France has over 300 ski resorts, many of which are located at high altitudes. The area with the greatest range of skiing opportunities is the French Alps, although it is worth checking other areas such as the Jura, the Massif Central and the Vosges. The French Alps has around 5,000 miles of pistes, most of which are in the efficient lift-connected ski areas such as Les Trois Vallees, Paradiski, Portes du Soleil and Espace Killy, giving skiers plenty of choice. For skiers who want to go off piste France has world class destinations such as Chamonix, Alpe D’Huez and La Grave. Skiing in France offers choices for everyone from the novice to the expert.

The key areas for ski resorts in France are the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps and the Pyrenees. Most of the resorts are well served by international airports and public transport. The major resorts can tend to be unappealing and purpose built towns, but more traditional villages can also be found such as St-Martin-de-Belleville and Chatel Mageve.

France is very popular with British skiers and the food on the mountains and villages is usually excellent with plenty of lively après-ski and a good choice of chalets. On the negative side skiing in France can be expensive and at the more popular resorts there can be long queues for lifts and restaurants, and the pistes can be crowded. Some ski instructors also speak minimal English. The smaller resorts will tend to be less crowded.

If you want to avoid the crowds then it is best to avoid the French school holiday periods. Avoiding peak times will not only mean shorter queues, but also cheaper prices. Skiing in France can be expensive, but many websites offer great deals on ski holidays and packages.

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