you can enjoy the view and soak in the atmosphere of these storied mountains—and that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re looking for a challenging ski run or a relaxing après-ski, there’s a place for you in the French Alps. And wherever you go, one thing you can be sure of is spectacular mountain scenery! Let’s take a look at our Top 7 Ski Resorts in France.

1. La Rosière

Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced skier or snowboarder, or just looking to freestyle ski, La Rosière is the perfect place for you. An Adventure Yogi ski holiday favourite – you’ll experience the best of what nature has to offer, from the tops of mountains to the depths of valleys, from the shadows cast by trees to the glow of an afternoon sunset.

Lying across the Tarentaise Valley, is it reputable as an affordable and family friendly ski resort. Beginners can stay at the front side of La Rosière and intermediate or advanced skiers can choose from some of the most challenging runs in the area with the opportunity to ski all the way to Italy and back as it’s connected with La Thuile. So why not stop by and refuel with some authentic Italian pizza or pasta?

If you are looking for some fun downtime, take a trip to the La Rosière bowling alley, hit up Le Moo bar or in true Adventure Yogi style, indulge your body in the wellness centre where you have access to the 15-metre indoor heated swimming pool, saunas, soak in the indoor and outdoor hot tubs, or workout in the gym.

We will be hosting our Yoga Retreat here in March so check out the details here and join us on an unmissable adventure. We will be based in the ski-in-ski-out wellness apartments, surrounded by restaurants, ski school and hire, shops and spectacular views of the south-facing mountain side which means sunshine all day.

Our days will start with yoga to set you up for a full day’s skiing and we will return for a restorative yoga class before filling our bellies with a 2-course vegan/veggie evening meal.

2. Chamonix

Another Adventure Yogi favourite, having visited plenty of times in the past. It is located just over an hour from Geneva airport and is an ideal short break in the French Alps. Situated at the bottom of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, it is also one of the oldest resorts in France.

While you can ski here to your hearts content, you are not just confined to the slopes. Chamonix boasts mountains that are just begging for you to explore them. You can hike around the wooded ravines of the Grand Balcon Sud or take in the panoramic views of the Grand Balcon Nord. If you are looking for a challenge, La Jonction hike is arduous but hugely rewarding and gifts you a view of a spectacular glacial amphitheatre when you reach the summit.

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities available in Chamonix; try you hand at the indoor climbing walls, visit the locals museums and exhibitions and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage or get outside and play tennis while enjoying the stunning scenery.

The close by town has a lively atmosphere of restaurants, shops and aprés bars, which continues well into the night. Chamonix is one of Europe’s top six luxury ski resorts, so if you are looking to splash some more cash on a once in a lifetime ski experience, this is the destination for you.

3. Les Arcs and La Plagne

If you’re looking for an adventure in the Alps, Les Arcs and La Plagne are ideal spots. Les Arcs and La Plange are two separate ski areas but skiers and snowboarders have been able to get from one ski resort to another in just five minutes since the Vanoise Express gondolas opened in 2003, creating the Paradiski ski domain. This provides adventurous skiers access to 425km of pistes.

Photo: Dmitry A. Mottl

Les Arcs is situated in the heart of a 300-year-old Swiss stone pine forest with pedestrianised areas for you to access bars, supermarkets, restaurants and a range of non-skiing activities. If the adrenaline junkie in you is begging for something more, you can rent a bike and adventure through the Paradiski trails or go white water rafting on the Haute Isere river. If you want to try something new and exciting, why not try the man-made ice climbing wall or confront the natural ice waterfalls and glaciers.

La Plagne is a family-friendly resort with some of the Alp’s quieter pistes and peaks, and is perfect for families looking to get away from the madness. While it may be one of the quieter resorts there is truly no end to the adventurous options – from tobogganing, VR escape rooms, paragliding, a freestyle snow park and a mecca of relaxation in Belle Plange, no day here will be the same.

If you are looking for alternative ways of riding down the slops, skiing is not the only option – you can race down headfirst on an airboard or sitting on a snowscoot or… flying! La Plagne offers tandem paragliding flights for a magical experience of flying over the mountain range and taking in the breath taking views.

If you are a foodie, both Les Arcs and La Plagne offer an abundance of culinary specialities and comforting dishes to warm you up with veggie and vegan options to enjoy!

4. Courchevel

If you’re looking for the ultimate ski experience, it’s hard to beat Courchevel. This is the largest of Les Trois Vallées (Three Valleys), a group of interlinked ski resorts in the Savoie Alps of South-eastern France, close to the Swiss and Italian borders.

Photo: Pete Southsea

Skiing in Courchevel is like a dream come true. The slopes are stunningly beautiful, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find something to suit your level at this luxurious ski resort in the Savoie Alps of South-eastern France.

Beginners can build confidence in the easy rider areas while still enjoying high-altitude skiing and 360 panoramic views of the mountains. If you’ve been doing this kind of thing for some time, there are plenty of challenging off-piste skiing routes.

