Who likes to walk around in their ski boots or get tossed around in the crowded shuttle bus to get to the bottom of the slopes? This winter, why not opt for a "ski in, ski out" resort? You'll see, you'll enjoy your stay in the mountains all the more. Here in France, it's a bit of a speciality, and whether you're a beginner or an expert, you should be able to find the perfect ski-in/ski-out resort to suit your needs. Here are five of the best.
Les Menuires
Discover the 3 Valleys area, the world’s largest ski region in the Savoie department of Southeastern France. Nestled in the heart of this magnificent area, you will find Les Menuires resort, a family-friendly destination with the Family Plus seal of approval. Here, there are no less than 339 slopes, of all colours and for all levels, which can be reached thanks to the 160 ski lifts installed in the area.
In Les Menuires, all the summits are accessible to beginners via blue runs, and almost all the accommodation is ski in ski out. Two sides make up the Les Menuires ski area, each with their own advantages and specificities: on the one hand the Mont de la Chambre, which offers a snow park for example and also allows direct access to Val Thorens, Méribel and Saint-Martin, and on the other hand the Versant de la Masse, which recently inaugurated new ultra-fast gondolas which allow you to reach the foot of the Masse up to its peak in only 8 minutes. At the top of the Masse, a play area for the little ones and wild ski areas for freeriders will delight the whole family!
Valmorel
If you think of "ski in ski out", Valmorel comes to mind. This resort family plus label, located at the foot of the imposing Cheval Noir mountain in Savoie, seduces with its unique charm, between authenticity and modernity. Valmorel is built around the main pedestrian street and offers easy access to a large ski area with more than 160km of slopes, thanks to the ski lifts installed in the heart of the resort. From fun areas to beginner and freeride zones, alpine ski fans will meet up with off-piste and ski touring enthusiasts, allowing everyone to enjoy the splendid high mountain scenery.
There are also many thrilling activities such as fat biking, paragliding and even electric snowmobiling for children, as well as unusual activities such as igloo building, snowshoeing and fondue evenings under a yurt, and laser rifle biathlon initiations.
Avoriaz
At Avoriaz, revolutionary and eco-designed with its integrated car-free resort concept from the outset, the architecture mimics the surrounding landscape and blends into its environment. Perched at an altitude of 1800 m, in the heart of the Franco-Swiss ski area of Portes du Soleil, it is the only resort in Europe that is entirely pedestrian and skiable. That's why it has been awarded its first Flocon Vert label in 2021.
On arrival, you park your car in the "Accueil station" area, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the season, and then take a seat on a horse-drawn sleigh or carry your luggage on a sledge to your accommodation. Here, the streets are as snowy as ski slopes, and skiers rub shoulders with pedestrians and horse-drawn sleighs. All accommodation is within easy reach of the slopes.
Chamrousse
Located just 30km from Grenoble, tucked between Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes, Chamrousse features a varied Alpine ski area. This resort is famous for hosting the winter Olympic Games in 1968 when famous French skier Jean-Claude Killy won three gold medals.
There are two villages in the resort Flocon Vert and Famille Plus accredited: Chamrousse Recoin is ideal for the more athletic skiers among you, whilst Chamrousse Roche-Béranger is great for families and beginners – and you can ski from one to the other via the fir tree-lined slopes. There are runs for all abilities, three snow parks and loads of activities from sledging to snow-tubing, plus of course the Olympic area awaits ambitious skiers. There are plenty of cosy bistros, perfect for those who love an authentic French ski holiday.
Flaine
Located in the heart of the Northern Alps, in Haute-Savoie, the ski area of Flaine is also linked to the Grand Massif ski area, offering two skiing areas in one, with over 200 runs spread over the two areas. The resort also has freeride areas for thrill-seekers, free runs for beginners, and lifts adapted for disabled skiing, making the resort accessible to as many people as possible.
Don't forget to climb to the top of the Grandes Platières at 2500m to enjoy a superb 360° view of the Mont-Blanc massifs. Flaine also offers a wide range of activities outside of alpine skiing, such as the highest Nordic area in the Alps, a yoga course for sports enthusiasts, as well as heritage visits, drone shows and nature activities to discover the local fauna.
It's also an opportunity to take a closer look at the architecture of the resort, which was awarded the Architectural Heritage of the 20th Century label in 2008.
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
