Known for its rabbit warren of runs, vast unspoiled landscapes and unusual lifestyle both on and off the slopes France is a skiers paradise. Here, visitors come from all over the world, flock in their thousands to make the most of the short-lived ski season and challenge themselves to go faster, be better, and push harder.
It’s not just the slopes we come for either; there’s a small percentage of people who won’t be going near ski boots. Instead, they come for fabulous European fusion cuisine, beautiful scenery, and hard-to-find winter clothing as well as unwinding in luxury spas, having their hair done in opulent salons and tasting bespoke cocktails in hotel lounges.
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We absolutely LOVE going away and scrambling to the top of mountains because the views are mesmerising. However, for my birthday in a couple of weeks we’ve decided to opt for stunning landscapes without the pain of climbing to the top – instead we’ll be in a cable car to the top of Aiguille Du Midi. We fly out to Geneva before crossing the border and staying in a log cabin in Chamonix below Mount Blanc in just 14 days!
Thinking of doing the same? Here’s some of the locations that was on our shortlist.
Chamonix
Probably the most iconic names in skiing, let alone France, Chamonix is where the creme de la creme of high society come when they’re bored with Whistler, Vail, and Aspen. It’s on every skier’s bucket list be they keen amateurs or semi-professionals and is known for its dizzying descents, impeccable terrain and gorgeous vistas.
Chamonix is where style reigns supreme, and you’ll find entire shopping malls filled with designer brands and world-class cuisine. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc, Chamonix is practically littered with red, black and blue runs as well as the infamous Valle Blanche Descent. Think very, very carefully before you decide to do this run, it’s extremely tough, guides must accompany skiers, and it can only be reached by a vertical cable car.
If like us you aren’t going for the ski-ing, then don’t miss standing in a glass box ‘Step into the Void’ 12,391ft high. I cannot wait to be standing here in a couple of weeks!! S isn’t quite as excited about this part as I am..
Not sold? Here are a couple of other places we considered, too!
Meribel
This lively, chalet style resort is much loved, especially by the Brits which doesn’t come as much of a surprise as Meribel was founded by one. In the 1930s, Peter Lindsay, a huge fan of winter sports sketched out the design for Meribel and construction soon began. Purpose built, the resort has all the home comforts you could want, including local pubs and bars as well as acres of intermediate runs and lovely boutique shops. Something which instructors and your Meribel ski guide will suggest, is when skiing the valley follow the sun, that way you’re less likely to wipe out thanks to ice and slush on your way back down. Love a good party? Meribel does too and come mid-afternoon bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and anywhere you can get a drink are packed with revelers looking to dance till dawn.
Val d’Isère
Home to numerous markets, upscale restaurants, boutiques, elegant hotels, charming cafes and even resort cinemas Val d’Isere is a real winter playground. Why not make your French ski adventure a trip of a lifetime and splash out on a luxurious chalet complete with maid, cook, and butler? That way you won’t have to worry about any domestic chores and can focus on having fun. Val d’Isere has a variety of top quality terrain both on and off-piste including glacial zones, powder bowls, and gorgeously steep couloirs. The ultimate thrill for experienced skiers and boarders has to, of course, be La Daille. An impossibly high peak that’s famous for her iconic La Face black run – a terrifying almost vertical drop down into the arms of the of the valley below![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]