Whether you want to cosy up in a chalet, stop at a bed and breakfast or nestle in a hotel, there is a wide range of accommodation to suit all requirements.

The dining options are certainly something to write home about, with a variety of bistros, brasseries, pizzerias and eight Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. If a food coma has hit and you are looking to take a break from the slopes, enjoy the events such as Après-ski with live DJs and drinks, fondue parties, nerf gun battles, embark on a snow groomer towards the summits and enjoy a convivial Savoyard meal or be whisked away in a plane or helicopter to fly over the Alps.

5. Alpe d’Huez

Alpe d’Huez is one of the most popular ski resorts in France, and with good reason: it combines six resorts into one interconnected winter playground. If you have a desire for fun and adventure, there will be plenty of options to quench your thirst. It is the perfect place to gaze out over the alps and watch the sun set. The snow-capped peaks are so close you can almost touch them, and the crisp, clean air makes it feel like you’re breathing in pure oxygen.

Photo: Marcin Floryan, Licence: cc-by-sa-3.0

Alpe d’Huez is popular with families for its range of facilities, accommodation for all budgets and special family ski pass plans. The resort has some serious off-piste to explore, with plenty of adventurous runs and slopes that will have you begging for more. If you are up for a challenge there are options for ski touring or freestyle to enjoy new thrills.

This resort is not just about the stunning views or the beautiful powder—it’s also about the adrenaline-fueled adventure that awaits. There are unique activities and experiences to try – the Ancient Egyptian themed ice cave, paragliding, ice laser or connect the mind, body and soul in a rejuvenating environment and join in on the yoga classes. If you are an amateur or experienced driver, you can even practice driving on ice at the evo driver driving school.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, Alpe d’Huez is not only for humans – they also offer a dog walking service for those travelling with their furry friends. If you are on the hunt for some delicious local food, you can find regional products, cheeses and charcuterie complimented with wine tasting. If you have a sweet tooth, Lollypop offers candies per kilo, chocolates and pralines.

6. Serre Chevalier

If you are on the hunt for well-linked pistes and an unpretentious, laid-back atmosphere, Serre Chevalier is the choice for you. It is renowned for its off-piste terrain and incredible tree skiing with lower ski runs weaving through a large larch forest.

The SnowPark, is a dedicated freestyle zone nestled at an altitude of 2,000m and is the ultimate spot for some exhilarating freestyling. Don’t worry if you are a beginner, you can choose between four zones and Briancon is an area reserved for you.

If you are looking to chill with your ski group, soak up some rays and indulge in a BBQ, then the CoolZone is the place for you. Relax and listen to music while you take a break from the slopes!

Serre Chevalier is an unique destination offering exceptional variety of activities associated with a unique heritage and lush landscapes. Visit the local churches, chapels, sundials and fountains giving you the opportunity to strengthen culture during your holiday.

The river flowing through the Serre Chevalier valley, the Guisane, takes its name from the Latin phrase “aquisana”: water that heals – making this location a truly unique and healing experience.

If you are looking for an exciting ski resort that also supports the environment, this is the spot. They are working hard to become the first ever 100% sustainable ski resort in Europe. They are testing new initiatives aimed at limiting their impact on the environment – they rely on hydroelectric power, solar power and wind energy to generate green energy. Over 1,400 solar panels have also been installed on the roof of the Vallons chairlift station – so if you are like us, and your first love is the environment, then Serre Chevalier is the place for you.

7. Val Thorens

There are some places that just ask you to get out and explore. They’re so vast, so beautiful, and so full of possibility that it’s hard to imagine staying put. Val Thorens ski area is one such place. Located in the Tarentaise Valley surrounded by six glaciers and offers an abundance of options for skiers of all abilities to explore the area. In addition to its vast natural cirque, it is also the highest altitude resort in Europe.

Whether you are looking for off-piste, ski touring, carving, boardercross, télémark skiing or fun snowparks, there is something for everyone. If you are away with the family, Club Piou Piou welcomes children from 3 years old to introduce them to skiing or drop into the moon themed snowparks and let your little astronauts play in the snow.

During your downtime you can expect unrivalled dining experiences – it is home of the “snow bistronomy”, a welcoming atmosphere with real gourmet treats. Awaken your senses with fresh regional produce at the market on Tuesdays and Thursdays or overindulge in Savoyard cheeses.

When it’s time to kick the skis off, explore the four beautiful terrains on foot. Take the Marine path and make a diversion to the Igloo village or embark on a 6km snow hike to admire the view over the Valley of Belleville.

The fun does not stop in the evening, if you are looking to let loose and your feet are still moving, take a trip to Jackie – Yukiyama where you can grab some drinks and dance the night away!

Wherever you chose to stay, the French Alps is the perfect destination for a winter or summer getaway! It is home to some of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world, and you can choose from a variety of options depending on your preferences and budget.

So pack up your bags, grab some friends or family members and head to one of these amazing French alps resorts!

For more information on our La Rosière Adventure Retreat or to book click here – Take me to La Rosière