For some holidaymakers, sun, sea and sand is the perfect formula for a fantastic holiday.
However, others prefer a different type of chilled-out experience – taking their vacations in colder countries where they can enjoy snow, magnificent mountain views, daytime snowsports and other outdoor activities, and cosying up in front of the hearth in chic chalets and apartments of an evening.
If you’ve never been skiing or snowboarding before, there are several places worldwide which will take great care of you, but in terms of natural georgraphical suitability, snow-sure weather and a huge choice of purpose-built resorts and well-tended pistes for skiers of all abilities, the French Alps can reasonably claim to be the best.
With that it mind, here are three fantastic skiing spots in the French Alps.
Val Thorens
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in the Alps (at 2300m) and part of the Three Valleys ski area, the world’s largest ski area – therefore pristine powder is practically guaranteed and facilities for families, groups of friends, couples and solo skiers are superb.
There are two terrific zip lines offering thrilling views of the surrounding mountains, and apres-ski for adults is excellent, with a wide range of lively bars and clubs offering entertainment each evening.
Tip: for something completely different, try the Cosmojet toboggan run – it’s Europe’s longest and suitable for anyone aged 5 upwards.
Tignes
Tignes is another terrific option for novice, intermediate or expert skiers and although it’s not quite as high as Val Thorens, it’s still extremely snow-sure.
Part of the L’Espace Killy ski area, it benefits from easy access to over 300km of green, blue, red and black runs, comfy accommodation and an excellent wellbeing centre.
The Aiguille Percee (eye of the needle) is a famous rock formation which offers amazing views of the valley and you can snap a few unique photos there before skiing back to Tignes Le Lac via the Corniche blue run.
Tips: For ski package deals in Tignes, try ski holiday experts NUCO Travel.
Val d’Isere
Another famous L’Espace Killy ski resort, Val d’Isere provides excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities for enthusiasts of all abilities and there are free ski lifts for novices on the nursery slopes next to La Daille and Val Village.
The resort is 1850m high and snow conditions throughout the season are typically good, plus there’s a great choice of ski to door accommodation in the form of chalets, apartments and hotels.
The apres-ski ambience is of a high standard too, with a choice of chic bars, cool clubs and renowned restaurants.
Tip: want to let your hair down in Val d’Isere? dance the night away at Dicks Tea Bar.
This hat-trick of fab French ski resorts merely offer a taste of what’s on offer in this natural playground for kids of all ages, but hopefully they tempt you to take the plunge and experience them for yourself!
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