The Top Ski Resorts in France

| Posted: 13-02-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 47 | Rating: (68)

(?)

French Ski Resorts

The most famous ski resort in the French Alps is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Chamonix is both the oldest and the biggest French winter-sports resort. Site of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924, Chamonix boasts the world's highest cable car (12,000 feet). From the top, the view of Mont Blanc, at 15,700 feet, is stunning.

Chamonix Ski Resort

Visitors to Chamonix can do more than ski, though. There are conferences, a science fair, fishing and hunting, various music and folk festivals, and an alpine museum. An 18-hole golf course will delight golfers, and three movie theaters provide enough viewing entertainment for even the dedicated film buff. Five dancing spots, or discotheques, will keep the under-30 entertained, while the health-conscious adventurer can indulge in day-sports like cycling, mountain climbing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, tennis and ice skating.

Chamonix is part of the Ski Pass Mont Blanc Area, and provides access to more than 140 individual pistes, or dedicated ski runs covering more than 94 miles. A dedicated Ski Pass will provide access not only to Chamonix, but Argentière, Combloux, Cordon, Le Tour, Les Contamines, Les Houches, Megève, Passy Plaine Joux and St. Gervais Mont-Blanc as well. A good portion of the dedicated runs are above 8,200 feet, so year-round skiing is guaranteed. Chamonix also has 54 snow machines to provide adequate base and good terrain, and 49 lifts capable of transporting more than 52,000 passengers per hour.

Megève Ski Resort

Megève is built around a medieval heart, but boasts the kinds of amenities all travelers and ski enthusiasts will appreciate. Expensive and stylish, Megève was built in the 1920's as a resort alternative to St. Moritz, and has continued to upgrade and attract discerning travelers ever since. Fortunately, you won't need star status to enjoy one of the luxurious hotels or chalets, though you will need a sizeable vacation fund; Megève is not cheap.

The ski area, 185 miles of marked trails, has 81 integrated lifts - no T-bars for luxurious Megève. If you get there in the right year, you may even be able to witness a World Cup race, hosted on a regular basis (Chamonix was the site of the 2007-2008 race). If you get off on snowboarding, Megève also has two snow parks and a half-pipe (for the unfamiliar, think of a skateboarding park with snow). Megève gets 80 inches of snow a year, making for good to very-good base, and supplements Nature with 175 snow-making machines. Méribel, located in the center of the Three Valleys (the biggest, linked winter sports area in the world), has 200 lifts and 372 miles of dedicated trails.

Méribel Ski Resort

Méribel used to be an intermediate site, but opening up Mont Vallon and the top of the valley have made it a destination-must for extreme skiers as well. The wooden chalets, many owned by British tourists who favor the ski slopes, are tastefully rustic, the language more often English than French. A very popular resort for France skiing holidays.

Morzine Ski Resort

Morzine has easy road access, and is ideal for beginning skiers. Its gently inclined, tree-filled slopes and pleasant atmosphere are non-threatening to those unfamiliar with French customs, cuisine, or skiing. The weather is also typically mild - no need to worry about getting lost in a snowstorm. The one drawback to Morzine is its non-central location and lack of adequate transportation to other ski sites. Morzine makes snow, but not in sufficient quantity to overcome localized snow conditions, which can be disappointing. This makes it ideal for cautious beginners, but a bummer for more advanced skiers, who would prefer Serre Chevalier, with its 50 runs designed specifically for advanced or expert skiers.

Rate this Article:

Current: 3.3 / 5 stars - 4 vote(s).

Article Tags: Tips, Holiday, Vacations, France, Travel, Holidays, Skiing, Ski, Vacation, Top 10, Ski Resorts, Skiing Resorts

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/the-top-ski-resorts-in-france-332097.html

Print article

Send to friend

Publish this Article

Author feedback

About the Author:

Search for all the latest deals and offers on France skiing holidays. Visit directline-skiing.co.uk for unbeatable prices.

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means to drive traffic to your website and promote yourself and your business. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Add new Comment

The Top Ski Resorts for the Advanced Skier
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
We have compiled alist of the best resorts for the advanced skier. Check out where to go and what piste is for serious thrill seeker.

Top Ski Resorts for Beginners
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
We have compiled a list of resorts for people who are thinking of going skiing for the first time.

10 Best Beaches of France
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
We have compiled alist of the top 10 beaches in France. Before you head to France make sure you read this so you know where to hit the beach !

10 Best Beaches of Cyprus
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
If you are thinking of Cyprus as a holiday destination then you need to read our list of the top 10 beaches in Cyprus. Make sure you stay by one of these !

