When you hear the word “holiday” more often than not you will picture, sun, sea, sand, and surf. What you probably don’t picture is snow falling from the sky onto a stunning mountain range, white snowy slopes and skiing. However, you may be surprised to hear that winter holidays in France are becoming more and more popular with every passing year.
So what are main reasons for this? With every year that goes by, budget flights are becoming more frequent to popular ski destinations, the actual ski resorts are always expanding there available accommodation meaning lower prices and better last minute deals and of course winter sports becoming ever more mainstream thanks to the media.
This is not to mention of course the exhilaration of rushing down the slope at high speed whilst taking in the beautiful scenery. So if you’re not content with just going on holiday to sit around a swimming pool then you might want to consider a skiing holiday in one of France’s many popular skiing resorts.
France is a very popular country during the winter
Skiing is an extremely popular pastime, there’s no getting around that, therefore its little wonder that France’s many, many skiing resorts are so hugely popular in the winter. The bottom line is that if you love skiing, or simply fancy trying your hand at it, then France is the place to be. Whether you’re a newbie, or a seasoned skiing veteran, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of skiing options available to you in France during the winter season.
If you fancy somewhere a bit more low-key whilst you test the waters so to speak, then Courcheval is just perfect. It’s an upper-class area of the region and one look at the stunning layout of the place is strikingly evident. Despite it being in a highly desirable up-market area, the prices are surprisingly affordable. If you’re looking to stay elsewhere then La Tania, or La Praz have great accommodation options for you to mull over. Altiport is another great location that really appeals to both families and skiing beginners. There is a great abundance of non-skiing related activities as well, so why not indulge yourself in some of the fantastic après-ski bars here.
Pamper yourself and unwind in a spa resort
More experienced skiers may find the Serre Chevalier region slightly more appealing to their skiing requirements. This quaint little region is host to a number of little villages, all joined together via one road. It’s a quiet and peaceful area, and is not for people who are looking for a modern, hi-tech location, but despite its lack of technology, it’s still hugely appealing to many people. This part of the country embodies everything that is French and that alone makes it hugely desirable. If you’re seeking a little rest and relaxation then Monetier-Les-Baines is a beautiful spa town which will provide you with the opportunity to pamper yourself in some of the most beautiful surroundings that you’re ever likely to experience in your entire life.
Val d’Isere is another hugely popular ski resort which is nearby that would be perfect for people with the sole intentions of skiing as much as possible, on some of the best slopes in the country. With beginner, intermediate, and advanced level skiing slopes, you can rest assured that everybody here is extremely well catered for, no matter what level of skier they currently are. There is a great deal of guides in the area to help you learn more about the region itself, as well as the fantastic ski slopes.
Piste skiing not your thing?
Chamonix Mont Blanc which is situated only 100km from Geneva international airport is considered worldwide as the best places for off Piste skiing. As the name suggests, Chamonix plays host to Mont Blanc which is the highest mountain in Europe. Standing at 4810 metres above sea level it’s impossible to get any higher in Europe and what makes Chamonix more appealing to thrill seekers over other resorts is you can ski off the top! This level of off Piste skiing is impossible to beat. Besides skiing from the top of Mont Blanc, Chamonix has literally hundreds of kilometres of off Piste skiing and Piste skiing meaning you can spend a month in resort and still not ski all the available routes. With this level of available skiing it’s not hard to see why hundreds of thousands of people come from all corners of the world every year to embrace the atmosphere and skiing Chamonix has to offer.
Still not convinced…
If you have never skied before and feel it could be an expensive experiment heading to a resort as you may not enjoy the actual skiing think again. With skiing becoming so popular, ski resorts not only attract skiers. Many resorts now cater for the whole family and for skiers and non-skiers alike. In most ski resorts you will be able to find a variety of activities such as husky sledding, snow shoeing, luge tracks, tobogganing and ice skating. Still not convinced?
- France Winter GetawayPierre Metivier / Foter / CC BY-NC
Some of the best spas in the country can be found in ski resort hotels so you don’t even need to go outside. With swimming pools and children’s play areas you and your family can have a fantastic time in a ski resort without even renting a pair of skis!
Article submitted by http://www.chamonixfirst.com
