Summer 2023 in the northern hemisphere was hot, to say the least, but now autumn is coming, we can think about planning a ski trip in winter. France has some excellent locations to choose from for a skiing vacation and the following gives a brief introduction to some of the best for this winter.

Ski at Méribel in the Trois Vallées

The Trois Vallées ski area is one of the largest, linked ski areas in the world, and Méribel Valley is in its center. The valley boasts around 150 km (93 mi) of pistes but also offers access to a further 600 km (373 mi) via 169 lifts and more than 321 designated runs. Moreover, the valley offers access to around 130 km (80 mi) of cross-country tracks.

Meanwhile, Méribel is suitable for all levels of skiers with three ski schools available as well as snowboarding schools.

When it comes to accommodation, a choice of hotels and resorts are on offer, catering for every budget. However, the most popular lodging these days is often a luxury ski chalet. When it comes to dining, Méribel has a good range of restaurants to offer, again with something to suit everyone’s budget.

Les Arcs for a ski break

Les Arcs offers a varied terrain, with a mix of high, snow-sure, open and lower woodland runs to suit all skiers. Meanwhile, the resort has a black and one red run, as well as a speed-skiing run on the lower half of the Aiguille Rouge.

Meanwhile, the ski resort has a good range of accommodations offering everything from budget apartments to top hotels and ski chalets. Les Arcs also offers a good range of restaurants and bars, both in the resort itself and on the mountain.

Skiing vacation in Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France

Chamonix offers more than one mountain (Mont Blanc) and has everything necessary for a skiing or snowboarding vacation as follows:

• Aiguille du Midi is at an altitude of 1035 m (3395 ft) to 3842 m (12604 ft) and offers two lifts, but no pistes.
• Argentière/Les Grands Montets is at an altitude of 1250 m (4101 ft) to 3275 m (10744 ft), has 29 km (18 mi) of pistes, nine lifts and a snowpark.
• Brévent-Flégère is at an altitude of 1050 m (3444 ft) to 2525 m (8284 ft) and offers 15 lifts, 57 km (35 mi) of pistes, as well as a freestyle airbag and boarder/skier-cross track.
• Le Tour/Vallorcine at 1265 m (4150 ft) to 2270 m (7447 ft), has 11 lifts, 29 km (18 mi) of pistes, and a timed slalom run.
• Les Houches is at an altitude of 950 m (3116 ft) to 1900 m (6233 ft) and offers 17 lifts, 55 km (1410 mi) of pistes and a snowpark.

Meanwhile, Chamonix has a good range of hotel accommodations to choose from ranging from budget to luxury. Skiers can also choose from a range of catered chalets. As for dining, the area offers a good range of restaurants both in mountain locations and in the ski resorts.

With excellent ski resorts and great hospitality, France is a good choice for a ski vacation this winter.