10 Best Beaches of Majorca
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
The top 10 beaches in Majorca. Simple as that !

10 Best Beaches of Seychelles
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
The Seychelles has some of the most amazing beaches in the world. Here we have compiled a definitive list of the top 10 beaches in the Seychelles.

Top 10 Beaches in Tenerife
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
The Best 10 Beaches In Tenerife.

Ski Resorts for the Rich & Famous
By: Travel Guru | 06/11/2007 | Travel
A definitive guide of the ski resorts favoured by the rich & famous.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Best route to Minsk from NY area by plane should ...
By: fullgail | 22-11-2008
Best route to Minsk from NY area by plane should we hire a guide here or wait until we get there?

Disneysmagicalexpress.com/USA Can't seem to find ...
By: lmwolff | 22-11-2008
disneysmagicalexpress.com/USA Can't seem to find this exact address, want to confirm our reservation and schedule complimentary transportation

Organised trips around Paris for trapped tourists.
By: douglas | 22-11-2008
My wife and son are planning a trip and have to remain in Charles de Gaulle airport all day between flights. Are there any organised tourist trips around Paris, from the airport, to occupy their time? Note: I have seen similar excursions from other airports.

What flights to the US do you have leaving Lagos ...
By: Sheila Clark | 22-11-2008
What flights to the US do you have leaving Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport on either 11/23 or 11/24?

What flights to the US do you have leaving 11/23 ...
By: Sheila Clark | 22-11-2008
What flights to the US do you have leaving 11/23 or 11/24?

How long does it take to travel from merrakesh to ...
By: Rosie | 22-11-2008
How long does it take to travel from merrakesh to merzouga by bus

Q&A Powered by:

Latest Travel Tips Articles

Great Experiences and Great Holiday Specials in Darwin, Northern Territory
By: Guy Fitter | 01/12/2008
Darwin, Northern Territory, is a vibrant and attractive city with a unique selection of budget and exclusive accommodation with many things to do for the visitor such as attractions and tours

Visiting London From Abroad? the Best Way to See the Sights
By: Keith McGregor | 01/12/2008
If you are visiting the Capital City of England from abroad the most visited site is the River Thames. The Thames in London is a beautiful tidal waterway carving through the heart of the City. Some of the most stunning architecture and most well known buildings in the World are dotted along the banks at various points. Big Ben, the palace of Westminster, Tower of London, Canary Wharf and of course Tower Bridge are all right on the river.

Benefits From San Francisco Shuttle Tours
By: JishnuRaj | 01/12/2008
San Fran shuttle is a smaller but more intimate, very interactive, informative and fun group tour. This group takes us to more tour spots, includes bay cruise to Sausalito and free refreshment. This tour group doesn't use large motor coaches. Instead, they use shuttle bus which has easy on and off access. Only this group gets you very near to Lombard Street so that you can walk down.

Driving a Vehicle Versus Public Transit: Which is Better?
By: Laura Zeimer | 30/11/2008
Statistics and tips on whether you should use public transportation or your own vehicle to reach your destination.

Cambodia Adventure Travel
By: Rom | 30/11/2008
Once you decided on taking this Cambodia adventure travel it is time to make yet another decision: do you mind travelling with other tourists or not? If you don't mind, your best bet is to try a travel agency who will assist you with your booking of the flights and hotels. The travel agency will also be helpful with choosing the best tourist locations that will be sure to reveal as much of the Cambodian culture as well as Cambodian country sightseeing.

Why Biking to Work Saves Money on Travel and Gym Fees
By: Melanie Click | 30/11/2008
Exercise and savings at the same time!

Unfair Embassy
By: ishara | 29/11/2008
Now embassy has moved to chennai India. visa is very strict from srilanka. I have applied for a student visa. my friend got visa but i didn't . Although the documents are correct they refuse our visa. Some says they are doing this to give chances to Tamils and Muslims

More from Travel Guru

Top Ski Resorts for Beginners
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
We have compiled a list of resorts for people who are thinking of going skiing for the first time.

Top 10 Beaches in Tenerife
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
The Best 10 Beaches In Tenerife.

10 Best Beaches of Majorca
By: Travel Guru | 13/02/2008 | Travel Tips
The top 10 beaches in Majorca. Simple as that !

Top 10 Sights in Amsterdam
By: Travel Guru | 17/01/2008 | Travel Tips
Read out top 10 must see sights in Amsterdam.

Article Categories

Need Help?

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.47, 17)

The Top Ski Resorts in France

Article Comments

Related Articles

Got a Question? Ask.

Latest Travel Tips Articles

More from Travel Guru

Need Help?

Site Links

Webmasters

Business Info

Sign up for our email newsletter