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Easily accessible from the UK, over 300,000 British holiday makers head for the French Alps every year. But what draws them there and keeps them returning?

France offers the chance to sample a wide range of different levels and styles of skiing, making them a great destination for group ski and family holidays. Home to one of the largest ski areas in the world, the Alps extend over 700 miles, the highest point being Mont Blanc at 15,784 feet above sea level. Mont Blanc lies between the Aosta Valley in Italy and Haute Savoie in France.

The French Alps are largely made up of interlinking ski slopes and villages, each with it’s own unique feel. There are over 230 resorts to choose from, ensuring whatever your taste or budget, you’ll find what you are looking in your skiing holiday. French ski resorts have mastered the art of catering for all, whether you are looking for a peaceful family trip or a party atmosphere, you’ll find it here, at all levels of catering and luxury. French snowfall is well know for being particularly reliable, and when the skies don’t open a large number of resorts have snow cannons to even out the surface and minimise ice and grass patches on the slopes.

In days gone by a skiing holiday could be hard work. The walk to the ski lift in ski boots, hauling your equipment whilst trying not to slip or lose the kids was a regular feature, and not a great start to a day intended to be filled with fun sports and playful activity. Times have changed and French ski resorts are now well equipped to deal with the number of visitors they receive. Regular buses roam the resorts, shuttling skiers from resort to lift, ensuring you still have most of your energy by the time you reach the slopes. These buses are often most appreciated when on the way home from a busy day on the pistes, saving that potentially long walk back.

The largest ski area in the French Alps is the Grand Massif, tucked in between Geneva and Mont Blanc, making it not only convenient for airport access but close to the famous highest peak of the Alpine region. With over 265km of piste not only does this region offer a variety of slopes for every level of skiing ability it is also less prone to queues, great for maximising your skiing time during your holiday. Far from being the concrete jungle you may expect from the largest ski area in France, the Grand Massif is made up of a number of small, quaint villages, with the only purpose built ski resort being Flaine.

Those new to skiing can participate in one of the many ski schools available within resorts such as the famous ESF who cater for all ages and levels of ability. Ski schools in France allow the more experienced skiers in the group to enjoy some of the more challenging slopes while their less experienced counter parts learn the basics and gain confidence, often getting back together as group after the lesson for a group skiing outing to practice what has been learned. Ski schools are a great way of making sure everyone gets to ski at their own level without having to leave anyone behind.

Ski Resorts France enjoyed fame and popularity throughout Europe. This is due to the fact that the bulk of local trails is high in the mountains and during winter there are always snowy coating of good quality. In the French Alps, not just a lot of quality tracks – a lot of them and they are very diverse. There is a safe slopes for beginners and challenging trails for the pros, inexpensive family resorts and luxury ski resorts. Let us dwell only on some of the most famous ski resorts whose names are always “on hearing.
Chamonix
Let’s start with the popular resort of Chamonix, which is located in close proximity to the peak of Mont Blanc – the highest point of the Alps and the highest mountain in Europe.

In addition to the amazing species of mountain nature, tourists are attracted here winding ski slopes, which is famous Chamonix. The local slopes are unlikely to be in the teeth for beginners, but they will appreciate the advanced skiing. The city itself is different from many other resort towns for its impressive size and relatively crowded. In contrast to the small, quiet villages, more suitable for family holidays, life in Chamonix is in full swing. Here you will find everything you need for an active and varied holiday: noisy disco night, expensive boutiques and cheap souvenir shops, hotels of different levels and restaurants for every taste. The only drawback of this resort is that there is no common system of lifts, which would connect different route. Therefore, until the desired shutter tourists have to travel by bus or by car.

Another popular resort of Meribel, located in no less picturesque spot – in the heart of the famous Three Valleys. Is the name of the largest ski area in Europe, with more than 600 km of varied slopes. In addition to fans of mountain skiing, this area attracts a lot of snowboarders, for whom even here there is a special park. In addition, in Meribel have a skating rink, the Palace of Sports, various entertainment facilities. A distinctive feature of Méribel is committed to the traditional alpine village architectural style: the majority of dwellings are made in the form of wooden chalets.
Courchevel (Sourchevel)

The name of another French village has become a household name, at least, for the Russians. It is about Courchevel – stylish and expensive resort, famous for the highest level of service and fabulous prices. Indeed, there are luxurious hotels and apartments, which are chosen for the winter playground of the rich people of Europe. Room Courchevel ski slopes corresponds to the highest level, are actively practiced the use of artificial snow, and an extensive network of lifts meets the latest technology. In addition, Courchevel offers a lot of entertainment for all tastes, in particular, are often seen well-known artists who perform at private parties for wealthy people. Shopping in Courchevel can also satisfy the most demanding tastes, in fact in the local shops are collections of garments, shoes, jewelry, the most famous brands.
Val d’Isere

Val d’Isere – a popular resort for skiers of high class. Local routes are quite complex, there are a number of schools to teach skiing. Steep slopes of Val d’Isère are popular and have snowboarders. A busy nightlife of the resort will not miss anyone – this is the place to stay young and active people.

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