French Ski Resorts for Winter 2010-11

Select your French ski resort carefully to ensure top skiing – go for high altitude for perfect powder and snow-sure conditions, and varied runs for all levels of experience. All ski resorts now have piste bashers and snow cannon to generate snow and keep the runs in prime condition, but temperature is also an important aspect, so try and keep to resorts over 1300m.

The premium resorts allow fantastic skiing well into late spring, with Val d’Isere at 1850m, Alpe d’Huez at 1860m and La Plagne, ranging from 1800-2050 m, enjoying the highest altitude. A vibrant après-ski is an important part of any ski holiday, the more variety the better. For these reasons, along with the snow of course, Val d’Isere is considered one of the best ski resorts in the world.  Also worth considering are the well-known destinations of Chamonix and Les Trois Vallees, which also enjoy perfect skiing conditions over a long season.

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Probably the best combination of skiing and apres-ski in the world can be found in Val d’Isere. Famous for the massive Espace-Killy ski area and beautiful scenery, it is a favourite of British skiers. The resort is well prepared for a huge influx of skiiers every year, with over 300 km of pistes and more than 100 lifts serving 135 runs. Even at its busiest, queues are rare as there are more than 78,000 rides per hour to take you to the top of the runs. Add to this the bluebird days and alpine charm of the village, and you’ll be in ski heaven.

Depending on your budget and requirements, there are plenty of catered ski chalets, ski hotels and apartments to choose from. Catered chalets are ideal for families as there is flexibility with meal times, plus the amount of space in the chalet means children have more freedom to run around inside. Group ski holidays are also perfectly suited to chalets too, as the chef ensures everyone is happy with the daily menu. Chalets at the top end of the market offer spacious private accommodation together with sumptious communal areas for meeting up at the end of the day. Additional perks usually include hot tubs, DVDs and TVs in every room, luxury toiletries and ski in, ski out access.

These extra touches will just add to your enjoyment, from tea or coffee in bed, breakfast cooked to order and afternoon tea daily; daily champagne receptions and canapés; open bar, including spirits, beers and soft drinks; fresh flowers and daily international newspapers; luxury bath products and toiletries

Many of the finest ski chalets can be found resting elegantly on the side of the Solaise Mountain, a dream setting for keen skiers of all abilities. The location of the chalets offers spectacular uninterrupted views of the Manchet Valley and Vanoise National Park.