Top 7 Luxury High Altitude Ski Resorts in France

With global warming continuing to increase, it is high time to find out which ski resorts are located at high altitudes. This will prevent your valuable time on the slopes from being completely wasted.

Luckily, we’ve discovered some snow-sure getaways in some of France’s high-altitude ski resorts, which guarantee a lovely long season, perfect for making the most of your trip – in style.

Skiing at high altitude offers several advantages, including lower temperatures that can contribute to better snow conditions, especially for natural snow and for maintaining artificial snow.

From the party vibe of Val Thorens to the very best family-friendly resorts in La Plagne, here’s a curated guide to these high-altitude ski paradises. You can book these luxury retreats through trusted sites like Alpine Elements.

Val Thorens
Maximum altitude: 3230m

Val Thorens is not only the highest ski resort in France, but also the highest in Europe. With an altitude of 2300-3230m it has a fantastic snow record, which makes for great powder and excellent piste conditions.

Furthermore, Val Thorens is part of the vast Les Trois Vallées ski area, where you can access 600km of slopes with a single ski pass. What’s more, most of the accommodation in this high-altitude ski area is ski-in, ski-out, allowing guests to spend maximum time on the slopes.

The famous ski resort is renowned for its high altitude terrain, which provides the best skiing conditions throughout the season, as well as ski-in and ski-out apartments, chalets and ski lodges, all offering panoramic views from some of the most sought-after property options. With plenty of entertainment options and bars and clubs with live music, this is top of the list for party-goers who love to ski.

The nearest airport to Val Thorens is Chambery, but it has limited flights. Skiers usually choose Geneva or reach Val Thorens bus station to use the free shuttle bus or take the train from the nearest train station, Moutiers.

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Tignes
Maximum altitude: 3456m

Tignes’ altitude ranges from 2100-3456m and its location in the Espace Killy ski area makes it one of the highest ski areas in France. Skiers have over 300km of pistes to explore with excellent ski lift links to the neighbouring Val d’Isere ski area.

The delightful resort is spread over four villages, each at a different altitude, linked by ski pass tickets. The highest is Val Claret, followed by Le Lac, then Tignes Les Boisses and finally Tignes Les Brevieres.

Tignes is home to the Grande Motte glacier, accessible from Val Claret, meaning the ski season here is much longer than elsewhere. The resort also has excellent summer skiing facilities and some great off-piste terrain to explore.

Val d’Isère
Maximum altitude: 3456m

Val d’Isere is located next to Tignes and has a small village character that is hard to resist. Experienced skiers flock here to tackle the challenging slopes, but beginners can also have a great time here.

This French ski resort has benefited greatly from renovation projects in recent years, followed by a two-year redevelopment plan for the Solaise area, including the mid-altitude stations at 2,500m. Val d’Isere has a rich skiing history and is an established ski resort.

Val d’Isere’s rustic elegance is evident in its stylish chalets and a collection of luxury shops and restaurants offering refined cuisine and lively après-ski bars. The resort is best known for its vibrant nightlife and is a party centre of the Alps that is worth getting to know.

Alpe d’Huez
Maximum altitude: 3330m

Another high altitude resort between 1860-3330m is Alpe d’Huez with an impressive 250km of superbly groomed pistes. This luxury mountainside resort offers stunning views of the Southern Alps and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Alpe d’Huez is part of the Grandee Rousses ski area and is best known for the longest black run in the world “La Sarenne”. In addition, the resort is very family-friendly with first-class ski facilities.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants with live music for après-ski, so you can enjoy the party long after sunset.

La Plagne
Maximum altitude: 3250m

Thanks to its gentle slopes and excellent ski schools, La Plagne has become a leading high-altitude ski destination for beginners and families. Furthermore, as the altitude varies between 1250m and 3250m, the terrain is often varied across the vast area, which happens to be part of the Paradiski area.

Although luxury accommodation options in La Plagne are limited, there are plenty of cosy chalets and four-star hotels to suit all budgets. For the daring, La Plagne has an Olympic-sized bobsleigh run, as well as extensive cross-country skiing trails.

The après-ski scene in Belle Plagne is more relaxed and family-oriented, with an abundance of restaurants and bars offering an inviting atmosphere for all ages.

La Plagne is situated on the edge of the Vanoise National Park and is a purpose built resort with a wide choice of accommodation, off-piste opportunities and plenty of sunny days, making it hugely popular with everyone.

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The arches
Maximum altitude: 3250m

If you prefer a ski-in, ski-out accommodation resort that offers high altitude skiing, head straight to Les Arcs, part of the Paradiski area. Designed by Canadian company Intrawest, the area is renowned for its ski-in, ski-out convenience.

The uncrowded slopes are ideal for glacier skiing and the resort caters to all ages and abilities, with its pedestrian-friendly design, charming architecture and luxurious accommodations.

Les Arcs is spread across several charming mountain villages, all of which offer ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes. What’s more, families will feel right at home here in the laid-back atmosphere, while partygoers can head to Arc 1800 for the lively bars and Arc 1950 for some rustic alpine aesthetics.

The après-ski offering varies from village to village, but in general you will find a varied selection everywhere, from informal eateries to chic dining options.

Avoriaz
Maximum height:

With a choice of four terrain and snow-covered slopes, Avoriaz is a top choice for anyone in the car-free Portes du Soleil ski area of ​​the French Alps. This ski-in, ski-out destination has unique architecture and a lively atmosphere that appeals to all levels of skier.

In the Portes du Soleil region you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi. You can also go skiing, snowboarding and other activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating.

Thanks to the extensive network of lifts and slopes, skiers can travel easily from one ski area to another for an even better skiing experience.

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Author’s Biography

Author Name: Armughan Zaigham

Author’s email address: [email protected]

Bio: Join Armughan on a journey to satisfy your wanderlust! Discover hidden gems, taste local flavors, and delve into vibrant cultures around the world. See the magic that happens when you follow the compass of curiosity.

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