Longing for a luxe holiday in a glam, gorgeous location that’s a blast of mountain-fresh air?
A ski holiday in the French Alps fits the bill fabulously and these majestic mountains are peppered with a plethora of ski resorts which you can access affordably yet still sample the finer things in life.
There’s nothing more delightful than careering down the slopes during the day, sampling fine food and wine in the evening, heading out for a soupçon of apres-ski and then cosying up in chalet-style accommodation in the wee small hours.
Tempted? Take a look at these 5 fab French ski resorts!
Courchevel
If you’ve got a refined palate, you should definitely make a beeline for Courchevel because it boasts a bevy of Michelin-starred restaurants ̶ if haute cuisine is your thing, you can sample some of the world’s finest food here every evening! You’re spoiled for choice, but dine at Le 1947 restaurant at Le Cheval Blanc to experience one of only 29 three-starred Michelin restaurants in France, where Executive Chef Yannick Alléno will transport you to culinary seventh heaven amidst the minimalist retro-futuristic décor.
Avoriaz
A charming car-free resort set above the Morzine Valley in Les Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz is an excellent choice for serious skiers and bon vivants. There are some salubrious accommodation options here and L’Amara luxury apartments are amongst the best available. As well as comfy suites and doorstep skiing, there’s an onsite spa-sauna, swimming pool and restaurant ̶ everything you need under one roof if you don’t want to venture too far of an evening.
Val d’Isère
Part of the Espace Killy ski area and perched at an altitude of 1850m in the Haute Tarentaise, Val d’Isere is a high altitude, snow sure resort with a 300km skiable area connected by 78 lifts and its heritage as a ski resort stretched back to the 1930s. Luxe attractions here include the plush undies available at Lingerie Caresse and the beauty treatments at Mountain Équilibre. For a premium package at this resort, book with Erna Low the ski package specialist.
Samoëns
The only French ski resort classed as a national heritage site, charming Samoëns has a wonderful 12th Century church and a pedestrianised main square where you can stroll around admiring the architecture, listening to traditional music and soaking up the ambience. Chalet style accommodation is cosy and comfy, while laid-back apres-ski is available at cool venues like Popcorn Vintage.
La Rosière
Located close to the Petit St Bernard Pass, La Rosière is another traditional ski resort which radiates serenity and stunning scenery. There’s skiing for all abilities here, chic accommodation in residences like Les Cimes Blanches, and you can unwind all the way at Spa La Rosiere, which boasts a salt cave and hot tub with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. There’s ample apres-ski here too ̶ cocktails at H40 Brasserie are recommended.
Spoil yourself with a holiday in any of these outstanding French ski resorts ̶ you won’t regret it!