3 Awesome High-Altitude French Alpine Resorts

The French Alps are the roof of Europe and an awesome natural amphitheatre where the scenery gets more spectacular at every turn.

If you’re a fan of snowsports, this is arguably the best natural playground in the world for skiers and snowboarders, while the ambience is a marvellous mix of authentic Gallic charm and chic contemporary style.

There are several snow-sure, high-altitude resorts here that offer outstanding snow conditions throughout the season, awesome apres-ski and amazing accommodation options.

But with such a buffet of brilliance on offer, how do you choose which area suits you best?

This guide to three awesome high-altitude French Alpine resorts should help!

• Val Thorens

Europe’s highest ski resort (at a heady 2300m!) Val Thorens is a snow-sure, car-free haven which has been voted the world’s best ski resort multiple times. As part of the Three Valleys ski area, it offers access to a mind-boggling 600km skiable area with plenty of red and blue runs for intermediate skiers and a snowpark in the plateau sector that’s ideal for snowboarders. The apres-ski is awesome here too and you can bust a few moves on the highest dancefloor in Europe at La Folie Douce, or alternatively, indulge in a little retail therapy at Galerie Caron.

• Les Arcs

A mega-resort comprising several separate villages up to altitudes of 2000m, Les Arcs is also part of the vast Paradiski area which has a skiable area of 425km, two glaciers and a total of 70% of runs above 2000m. You’ll find premium powder here until late April and much of the accommodation here has doorstep skiing to help you maximise your time on the slopes. A trailblazing, purpose-built resort, Les Arcs is famous for its modernist architecture. However, if this doesn’t suit your taste, a reliable ski package operator like Erna Low can find you fab accommodation in Arc 1950 which, despite actually being the newest village here, features traditional Savoyard-style residences.

• Tignes

Part of Espace Killy, Tignes comprises five ski villages, three of which are located above the tree line at 2100m. The long ski season here usually lasts from November through to early May and the slopes descending from the Grande Motte Glacier are particularly renowned for dumps of fresh powder. In the wider ski area there’s a huge 300km of premium pistes connected by an efficient network of 90 ski lifts with slopes for all aptitudes of skiers, while the snowpark has kickers, jibs and a big airbag to practice your jumps. The apres-ski is excellent here too  ̶  drinks on the sunny terrace of Loop Bar are always recommended and there’s a convivial atmosphere with DJs and live bands.

So there you have it  ̶  a triad of terrific high-altitude French Alps ski resorts which are the perfect pick for anyone who loves optimal snowsports conditions and first-class hospitality.

Choose any of these famous resorts for your next ski break and you’re sure to have a fantastic time!